Been looking into one of these myself, and after some advice I have done a bit of research. The wr250f weighs including oil etc etc 116kg, a wr450f weighs in at 123kg. An extra 200cc for 7kg, I will go for the bigger bike.
For sale is my 2004 WR250F. My lovely wife insisted I have a new bike for my birthday (as she couldn't think of anything else) hence it's for sale with much having been put into it. I have owned it from October 2012. It has had the mods done that make it work, so it will cope with more than a slight puddle and actually does accelerate when you open the throttle from low revs ! Starts on the button, never used the kick start. I fitted complete rear end set of suspension bearings except for two that were fine ( they are in the wrappers with it just in case). All have grease nipples now fitted where possible so with a regular shot or two of grease should last indefinitely. Just fitted new front wheel bearings and seals. Recent fresh oil, filter and brake fluid. Alloy wraparound hand guards. Electronic computer/speedo. Arrow exhaust can with removable baffle. O ring chain and front sprocket fitted in November 2012 and good for a while yet. C/W spare S/H larger front. New front brake pads in Nov 2012. Disc/pad wear is neglible. Rear MX tyre is 60% good and there is a spare nearly new rear Road/Trail tyre only put on for the MOT. Front is fitted with a nearly new Road/Trail tyre and I have a non road MX tyre for it too and a spare rim clamp. Rear rim clamp fitted, and balanced too. HD inner tubes. As good on fuel as a KTM250 EXC four stroke and actually only 3 kg heavier. The seat has been lowered about an inch but it is on standard suspension. Bodywork is intact if a little scratched. It has a years tax and is daytime MOT'd until October. Lights work but no dip beam or brake lights (all there just not connected or switched). Its been a great fun, reliable, no BS, bike for me and I had not intended to sell it but for recent purchase. I am looking for £2K but willing to negotiate with TRF members.
The bike is still for sale as Hugh, the bloke selling it, hasn't bothered to advertise it anywhere else and keeps it as a 'spare'. If you are interested he is on 07974 269245
Regarding the WR250 vs 450. I own a WR250 and have a mate who owns both a 250 and a 450 so I have ridden both a fair amount.
The 450 may not be much heavier 'on paper' but it sure feels a helluva lot heavier when you have to pick it up (which I do - quite a lot ) The 250 is a lot more nimble in twisty/tight sections The extra power of the 450 is not really needed (unless you are a gurt big bloke (I'm nearly 15st in kit)) as the 250 has plenty. The only time the 450 really came into its own was at high altitude in the mountains of Andorra when the 250 ran out of 'puff'
Hope all that helps
Cheers
CB (STRF MemSec)
-- Edited by cee-b on Wednesday 23rd of October 2013 10:13:35 AM
-- Edited by cee-b on Wednesday 23rd of October 2013 10:18:07 AM