Thanks for making this! I currently own a 250F and it makes perfect power 90% of the time. The other 10% is when I want the torque to power slide, climb up mountains, or bomb down a fire road. I love Yamaha's engineering and reliability but I think I will eventually graduate to a KTM 350.
@@michaelaus7346 I hear ya! The part prices and availability are better on Yamaha for sure. I'm still undecided whether the 350 makes sense since my current skills cannot outpace the 250. Eventually I'd like to have 2 dirtbikes. One for more aggressive singletrack and another for long distance open desert trips. Perhaps a YZ250FX and WR450F 🤔
Finally a good video on this topic! Was kind of on the fence but i think ill be going 450. I have lots of motorcycle experience but not a lot a dirt experience. Im a big guy at 6ft 1in and 285lbs, i wont be doing a lot of super technical stuff, mostly more open trails, and i intend to make it street legal so the extea power on the road will be nice. The new ones having the power tuner and different map settings is a big bonus too
Good few years ago ; rode with two friends on a wr 450 & 426 My carefully jetted ktm 250 exc two stroke used 30 to 40 % less fuel over the whole day than the two four bangers We rode side by side near the full ride - in tight woods mostly The result surprised me
I just picked up my 2022 450F. Holy shit what a machine. I couldn't keep the front wheel down and 1 finger on the brake was enough to stoppie. I've owned a 1290 Superduke R and the 450 still scares me
Buddy. enjoyed watching that a lot The only thing is you've just made it harder for me to what to buy now. They both seem good. Got to work the gears more on one, Better fuel consumption on one as well. Looks like the ride was just great on both bikes.
28 mpg is not bad for a 450F. 60 miles is a much better range than most 300cc 2 strokes. Also I've added a coolant recovery bottle to mine for better capacity. Good video.
I have a 23 250f and the throttle was snatchy from closed to open. Ended up cutting the slot for the throttle cable smaller which fixed it but you will need to twist it more for full throttle
To be honest...this wasn't too long after i got the 450. I hadn't quite bonded with it yet. If you watch some of my more recent videos with it, you'll see it's a different story now.
So I’m a big time beginner lol but I like the tractor factor should I go with the wr250f 450f or I’ve also been eyeballing a klx300r. Plz help I’m trying to decide and it seems impossible but I love the way these bikes look with the headlight
The beauty of the WR is that it's sprung a bit soft but with the all the adjustments I can get it pretty stiff. In other words, unless you're racing you can dial this in to be quite comfortable. Right now, using a 2023 Beta 300RR as a reference, I have mine just a bit softer than the 300RR.
The 250 did. The 450 does not. Not only was it not available at the time of purchase but I've not had a reason to pursue getting one as it has plenty of power.
I am looking at a new 2023 WR450F and am wondering how long I can ride it mostly on woods roads and easy trails here in northern Wisconsin without having to rebuild the engine?
Well I can tell you that I don't plan on a rebuild unless this one actually seizes. I don't race this bike and I don't "abuse" it. So other than oil changes and general maintenance I don't plan on doing anything special. That said I'll refer you to the dealer to answer this question. My maintenance practices are poor compared to most and I'd hate to lead you astray.
Is your 450 bike stock but uncorked? If so how does it do with the stock ECU I was worried they would run to lean uncorked with the stock ECU. Right now you can't even find a competition ECU anywhere. Good video thanks.
Yes. Stock and uncorked. I trust Yamaha with the design. They actually design it to run uncorked. They only cork it up to meet regulatory standards in certain areas. California is to blame primarily. I find it to run well as is. I'll not be searching for the comp ecu.
@@Gamet36 I wonder how the uncorked WR250F compares to the corked up WR450F. I have the 2019 WR250 and it's a beast in the woods uncorked. It's very blippable. I assume that your WR250 was uncorked as well.
I've ridden both. I like the 250 better for single track. It's MUCH more flick able... The 450 is great but WAY to powerful for single track. You can do it but the 250 is more fun.
