Another Wife Bike Thread

[sparky3008]

Since I am going to Daytona this year it has started to dawn on my wife that she would like to learn to ride, again.

She also mentioned that she would like to get a dirt bike to start on as she has done about 10 minutes on one and she like it.

I would like something that isn't to underpowered so I could use it to but not to expensive and a YZ-250 2 or 4 stroke is probably too much for her.

A friend of mine use to have the tt-125 and that thing was way underpowered for us.

Looking just briefly at the wr & tt it seems $4500 & $6100 the wr has a better engine setup, wet clutch, better chain (o-ring), better brakes, suspension just seems like a better bike all around.

I just wonder if the wr250 being a 4 stroke is going to be enough for someone that use to own a yz250 2 stroke or should I consider the wr450, oh did I mention this is for my wife

 

[sparky3008]

Ok, since we apparently have no dirt bike riders here...

Well, Friday I went in to my local shop and started the search.

I was really wanting the WR250 as it is a sweet bike. But, the more I sat on it and talked about it I realized I was thinking more of me than my wife. The WR is no beginner bike and very much like the YZ250 4 stroke. The WR does have a throttle block, exhaust restrictor and a grey wire that reduces the timing starting around mid range and these 3 combined in stock form make the wr250 very tame.

But, the Throttle being restricted to about 3/4 turn is easily changed (done), the wire removed (done) and the restrictor drilled out (done). With these 3 mods the WR really comes alive and I have yet to ride it since the 3 mods but can't wait for another nice day. (yes I bought it). The weblink here shows a chart on what a difference disconnecting the grey wire makes https://www.thumperfaq.com/gray_wire2.htm

However, the more I talked I realized that if my wife and I were really going to enjoy riding trails together we need 2 bikes so I ended up getting her a Kawasaki KLX 125L as both bikes I bought were 05's and they didn't have any TT125's in.

I went riding Friday without the mods on my WR and my wife has yet to ride hers but the first next nice day and we will be out there. I am really excited for her to start.

 

[gr8eyes]

Well sparky I was going to offer my 2 cents but you've got it sorted now. I think she 'll be real happy on the 125. Yuo'll also enjoy the WR250F. I bought a WR450F last June and really like it, alot. The 250 is light enough to get around in the woods yet powerful enough to enjoy for years. When she gets proficinet on the 125 you know she'll want your 250

Glenn

 

[sparky3008]

Well sparky I was going to offer my 2 cents but you've got it sorted now. I think she 'll be real happy on the 125. Yuo'll also enjoy the WR250F. I bought a WR450F last June and really like it, alot. The 250 is light enough to get around in the woods yet powerful enough to enjoy for years. When she gets proficinet on the 125 you know she'll want your 250
Glenn

I hope so I will have a "reason" to buy the 450

 

[FJRandy]

Don'y waste your money on the 450. You can get almost as much (very close that is) HP and torque by installing an Athena 290cc kit. I've had my WR since '01 and not having funds for a new ride yet, I'm going with the Athena kit. Stock compression, pump gas, etc. I'm going one step further though, and putting in the Hotcams setup too.

The benefit to modding the 250 is less weight to throw around. Everyone I talked to that went this route will never get on a 450 again. They claim the 290 is much easier to ride more aggresive, and it turns faster lap times on the track due to the lighter bike not beating you to death. They also keep overstating the fun factor.

I understand you'll prolly not race it...neither will I except for an occasional enduro. But I can't wait to install the 290 kit. Bigger oil and water jackets will help too.

 

[sparky3008]

Don'y waste your money on the 450. You can get almost as much (very close that is) HP and torque by installing an Athena 290cc kit. I've had my WR since '01 and not having funds for a new ride yet, I'm going with the Athena kit. Stock compression, pump gas, etc. I'm going one step further though, and putting in the Hotcams setup too. The benefit to modding the 250 is less weight to throw around. Everyone I talked to that went this route will never get on a 450 again. They claim the 290 is much easier to ride more aggresive, and it turns faster lap times on the track due to the lighter bike not beating you to death. They also keep overstating the fun factor.

I understand you'll prolly not race it...neither will I except for an occasional enduro. But I can't wait to install the 290 kit. Bigger oil and water jackets will help too.

Yea, I have a friend who use to race dirt. He could keep up or beat any of the "big" bikes just because they handled easier and he was just that good.

I don't see me getting a 450 but upgrading her may or may not happen.

Good info on the kit tho thanks

 

[weekend rider]

Have you checked out the Hondas I belive they make a CF 150 good starter bike . Most likely be just right for your wife to start with .

I dirt bike in california cr250 is what i ride