Here's the skinny, I'm currently riding an 01 yz250 and I'm thinking of looking for something new next summer. The kids are old enough to ride and we go for rides a few times a week. I'd like to start putting on some serious miles and I don't want to have to change the oil all the time or be checking my valves constantly. I was thinking of maybe an older XR400 or XR600 and plating one of those. I really don't plan on riding pavement but possibly some dirt roads from time to time. I used to own a wr250f and loved it but had to sell it a few years ago. My only complaint was i couldn't cruise at 50mph with my buddies and thier ktm's and plated 450's. This bike would mainly be riding 30mph with my kids on somewhat open trails. A couple times a month I'd be riding some quad/single track style stuff / fire roads and more open stuff with 450's. I'm not looking for a ton of power, in fact I was perfectly happy with my 250f except for running out of top end with the lower gearbox. Can I get close to the power of the wrf in the wrr if I go exhaust/filter/power commander? How many miles can I go before it's recommended to change the oil? How many miles before the valves need adjustment and how long can I go on a top end? I realize it's a heavier bike, I'm 6'2" 210 so I'm not worried about muscling it around the tight stuff. My main concern is I want to ride a lot and wrench a little. I love the thought of the EFI that's a huge factor alone in looking at the wrr. Let me know your thoughts!
Wr250R for me?
Started by upnorthbacon, Jul 11 2009 07:15 PM
9 replies to this topic
Posted 11 July 2009 - 07:15 PM
Here's the skinny, I'm currently riding an 01 yz250 and I'm thinking of looking for something new next summer. The kids are old enough to ride and we go for rides a few times a week. I'd like to start putting on some serious miles and I don't want to have to change the oil all the time or be checking my valves constantly. I was thinking of maybe an older XR400 or XR600 and plating one of those. I really don't plan on riding pavement but possibly some dirt roads from time to time. I used to own a wr250f and loved it but had to sell it a few years ago. My only complaint was i couldn't cruise at 50mph with my buddies and thier ktm's and plated 450's. This bike would mainly be riding 30mph with my kids on somewhat open trails. A couple times a month I'd be riding some quad/single track style stuff / fire roads and more open stuff with 450's. I'm not looking for a ton of power, in fact I was perfectly happy with my 250f except for running out of top end with the lower gearbox. Can I get close to the power of the wrf in the wrr if I go exhaust/filter/power commander? How many miles can I go before it's recommended to change the oil? How many miles before the valves need adjustment and how long can I go on a top end? I realize it's a heavier bike, I'm 6'2" 210 so I'm not worried about muscling it around the tight stuff. My main concern is I want to ride a lot and wrench a little. I love the thought of the EFI that's a huge factor alone in looking at the wrr. Let me know your thoughts!
Posted 11 July 2009 - 08:32 PM
Valve checks are done every 26,600 miles. Oil changes recommended every 3000. Top end, never unless there's a problem. Its basically 1/4 of a R1 motor and as such has street bike type maintenance levels.
You might be able to get close to the 250F's stock power, but the weight of the bike will still hold you back. Here's a good read for you:
http://www.wrrdualsport.com/shoot-out
You might be able to get close to the 250F's stock power, but the weight of the bike will still hold you back. Here's a good read for you:
http://www.wrrdualsport.com/shoot-out
Posted 11 July 2009 - 08:45 PM
The WR-250R has no trouble whatsoever cruising at 70mph with the stock gearing since it's geared very tall in stock condition.
I just installed a one tooth smaller front sprocket to make it better-suited to off-road use, and I can still cruise 55-60mph without breaking a sweat.
In fact, I went for an off-road ride tonight after work, and have decided I'm going to lower the gearing even more with a rear sprocket a couple of teeth larger.
So, if being able to do high (for a dirt bike) speeds on the street is No. 1, the bike will do it without trouble.
However, there's the little thing about getting up to speed to start with called acceleration, and in stock condition, the WR-250R is plugged-up with enough EPA regulations to make you wonder where the acceleration in this bike went and is being hidden at.
