WR450F Reliability/Unreliable

[djrevz]

Hi, im passing my test very soon and i like the WR450F very much and i would like to know how reliabile/unreliable they are, whats the difference in qualitiy of the DRZ400SM and the WR450F? how many hours/miles average for rebuild? thanks Dale ?

[SJMC_DON]

For use as an SM bike?

I don't know what the rebuild expectancy is of a SM bike but when used for offroad the WR has re-defined reliability in hi-perf four strokes ?

[tweav]

I'm going to guess that you should do a least a yearly tear down / rering and piston . but it really depends a lot on how much you ride . may check the clutch too

[byggd]

The motor is as reliable as a XR but I have read the WR transmission doesn’t like constant 5th gear riding

[brad the best]

haven't had a problem yet with the bike and its the dreaded 03 .

[02WR426Cali]

I'm still runing my stock 02 with no problems. From 03-05 it didn't get much use however, but the last 2+ years it's had plenty of use with zero issues. Just pure fun!

[djrevz]

That's helped a lot because i went in to a Suzuki dealer and the guy said that the Wr's are an endurance bike like the rmz250, I no he was just trying to sell one of his bikes for commission but you have to believe until you no the truth yourself lol don't ya, whats the best year to go for? thanks dale

[dirtysouth]

That's helped a lot because i went in to a Suzuki dealer and the guy said that the Wr's are an endurance bike like the rmz250, I no he was just trying to sell one of his bikes for commission but you have to believe until you no the truth yourself lol don't ya, whats the best year to go for? thanks dale

I recommend 05-09 as mine is an 05 and I have had zero issues with reliability. Valve adjustments, when compared with CRF and KTM, are minimal according to a service manager who is my bud and has worked on all of 'em. Seals hold up very good and maintenance is easy since Yamaha gives you the service manual with the bike. I do not think that I will get away from the Wr for a long time. Most reliable bike I have owned to date as far as 4 strokes are concerned.

Compared to the 400sm I think that this bike is a beast. Try to ride one of each and make your decision. This is just my $.02.?

[SJMC_DON]

That's helped a lot because i went in to a Suzuki dealer and the guy said that the Wr's are an endurance bike like the rmz250, I no he was just trying to sell one of his bikes for commission but you have to believe until you no the truth yourself lol don't ya, whats the best year to go for? thanks dale

RMZ's... endurance:lol:

I have friend that owns an RMZ... he would tell you the only endurance part of that bike is the when he has to endure pulling out his check book ?

[face_plant]

well i sm my 05 and i got 9k miles before i need to re-ring it. but just did the top end just in case.

1k mile oil changes (klotz 20/50)

filter every other change

water pump seal at 6k miles

never changed my brake pads yet

1 spark plug

original battery.

daily commuter in the summer 50 miles each way 5 days a week and riden hard put away wet on the weekends.

i'd say its very dependable

[beezer]

I've had a bunch of them and my buddies as well and the YZ/WR 450's are so reliable we laugh about it.

One buddy rode most of and enduro with a trashed cam cover and most of the oil leaked out and he still finished. He fixed the cover and the bike still runs great.

[djv5]

I have a 2003 WR450f with 10,000 miles of combined street, trail, sand dunes, supermotard, and dual sporting. Only 1 valve adjustment, and the following maintenance items have been replaced:

Chain & sprockets, battery, weep seals, spark plug. Very reliable, never left stranded since I purchased new in Feb '03.

[djrevz]

so when would be best for a rebuild on these awsome bikes?

[wr_matt]

I'll let you know after my first rebuild, in a couple of years... ?

[djrevz]

fantastic ?

[02WR426Cali]

so when would be best for a rebuild on these awsome bikes?

Your guess is as good as mine. My 02 is still running strong as ever! If you race a rebuild may be in your future. If you're a trail rider/ weekend warrior, the bike just may outlast you:ride:

[MountainMax]

I'm going to guess that you should do a least a yearly tear down / rering and piston . but it really depends a lot on how much you ride . may check the clutch too

Really? you recommend new piston every year, jeesh, i have seen and heard so many that have never changed theirs with loads of miles on them too. What does the manual recommend for piston change???? I know my wr is very reliable, i have an 06 with almost 5000km with no problems at all.

[sts475]

Dude,

I know people who didn't do anything to them for years on end and they never missed a beat. Anything can be broken but the Yamaha lasts and lasts and lasts! That's why I bought one!

Go for it!

STS.

[djrevz]

What year would be better then? i would prefer a newer model but i rather not have the electric start? but its only the old models that don't have them ent they? what year do the electric starts start on?

[Ridon]

I think the models from 04 and up have an electric start but i'm not sure. As for reliability as soon as you change oil every 500/700km the bike is the most reliable you can get.