07 WR450 Opinions

[MotoLocoPat]

I'm with Snowman once again...

Does anyone know or can anyone point to spring specifications for this bike? I don't know much about suspension setups so appologies if my ignornace is showing...

To get a bike set up PROPERLY for a 240 pounder, probably for anyone 190-200+ you will need new springs.

As for what springs it depends mostly on your weight but riding style speed will also affect this. Best bet is to get your forks resprung and revalved by a competent shop or do a racetech setup that you install. Whoever does it if they do not have a set of questions for you on your style/speed then they don't know what they are doing, look eleswhere.

[Beejay]

This is a great topic, I also want to know about the 07's I am on an 06 WR(bought late 05) and am going to replace next year with either a KTM300 or the new WR450.

[RickSanson]

Sorry Snowman, another slight hijack...

To get a bike set up PROPERLY for a 240 pounder, probably for anyone 190-200+ you will need new springs.

I mean no disrespect! How can you say this? I'm not doubting your comment!

I get my 07 WR450 in a day or so and have found what Racetech says are the correct springs for me on this bike. The question I have is; how do we know what springs come stock on the bike?

Here is what Racetech calculates:

Type of Riding: Desert / Enduro / Trail

Rider Weight: 200 lbs

Recommended Spring Rate: 0.470 kg/mm (use closest available)

Stock Fork Spring Rate (measured): .470 kg/mm (stock)

If the recommended and the "stock" rates are the same then where did you get your data that support weight. A 200 pounder would need 45.45kg fork springs. What is the stock?

Like I say, I am not doubting you. I would like to see what exactly comes stock on this bike. You can also tell me to get outta here and go to the suspension threads.

[ccoates445]

Sorry Snowman, another slight hijack...

I mean no disrespect! How can you say this? I'm not doubting your comment!

I get my 07 WR450 in a day or so and have found what Racetech says are the correct springs for me on this bike. The question I have is; how do we know what springs come stock on the bike?

Here is what Racetech calculates:

Type of Riding: Desert / Enduro / Trail

Rider Weight: 200 lbs

Recommended Spring Rate: 0.470 kg/mm (use closest available)

Stock Fork Spring Rate (measured): .470 kg/mm (stock)

If the recommended and the "stock" rates are the same then where did you get your data that support weight. A 200 pounder would need 45.45kg fork springs. What is the stock?

Like I say, I am not doubting you. I would like to see what exactly comes stock on this bike. You can also tell me to get outta here and go to the suspension threads.

'07 std front spring rate=0.459kg/mm

'07 std rear spring rate =5.50 kg/mm

right out of the '07 manual

there are many threads on this subject as well as suspension experts that will help you as well. your fellow tt'ers are here to help any time you ask but it seems you may be casting doubt on the answers you get. i will tell you that i am 6'5" and 275lbs and i went to the race tech calculator for the spring setup that was right for me. i could'nt be happier. if you don't weigh 150/170 lbs and like a super-plush feel, you will need to at least re-spring, and maybe even revalve, the higher up the scale you go. good luck with your new WR. without a doubt the best bike i have ever owned. C

[snowman02]

Snowman,

Where do you ride?

Coates, I'm on the Colorado River. How bout you?

[snowman02]

Sorry Snowman, another slight hijack...

I mean no disrespect! How can you say this? I'm not doubting your comment!

I get my 07 WR450 in a day or so and have found what Racetech says are the correct springs for me on this bike. The question I have is; how do we know what springs come stock on the bike?

Here is what Racetech calculates:

Type of Riding: Desert / Enduro / Trail

Rider Weight: 200 lbs

Recommended Spring Rate: 0.470 kg/mm (use closest available)

Stock Fork Spring Rate (measured): .470 kg/mm (stock)

If the recommended and the "stock" rates are the same then where did you get your data that support weight. A 200 pounder would need 45.45kg fork springs. What is the stock?

Like I say, I am not doubting you. I would like to see what exactly comes stock on this bike. You can also tell me to get outta here and go to the suspension threads.

Rick like I said no worries, thats what this thread is, finding out all the info about the 07 WR450, pro's and con's. So bring it, cause i know I do not have all the question, and for sure very little answers.....

[RickSanson]

...it seems you may be casting doubt on the answers you get...

I'm not doubting the answer. I do know that the bike is setup for a typical rider style and body proportion (and that isn't me). What I am questioning is how MotoLocoPat knows this. Is it intuitive or does he or she have data. I was only interested in the data and hoping this person had it because I hadn't found it.

