Noob Q's

I am leaning really close to getting a wr250r over a sxv5.5 after doing some digging and I have a few questions about the wr250r so I can make the comparison.

Up to making this comparison, I didn't know that changing exhausts can increase the bike's HP. With the WR250r, what exhaust am I best off with for most power?

With the athena 290 kit, I am aware the the HP is brought into the low 30's up from mid 20's. How does this affect top end speed? And how does this affect the bike's ability to wheelie? As well, what gear and speeds can I expect to be able to wheelie at?

I'd ask about gearing right now, but I think that with any bike it's good to try the stock gearing so I don't go out changing something I am satisfied with.

Seriously?

Your two choices are a wr250r and an Aprilia?

Honestly?


That's like saying you're trying to decide between a Jeep Cherokee and a Lamborghini Gallardo.

shake1tup wrote:

I am leaning really close to getting a wr250r over a sxv5.5 after doing some digging and I have a few questions about the wr250r so I can make the comparison.

Up to making this comparison, I didn't know that changing exhausts can increase the bike's HP. With the WR250r, what exhaust am I best off with for most power?

With the athena 290 kit, I am aware the the HP is brought into the low 30's up from mid 20's. How does this affect top end speed? And how does this affect the bike's ability to wheelie? As well, what gear and speeds can I expect to be able to wheelie at?

I'd ask about gearing right now, but I think that with any bike it's good to try the stock gearing so I don't go out changing something I am satisfied with.

How old are you, and have you ever owned and ridden a motorcycle before in your life?


You do understand an Aprilia needs it's oil changed every 300 miles and a valve check/adjustment about every 500 miles don't you?

motokid wrote:

You do understand an Aprilia needs it's oil changed every 300 miles and a valve check/adjustment about every 500 miles don't you?

If you read this what you said is not true. It says first change at 300 miles then it jumps to 1500 miles or so. They don't show the first valve check until 3700. Still that is MUCH more maintenance than the WRR needs.

http://slorider.com/Aprilia/manuals/ServiceIntervals.pdf

With the types of questions the OP has asked it doesn't sound like WRR is the right bike for him. If you are asking about more speed, what gears you can wheely in, etc., before ever even riding one I doubt he will be happy with the WRR. I love it for how I ride.

as motokid said. period.

the sxv is pretty much a race bike. The twin puts out 75 hp bone stock. It runs buzzy on the street, needs an oil change at every other gas refill. If I had this bike I would have to check the valves twice a day on a saturday ride

ok talking seriously, these are completely different bikes and you need to know what you want. Do you want a bike for the race track? One that is street legal, so it will get you to that race track 20 miles away from home but that's about it.

if you want a dual sport or a motard that you can use for commuting, long weekend rides, exploring etc, then the wr250 is a good option. but the sxv

Coop wrote:

motokid wrote:

You do understand an Aprilia needs it's oil changed every 300 miles and a valve check/adjustment about every 500 miles don't you?

If you read this what you said is not true. It says first change at 300 miles then it jumps to 1500 miles or so. They don't show the first valve check until 3700. Still that is MUCH more maintenance than the WRR needs.

http://slorider.com/Aprilia/manuals/ServiceIntervals.pdf

With the types of questions the OP has asked it doesn't sound like WRR is the right bike for him. If you are asking about more speed, what gears you can wheely in, etc., before ever even riding one I doubt he will be happy with the WRR. I love it for how I ride.

Yeah...and what does the Yamaha "manual" say about when to shift gears? What speed?


I read a lot at SMJ and most of those guys riding Aprilias say 300-500 miles tops for oil. Tops.

Motor bebuilds at 5000 miles.

Valve checks every other oil change.

If you don't do that you risk a grenaded motor.

The wrr has plenty of power for a dual sport...but a monster it is not.
If you want a monster, get a different bike, rather than trying to make the wrr what it is not.
As said, it is common, reliable, and as maintenance free as it gets.

Around here, aprilias are all out exotic, and you will keep paying for that.
IF I was rich I'ld have one of them too...but IF my aunt had nuts, she'ld be my uncle.

All I have to say is KTM690. Bit less power than the aprillia but a real street bike motor that doesn't require constant voodoo rituals and human sacrifices to keep running as a commuter. Theres also the 610 and the 525.

I agree with the others, if you are asking this, its probably going to be your first bike. The aprillia is more of a toy for someone who already has other bikes and wants some exotic toy they can take to track days and occasional meets just to show off. Honestly, give me a warmed over KX500AF or CR500AF. More reliable, similar power with less weight, cheap readily available parts.

motokid wrote:

I read a lot at SMJ and most of those guys riding Aprilias say 300-500 miles tops for oil. Tops.

Motor bebuilds at 5000 miles.

Valve checks every other oil change.

If you don't do that you risk a grenaded motor.

Yikes. Yeah I will never buy one of those no matter how nice they look.

There's also something about red vs black sealant on the cases and one of those colors being very bad if you're looking at used Aprilias.

Not sure which one is the one you don't want, but if you're looking, you need to know.

Bottom line is this:

Aprilia SXV= THE MOST LABOR INTENSIVE STREET-LEGAL MOTORCYCLE ONE COULD POSSIBLY BUY

motokid wrote:

Bottom line is this:

Aprilia = THE MOST LABOR INTENSIVE STREET-LEGAL MOTORCYCLE ONE COULD POSSIBLY BUY

In all fairness it's a model specific thing. The tuono actually doesn't have crazy maintenance intervals for a street bike and from everything I've read are extremely reliable.

