Hello everybody I am new to the snow bike world just looking for a bike now I'm a Yamaha guy by heart but not opposed to other brands was thinking of the WR450 2014 model will I enjoy this bike or do I need something better? Also looking at the KTM SX450f. Any input would greatly be appreciated I like doing things right first time around I plan on putting it on the mountain horse ST kit.
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Who has a Yamaha WR450 and do you like it for a SB
- Thread starter Nytro71
- Start date
Don't think you would be happy with wr ratio gear box unless your thinking turbo electric start is sure nice don't think you can go wrong with the ktm
One of the guys I ride with a lot rides an 08 WR. Its main issue is the wide ratio tranny same as the KTM wide ratio tranny which I have. Its does pretty well but it wont set the high mark. One thing I will give it though is it is tough as all hell virtually indestructible. It wouldn't be my first choice if I was starting from scratch.
M5
M5
R
Rush44
Well-known member
The above posters are right on the money. My first snowbike was a carb'd 08 WR450 and it was a good first bike but not a great snowbike. Wide ratio gearbox isn't the best unless you plan on doing a lot of long hauls and not a ton of tight steep tree riding. I hear the new injected WR450s have quite a bit of power... but again this is an enduro bike so you'll need to swap springs in the forks to keep the nose from diving and learn to deal with the tranny.
If you haven't made the purchase yet go with the KTM or any race bike (KX,CR,RMZ,SXF,XCF,etc) over the enduro models. If you place more importance on summer than winter I could totally understand the WR purchase since it really is a great summer bike.
If you haven't made the purchase yet go with the KTM or any race bike (KX,CR,RMZ,SXF,XCF,etc) over the enduro models. If you place more importance on summer than winter I could totally understand the WR purchase since it really is a great summer bike.
On the of season I was thinking super moto bike that is the biggest reason for wanting the WR450. Where I will be riding is more rolling hills and maybe one or two trips a year to ride in the mountains. Thanks for the input still hashing this out.
Nothing wrong with the WR if you have a secondary use for it .
Rode my 2012 for the last 2 seasons and there is no bike that goes
significantly better in the 450 class. Some of MX bikes are a bit better geared for deep snow and have slightly more power , but none would go anywhere where the WR,s could not get to although maybe a slight bit slower.
If you do longer trips and ride with sleds as well the wide Ratio really allows you to cruise right along.
Rode my 2012 for the last 2 seasons and there is no bike that goes
significantly better in the 450 class. Some of MX bikes are a bit better geared for deep snow and have slightly more power , but none would go anywhere where the WR,s could not get to although maybe a slight bit slower.
If you do longer trips and ride with sleds as well the wide Ratio really allows you to cruise right along.
Thanks for the reply powdermuncher one more question did you have to change the springs in your forks or did you leave them stock?
wr in the hils
the upside to a wr450
1 tough as heck
2. less prone to icing carb than ktm or yz
3. not limited by close ratio, leg it out and cruise when necessary
4. more you ride and skill level goes up, wratio less of a difference
5 easy to increase hp with yz cam
6 lights and electric start
7. so far no 4 stroke is a himarker anyway and high mark on bikes ?
8 wider better seat than most
9 no other lighter bike for the money
10 longer lasting less maintenance motor if you ride it real hard
the upside to a wr450
1 tough as heck
2. less prone to icing carb than ktm or yz
3. not limited by close ratio, leg it out and cruise when necessary
4. more you ride and skill level goes up, wratio less of a difference
5 easy to increase hp with yz cam
6 lights and electric start
7. so far no 4 stroke is a himarker anyway and high mark on bikes ?
8 wider better seat than most
9 no other lighter bike for the money
10 longer lasting less maintenance motor if you ride it real hard
I have the motocross kit in 136 with lowered ride hight and foot pegs that are located back 1.5 inches and bar risers pulled back as well, that reduces fork loading a fair bit , I do have the heavy springs here , but never installed them I am almost all the way in on compression on the fork so springs would be useful but not totally necessary. If you have a late model lower kit or lower one of the earlier ones you will be able to get away with the stockers. By the way this will dramatically improve handling for you main type of riding.
ran an 08 wr for 2 seasons and a 12 wr 450 for 2 season,no doubt they worked and I loved the e-start. had the yz cam, full yoshi exhaust, t stat, programable ecu and rode it like I stole it. Rode with a variety of other coloured bikes, tried em all and kept up. pretty happy my wr.
Only problem was I jumped on a 14 yz a few too man times last spring and decided to go kick start, 30 lbs lighter, better front shocks, easy air box mod and seat of the ants huge power jump, quicker power for the style of riding i like to do.
anyway... as others have said the wr rocks and goes everywhere and then some in comparison to many bikes, it was a rock solid ride. Changed oil each ride and otherwise fuel and go!!!
Only problem was I jumped on a 14 yz a few too man times last spring and decided to go kick start, 30 lbs lighter, better front shocks, easy air box mod and seat of the ants huge power jump, quicker power for the style of riding i like to do.
anyway... as others have said the wr rocks and goes everywhere and then some in comparison to many bikes, it was a rock solid ride. Changed oil each ride and otherwise fuel and go!!!
I have a '13 wr with a 14 mh. Rode with a couple Ktm 500s and a Ktm 450sx. They were all lt and mine is a st and I went where they did just was more work. I wasn't real happy with it the first day but the second day I played with the tune and got it working pretty good. I'd say go for it. Sure mx bike has a little more power and is lighter but estart and lights are pretty nice. And the ability to add hand warmers. I'd rather be comfortable while riding and ride longer then have to head in cause I'm frozen.
You're gonna need an exhaust and tuner for sure. And it sounds like retarding the exh cam one tooth really wakes up the motor.
You're gonna need an exhaust and tuner for sure. And it sounds like retarding the exh cam one tooth really wakes up the motor.
N
n16ht5
Well-known member
I have the cases split on my YZ450 and am putting in a WR 1st and 5th gears to give it some longer legs for cruising . Got a Rickystator with lighting output as well.. Next will be APT smart carb and it will dominate I hope! I had an 07 WR450 that I piped and retarded the exhaust cam on. It was heavy and had mediocre forks though .. The YZ suspension should be better as well as it is noticeably lighter. I don't mind kicking.
I have the cases split on my YZ450 and am putting in a WR 1st and 5th gears to give it some longer legs for cruising . Got a Rickystator with lighting output as well.. Next will be APT smart carb and it will dominate I hope! I had an 07 WR450 that I piped and retarded the exhaust cam on. It was heavy and had mediocre forks though .. The YZ suspension should be better as well as it is noticeably lighter. I don't mind kicking.
Correct me if I'm wrong, the 5th gear I can see but doesn't the WR have a lower ie granny gear 1st I thought the race bikes had a longer first gear.
M5
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