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Hilde44
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  		   Posted 12/24/2006 9:03 PM (GMT -8)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
Yamaha made us fly all the way to Costa Rica before letting us shred some tropical rainforest on the newest WR machines. Both bikes are improved for 2007 and we came back to reality with an even greater appreciation for Yamaha's off-road effort.
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nc3310
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  		   Posted 12/25/2006 3:24 PM (GMT -8)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
I'll be keeping an eye on this bike. I'm looking for a new small bore woods bike. I was heading towards the Honda 250X until I heard the WR was all new for 07. Doesn't sound like much changed motor wise so the WR should be as reliable as ever!
Nice review!
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cls
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  		   Posted 12/25/2006 6:33 PM (GMT -8)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
I'd be interested in how the two bikes compared to each other in the woods. Did the 250 handle well enough to outweigh the extra power of the 450, or did the 450 handle well enough and the power was worth it? Come on, a little comparison/contrast. I demand my money's worth!...Oh, wait. This didn't cost me anything. My bad. How about a little insight, anyway?
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Hilde44
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  		   Posted 12/26/2006 12:09 PM (GMT -8)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
NC, I don't think you'll be disappointed with the WR. Of course, the one thing we can't test at a press intro is the durability - something everyone wants to know about. Unfortunately, the prospects of a small-bore off-road comparison are slim for this year, nor have I tested the '07 250X. It's been awhile since we did one of those comparos, so we'll have to keep that in mind. Chances are you'd be happy with either. These bikes are all so good these days...
 
Okay, cls, even though I spent my holiday weekend putting the finishing touches on this thing for you, I'd hate to leave you feeling short-changed turn The answer to your question is simple, and one I suspect you already know. The 250 offers lighter weight, is much easier to keep under control in tight settings and was more precise in my hands. The 450 has the motor. It handles very well in all situations and had a stupid grin plastered on my face at all times. To me, the power was worth it. I would take the 450 over the 250 for my personal use because the thing is super nimble, ridiculously powerful-yet-usable and euphorically fun. Give me the big-bore!!
 
Though simple, my answer is a little strange given my normal tendencies. Typically I prefer a 250F because I love having the ability to manhandle the bikes and feel like I'm riding the beans out of it. If I were buying a motocross bike, the 250F would collect my payments because the motor is a little punchier. However, since enduro motors are so freaking smooth and easy to ride, I feel a little underpowered on the WR250F. I'm pushing 200 lbs with gear and a tool pack so I need a little extra these days.
 
Thanks for the read, fellas. Happy holidays.
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BC
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  		   Posted 12/27/2006 9:31 AM (GMT -8)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
Sounds like Yamaha has made some steps in the right direction. I really like the fact they are modeling the ergos after the YZ-Fs. Can't wait to see how they compare in a shootout.

Also, Costa Rica looks like an amazing place to ride. Your photos were really spectacular.
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dirt-man1
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  		   Posted 12/27/2006 11:19 AM (GMT -8)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
Damn, Costa Rica looks too good to be true! Nice helmet cam action. The video shows how tight that stuff is. Must have been cool to be ducking branches in a rainforest on badass bikes. I don' t think I'll be getting to ride in the jungle, but I'd take one of those WRs anyways jumpin
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nc3310
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  		   Posted 12/27/2006 5:23 PM (GMT -8)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
Thanks for the follow up Dirtguy. Keep pushing for a small bore enduro shootout!
I got to sit on a WR250 today at the local dealer. Nice! They didn't have a 450 yet so I'll have to wait and see. I'm thinking the 250 is all I need now that I'm older, fatter and slower. Racing with the boys has turned into chasing my young son through the woods. The 250 should be able to keep up with his CRF70!
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Hilde44
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  		   Posted 1/2/2007 10:18 AM (GMT -8)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
If your main concern is keeping up with Jr. on his 70, I'm sure the WR250 can accomodate. Besides, on those days when you get out by yourself (if they exist) the Yammie will gladly tote you at a more enthusiastic pace.
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FoxChik2007
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  		   Posted 1/16/2007 9:49 AM (GMT -8)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
Why Aren't there ever any articles about Quads? Testing the new Suzuki Z450, or the Raptor 700 vs. Raptor 660....The recent manufacturing stop of 2 strokes including the ever popular and ass kickingly fast Banshee. Hello? Not everyone rides Dirtbikes.
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Hilde44
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  		   Posted 1/16/2007 10:02 AM (GMT -8)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
Hello? Not every website is called "motorcycle-usa."
 
