Opinions
I spent a lot of time riding 250cc four-stroke off-road bikes in 2004, and I purposely rode the WR250F less than either the Honda CRF250X or even the KTM 250 EXC RFS. The bike just wasn't a favorite, but I can't say that for 2005. If we are comparing showroom stock bikes, the Honda is much nicer and runs a lot stronger than the WR. With the changes we made, though, the WR makes ponies that even modified CRF250Xs won't match. The bike is fast and fun, handles well and runs hard! The WR450F has a crisp, muscular feel that will make it a far better race mount. It has plenty of power and handles with a lighter feel. I just think I'd get tired sooner on the WR450F than on the KTM I usually choose to ride. Riders more used to Japanese machinery will love the big WR, though, and for 2005, it's legal in all 50 states! Too cool.Karel Kramer/6'1"/205 lb/B rider (DR trail boss)
I missed out on the lavish spewing of PR mumbo jumbo (instead, sneaking off on a bike to do photos), so I have no idea about all the tech angles. But what I felt was incredible. First, the WR450F. For me, the smoother motor, like the YZ450F's, can only be better. I thought it was just from the bitchin' new muffler, which is nice and quiet yet lets the bike rip. (And if you throw a loud pipe on this bike, you are an idiot!) Even though you hear the chain slap more than the exhaust note now, it goes as hard as it ever has to. I know, as I was turning faster laps on it than on the new CR and RM 250cc MX bikes at the Piru MX track. And jumping the huge tabletop was no problem for the suspension, which feels much more lively and active. It still has its battery up high-most bikes like this do-yet its handling is hugely improved and it feels lighter. Back out on the trails, the 450 offers everything I'm looking for except long fuel range and hand guards. And for you antsy guys, it's available now and will be a few hundred dollars less than the Honda CRF-X.
The WR250F felt mostly the same as the 450, maybe not as drastic. But a smoother and torquier pull will definitely help this little screamer. The WR250F has always felt light to me, so I wasn't as impressed with the revisions as with the 450, though the suspension on the 250 was noticeably less dead feeling.Jimmy Lewis/5'10"/180 lb/AAA trail rider
I put some considerable time on the '04 WR450F and was really enjoying its handling and power, so I was curious to see if the improvements on the new model were detectable. My first outing on the 2005 450 was eye-opening; it revved so fast and felt so light and nimble that I had to look on the rear fender to check the WR450F sticker to make sure I really was on the bigger WR. It is that noticeable. Of course, swapping between the 250 and 450 really highlights the individual traits of each, but both are substantially improved in the handling department. And both felt fluffy off idle, though the 450 overcomes this deficiency with torque and a smooth delivery that rushes to its substantial midrange. I did have a difficult time sorting out the suspension on the big WR. It has a skittish nature compared with the sedate personality of last year's WR, which is a good thing in the tight and twisties but not confidence-inspiring in the high-speed open sand and rocks that the motor craves.