thinking of a used 450. Which one?

[Kirk]

I'm on my second '84xr500. (got my first one at 16 - never had to do anything to either bike - probably 15k miles between the two) Like the bike - like the power - realize the suspension is out-dated. My 15yr old is growing out of his xr200. He is 6' tall and growing. I have to keep the 200 around for little brothers. Thinking of getting another 400/450 for me, and he and I will ride any of the 3 bikes. I'm 6'4 -260 - never been on a "track", don't really plan to. We mostly ride desert, some single track/trail riding. I've got a 9 yr old and 6 yr old I spend a lot of time following around on littler bikes. I've always assumed my next bike would be a xr650 - but I don't go that fast, that often any more, so it seems overkill......

I really don't want to lose much power - so not really interested in 250-300 cc's right now. I want something that will be as low maint. as possible. Maybe a little lighter, and better suspension. I have narrowed my thoughts down to crf450x, wr450, or xr400(should I even consider this?).

I've got some neighbors that might get me into slickrock/some technical stuff - but not sure would be that much. I think I may get an automatic clutch if I do. I think I may make it street legal too.

Seems like the crf "X" might be a little quicker/better suspension, but more maint? Is the engine is the same as the crf "R" (I hear you have to re-build the top ends often?)

WR seems to be the safer choice from what I read.

Could probably spend 2-3K

Would really like opinions on who likes what....

Thanks

 

[Gravy]

Don't even consider a XR.
wr or x are both fine for what you're explaining.
the x isn't the same as an R.
Russ and Caleb will tell you to get a WR.
Mooreskin will tell you to get a 450x
Jeeper will tell you to get an oil burner 250
Greg. Pelygroso and Anderson will tell you get a KTM300
Jared might recommend even throwing a DRZ400 into the mix. They are fun as heck as a trail bike and very reliable (albeit detuned compared to the 450 dual sports).

I'd say you won't be unhappy with the x or the wr and I used to lust after a magic button until I started riding track also... now I want to get rid of every ounce of extra weight, and be able to swap street legal stuff on for other rides.
"One Ring to rule them all!"

 

[anderson750]

Greg. Pelygroso and Anderson will tell you get a KTM300

Wrong.......I was going to recommend a WR 450. If you can get an 07 or newer since you will have the aluminum frame and it will be a little bit lighter. I loved my '08 WR 450 for trail riding and long trips. The WR will be the lowest maintenance of the 450's since the x will need valves much sooner. However, there is no bike that is as fun and versatile as a 300.

 

[Greg]

Greg Pelygroso and Anderson will tell you get a KTM300

Negative...

Wrong.......I was going to recommend a WR 450. If you can get an 07 or newer since you will have the aluminum frame and it will be a little bit lighter. I loved my '08 WR 450 for trail riding and long trips. The WR will be the lowest maintenance of the 450's since the x will need valves much sooner. However, there is no bike that is as fun and versatile as a 300.

x2

Even my steel framed '04 WR450 was a great bike. A little heavy, but it worked very well and I had NO reliability issues. Mine was plated and I would ride it to & from the local trails... it was a blast riding on the street with a 'dirt bike'!

Out of the 3 bikes listed, the WR450 is an easy pick, especially considering the $2-3k budget. The XR400 is decent, but it's not comparable to the modern 4 strokes IMO. I know there are a few here that ride CRF's, but they're not my thing and I think for a desert/singletrack bike that will probably see some street time, the WR leads the way.

 

[ChestonScout]

Just buy Russ' wr 450. His bike rides smoooooooth, is dead reliable and pretty much in your price range.

 

[Gravy]

And it's already sprung and tuned for a bigger guy.

 

[rholbrook]

Just buy Russ' wr 450. His bike rides smoooooooth, is dead reliable and pretty much in your price range.

Yep, come take mine for a spin. Perfect bike for you. The X would make a good bike if the steel valves have been put in it

 

[Kirk]

Thanks for all the comments - Funny thing is there is another 83 xr500 on KSL with the original rear tire for $1,200. I smiled when I saw it. It would be cool to have a matching set

 

[Tonkaman]

The WR is definitely the most reliable and maintenance free. I say its a clear winner for your needs.

 

[Rot Box]

When you get a new bike you should give me your XR... It would look great sitting next to my 84 CR500R


Put me down for a WR450 vote. Outstanding bikes you would not regret that decision at all.

 

[rholbrook]

This is my BIL's 1984 XR500. It may have 500 miles tops. It was sitting for years in a shed on his property in the Uintas. I made him bring it home so I could put some fork seals in it, clean the carb, change the oil and put a new rear tire on it because the original was cracked really bad. This thing still is fast. I wanted one in the day but could not find one when they first came out. I settled for an XT500.