WR250R for single track riding and seat height question

Hi,
After 8 years, I am considering selling my DR-z400S and buying a slightly used WR250R.
I really like my DRZ and with the Jet kit upgrade , open air box, all the protection and revised gearing.
I now mostly use it as a trail bike /aggressive  dual sport with very little road usage.
My only complaint about the bike is when I get into tight single track woods riding. I live in the upper Midwest.
I am not a big guy (5’7” 160lbs) and I get tired with the heavy bike. (Also for lack of skills)
I used to  own a DR-250 off road bike and it was easier mainly because it was lighter. (Although the inferior suspension and power)
At one point I considered buying a used dirt bike like a CR-F250x or the wr250F, but for one-two time a year that I will ride single track exclusively, I don’t think it’s worth it.  
Let me just say again  I am very happy with the DR-z400S for even tough 2 track off road riding, it just in the tight single track I feel the weight/size.
I was thinking the WR250R would be an improvement in the tight woods single track sections. I am not sure. It’s 20lb+ lighter and shorter will base, but will it be a significant improvement?
Also I have a Corbin on my DR-z and although not flat footing, it bring my feet much closer to  the ground. Out of the aftermarket seats what brings the feet lowest to  the ground? (Sargent, Corbin Seat concept etc..)

Your feedback appreciated.

The WRR is not great at the single track, it works okay, my son has a Husky 310 and it is way easier to ride in the real tight sheet, the lighter the bike the better. both him and myself are over 6 ft so the bikes are not too tall, most of the time we are standing, there are lots of tricks to lower the WRR.

My thought is the two bikes are very similar. The WRR might be a bit shorter but both would need modifications to flatfoot at 67" tall. The WRR MIGHT be more nimble due to it's lower weight, but the DRZ has some TORQUE, which is missing on the WRR.

I chose the WRR over the DRZ because it vibrates less on the road, and has greater fuel range. After riding it for a couple years, I also got a trail bike...

So basically what I understand is that it’s not worth it.
Either suck it and get into woods single track with DRZ-400S or get a Wr250F for riding single track. The WR250R is not a big upgrade over the DRZ in tight woods riding and for two track might be even a disadvantage over the DRz400S.

The wrr feels more than 20 pounds lighter than a drz on tight trails but if your not spending a whole bunch of time on tight trails I'd stick with your drz.

Now this is a different answer than the other two.
I currently ride off road/dual sport about 6-7 times a year. Some of those are AMA or other club run dual sport rides. Usually a two day events. Out of the dual sport rides, probably only 5% is single track. I would like to  increase it to  more like 25%-50% single track. Currently I feel that dual track woods riding isn’t challenging enough, and the single track is overly challenging with the DRZ400S. All I am thinking is a bike that will be good for dual sporting and single track without buying a dirt bike. Let me just add, I ride a lot of gravel roads on my big ADV bike, but I don’t consider this off road riding.

Try to test ride one at one of those dualsport rides. Only you can decide if the wrr is better for you than the drz, I had a hard time picking between the two when I bought the wrr, it being a little lighter and more importantly carrying its weight lower made me chose the wrr as I ride just as much on tight trails as I do in the open. I cant call it single track as its mostly atv trail around here but the really rutted ones are pretty difficult, out in the open stuff I'd like the drzs tq better.

I will try, but it's not that easy.
Thanks,

Biglake wrote:

Try to test ride one at one of those dualsport rides. Only you can decide if the wrr is better for you than the drz, I had a hard time picking between the two when I bought the wrr, it being a little lighter and more importantly carrying its weight lower made me chose the wrr as I ride just as much on tight trails as I do in the open.  I cant call it single track as its mostly atv trail around here but the really rutted ones are pretty difficult, out in the open stuff I'd like the drzs tq better.

If your worried about seat height, these bikes can be lowered, lowering link for rear suspension, seat concepts makes a lower profile seat, the forks can slide up about 1" max. there is ways of doing this.

