Any 2008 + WR250R Reports?

[sirryan]

Has anyone ridden a 2008 or newer WR250R?

I've switched from 2 stroke off road world to 4 stroke street legal 2 years ago mainly because I'm tired of dealing with getting pulled over in the middle of no-where. I live in a great area (in the summer) for off-roading and my previous ride was a KDX. It was piped quietly and I didn't dick around where there are houses, etc. For a long time it was not a problem. Then, the neighbor kids got a couple of bikes that are piped like track bikes (loud) and started zipping up and down residential pavement and all of a sudden the cops are lurking around looking for "bad illegal off road bikes". You get the picture. Idiot neighbors.

So...........I sold my dream off road bike and bought a KLX 250 S. After re-gearing and making numerous exhaust and fuel mods, the motor in the Kawasaki is just too damn weak. Other than that, it's a great bike, but just not enough go-juice for my type of off-road riding. In trying to keep as light weight as I can, the WR250R reports look interesting. However, some real world owners input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

SR

 

[scubatech]

The new WR's get rave reviews. I have a 2003 WR450,first year for e-start & kick. It never gives me any trouble. I ride some nasty rocks out here on these jeep trails. The 250 was rated the most durable engine for several years. I think you will like it!

 

[sirryan]

The new WR's get rave reviews. I have a 2003 WR450,first year for e-start & kick. It never gives me any trouble. I ride some nasty rocks out here on these jeep trails. The 250 was rated the most durable engine for several years. I think you will like it!

Thanks for the reply Scuba.

Well, the question is whether to go to a 400/450 or not. I'm trying to avoid it, but don't want another wimpy bike. I used to live right down the street from you (Lakewood) and ride rampart, and alot of other trails up there 10 years ago.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

Has anyone ridden a 2008 or newer WR250R? However, some real world owners input would be greatly appreciated.

Have you read Mark Sampson's Spring 2009 (NM & AZ) ride report ("Big Dog" on AdvRider)? He switched from his long-time KLR 650 to a new WR 250 and really enjoyed it (& the advantages of light weight and a performance motor).

Speaking of KLRs, did you know that Kawi re-did the KLX 250 S last year and called it a 2009 model? I'm not sure if there was much of a horsepower increase, tho? Suspension, gear-box, ratios, etc.

I've ridden a couple Suzuki DRZ 400s and think they have a somewhat "punchy" motor (for a dual-sport).

MX-type power in a street-legal dual-sport may prove (a bit) elusive...?

 

[sirryan]

Has anyone ridden a 2008 or newer WR250R? However, some real world owners input would be greatly appreciated.

Have you read Mark Sampson's Spring 2009 (NM & AZ) ride report ("Big Dog" on AdvRider)? He switched from his long-time KLR 650 to a new WR 250 and really enjoyed it (& the advantages of light weight and a performance motor).

Speaking of KLRs, did you know that Kawi re-did the KLX 250 S last year and called it a 2009 model? I'm not sure if there was much of a horsepower increase, tho? Suspension, gear-box, ratios, etc.

I've ridden a couple Suzuki DRZ 400s and think they have a somewhat "punchy" motor (for a dual-sport).

MX-type power in a street-legal dual-sport may prove (a bit) elusive...?

I have not read that. I'll get over there and take a look. Thanks. Yes, MX power in a lightweight ds. Any manufacturers listening?!??

SR

 

[sirryan]

Thought I'd post up what I found out today.

I found an '08 to ride that had 715 miles at a local dealer and in short, it still isn't the right bike for me. I'll continue the search for something that fits the bill.

Don't get me wrong, the WR is a great bike, and is fun to ride, but just doesn't have enough power for semi-serious off road. I need a lightweight bike that is street legal and will be happy to pull the front wheel up at any time in at least first and second gear. And preferably 3rd. Currently, when I'm stump jumping or trying to get over logs that are over around 12", I'm holding my breath that the KLX won't let me down. Not always the best feeling, since it has a couple of times and I eat the results in the dirt..........