When I first rode my WR-250R, I wondered how a bike that looks so YZ-ish could feel so slow, so get ready for that when the bike is stock.
Luckilly, by doing 4 basic things covered in these forums (airbox flapper removal, Power Commander or FMF fuel tuner, exhaust system, lower gearing), the bike will then run well.
If you can, get a test ride on one that's been uncorked because riding a 100% stocker might make you cry (it feels so slow) and doesn't do the bike justice as to how it feels once modified.
If you have to ride a stock one before you decide to buy one, just use your imagination. :)
Once it's dialed-in, it's a good 250cc dual-purpose bike. :)
I just installed a one tooth smaller front sprocket to make it better-suited to off-road use, and I can still cruise 55-60mph without breaking a sweat.
In fact, I went for an off-road ride tonight after work, and have decided I'm going to lower the gearing even more with a rear sprocket a couple of teeth larger.
So, if being able to do high (for a dirt bike) speeds on the street is No. 1, the bike will do it without trouble.
However, there's the little thing about getting up to speed to start with called acceleration, and in stock condition, the WR-250R is plugged-up with enough EPA regulations to make you wonder where the acceleration in this bike went and is being hidden at.
When I first rode my WR-250R, I wondered how a bike that looks so YZ-ish could feel so slow, so get ready for that when the bike is stock.
Luckilly, by doing 4 basic things covered in these forums (airbox flapper removal, Power Commander or FMF fuel tuner, exhaust system, lower gearing), the bike will then run well.
If you can, get a test ride on one that's been uncorked because riding a 100% stocker might make you cry (it feels so slow) and doesn't do the bike justice as to how it feels once modified.
If you have to ride a stock one before you decide to buy one, just use your imagination. :)
Once it's dialed-in, it's a good 250cc dual-purpose bike. :)
Posted 11 July 2009 - 09:13 PM
Dang! Other than maybe a little more displacement this thing was made for me! I was really hoping this thing wasn't going to be everything I had hoped for! Now I'm going to have to justify another bike to the boss again!:bonk:
Posted 12 July 2009 - 07:59 AM
Where are you, upnorth? I'll be in/around the Roscommon area from the 18th-27th. I'd be happy to let you take mine for a little spin if you really want to get a good feel for it. Just be sure to bring your yz ;)
Posted 12 July 2009 - 11:31 AM
I have plans on that weekend but I will be off on the 22nd and 23rd. I have a buddy who lives in Bay City and I live in Gaylord. We actually met in St. Helen last week and rode the two loops there! If nothing else I'd love to at least meet up and we could ride, I'll see if my buddy wants to go to. I'll send you a pm!
Posted 12 July 2009 - 07:04 PM
Got your pm. I actually grew up in St. Helen so I know the area well. Learned how to ride there. I'd be happy to do a few loops in that area. My family lives on Higgins Lake now, but getting to St. Helen is a no-brainer.
Posted 12 July 2009 - 07:40 PM
YZEtc said:
Once it's dialed-in, it's a good 250cc dual-purpose bike. :)
Hey YZ, could you comment about increased noise - if any - after the mods you mentioned? Which pipe did you go with?
Posted 12 July 2009 - 09:44 PM
I've got the FMF Powerbomb header and Q4 muffler.
I removed the airbox flapper parts and glued the flapper down so it can't flap.
I removed the foam from the inside of the right-hand side cover (that's the white plastic piece you must remove to open the airbox side door) and also snipped the zip tie holding a piece of rubber stripping to the frame under that side cover that was in contact with the foam (it served to reduce intake noise but also blocked intake air from reaching the airbox inlet).
I then removed the rubber stripping.
I also have a Power Commander to richen the fueling.
In this condition, noise has increased but doesn't sound irritating to me in either decibels or tone.
The exhaust note is not a harsh one but a decent thumpity one.
The air intake noise has increased a noticable amount, but that's barely noticable.