Ok, here, take these.
 
 
Geez, the things we'll do for our readers...
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FoxChik2007
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  		   Posted 1/16/2007 10:17 AM (GMT -8)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
*Applauds* I am so glad that there are a total of 3 true quad articles all from 2004. the GG quad doesn't really qualify as a lean mean sand spittin mud throwin machine...you show pictures of Jay Leno standing next to it and riding/driving it on the street. And technically, quads are considered Motorcycles, because it is a Cycle, with a Motor! a Tricycle has more than 2 wheels but is still considered a bike, is it not? Not trying to be snotty, I just would like to see more Quad articles. :D

P.s. I'm not just a reader...

~Becki~
"I wanna Go Fast!!!"

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CaddmannQ
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  		   Posted 1/16/2007 11:03 AM (GMT -8)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
FoxChik2007 said...technically, quads are considered Motorcycles, because it is a Cycle, with a Motor!
HehHehHeh...
 
I remember reading one of the first quad comparison tests (back in the old days) in a print mag.
 
I don't recall which one it was, but they took them down to Baja for the test rides. (They must have been making some real dough offa that rag. eyes  )
 
Anyhow, I just had to laugh because one of the test riders made a comment about how strange it felt riding around "on these funny little cars."
 
He also said that when you opened the throttle on the Polaris (which had a snowmobile-type belt drive) that it didn't really rip forward like the other quads, but went "WHOOOOOOOOOOO!" like a big Hoover vacuum cleaner.
 
lol  Ah, the things I remember in my old age.... lol

"When in doubt, ride."
Cadd
2004 Nomad 1500 "Baggins"
VROC #11619 Rolling Blunder #128

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FoxChik2007
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  		   Posted 1/16/2007 11:05 AM (GMT -8)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
Yeah Polaris's suck.  They're so heavy because they are primarily a Snow mobile company.  There is like a 150lb difference between Polaris sport quads and Yamaha's.   That is pretty funny though!  :) 
 
 
roll 

~Becki~
"I wanna Go Fast!!!"

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Hilde44
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  		   Posted 1/16/2007 1:41 PM (GMT -8)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.

Ok, so if the street application isn't a "real" quad, we'll stick to the dirt side of things. As you can see, Oregon Parks and Recreation classifies OHV machines by the number of wheels and physical size. If I may, point your attention specifically to Class 1 and Class 3 where our issue is quickly, and undeniable resolved - including those pesky 3-wheelers. Clearly, anyone who rides one of these non-motorcycles and refers to their steed as a "bike" is suffering from a common form of two-wheeled jealousy.

As for Polaris' porky equipment, that's something that you and your fellow quad riders will have to deal with.

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FoxChik2007
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  		   Posted 1/16/2007 2:36 PM (GMT -8)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
Harsh.
 
So it seems like you are the only offroad Guru writer that we have here...And because your opinion is biased, all we get are dirtbike articles? rolleyes I suffer from no jealousy of 2 wheeled bikes, they would be VERY hard to ride on the dunes and I'm all for the sand.   Maybe you need another writer over there, hm?  hop

~Becki~
"I wanna Go Fast!!!"

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Hilde44
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  		   Posted 1/16/2007 3:11 PM (GMT -8)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.

More dirt bike journos = more dirt bike articles.  idea

Besides, we don't exactly get invited to test 4-wheelers. Maybe you could put in a good word for us at Polaris. Seems like big, slow quads would be a good place for a lowly motorcycle rider like me to get started.


Post Edited (Hilde44) : 1/16/2007 11:15:30 PM GMT

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FoxChik2007
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  		   Posted 1/16/2007 3:19 PM (GMT -8)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
 Wow,
 
The sarcasm in your post was so Strong I got it even through TEXT! 
 
Tell Ken to hire me. yeah

~Becki~
"I wanna Go Fast!!!"