I'm claiming ignorance of the subject (suspension) here and not looking for MotoLocoPat to prove his or her math! As I say, I mean no disrespect!

I did find a lot of more detailed data here - http://www.mx-tech.com/index.php?id=bike_information&type_id=1&make_id=1&year=2007&weight_type=1

The main reason is I'm buying (I get it tomorrow or Tuesday ? ) the WR is for the suspension. I nearly broke both arms in a crash last year because I didn't know anything about how to setup the bike and because I was too big for the suspension I was on. I didn't even know that suspension misconfiguration was to blame. Last weekend I realized that in the tight woods my bike (05 TTR250) works well but opening it up is just dangerous.

So to get back to the thread topic, I certainly will be able to comment on the differences between an 07 WR450F and an 05 TTR250 (please don't laugh! I love the TTR - in the woods).

[ccoates445]

Coates, I'm on the Colorado River. How bout you?

Chandler. I have always wanted to ride over by the river. I hear there are lots of trails to go flat out. True?

[ccoates445]

..."I am also thinking on waiting maybe to see if EFI comes out for "09"...

My money is on 2010. The YZ always gets the goods at least a year prior to the WR. And since the '08 YZ is still with carby.....

[snowman02]

Chandler. I have always wanted to ride over by the river. I hear there are lots of trails to go flat out. True?

Coates, yes there is some great desert riding here, lots of ares for flat out with sand washes and just some great desert trails. One of my favorites is the Mohave Trail. If your ever this way holler at me and we will go ride some..

snowman

[Just_a_trail_rider]

..."I am also thinking on waiting maybe to see if EFI comes out for "09"...

My money is on 2010. The YZ always gets the goods at least a year prior to the WR. And since the '08 YZ is still with carby.....

Who needs EFI. My 05 runs great as it is and it takes 15-20 min at most to change a jet and/or needle.

What we really need is a plate. If EFI will help meed the strict CARB/EPA regs, then I'm all for it.

[GCannon]

Who needs EFI. My 05 runs great as it is and it takes 15-20 min at most to change a jet and/or needle.

What we really need is a plate. If EFI will help meed the strict CARB/EPA regs, then I'm all for it.

BINGO!!!!!

Whatever it takes to get a Plate! Soo many more riding opportunities with a plate here in Kalifonia. I can't belive this is not a problem in other states. If not now when??

[ccoates445]

Who needs EFI. My 05 runs great as it is and it takes 15-20 min at most to change a jet and/or needle.

What we really need is a plate. If EFI will help meed the strict CARB/EPA regs, then I'm all for it.

I can certainly wait, but the plus's are many. More even performance from the valleys to the high altitude trails, better fuel economy, and less noise allowing for more exhaust mods and still being able to come in under current limits. One of the many reasons I am a California refugee, the dreaded EPA & CARB. I too am hoping for the illusive plate. Not nearly as much of a problem here in AZ though. One day maybe. Until then I am more than satisfied with my '07's.

[RickSanson]

I picked mine up yesterday. The dealer had removed the throttle stop and the entire pea-shooter. I have ridden it but about 10 minutes on the street...

I don't like that Yamaha didn't make provisions for a handle. That's the first modification I have done.

The bike feels light (at this point) and seems small though the engine seems very strong with only the pea-shooter removed. I've been riding a hopped-up 05 TTR250. I hope to get to the dirt today.

Pipe, can, jets, steering stabilizer mount and springs are on the way.

?

[snowman02]

I picked mine up yesterday. The dealer had removed the throttle stop and the entire pea-shooter. I have ridden it but about 10 minutes on the street...

I don't like that Yamaha didn't make provisions for a handle. That's the first modification I have done.

The bike feels light (at this point) and seems small though the engine seems very strong with only the pea-shooter removed. I've been riding a hopped-up 05 TTR250. I hope to get to the dirt today.

Pipe, can, jets, steering stabilizer mount and springs are on the way.

?

Rick, sounds like you are ontop of it. Hope all the mods go well, and let us know how the beast runs in the dirt. GL

Snowman

[RickSanson]

Rode the thing for the first time today. The break-in procedure is ambiguous at best. So I just rode the bike like I would ride it...

The bike has pocket fulls of power. I didn't open it up completely but with only the throttle-stop and pea-shooter removed it was pretty much a horse. The gearing seems tall for me. I rode some tight technical woods and occasionally got valve rattling a bit more than I would expect.

