WR400 – Too Hardcore?

[Robster]

Being tempted by a very very nice looking WR400F which I'd use for Green Laning and winter commuting to keep the GS shiny and salt-free.

My question is, would the WR be too much of a hardcore off-roader to use for the daily commute? Would I need to drop the oil/change the plugs etc every other weekend? How easy is it to fit indicators etc - I presume as they never came fitted as standard that there's no wiring or switchgear. Is it really suited to road riding at all?

Love the look of them, but don't want to end up feeling that I should've gone for an XR or something....


Hmmmmmmmm :rolleyes:

[Jenna]

dont know if i would want to do massive miles on one.

not 100% sure on the 400 part number but the 450 factory road legal kit is 5bf-xl 100.0000.. ask Sam at Fowlers for an update on availability and price.

[Robster]

Thanks for that Jenna. Wouldn't really be massive miles....20 miles or so each way as a commute mostly...it varies week to week as I'm freelance but I don't work much further afield than that as a rule.

Am I right in thinking the WR400 doesn't have a battery? That'd make fitting indicators, horn etc a bit more tricky would it not?

[Recycler]

Just my tuppence worth - ran a XR600 for winter's commuting. No battery so no lights when it stalled at the traffic lights and it wasn't the easiest kick-starter I've had, so I'd be sweating away in full winter kit in the middle of the road..... such fun.


BUT.... the rest of the ride (usually) made up for it.

[phil w]

WRs are much the same as XRs Robster. Not sure about servicing but my XR is 1000kms but it really isnt a drama changing 2 lits of oil. No batt on XR and as long as well lit areas its not so bad in the dark, wear a hi viz and stick your arm out. Then you can have fun on a bike also for green laning.
Saying that a chap came on our run on a DR350 and it was easilly as nippy as XR and comes with full road kit so there are others that maybe more suitable.

[Robster]

Always worth thinking about yeah....I remember when my ATs Reg/Rec was playing up and trying to navigate Hyde Park Corner at night time rush-hour with a faltering stuttering bike that I had to pin at 5000rpm just to keep it from stalling and with birthday candle power lights - little to no fun at best!

Just found that Pro Racing do a Dual Sport Kit (http://www.proracing.co.uk/xc_lighting_wrf.htm) for the WR400F that weighs in at £320 inc VAT & delivery, plus another £65 inc VAT & delivery for a Speedo.

Makes a cheap bike considerably less cheap :rolleyes:

[Jenna]

the pro racing kits are much like the early quad kits aimed at enduro use.. relys on the bikes alternator. that said most modern quad kits with battery are upto £800 so £300 isnt that dear!

the kit is nothing special you could easily build your own for much less money (but more hassel).

[Robster]

The words "easily" and "build your own" don't really sit well with me! :D

i shall ponder some more :rolleyes:

[Robster]

My pondering worked.....it's sold! And not to me. Phew.


That was a mighty close shave though :rolleyes:

[XRDAVE]

I think you did well to ponder Rob. I had a WR a few years ago just for off-roading where it was great, it was fine on the odd road trip as well. HOWEVER it was a total ******* to start especially when hot. It was without a doubt the worst bike to kick that I have ever experienced bar none. I don't miss it.

[Robster]

Oh really?! That WAS a narrow escape then. Shame, 'cos it's a fantastic looking bike. I guess the electric start WR450F is the way to go then...if it's to be a Yam. Those are out of my "second bike" price range though.

Sooooo...the field narrows futher. Hmmmm....XR or DRZ.... :rolleyes:

[J]

Go electric you wont regret it :thumbup:

[phil w]

Go electric you wont regret it :thumbup:
My XR is a doddle to start most of the time, even after its been on its side and upside down. Its the knack . Mind a DRZ does make life easier;)

[MCsanandreas]

friend of mine had a WR400 for enduros a while ago. he also said they were pigs to start when hot. sold it quite quickly and now uses an e-start KTM.