The performance has dramatically improved in the process, and to me, is worth the added noise.
If I felt the noise was too much, I'd have reversed the mods in a heartbeat. :)
I removed the airbox flapper parts and glued the flapper down so it can't flap.
I removed the foam from the inside of the right-hand side cover (that's the white plastic piece you must remove to open the airbox side door) and also snipped the zip tie holding a piece of rubber stripping to the frame under that side cover that was in contact with the foam (it served to reduce intake noise but also blocked intake air from reaching the airbox inlet).
I then removed the rubber stripping.
I also have a Power Commander to richen the fueling.
In this condition, noise has increased but doesn't sound irritating to me in either decibels or tone.
The exhaust note is not a harsh one but a decent thumpity one.
The air intake noise has increased a noticable amount, but that's barely noticable.
The performance has dramatically improved in the process, and to me, is worth the added noise.
If I felt the noise was too much, I'd have reversed the mods in a heartbeat. :)
Posted 14 July 2009 - 07:48 AM
Thanks, YZ - good info. I'm going to look into those mods myself.
As far as the OP's question, my own experience is as follows:
I was looking for a dual sport that I could ride to my favorite locations instead of trailering it everywhere (I live in rural Colorado and there are some great single tracks just a few miles away). Lurked around this forum for a few months and finally got the WR250R.
It was a case of nearly instant buyer's remorse: the bike seemed gutless. Even my wimpy Suzuki DR200 had more pep on the low end. The WR's seat was so high that even at 5'11" I had trouble touching the ground without tiptoes. Dang! I just made a $5600 mistake!
But as the weeks rolled on, I made a few mods (Yamalink, stock lowering, 12T front sprocket, etc.) and the engine broke in somewhat. I also learned it likes the higher RPMs. I rode it on the interstate at 65 mph, then off-road to a rugged mountain pass, to an old ghost town, to Leadville's famed Matchless Mine, and over countless old wagon trails.
In short, I've decided the WR250R is the best overall bike I've ever had. Not the best at any one thing, but more like a Swiss Army Knife. The fuel injection is great - no more choke, mixture, jets, etc - flawless so far.
Like YZ said, once you get it dialed in, it's a great magic carpet for road & trail alike. I'm headed up to Wyoming later this month to explore the vast prairie, mountains, and oil fields of Hot Springs, Natrona, and Johnson Counties. Can't wait. The peanut tank is kind of a pain, but just strap a 1 or 2 gallon Rotopax on a Cyclerack and you're good to go.
Have fun!
As far as the OP's question, my own experience is as follows:
I was looking for a dual sport that I could ride to my favorite locations instead of trailering it everywhere (I live in rural Colorado and there are some great single tracks just a few miles away). Lurked around this forum for a few months and finally got the WR250R.
It was a case of nearly instant buyer's remorse: the bike seemed gutless. Even my wimpy Suzuki DR200 had more pep on the low end. The WR's seat was so high that even at 5'11" I had trouble touching the ground without tiptoes. Dang! I just made a $5600 mistake!
But as the weeks rolled on, I made a few mods (Yamalink, stock lowering, 12T front sprocket, etc.) and the engine broke in somewhat. I also learned it likes the higher RPMs. I rode it on the interstate at 65 mph, then off-road to a rugged mountain pass, to an old ghost town, to Leadville's famed Matchless Mine, and over countless old wagon trails.
In short, I've decided the WR250R is the best overall bike I've ever had. Not the best at any one thing, but more like a Swiss Army Knife. The fuel injection is great - no more choke, mixture, jets, etc - flawless so far.
Like YZ said, once you get it dialed in, it's a great magic carpet for road & trail alike. I'm headed up to Wyoming later this month to explore the vast prairie, mountains, and oil fields of Hot Springs, Natrona, and Johnson Counties. Can't wait. The peanut tank is kind of a pain, but just strap a 1 or 2 gallon Rotopax on a Cyclerack and you're good to go.
Have fun!