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Tros
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  		   Posted 1/16/2007 3:52 PM (GMT -8)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
It's a shame I can't make the dirtbikes street legal here. I think I'd have some fun having a dual purpose made out of a 450; and then have another motorcycle for my daily rider.

Ah dreams... lol

"People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost."

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Squishy
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  		   Posted 1/18/2007 4:39 PM (GMT -8)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
I bought an 07 WR450F last week. After the excrutiating pain of doing 200k with all the restrictors in, I took it in for its first service and to be de-restricted.

At this stage of the game, I am extremely unhappy with the bike. Why?

Fuel consumption is a joke. I get about 1.5 hours of EASY bush riding from a full tank of premium (non-costa rican) fuel.

The bike wont hold a constant speed without surging and missing. Transport sections are extremely unenjoyable.

It stalls, all the time! If it wasn't for the button start, this would be a huge issue.

According to the local dealer all of the above is to be expected. Personally, I wonder if the dealer is leading me up the garden path.

In short, the 07 WR450F is so much less than I expected that I regret buying it. I want my 01 YZ250F back.

If you're considering buying one of these beasts, I strongly recommend waiting a month or two and readin a LOT more reviews. Or perhaps you should just make sure you go to a good dealer. Either way, caveat emptor.
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Hilde44
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  		   Posted 1/18/2007 4:52 PM (GMT -8)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
You might want to talk to a different dealer. We put more time on a single tank than that and I don't suppose it was due to some gas-saving feature found only in our Costa Rican sludge. You might want to find out exactly what that dealership of yours did to de-restrict it as well because the Yammie technicians assured me that if you do some but not all of the mods, it will run like crap. Our test bikes never stalled excessively either.
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Squishy
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  		   Posted 1/18/2007 5:33 PM (GMT -8)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
What sort of range did you get out of a tank of juice?

I've spoken to another dealer and told my sad story. The service manager assured me that my dealer is full of shit. Joy.

Now I have to see if I can come up with some way of forcing the dealer to fix it. Not sure I want to take it to another dealer and fork over more cash to get the job done properly.

Any readers in my area (Victoria, Australia), drop me a line if you're thinking of buying and I'll be sure to steer you away from this particular dealer. I wont name them on a public forum, wouldn't be manners.

With luck, I'll have to eat the words in my previous post "real soon now".
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wolfman5
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  		   Posted 1/23/2007 12:40 PM (GMT -8)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
just bought a wr250 a couple weeks ago. havent ridden in 20 years but i still want more power. i did the gray wire and removed the baffle. im going to install the AIS kit. does anyone know what jetting i should go to? thanks
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heathy
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  		   Posted 2/5/2007 4:56 AM (GMT -8)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
G'day mate,I own a '07wr250f,I just read your write up on the test & the mods for them.I'm in the same boat as the dude with the 450,my runs like a sloth on morphine.I can't get any info from Yamaha Aust.,I've tried 3 of there head offices & my local dealer who keeps telling me they know of no mods.(don't need no fixn)Please I desperately need too fix it.Within a week,I'm travelling 3500Km's with my younger brother,dad & 18 other mates too tackle the Snowy Mountains.I'm not looking for cheap h/power I just gotta it get too run right.Until your article I knew nothing of the grey wire,where is it by the way?Please,what needle clip position,main,pilot should I be running.I removed the snorkle & plastic plate under it,cut off the spark arrestor,(I have removed the tail pipe,under the rear cap & made a whole new one with a new peice of pipe the same size as the hole in the cap but have since gone back too the standard dicky tail pipe)& dropped the main down from 170 too 168.It has improved,but I'm still having trouble with it choking,especiallally mid. too top.I'll ask again,PLEASE,I really could use help.I'm sorry this letter is a so long but if you have read this far thank you.Anxiously awaiting you reply,  Best regards,Heathy  
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wolfman5
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  		   Posted 2/5/2007 5:14 AM (GMT -8)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
the gray wire is behind the number plate on the left side. i pulled mine out of the connector instead of cutting it in case i wanted to reconnect, the gray wire retards the timming in mid to high rpm, so it should really help you out. i still havent got around to the carb. hope this helps
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heathy
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  		   Posted 2/5/2007 1:52 PM (GMT -8)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
thanks wolfman5,you just gave me the perfect 'late back from lunch'excuse....gotta try this.
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