I wouldn't rule out a dedicated trail bike like the WR250F or CRF250X. I switched from the R2 to the WRF. There is no comparison between a true trail bike and dual sport.

Ya got that right, really enjoyed my old IT 200 2 smokes, light fun power band, so simple to work on, and not so high in the saddle, fun days.

Not worried about seat height. Usually an aftermarket seat lowers the bike enough (not flat foot)
I see that the low Seat Concept is the least expensive. I have good results with a corbin on my DRZ400S. It's about an inch lower than stock and that's good enough for me. Don't need to mass with the suspension.

I am still not sure that the time and money spent on selling my DRZ400 (that i like a lot) and getting a WR250 and custom make it to my liking for marginal better single track riding is worth it.

Hope I can find someone with it on the trails that will let me test ride it.

Fiftygrit wrote:

If your worried about seat height, these bikes can be lowered, lowering link for rear suspension, seat concepts makes a lower profile seat, the forks can slide up about 1" max. there is ways of doing this.

I finally got to really test the WR250R. I participated in a big off road event in North MN and met a nice guy that let me test the WR. (He rode my DRZ)
I believe the WR250R is the better bike in every aspect other than low end torque. I rode it for at least 20 miles from pavement to tight single track that barely could get the handlebar through the trees.

I was actually surprised how good it was on the pavement although it had a smaller sprocket on the front. On the single track I was in 2-3 gear other than the areas where I could barely get through , compared to 1-2 on the DRZ. It felt more relaxed on the road at 60MPH than my DRZ at 5th gear. (My DRZ has a larger front sprocket. )

It turns slightly easier too, but tight single track is tough no matter the bike. My DRZ felt to me a little more stable on Sandy two track, but maybe it’s a tire pressure or suspension set up.
Overall if I was to buy a light weight d/s bike today, I would buy the WR250R, I am still not sure it’s worth the hassle of switching my DRZ to the WR.
They are very similar and can do anything bikes and both are very reliable. It’s not just buying and selling, it’s all the farkling that go a long with it.

Maybe a winter project

I'm late to the party since you have already done the logical step of riding a WRR. I have a unique perspective because I owned both at the same time. I tried to setup the DRZ for 90% trail, just like my WRR is setup. The WRR is lighter, apples to apples, by about 20#. It has better, more modern chassis geometry (something that can't be fixed on the DRZ). In a drag race the DRZ wins purely on displacement. However, in a race on dirt the WRR almost always wins. The WRR can be lower with less sacrifices. The WRR gets better MPG, which can matter if the stock tanks are used. The WRR doesn't leak gas when tipped on its side, the DRZ leaks from the cap and carb. The WRR fuels flawlessly if you open the tiny tip on the exhaust and leave the programmers to the "racers". The DRZ needs jet work from the start.

I have commuted on both, the WRR is a better street bike than the DRZ in nearly every way. Lower gearing than stock helps off road and on. The DRZ has a more narrow power band, despite the lower torque. The WRR can run almost to the limiter and still hold a flat (albeit weak) power curve. The DRZ wins for light to light pulls and putzing in neighborhood because of the lower RPM it can pull at. I rode with a friend on a DRZ all through the UP of Michigan, me on my WRR. That friend sold his DRZ shortly after. Even thought the trip was 90% road he was way worse off on the DRZ. Granted much of it was due to his lowering link and raised forks, but he rode my shock clevis lowered WRR with no problem.

I sold my DRZ and used the funds to finish my WRR project. I sent the suspension out (twice), added a steering stabilizer, real dirt tires, and a host of smaller improvements. I rode with the guy that bought my old DRZ a few weekends ago on a trail in my state called the Evart trail (look it up if you wish). Despite being a good rider, he could not keep me in sight for more than one minute at a time.