Well I watched your video and I thank you for the content. I have some critiques about your observations and conclusions which have lead you away from the bike that can develop your skill set to a bike which will impede that development. What I observed is you are using the 450's power to compensate for your lack of holistic power management. The clutch is used as one of the key components of power management and is more exposed/obvious in a lower, yet capable power/torque configuration. Consider going back to the 250 and learn to integrate the throttle, clutch, breaks and spring loading as the four key components of power management. And when you can take the stone from my hand, it will be time for you to leave.
"holistic power management" That's a new one. But at least it is understandable. I noticed, when I got to good speed on single track in Michigan, I was using almost all the controls at the same time, overlapping each other of course. But I ride a 2-stroke that actually takes more skill. :)
Hmmm you must be a pretty big guy, cause my 2021 250F picks me up with barely any throttle. Prior to switching out to the GYTR ECU, 1st gear was useless...it was pick up central.
I think the 2021 was retuned. I had the 2018 and though it could do it I had to make it. The 450 is just more. It can be controlled but like I said you have to respect the throttle.
@@Gamet36 when I got into riding bikes I started on a wr250r than progressed to a 450 Ktm and now I have the 500. Man I would love to own an 890 one day. I used to own a 990 adventure…..I regret ever selling it 😮💨
Haven't ridden the Honda. This bike you can switch maps if you buy the extra ECU, bluetooth, and switch for another $600. Oh and if you can find one.(chip shortage) I've found that using the free mods with the current ECU does just fine.
@Right Hand Twist Looks like the 23 WR250F now comes with the map switch and a download mappable standard ECU that connects to the smartphone App now... is the new 23 WR450F not the same?
Thanks for making this! I currently own a 250F and it makes perfect power 90% of the time. The other 10% is when I want the torque to power slide, climb up mountains, or bomb down a fire road. I love Yamaha's engineering and reliability but I think I will eventually graduate to a KTM 350.
I couldn't ever go Euro, parts are always wait for months on end till hell freezes over... lol
@@michaelaus7346 I hear ya! The part prices and availability are better on Yamaha for sure. I'm still undecided whether the 350 makes sense since my current skills cannot outpace the 250. Eventually I'd like to have 2 dirtbikes. One for more aggressive singletrack and another for long distance open desert trips. Perhaps a YZ250FX and WR450F 🤔
@@fynn8252why not get a wr450 and detune it if you're really interested in a 350?
Looks like KTM won't survive what is currently going there.(Dec. 2024) Good luck with parts availability
Finally a good video on this topic! Was kind of on the fence but i think ill be going 450. I have lots of motorcycle experience but not a lot a dirt experience. Im a big guy at 6ft 1in and 285lbs, i wont be doing a lot of super technical stuff, mostly more open trails, and i intend to make it street legal so the extea power on the road will be nice. The new ones having the power tuner and different map settings is a big bonus too
Good few years ago ; rode with two friends on a wr 450 & 426
My carefully jetted ktm 250 exc two stroke used 30 to 40 % less fuel over the whole day than the two four bangers
We rode side by side near the full ride - in tight woods mostly
The result surprised me
Appreciate the video and certainly helps me with my decision….250 will do the trick!
I just picked up my 2022 450F. Holy shit what a machine. I couldn't keep the front wheel down and 1 finger on the brake was enough to stoppie. I've owned a 1290 Superduke R and the 450 still scares me
Exactly! If you watch my new bike video you see I say the same thing. I got used to it pretty quick but you still have to respect the power.
Buddy. enjoyed watching that a lot The only thing is you've just made it harder for me to what to buy now. They both seem good. Got to work the gears more on one, Better fuel consumption on one as well. Looks like the ride was just great on both bikes.
Very helpful video mate! Thanks for posting :)
I have the WR250f, it's fantastic in the desert and in the mountains. I love the bike went out and did forty miles yesterday had a ball.
