Yz450 or Wr450!?!

[o2golfpar]

I have rode the Yz450 a number of times and love the power in the bike, although i do more trail riding than motocross. I know that the Wr450 has a headlight, tail light, electric start, and a larger gas tank all very nice when riding the trails. I also know that the Wr450 is "plugged up" to meet California's green sticker and won't run the way I want it to without "uncorking" it and that costs money...

So i would like to know weather to buy the Wr450 and just "uncork" it or if i should get the Yz450? Again i plan on trail riding! Also could I put a head light and electric start on the Yz450? If so how much would that cost me?

[Wiz636]

For pure trail riding go with the WR. Adding the e-start and headlight to a YZ is a MAJOR task. Left side crank, flywheel, stator, left side case, wiring, airbox (to accomodate battery), etc., etc.

If you were looking for the WR goodies with the YZ power it would be easier and cheaper to put YZ cams in the WR...but I heard that the YZ cams don't work with the e-start because the auto decompressor is different somehow.

The WR's still do not have the SSS forks like the YZ but it is the opinion of some suspension tuners that the older style forks are better for trail riding anyways.

[grayracer513]

The starter and lighting at that level is probably an easy $1000. Look at the list Wiz provided.

The YZ cams work OK in the WR, though. But you might find you like it well enough without them once you get the throttle stop fixed, the exhaust opened up a little, and such. Some actually prefer the mellower engine.

[brAapingyz450s]

go with the yz450 its a beast i have one if u need a light or something down the road u can just buy the kit for it for trails put a like 50 rear sprocket on the back you'll be fine over geting a wr thats electric start and all this emissions crap in it " clogged up" and all the battery and electric stuff EXTRA WEIGHT!! not needed the yz works great on trails thats what i use mine 4 & dunes / and light occasional motocross tracks for fun

[wondermuscle]

I would go WR if had it to do all over again.

I have had both a YZ and WR and can say that the WR is more versatile. It has a low granny gear for those nasty rocky sections and a top gear that can be used on roads between trails. I can't ever seem to get the gearing low enough to creep through the really tight stuff.

The YZ does handle better and is lighter. The suspension can be setup to your liking regardless of what style fork they may have. The electric start is great when you are tired or stuck on a hill. The light is nice for when you get lost and find yourself in the dark.

I have ridden WR's on the track, both steel and aluminum frame. They do just fine. It makes you a better rider as you have to throw around that much more weight to keep up with those on the MX bikes.

I bet when this new fantastic wonderful EFI with the new motor config comes out the WR’s will be in less demand as many will be making the YZ into a WR. You can probably pick on up on the cheap.

Good luck with the your moto choice conundrum.

[grayracer513]

If it was up to me, there would be a third choice.

[husqy360]

for me the biggest diffrent is that the yz need/want to be in attack mod all the time.

wr more easy going.

[TIG88]

If it was up to me, there would be a third choice.

What would that be?

[grayracer513]

What would that be?

Beginning probably with the WR, the bike would have the wide ratio trans and high output electricals of the WR, and the suspension and upper engine of the YZF. Have to go on a little diet, also. I'm ambivalent to an extent regarding the e-start and the 18" rear, and I'm OK with it being Red Sticker.

Now that Dave Johnson has suspension kits available for the WR fork, the YZ fork might not be such an issue.

[jayh300]

Beginning probably with the WR, the bike would have the wide ratio trans and high output electricals of the WR, and the suspension and upper engine of the YZF. Have to go on a little diet, also. I'm ambivalent to an extent regarding the e-start and the 18" rear, and I'm OK with it being Red Sticker.

Now that Dave Johnson has suspension kits available for the WR fork, the YZ fork might not be such an issue.

so... would you care if it was steel frame ? or would it have to alum?

just wondering..

[grayracer513]

The late aluminum chassis would be absolutely required.

[jayh300]

The late aluminum chassis would be absolutely required.

that was my thought... from what i am seeing, they are very hard to find, but i look everyday.

[Ridon]

I had a WR450F 2004 with all the mods done for 4 years. I always had problems with weight. It was really difficult to stand up after a crash, it was like i was riding a vintage bike, so as i'm a dedicated yamaha rider i switched to YZ. Man there are no words that can describe the joy that this bike gives...Everything is so easy now, wheelies,jumps,turning,handling and as for weight i sometimes feel that i'm riding an 125 although it is a 450. Go with the YZ and you are not going to be disappointed. It's great for trails with excellent suspension and with unlimited power and capabilities...

[mab01]

I have a 07 wr250f and an 09 yz450f. I think it depends on the day and type of riding to determine which bike I will ride. Although the wr250f is still heavier than my new yz450f it still is more suited for real tight technical terrain. The e-start is sometimes a life saver and the power is more suited for tight terrain. But on the other hand the wr took me over a year to finally get it to where I am happy with it, I have spent more money on the wr trying to obtain a more Yz feel. I think if I had to choose between a new yz450f, and a new wr450f I would choose the yz. That new wr 450f is a elephant of a bike, I personally would struggle on tight terrain with all that extra weight.

[kodiak7]

i have only had scooters when i was 6-7 years old and have not ridden at all until now ( 24 years old) so i bought an 07 wr450 then a year later an 08 yz450 and all i have to say is i hate the wr.... ALOT!!!!!!!!!!!! i even have race tech suspension, fmf carbon 4.1 pipe, uncorked, grey wire cut etc.... etc....

and i would rather have a bone stock yz any day!!!!!! just my opinion