I'm my opinion a stock DRZ vs a stock WRR, I agree with you that the swap may not be worth the hassle. But if you are willing to spend some time and money on making the WRR fit your needs, I suspect you can achieve a night and day difference from where you are now.

Zoltan wrote:

eram310 wrote:

I finally got to  really test the WR250R. I participated in a big off road event in North MN and met a nice guy that let me test the WR. (He rode my DRZ)
I believe the WR250R is the better bike in every aspect other than low end torque. I rode it for at least 20 miles from pavement to  tight single track that barely could get the handlebar through the trees.

I was actually surprised how good it was on the pavement although it had a smaller sprocket on the front. On the single track I was in 2-3 gear other than the areas where I could barely get through ,  compared to  1-2 on the DRZ. It felt more relaxed on the road at 60MPH than my DRZ at 5th gear. (My DRZ has a larger front sprocket. )

It turns slightly easier too, but tight single track is tough no matter the bike. My DRZ felt to  me a little more stable on Sandy two track, but maybe it’s a tire pressure or suspension set up.
Overall if I was to  buy a light weight d/s bike today, I would buy the WR250R, I am still not sure it’s worth the hassle of switching my DRZ to  the WR.
They are very similar and can do anything bikes and both are very reliable. It’s not just buying and selling, it’s all the farkling that go a long with it.

I have a similar challenge in single track.  I really feel the weight of the wr.  it's a great bike but I don't think it's really meant for single track.  I ride single track a lot but my expectations have changed with the bike.  I would buy a wr250F if I can plate it in NJ..
Maybe a winter project

[quote="Adaycj"]I'm late to the party since you have already done the logical step of riding a WRR. I have a unique perspective because I owned both at the same time. I tried to setup the DRZ for 90% trail, just like my WRR is setup. The WRR is lighter, apples to apples, by about 20#. It has better, more modern chassis geometry (something that can't be fixed on the DRZ). In a drag race the DRZ wins purely on displacement. However, in a race on dirt the WRR almost always wins. The WRR can be lower with less sacrifices. The WRR gets better MPG, which can matter if the stock tanks are used. The WRR doesn't leak gas when tipped on its side, the DRZ leaks from the cap and carb. The WRR fuels flawlessly if you open the tiny tip on the exhaust and leave the programmers to the "racers". The DRZ needs jet work from the start.

I have commuted on both, the WRR is a better street bike than the DRZ in nearly every way. Lower gearing than stock helps off road and on. The DRZ has a more narrow power band, despite the lower torque. The WRR can run almost to the limiter and still hold a flat (albeit weak) power curve. The DRZ wins for light to light pulls and putzing in neighborhood because of the lower RPM it can pull at. I rode with a friend on a DRZ all through the UP of Michigan, me on my WRR. That friend sold his DRZ shortly after. Even thought the trip was 90% road he was way worse off on the DRZ. Granted much of it was due to his lowering link and raised forks, but he rode my shock clevis lowered WRR with no problem.  

I sold my DRZ and used the funds to finish my WRR project. I sent the suspension out (twice), added a steering stabilizer, real dirt tires, and a host of smaller improvements. I rode with the guy that bought my old DRZ a few weekends ago on a trail in my state called the Evart trail (look it up if you wish). Despite being a good rider, he could not keep me in sight for more than one minute at a time.

I'm my opinion a stock DRZ vs a stock WRR, I agree with you that the swap may not be worth the hassle. But if you are willing to spend some time and money on making the WRR fit your needs, I suspect you can achieve a night and day difference from where you are now.  



Hello Adaycj,

You said you have had your suspension redone twice?

Are you happy with it now and who did the work???

I am looking to get mine done and trying to figure out if I want to send it out or do it myself.

Thanks,
Ken

That’s a very good answer Adacj,
We probably ride in similar terrain, although the DRZ has been mostly used in MN, it’s been ridden in WI and the UP (Similar conditions) but also in Mexico and Moab.
We only live once, and I think it’s worth it. Now I need to  find a low miles lightly used WR250R.

