WR450 vs CR450

[wilsonck]

Can you guys who have these bikes fill me in on them? I am looking for a bike and had thought of getting either the WR450 or a CR450X. I understand that the CR450's may have head issues or have problems with the valves, is this true? Have many people had issues with them?

Any other thoughts, concerns you can share?

thanks

 

[montanasledder]

I have an 07 wr 450, after some mods its a great bike. I think the crf has more power stock but the Yamaha reliabilty is awsome. I put exhaust and rejetted, regeared and a few other things. the bikes rips now and has no miss or hesitation at all. no regrets switching from team red to team blue

 

[Xrider]

Not really sure about the CRFx but I can say that my WR450 has been a great bike. Free mods, jetting, exhaust, regeared, and it pulls HARD. Totally reliable too, it's never even so much as burped. I ride alone a lot and never worry if it's going to get me home.

 

[Rowboat]

That WR will run that CRF into the ground all day long. Yamaha has bar none the best 4 stroke on the market, shoot they pioneered the high performance four-stroke. First thing I'd do with it is gear it down, not really a necessity to throw an exhaust on it, that bike has plenty of snort.

Honda's CRF was dubbed "head eaters" for a reason... but as long as you keep your valves in spec, they sure do run hard tho. They eventually solved the problem in '07 or '08 can't remember exactly.

 

[wilsonck]

sounds good.

What did you guys gear down to?

 

[montanasledder]

i went 13-52 on mine. that makes first gear nice and low for the tight technical stuff.

 

[cubby]

Mines an older one 2003 wr 450f,but it flat out rips. As others here have said rejetting, and all the free mods that thumpertalk has to offer and these bikes fly! Never had a problem with mine and a friend has a 05 wr450f never a problem with it. But you will want to put on exhaust they are really choked down from the factory. IMO

 

[johnny be bad]

the yamaha has better valves, the key to keeping the honda strong is maintaning it. clean that filter regularly and you wont have a problem. and either bike is good. i had the crf450r and it was a wicked ride.

 

[PGTDragon]

I rode an 07 CRF450X for 2 seasons and got rid of it last fall, the valve problems are nonexistent in the 07 and up bikes. The nice thing about the X is the heavy flywheel and lower gearing you can chug right along and pick your way through stuff without killing it, the bad thing is loss of top end power and it does not have the snap of an R bike. I am going to get either an 09 /10 CRF450r or the new YZ and put a Recluse auto clutch in it for this summer season. I like having the ability to ride the technical stuff and trail ride but want the power for the trips to Dumont Dunes and Glamis and the occasional track day. Either way both bikes will get the job done without any problems for you.

 

[Dogmeat]

Can you guys who have these bikes fill me in on them? I am looking for a bike and had thought of getting either the WR450 or a CR450X. I understand that the CR450's may have head issues or have problems with the valves, is this true? Have many people had issues with them?

Any other thoughts, concerns you can share?

thanks

The forks on the CR450X's are absolute garbage. I can't wait to send mine off this spring to get a Race Tech rebuild ... they're completley just wrong, I don't know what else to say about it. The WR bikes are a lot mor stable from the two that I've ridden (06' and an 08') .... I have had no trouble whatsoever with the valves on my 07' CR, but I've never checked the valve lash on it even yet ... I should probably do that this spring ...

The CR motor definatley has punch .... thats the one plus of that bike IMO. If I had it to do over again I think for general trail riding the WR is a better handling bike.

 

[tech a]

I've got a 05 450X and have had zero problems, added a steahly flywheel
weight and dropped to a 12 on the front sprocket...I have not even adjusted the valves yet and have ridden the crap out of it since 06 (bought as a hold-over). I change/clean air filter 2-3 times a year, oil once a year....just keep
wearing out tires!
Edit: I also did the JD jetting kit and did have to replace the battery last year....

 

[cmantle1]

go blue and stay true....

 

[Rowboat]

FYI I've got a Hinson Inner hub for your clutch if you get an '05 CRF

 

[Dobber1]

Can't go wrong with either one....they make an adaptor for each!

[/IMG]

 

[montanasledder]

Dobber how well do they work?