WR at the track

[jentzschman]

First off, yes I know the WR is not a track bike.

Second, I have never ridden track before so I would not be hitting anything big at all.

So, with that, how will the WR fair at the track?

I have two that are within 30 min from my house. This is one: http://throttle215mxpark.com/

and the other: http://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/jordan-river/video

I am trying to find the best all around bike to do some street/highway (not much at all, like 50 miles a week highway), trail, single track and some mx riding if I so desire.

Ya, I know that is a lot to ask out of one bike. It would be nice to have at least two. But for now that is not a reality. Down the line I would love to have a YZ250 for strict off road/single track and mx use.

I have kind of left the DRZ in third in favor for either a WR450f or a KTM 525exc

[nnamssorxela]

Both of those tracks look awesome! The only time I've done "MX" style riding was on a '74 yamaha 360 on a super tight supercross style track in a guys front yard and that was some of the most fun I've had on 2 wheels. Since you won't being doing it often, pretty much any bike can scratch that itch for you.

-Alex

[kawi380]

I have ridden my street legal 08wr450f at a few tracks. People give a double take when you honk the horn as you pass

Really the bike is way too heavy and way too undersprung for almost anyone to ride on a serious track. I have pretty stiff suspension on mine as I like to hit it hard on the trails and it is still not much fun on the track due to the weight...It can do it (it is a dirt bike) and can be fun. If it is your only choice I would pick it any day over a ktm525exc. Keep in mind I only weigh in at 160lbs soaking wet. If you are bigger the weight will be even worse of a concern.

I have ridden the Jordan River track and can say that a wr will not be much fun there. Have never ridden 215 so I can't say one way or the other.

[jentzschman]

Thanks for the help.

Ugh...

[cwallershasta]

Man there is so much riding here that is a hard decision to make. You actually have Toole, OCA and Mt west too and not to mention all the tracks down south. But the off roading is amazing here too. I've got the new WR and was thinking on trying it the track just to see what it would be like. If I we're you I would start with an off road bike, then like you said get the track bike later. I had a YZ 250F & 450, used the 250 for the track and single track and the 450 for everything else. But I'm too old for the tracks now so I sold them both and a fourwheeler to get the new WR and have no regrets. Wait till you start off roading here and you will see what I mean.

[jentzschman]

Man there is so much riding here that is a hard decision to make. You actually have Toole, OCA and Mt west too and not to mention all the tracks down south. But the off roading is amazing here too. I've got the new WR and was thinking on trying it the track just to see what it would be like. If I we're you I would start with an off road bike, then like you said get the track bike later. I had a YZ 250F & 450, used the 250 for the track and single track and the 450 for everything else. But I'm too old for the tracks now so I sold them both and a fourwheeler to get the new WR and have no regrets. Wait till you start off roading here and you will see what I mean.

Ya, so much in Utah it is amazing!

I guess I am getting greedy with wanting one bike to handle it all ?

I have heard amazing things about the wr's. I will most likely go that route, but just wanted to get as much info/research as I can.

BTW, what part of Utah are you in? Im in Sandy about 106th south

[cwallershasta]

Your not greedy at all. I too also think about maybe a KTM 200 or WR 250 for just the single track someday. But this new 450 seems to handle it pretty well and everything else too, though probably not a great bike for a motocross track I suspect. But really base what bike you decide to buy for off road because you will glad you did. I switch from the YZ's to the WR for off road and wish I had done it sooner only I didn't really want a WR until they made this one. I live in Lehi and ride all over. I've see you on Moto Utah, drop me a pm and lets ride.

[Rocky739]

I say you will be fine, yes the WR is heavier, the suspension is softer and the motor lacks moto style hit but those aren't bad traits for a newbie.

Think of it this way,

weight=better workout and teachs you to ride smooth..

soft suspension=not being beat up on breaking bumps and incentive to land jumps correctly...

lack of hit=great traction outta corners, less tiring..

I watched Scott Summers ride his trusty XR600 at the fall classic pro motocross at London KY and place it in the money back in the day so needless to say I'll never blame my WR for not doing well in the world of bulldozers and no trees

Oh yea leave the lights turned on! Really pisses off people when you pass them and looks cool.

[jentzschman]

I plan on doing the grey wire mod so it will gain a little of a hit that he yz450 has. I want to wire it up to a switch so its easy to flip on and off. Ya, I know I will have to kill the bike and restart it for the new map to work, no big deal .

Plus, I will most likely have to get new fork springs as I am ~195lbs.

More then likely I will take it to the track anyway just to see how she fairs.

Edited September 27, 2012 by jentzschman

[Team_Oatmeal_Pie]

WR is fine, get the suspension set up for your weight and your intended use. 450 are big boys bikes.

The new 2012 has the YZ250F frame - SSS suspension and the reliable 450 motor

check out this WR450- who says it cant moto

http://vurboffroad.com/theatre/404-shots-presents-matthew-phillips-2012-wrf450/859/

I moto my 2000 WR400 and my 2004 WR450.

[jentzschman]

WR is fine, get the suspension set up for your weight and your intended use. 450 are big boys bikes.

The new 2012 has the YZ250F frame - SSS suspension and the reliable 450 motor

check out this WR450- who says it cant moto

http://vurboffroad.c...012-wrf450/859/

I moto my 2000 WR400 and my 2004 WR450.

Freaking sick!

[MANIAC998]

Excellent camera work!! That is one well made video!! Man would I love to be able to whip a bike half as good as these guys! Or corner half as well........ Or jump half as well....... Or.........well, you get the picture!!!

Maniac

[cwallershasta]

WOW! thanks for posting that video. Well I guess that kind of answers the question. Thats the best video Iv'e seen of the new WR yet. He was doing things that my WR will never expeirence, but it's pretty cool knowing that it can.

[beezer]

I ride my 08 WR450 on the track all the time. My 450 has a YZ exhaust cam a DR. D pipe. I had the suspension done and I have a ball riding it.

I don't feel out-gunned at all out there.

[jentzschman]

I ride my 08 WR450 on the track all the time. My 450 has a YZ exhaust cam a DR. D pipe. I had the suspension done and I have a ball riding it.

I don't feel out-gunned at all out there.

While I doubt I will do the cams, I will do the grey wire mod, so that will add a little kick to it. I know the forks sprigs will be the most important upgrade I can do, that and the shock spring...

How hard is it to replace the springs in the fork? I would like to do it myself if it's not too hard.

[Rocky739]

Great video Oatmeal..

proves it aint the bike! Can't wait to take mine to Red Bud for the grass track race in a couple weeks. I will post some picks and won't be blaming my bike for a poor finish!

[Team_Oatmeal_Pie]

Red Bud - excellent- I grew up in SW Michigan and good old dad took me to a national when I was about 10- that was the day I got bike fever-

Just rode a GP at Washougal last weekend- with all of the the national track and giant grass tracks. My 12 year old WR400 took got me a 5th- against lots of newer bikes. Who says a WR cant moto.

I am saving my pennies for a 2012- I got to have one of those-

That vid is sweet- the hip jump in the dunes just looks rad

Edited September 28, 2012 by Team_Oatmeal_Pie

[AKmud]

I've had my '08 450 at the track a couple of times this summer. I pretty much suck and get owned by the pip squeaks on the baby KTM's but it is still fun. Every once in a while I get to make a pass......usually a girl. ?