I have had a shed load of road bike's, and only a few previous offroad bikes.
I previously had a WR250 2006 a few years ago
Question is what are the advantages and disadvantages between say a 2005 WR250 and WR450?
After 2 years I am returning to offroad bikes, I was looking to get a WR450 next but thought i'd get some opinions from some of you who have owned both.
Id be using it mainly for the lanes but will also occasionally use it for very light commuting to the gym, was considering maybe getting supermoto tyres for the summer?
Also keen on the ktm as they look smart as f**k but are they really as unrealible compared to the wr as people say?
I fell (well, chose to fall TBH) on the Orange side of the fence. Had an '04 400EXC and now have a '07 450EXC. Never had a problem with either. Love it
Blue or Orange, don't think it matters, so long as you look after it.
BTW - I remember riding with you once, briefly. You went home after a few lanes due to a niggling sporting injury if my memory serves me correctly? We met on the fly-over over the A38 at Marley Head. We'll have to meet up again when you get yourself sorted with a bike (go Orange, you know you want to )
I have had 1 x WR250 then 2 x WR450s (old n new shape).
If I were 100% laning then the WR250F is probably more fun, light, nimble and does exactly what you want - it certainly isnt a slouch and will go up everything you throw at it.
The WR450 was also a great bike too, but definately carried that much more weight and if you got your line wrong at the start of the lane generally it would be difficult to correct for the rest of it (as correcting and getting back on track is that much slower). However for increase levels of road work the bigger engine has obvious benefits and certainly if you're going down the supermoto route, the 450 would be far better suited - and probably survive the ordeal better.
In the end I got rid of my WRs and went back to a 2 stroke KTM. If you want lightness and flickability with much fun (and no engine braking) then this is a good route to think about too.
BTW I was with Geoff when we met you (briefly) all those years ago
Hi Geoff, I had previously pulled my bicep and thought it was healed enough. I stalled my bike on those steps around buckfastleigh and had to push it up to the top again (with the help of the engine) as it was to wet and steep to get a grip. When I got to the top it had flaired right up, shooting pains thru my arms. Not nice
They didnt take long to heal and took it easy for a few weeks. Be good to get back out on the lanes again. I enjoy the moorland trails alot so will opt for a few of those I think.
I am so close to buying a WR250, its a good price and local. But think I will wait and get a 400-450. Cheers for the advice guys