Having never had a water cooled dirt bike, I didn't know what to think when I heard "ssssss'ing" after shut down. --- Any comments about this please??? ---

I'm 5'6" and have had to get used to riding tall bikes so no comments there other than it's easier to put the kickstand down after climbing off the bike. The kick stand is tall! I also need to jump around a bit to get on and off the bike but ride and shut-up or be a puss and help mama clean the house!

Contrary to other comments the bike seems to turn well and feels well balanced. I found myself, without thinking, standing still to makes sharp turns. The bike feels somewhat like my TTR250 for lightness. Dropped it a few times (short legs), worried about the radiator (Unabiker rad guards ordered) by worries unfounded. I aspire to be "C" rider at so this isn't a professional opinion!

I read about wheel spin and yep, they were right! I'll learn to be more judicious on application of throttle.

Suspension needs work. I'm 200lbs nekkid. Seemed quite stiff though! My concern is the with proper shock and fork springs the bike will get taller. I won't!

I got the JD Jetting kit this eve. I'll leave it out for now! I haven't ordered the pipe. I'll wait on that too!

Time to change the oil/filter and work on setting the bike up for me!

At this point, I'm happy with my decision. I hope that doesn't change!

[kevinwr450f]

I rejetted the bike with the carb in the bike w/o dropping the subframe or shock, it can be done ?

The bikes blow the way they roll off the showroom floor. Cutting the throttle stop, pulling the gray wire, and drilling the small little black baffle out of the stock tail piece makes them run suprisingly decent. With this configuration it'll do roll on wheelies in 1st and 2nd, snap on wheelies in third, and bring the front up a little in 4th with some body english. Hillclimbs are cakewalks as well.

With the airbox opened, pmb insert in the muffler, and a JD jetting kit (w/ thick o-ring) throttle respose is silly quick. No bog, no hesitation, just arm straightening pull across the board. The engine revs quicker and the pull off idle is much better than stock. ...probably 2 hp over stock at peak. In this configuration, its more than enough power for me and the type of terriain I like to ride.

Handling is awesome. The suspension out of the crate handles 50 mph whoops great even with my lard ass on it. It turns very quickly and once moving the bike feels just like a YZ 450f. 30 ft tabletops are a bit much for this bike, but thats what YZs are for. The bike is very stable at speed too. I'm comfortable at 55-70 mph without a stabilizer. I'm sure 80+ is a little hairy though

For me and what I expect out of a bike, it gets a 10/10

I've had mine 96mph before the new pipe.... No problem at high speed:thumbsup:

[Looks450]

It is not fair to the 03-06 WR450 to compare it to the new 07.

The 07 is a heaps better bike and will not dissapoint. Given that it is a completly different, more YZ inspired, bike.

The 03-06 were great trail bikes that could be raced. The 07 loves it either way.

[C-P]

Anybody compare/ride the new WR to Kawi's KLX? I was set to replace my 98 (unkillable tractor!) WR400 with the new 450, but I'm seeing rave reviews on the KLX, only lukewarm on the WR. I've owned 4 Yammy's & hate to think I'd turn green, but...

[Just_a_trail_rider]

... Dropped it a few times (short legs), worried about the radiator (Unabiker rad guards ordered) by worries unfounded. I aspire to be "C" rider at so this isn't a professional opinion!

I read about wheel spin and yep, they were right! I'll learn to be more judicious on application of throttle.

Suspension needs work. I'm 200lbs nekkid.

...

Rick, two years ago, I bought a wr450 as my first dirtbike. After a few broken bones and sprained ligaments, I am still having a blast.

Here is what you should do.

1. do the free mods that are mentioned.

2. do not spend any money on a new pipe. Just get the pmb or gytr insert for it. That will more more than what you need at this point and you'll save about $700

3. get radiator guards, hand guards and a skid plate

4. get the suspension professionally shorttened and sprung. Take the money you'd save from a pipe and get this done. I am 5-9 and I was always tipping over in really rocky sections because my bike is top heavy. Once its lowered and you can get both feet down, you will be amazed at how much confidence you will have in the bike. THe lower bike with a lower center of gravity will turn a lot easier, not to mention that you won't go down nearly as much because you'll get your feet down.

5. start riding in enduros or something like that. YOu will improve really quickly, trust me.

6. wait two years before you do anything else.

btw... its taken two years, but I am now a "C" level rider and I am loving the way the bike is set up.

Good Luck.