My high schooler has outgrown his TTR 125 and my 6th grader is growing into it. So I am shopping again. Test drove a WR250R today and it felt like it had alot of speed on the top, but I immediately thought this thing is gonna need some sprocket modification for the low end. These 6-speed 4-strokes just don't have the snap of the 5-speed 2-stroke I grew up with. I like the Q4 on my 09 KLX250S, so that would also probably be another mod I would have to make. I liked the feel of the bigger WR, but being on my tippy-toes, has me a little concerned for tight trails.

So, my question - Is $2200 more for a fuel injected 2012 WR worth it over a 2009 KLX? Am I missing some other advantage of the Yamaha over the Kawasaki? I would ride the new WR, but I would let him have the new KLX. I like Kawasaki green and the new KLX would be black.

I don't do freeways, mainly used around the farm and an occasional trip to the Black Hills for trail riding. I prefer power over speed.

 

Based on the type of riding you do I think the KLX would be fine for you. And just think of the mods you can buy with the savings.

 

i say no beause i just don't think the wr is a great bike if it were a 450 i'd say yes but it fails to deliver for an efi bike go ride an exc350 and you will see what i mean or any other off road efi bike for that matter imho once you get more than half way to the price of a class leading bike there's no point you have to just go for it at some point weather it be an apprila or a beta or ktm, i just don't see laying out that much for a bike that will never have the real world ride-ability of one of those bikes thats just me and my mostly dirt riding use for bikes but to me thats how it is

 

Ktm exc450 is a great dual sport bike if you can afford. Not much price difference from wr . Its basically a racebike disguised as a dual sport. Higher maintenance though.
But klx fully modded to 351 is just as fun with a lot less money.

 

I say get another KLX - used. Pay 3k for a nice one and then make it yours for 2k more and you have a sweet ride.

 

this is how i see it...if you know you won't mod, than go with the wr250r...if you like to mod, work on carbs and sprockets, go with the klx250s...the wr250r is the better bike out-of-the-box....klx250s has potential to be customized to be a great bike for you...the klx250s can take some serious beating and keep on running...

 

Hey Camp,
I grew up in Spearfish riding my xr185 all over the northern hills and wyo. The wr250r is a nice bike but the price is hard to swallow. For that money you can get a nice used ktm. With the money saved buying the klx it leaves alot of money for mods like a Bill Blue BB kit. Where are you at in S.D. East or west river?

 

2vee,

30 miles east of Pierre. Only place the boys and I have gone is the forest trails between Nemo and Piedmont. Would like to find some other areas though. The KLX250 is a SF. Is there any difference from a 250 S? It has dirt tires.

 

Go for the S and see if you can find a leftover one instead of 2012. you might save enough to cover some of the mods you know your gonna do anyway.

Besides if you have two KLX's you only need one manual and fewer spares

Cheers, Jim

 

Syspension and rims/tires are different.
I'd get another KLX for sure. You'll know the bike(s) better, less parts, save $$$.
WR's have there issues that need addressed ($$$) as well.