Thanks,

Adaycj wrote:

I'm late to the party since you have already done the logical step of riding a WRR. I have a unique perspective because I owned both at the same time. I tried to setup the DRZ for 90% trail, just like my WRR is setup. The WRR is lighter, apples to apples, by about 20#. It has better, more modern chassis geometry (something that can't be fixed on the DRZ). In a drag race the DRZ wins purely on displacement. However, in a race on dirt the WRR almost always wins. The WRR can be lower with less sacrifices. The WRR gets better MPG, which can matter if the stock tanks are used. The WRR doesn't leak gas when tipped on its side, the DRZ leaks from the cap and carb. The WRR fuels flawlessly if you open the tiny tip on the exhaust and leave the programmers to the "racers". The DRZ needs jet work from the start.

I have commuted on both, the WRR is a better street bike than the DRZ in nearly every way. Lower gearing than stock helps off road and on. The DRZ has a more narrow power band, despite the lower torque. The WRR can run almost to the limiter and still hold a flat (albeit weak) power curve. The DRZ wins for light to light pulls and putzing in neighborhood because of the lower RPM it can pull at. I rode with a friend on a DRZ all through the UP of Michigan, me on my WRR. That friend sold his DRZ shortly after. Even thought the trip was 90% road he was way worse off on the DRZ. Granted much of it was due to his lowering link and raised forks, but he rode my shock clevis lowered WRR with no problem.  

I sold my DRZ and used the funds to finish my WRR project. I sent the suspension out (twice), added a steering stabilizer, real dirt tires, and a host of smaller improvements. I rode with the guy that bought my old DRZ a few weekends ago on a trail in my state called the Evart trail (look it up if you wish). Despite being a good rider, he could not keep me in sight for more than one minute at a time.

I'm my opinion a stock DRZ vs a stock WRR, I agree with you that the swap may not be worth the hassle. But if you are willing to spend some time and money on making the WRR fit your needs, I suspect you can achieve a night and day difference from where you are now.  

Zoltan wrote:

eram310 wrote:

I finally got to  really test the WR250R. I participated in a big off road event in North MN and met a nice guy that let me test the WR. (He rode my DRZ)
I believe the WR250R is the better bike in every aspect other than low end torque. I rode it for at least 20 miles from pavement to  tight single track that barely could get the handlebar through the trees.

I was actually surprised how good it was on the pavement although it had a smaller sprocket on the front. On the single track I was in 2-3 gear other than the areas where I could barely get through ,  compared to  1-2 on the DRZ. It felt more relaxed on the road at 60MPH than my DRZ at 5th gear. (My DRZ has a larger front sprocket. )

It turns slightly easier too, but tight single track is tough no matter the bike. My DRZ felt to  me a little more stable on Sandy two track, but maybe it’s a tire pressure or suspension set up.
Overall if I was to  buy a light weight d/s bike today, I would buy the WR250R, I am still not sure it’s worth the hassle of switching my DRZ to  the WR.
They are very similar and can do anything bikes and both are very reliable. It’s not just buying and selling, it’s all the farkling that go a long with it.

I have a similar challenge in single track.  I really feel the weight of the wr.  it's a great bike but I don't think it's really meant for single track.  I ride single track a lot but my expectations have changed with the bike.  I would buy a wr250F if I can plate it in NJ..
Maybe a winter project

BTW,
I pulled the plug and bought a slightly used 2014 wr250r with lots of aftermarket stuff.

Now I have  a DRZ400s and a WR250R

Time to start learning this bike.

I put on a lower seat from Corbin, some AC10 knobbies from Michelin with tireballs, bigger rear sprocket, a bash plate and brush guards.

I ride mine on the nastiest single track out there and regularly outmaneuver just about any bigger bike. If I keep the revs up it screams up just about anything I've ever pointed it at.

Love it love it love it.