For now, I'll keep my heavily re-geared klx until it can find a happy home, or until I find the right replacement. OR UNTIL I CAN LICENSE A KDX200 IN WISCONSIN.........ARRRGGGHHHH!!!!

At Least I had a great ride on the FJR to and from the dealer! :yahoo:

SR

 

[Niehart]

Don't know what your budget is but for my money KTM450. Think nasty right out of the box.

 

[sirryan]

Don't know what your budget is but for my money KTM450. Think nasty right out of the box.

Yeah. That looks like a great ride. A wee bit pricey, and I've (perhaps wrongly) become a jap bike guy. Just too easy to get parts, etc. However, if I ever had the chance to ride one of those KTMs, it would probably be all over.

SR

 

[Niehart]

RACEFREEX

8493 STATE HIGHWAY 371

56401 BRAINERD (MN)

KTM450 EXC

 

[Patriot]

Check out Iggy's "Special" Bike

nice !!! :yahoo:

 

[scubatech]

Don't know what your budget is but for my money KTM450. Think nasty right out of the box.

Yeah. That looks like a great ride. A wee bit pricey, and I've (perhaps wrongly) become a jap bike guy. Just too easy to get parts, etc. However, if I ever had the chance to ride one of those KTMs, it would probably be all over.

SR

Sirryan, My Wr450 will do the wheelies you mention. One of my riding buddies has a 520EXC,by KTM. The suspension on that thing is amazing,tons of power as well. He found a year old one,hardly used. We put a Rev-Loc clutch in it last year which made it even better. He basically rides around in third all day! Have fun looking.

 

[sirryan]

Don't know what your budget is but for my money KTM450. Think nasty right out of the box.

Yeah. That looks like a great ride. A wee bit pricey, and I've (perhaps wrongly) become a jap bike guy. Just too easy to get parts, etc. However, if I ever had the chance to ride one of those KTMs, it would probably be all over.

SR

Sirryan, My Wr450 will do the wheelies you mention. One of my riding buddies has a 520EXC,by KTM. The suspension on that thing is amazing,tons of power as well. He found a year old one,hardly used. We put a Rev-Loc clutch in it last year which made it even better. He basically rides around in third all day! Have fun looking.

Thanks for all the thoughts guys. While I was just about ready to lay back and deal with the KLX for one more year (which I'll have to, if I want to splurge for the KTM) you've got me all ready to go write the check..........or, um, for the bank to write a check.

I'll look into the 2003 generation WR 450, but, unless I'm remembering incorrectly, that's not a street legal machine. Might be able to get it there with some mods, however.

SR

 

[scubatech]

Don't know what your budget is but for my money KTM450. Think nasty right out of the box.

Yeah. That looks like a great ride. A wee bit pricey, and I've (perhaps wrongly) become a jap bike guy. Just too easy to get parts, etc. However, if I ever had the chance to ride one of those KTMs, it would probably be all over.

SR

Sirryan, My Wr450 will do the wheelies you mention. One of my riding buddies has a 520EXC,by KTM. The suspension on that thing is amazing,tons of power as well. He found a year old one,hardly used. We put a Rev-Loc clutch in it last year which made it even better. He basically rides around in third all day! Have fun looking.

Thanks for all the thoughts guys. While I was just about ready to lay back and deal with the KLX for one more year (which I'll have to, if I want to splurge for the KTM) you've got me all ready to go write the check..........or, um, for the bank to write a check.

I'll look into the 2003 generation WR 450, but, unless I'm remembering incorrectly, that's not a street legal machine. Might be able to get it there with some mods, however.

SR

It was easy here in Colorado to make mine legal. Just a brake light,(no one checks for the horn and DOT tires).Then just apply for a new title from the Certificate of Origin. I am sure they will make it harder in years to come. You will love a KTM.