Looking at getting a WR250R for first bike

Just a few questions,

1. Is there a certain year I should look for? I'm not looking to buy new as I anticipate damaging it at SOME point as I am inexperienced.
2. What is the price range I am going to be looking for paying overall?
3. Should i get a WR250R for a first bike?

I can give you an opinion on numbers 1 and 3:

1) The WR250R hasn't changed since it's introduction in 2008, so one model year is as good as the other.

3) Assuming you are physically able to hold the bike up without struggling, you could do worse.
I typically recommend smaller or mid-sized dual-purpose bikes and not-intended-for-racing dirt bikes as first motorcycles.

Some guys tell people that a 100+ horsepower YZF-R6 is a good first bike.

As far as (2) is concerned, it depends on where you are located, and when you plan on purchasing. This is definitely the worst part of the year to buy a bike, when winter is over and bright sunny days are on the horizon.

Take a look at the Flea Market forum on AdvRider; there are quite a few WR250R on offer, so you'll get a better idea of what the asking prices are.

Well if you haven't sat on a few bikes yet I would recommend doing that first.

As a first bike I think it may fit the bill assuming you are tall or comfortable riding a tall bike. If the height makes you nervous then I would look for something a bit lower like a used XT225, SuperSherpa 250, XT250, CRF230, or CRF250L.

My brother has been riding for many years on the street but struggles when it comes to getting on my WR250R and trail riding. He just doesn't like the seat height and it shows when he rides it. He can ride the same route on his CRF250L and will be quicker and more confident no matter how many times he takes my WRR on the same route.

If you get on the bike and feel comfortable then I would say that is a good sign.

If not, there is nothing wrong with going with any of the used bikes I have mentioned. Plus if you decide that motorcycles are not for you then you will pretty much get what you paid for the bike when you go to sell it. Same holds true for a used WRR.

rsteiger wrote:

Well if you haven't sat on a few bikes yet I would recommend doing that first.

As a first bike I think it may fit the bill assuming you are tall or comfortable riding a tall bike.  If the height makes you nervous then I would look for something a bit lower like a used XT225, SuperSherpa 250, XT250, CRF230, or CRF250L.

My brother has been riding for many years on the street but struggles when it comes to getting on my WR250R and trail riding.  He just doesn't like the seat height and it shows when he rides it.  He can ride the same route on his CRF250L and will be quicker and more confident no matter how many times he takes my WRR on the same route.

If you get on the bike and feel comfortable then I would say that is a good sign.

If not, there is nothing wrong with going with any of the used bikes I have mentioned.  Plus if you decide that motorcycles are not for you then you will pretty much get what you paid for the bike when you go to sell it.  Same holds true for a used WRR.

I would add the KLX250 to the above list.  It only got fuel  injection in the last year or so but I'd argue is a better beginner bike than the WRR--it has more midrange and out of the box the suspension is very good by budget suspension standards.  The WRR can also be lowered substantially for small money if you struggle with the height.

The WRR is however super reliable and has only a few well documented weak spots.  Read through the forums here for fuel pump issues, stator recall, cam chain tensioner and chain guard wear.

-morgan

Your first point can be answered by me!!
Yeah if it is about experience thing can be counted. But there's not certainly any year needs to be considered while getting one:thumb:

I got a WRR as my first bike and I think I did well.
I am 5'10" so its height definitely got me nervous.

Just be careful and practice slipping your bottom from side to side to get more reach to the ground.

Like others have said, if you're comfortable with the seat height, there are far worse choices to be made. I've had the following bikes in this order: KLR 650, XT250, DRZ400S, and now the WR. Looking back now, if I'd gotten the WR instead of the KLR (mind you, the WR didn't exist then) I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have tried any of the others; I'd have been happy with the WR. It feels lighter than both the KLR and DRZ (and is of course), and of course it's newer - but not latest - tech. When I was prepping to sell the DRZ, I was set on a KLX250 because for the second time, the seat height of the WR scared me off. Then I realized that it's basically the same as the DRZ; and I've since picked up a Seat Concepts Low seat and couldn't be happier with it. Good luck in the search, it's all part of the fun!

WR250R is a solid motorcycle with good suspension. It is a great starter bike.