I am looking between the WR and the Honda (x) model. Has anyone ridden both with some feedback?

I have ridden both but at two different places, so I cannot remember a fair comparison.

Is it worth buying new, I heard they are fuel injected now????

Any feedback would be great,

Brandon

I've ridden both a few times and I would definitely go with the Honda the WR felt heavy to me and the x seemed to have more "get up" they were both 06's

I think the WR exhaust needs to be unplugged if purchased new. I think there is a throttle stop as well.

Are the new ones fuel injected?
Is fuel injection worth it?

Thank you


Brandon

The WR and x aren't FI

FI is very nice but a well set up carb is just as good. The new YZ has FI on it for 2010. The WR will be a year or so behind.

The valvetrain is bulletproof on the WR and will need far less adjustments. With an exhaust and the 1 wire cut (Was called the grey wire mod), the WR has more motor but these bikes aren't about pure horsepower.

Both awesome bikes but if given choice I'd go with the X.....

Do you need the X or the WR? I have tried R and Fireballs bike and there seems (to me) a huge difference in the bikes. I know red vs. green sticker is a thing. I got the X because of the green sticker. It does well with a 10 paddle, maybe a little heavy at times. Good luck on what ever you get.

I've ridden them , and they are both great bikes. The WR needs a little more stuff done to it to make it competitive with the X's engine. Mainly the cams. Both of them need exhausts, jetting, and smog block off kits as soon as you bring them home. They are jetted very lean from the factory to get past the EPA crap. I raced an X last year and it would be my choice out of the two.

they are both great bikes, you might want to consider other things to help with your decision. closest dealer? do you have a favorite shop? if so what brand do they specialize in ? etc.

I have nothing but good things to say about my 450X. Electric start is easy on my bad knee and the green sticker works better for me. Have not riden the WR but mine has been a great bike.

Also might want to consider a Kawasaki KLX450. That is my latest bike, and so far my favorite. The motor is even better than the X model. Its just a hair slower than my KX450, and thats stock with just a pipe and jetting. Very solid bike, go check them out.

Thank you for all the responses...

I am taking a look at a few bikes this week.

I selected these bikes because #1) Green sticker, and #2) electric start.
Primarily the electric start. Doing some more research it seems that the
(x) version is roughly 40 lbs more than the ® versions. I personally think
that is a pretty significant weight difference? (especially since I am heavy enough already lol.)


Brandon

What kind of riding are you planning on doing? Mostly trails? Or hard pack desert stuff? I'm a tad bit on the heavy side also so I can give you some advice based on my past experiences.

Primarily Glamis riding with some hard pak. I am not a "racer" or "jumper" but we do like to hit the dunes. That is why I was concerned about the weight a bit.


Brandon

I have never ridden a WR but have ridden a "X". If you have ridden a "R" model, you are going to be looking for more power. There are some good tips out there to do an airbox mod, cams, smog gear blank off plates, exhaust, rejet. You might want to find out what people are running for gears to. The rear tire is an 18 vice a 19 which is on the "R". An 8 cup paddle for the "X" is a good match.

If you are concerned about weight, I would HIGHLY recommend respringing the suspension and setting sag for your body/riding weight. This will be beyond huge for your comfort and the performance of the bike. Also, if you're older and don't want to fight the wobble an handle bar shake, get a steering stablizier. Scotts or GPR are both good choices. Suspension and steering are your best money spent. The $1000-1500 you spend will make you enjoy your 2 wheel experience much more.

I think you will be happy with an X model. That way you will be more versatile and able to ride longer distances. The X model needs jetting, pipe, and smog kit. It also makes a huge difference changing the cam out for a "hot" cam or maybe even a stock R model cam. I'm willing to bet once you get riding, you will want to do other stuff besides Glamis. And the X model will be a lot more comfortable. The R model is pretty aggressive, and the suspension is more harsh. The X model is a lot more plush. Look into the Kawi KLX450 also. Like I said, It's my favorite so far out of the three. The motor is the best out of the three mentioned, and needs the fewest mods to get some good power out of it. If you don't need an electric start, the R model is awesome for the dunes.. Lighter weight, and plenty of power. The new fuel injected bikes are a breeze to start hot or cold.

Also just wanted to ad Brandon, your shop is right down the street from my house. You're more than welcome to come by and check out my KLX450 and take it for a spin up and down the street.

I have a WR that I have had for 2.5 years now. I love the bike. I have had 0 problems with it, I do nothing but change the oil and I replaced the fork seals. Other than that it starts every time, it's comfortable to ride I really like the bike. The WR has a cool trip computer the the Honda doesnt have.

This is all great info.. Thank you everyone.

And thank you Woodster for the offer I just might take you up on that!



Brandon

Kawi has the cool trip meter also........

I would get the Honda or Kawasaki........

Click to view attachment

A test ride is worth alot and definitely take that klx out for a spin. I would prefer kick start over electric start for the weight savings but there are days when I wish I had it. I ride a red sticker bike with no problems but I understand wanting a green sticker bike.