It's an awesome bike for sure. You can't really go wrong with either.
40 miles Well can you walk it in soft sand?
THANK YOU!
Great video real talking like a conversation instead of a comparison
Excellent video looks like a fun place to ride!
28 mpg is not bad for a 450F. 60 miles is a much better range than most 300cc 2 strokes. Also I've added a coolant recovery bottle to mine for better capacity. Good video.
A great explanation of the two bikes. I have a 250wr and I am not happy with the power. Time for a 450 test ride.
The most powerful YZ is the YZ 450, which has titanium valves.
I have a 23 250f and the throttle was snatchy from closed to open. Ended up cutting the slot for the throttle cable smaller which fixed it but you will need to twist it more for full throttle
I went with the G2 throttle tamer. That took care of it.
Thanks for the video, it help me decide which one to buy!
Glad i could help! Which did you decide on?
The 450 of course. I have a YZ 250 2 stroke but it’s a handful in the tight woods. The 450 looks just right.
The new 250s will totally blow that 18 away. MUCH MORE bottom end in the new(22 and up) ones
just from the videos it seems to me that in these conditions you are much more cautious with the 450 than with the 250....
To be honest...this wasn't too long after i got the 450. I hadn't quite bonded with it yet. If you watch some of my more recent videos with it, you'll see it's a different story now.
So I’m a big time beginner lol but I like the tractor factor should I go with the wr250f 450f or I’ve also been eyeballing a klx300r. Plz help I’m trying to decide and it seems impossible but I love the way these bikes look with the headlight
If you're a bigginer go for the 250 without question. If you're trying to get into the dualsport world then yes the klx300 is another great bike.
I rode the dual sport klx300. Not the klx300R though.
It has nooooo power lol.
What about the suspension? I have a 2021 CRF250RX and, even after respring/revalve, it still beats me to death in 2nd gear over rocks and roots.
The beauty of the WR is that it's sprung a bit soft but with the all the adjustments I can get it pretty stiff. In other words, unless you're racing you can dial this in to be quite comfortable. Right now, using a 2023 Beta 300RR as a reference, I have mine just a bit softer than the 300RR.
Awesome video im still stuck which one to get
Either one will put a smile on your face!
I might have missed it, but do both of these (250 & 450) bikes have the competition ECU's?
The 250 did. The 450 does not. Not only was it not available at the time of purchase but I've not had a reason to pursue getting one as it has plenty of power.
I am looking at a new 2023 WR450F and am wondering how long I can ride it mostly on woods roads and easy trails here in northern Wisconsin without having to rebuild the engine?
Well I can tell you that I don't plan on a rebuild unless this one actually seizes. I don't race this bike and I don't "abuse" it. So other than oil changes and general maintenance I don't plan on doing anything special. That said I'll refer you to the dealer to answer this question. My maintenance practices are poor compared to most and I'd hate to lead you astray.
Man, I dig a 2-stroke with a $150.00 top end rebuild that I can do in 2 hours with my eyes closed. :)
How would the power on the 450 compare to the power on a KTM350?
I can't answer that. I've not ridden the KTM.
Bring it here in philippines you eill enjoy rideng here
I'm sure I would!
Hey man, we want to try it and see the differences between it and YZ, and what about titanium valves?
@user-F9 Are you offering the YZ to compare? I'm not sure of the titanium valves. I've not done any internal mods nor do I plan on it.
Look at how thin that seat is lol I miss real woods bikes like the kdx’s and xr’s of old
Is your 450 bike stock but uncorked? If so how does it do with the stock ECU I was worried they would run to lean uncorked with the stock ECU. Right now you can't even find a competition ECU anywhere. Good video thanks.
Yes. Stock and uncorked. I trust Yamaha with the design. They actually design it to run uncorked. They only cork it up to meet regulatory standards in certain areas. California is to blame primarily. I find it to run well as is. I'll not be searching for the comp ecu.
@@Gamet36 I wonder how the uncorked WR250F compares to the corked up WR450F. I have the 2019 WR250 and it's a beast in the woods uncorked. It's very blippable. I assume that your WR250 was uncorked as well.
@@spindrift2582 the uncorked 250 vs corked 450 would be very close. Yes my 250 was uncorked with the competition ecu. It was great.
Uncorked? That is what I may do after a ride. I have no idea what it means to this generation pertaining to a bike.
I've ridden both. I like the 250 better for single track. It's MUCH more flick able... The 450 is great but WAY to powerful for single track. You can do it but the 250 is more fun.
I can go either way. What you say is accurate but I love having the power. It gives more options for varied riding areas.
The 450 sounds like it’s Snarling lol
i put a 170 g weight on my flywheel on my wr 250 . That help a lot
was wondering if the 450 felt weighty compared to the 250 ?
Not at all. You'd probably need a scale to really tell the difference.
@@Gamet36 ty for the reply
The 450 would probley feel lighter in most situations because of the massive TQ everywhere in the power band.
If the the 450 had a six speed, it would be perfect
Well I watched your video and I thank you for the content. I have some critiques about your observations and conclusions which have lead you away from the bike that can develop your skill set to a bike which will impede that development. What I observed is you are using the 450's power to compensate for your lack of holistic power management. The clutch is used as one of the key components of power management and is more exposed/obvious in a lower, yet capable power/torque configuration. Consider going back to the 250 and learn to integrate the throttle, clutch, breaks and spring loading as the four key components of power management. And when you can take the stone from my hand, it will be time for you to leave.
Take the stone from your hand! I love it!
"holistic power management" That's a new one. But at least it is understandable. I noticed, when I got to good speed on single track in Michigan, I was using almost all the controls at the same time, overlapping each other of course. But I ride a 2-stroke that actually takes more skill. :)
Did your wr250f come with the ccu to use the tuner app on your phone?
No. It wasn't available on the year that I had.
Hmmm you must be a pretty big guy, cause my 2021 250F picks me up with barely any throttle. Prior to switching out to the GYTR ECU, 1st gear was useless...it was pick up central.
I think the 2021 was retuned. I had the 2018 and though it could do it I had to make it. The 450 is just more. It can be controlled but like I said you have to respect the throttle.
Your 250 does it have the competition ECU because with the mods and that ECU, the 250 becomes a totally different bike
Yes it did. I also had the gytr programmer. It was an '18 so it didn't have the Bluetooth programming yet.
@@Gamet36 yha I had to purchase the competition ecu and the gytr wifi connection also 1400.00$ but well worth it
Walker valley?
It is.
Im a Ktm guy but I like the blue bikes too 🤙 just subbed
I get it. I have the 890 and this WR. Great bikes.
@@Gamet36 when I got into riding bikes I started on a wr250r than progressed to a 450 Ktm and now I have the 500. Man I would love to own an 890 one day. I used to own a 990 adventure…..I regret ever selling it 😮💨
so can you switch maps? does it help for single track? also have you ridden the crf450rl?
Haven't ridden the Honda. This bike you can switch maps if you buy the extra ECU, bluetooth, and switch for another $600. Oh and if you can find one.(chip shortage) I've found that using the free mods with the current ECU does just fine.
@Right Hand Twist Looks like the 23 WR250F now comes with the map switch and a download mappable standard ECU that connects to the smartphone App now... is the new 23 WR450F not the same?
@@paulhope3401 Not sure on the 23 model. Mine is the 22 and on the WR's it was an extra. The YZ's it came standard with the mode buttons.
You need an exhaust on her
Don't care wat anyone says - a 450 cc bike in this type of woods riding - it's ok overkill
I enjoy it quite a bit. Yea I can get by with the 250 but the 450 tingles that part of the brain. Plus it really helps with some of the hill climbs.