The SXV is a race bike with a plate...

Arkmage wrote:

motokid wrote:

Bottom line is this:

Aprilia = THE MOST LABOR INTENSIVE STREET-LEGAL MOTORCYCLE ONE COULD POSSIBLY BUY

In all fairness it's a model specific thing. The tuono actually doesn't have crazy maintenance intervals for a street bike and from everything I've read are extremely reliable.

The SXV is a race bike with a plate...

True. Very unfair of me to lump all Aprilias into the same category as the SXV...

I shall edit that.....now.

motokid wrote:

Bottom line is this:

Aprilia SXV= THE MOST LABOR INTENSIVE STREET-LEGAL MOTORCYCLE ONE COULD POSSIBLY BUY

Fx'd

Thanks, now my wife won't see your post and go ape shit when I buy an Aprilia ;)

Meanwhile the WRX is probably the lowest maintenance of anything outside the sport tourer class. Its like asking if it would be better to date a cute sunday school teacher or a porn star with a cocaine addiction.

Was about to also comment on Moto's post regarding all aprilias. after all, they make a large variety of bikes, many of whom require normal maintenance like all other bikes. But then the SXV is no normal bike


as far as answering oic0 metaphorical question I think we all agree that having the cute school teacher during the week and the cocaine addicted porn star for the weekend would be the perfect combo


For those of use who can't afford both, I think the WR is the better solution

but still, looking ain't cheating, right?

Lusted after one of these on a very regular basis....

125cc's of pure Italian motoporn.

motokid wrote:

Seriously?

Your two choices are a wr250r and an Aprilia?

Honestly?


That's like saying you're trying to decide between a Jeep Cherokee and a Lamborghini Gallardo.

Both are on opposite extremes, but if they can perform to what I'd like them to for what they are, they are both options.

motokid wrote:

shake1tup wrote:

I am leaning really close to getting a wr250r over a sxv5.5 after doing some digging and I have a few questions about the wr250r so I can make the comparison.

Up to making this comparison, I didn't know that changing exhausts can increase the bike's HP. With the WR250r, what exhaust am I best off with for most power?

With the athena 290 kit, I am aware the the HP is brought into the low 30's up from mid 20's. How does this affect top end speed? And how does this affect the bike's ability to wheelie? As well, what gear and speeds can I expect to be able to wheelie at?

I'd ask about gearing right now, but I think that with any bike it's good to try the stock gearing so I don't go out changing something I am satisfied with.

How old are you, and have you ever owned and ridden a motorcycle before in your life?


You do understand an Aprilia needs it's oil changed every 300 miles and a valve check/adjustment about every 500 miles don't you?

Mid 20's, been riding for 2 seasons, riding on a r6 currently. I know that the Aprilia is maintenance heavy and that's something I am prepared for. I know that I am avoiding the 07 or earlier models as they are predisposed to having problems.

Coop wrote:

motokid wrote:

You do understand an Aprilia needs it's oil changed every 300 miles and a valve check/adjustment about every 500 miles don't you?

If you read this what you said is not true. It says first change at 300 miles then it jumps to 1500 miles or so. They don't show the first valve check until 3700. Still that is MUCH more maintenance than the WRR needs.

http://slorider.com/Aprilia/manuals/ServiceIntervals.pdf

With the types of questions the OP has asked it doesn't sound like WRR is the right bike for him. If you are asking about more speed, what gears you can wheely in, etc., before ever even riding one I doubt he will be happy with the WRR. I love it for how I ride.

Thanks for clearing up the servicing intervals. The reason I ask about the WRR is that I know it's maintenance friendly and if it can meet what I'd like it to do with a few mods, I'll take it over the aprilia

bigg wrote:

as motokid said. period.

the sxv is pretty much a race bike. The twin puts out 75 hp bone stock. It runs buzzy on the street, needs an oil change at every other gas refill. If I had this bike I would have to check the valves twice a day on a saturday ride

ok talking seriously, these are completely different bikes and you need to know what you want. Do you want a bike for the race track? One that is street legal, so it will get you to that race track 20 miles away from home but that's about it.

if you want a dual sport or a motard that you can use for commuting, long weekend rides, exploring etc, then the wr250 is a good option. but the sxv

There's a track within 5 minutes of me and I'd like to be able to be able to pick up some skills there. I am not looking at anything competitive so both the wrr and sxv stand as options. I won't really be using either as a commuter, mostly joyrides and I am willing so suck up the fact that the sxv is heavy maintenance. But I'd like to make the wrr an option over the sxv because of that.

motokid wrote:

Coop wrote:

motokid wrote:

You do understand an Aprilia needs it's oil changed every 300 miles and a valve check/adjustment about every 500 miles don't you?

If you read this what you said is not true. It says first change at 300 miles then it jumps to 1500 miles or so. They don't show the first valve check until 3700. Still that is MUCH more maintenance than the WRR needs.

http://slorider.com/Aprilia/manuals/ServiceIntervals.pdf

With the types of questions the OP has asked it doesn't sound like WRR is the right bike for him. If you are asking about more speed, what gears you can wheely in, etc., before ever even riding one I doubt he will be happy with the WRR. I love it for how I ride.

Yeah...and what does the Yamaha "manual" say about when to shift gears? What speed?


I read a lot at SMJ and most of those guys riding Aprilias say 300-500 miles tops for oil. Tops.

Motor bebuilds at 5000 miles.

Valve checks every other oil change.

If you don't do that you risk a grenaded motor.

I noticed that. The valve checks are a rather unattractive feature with the sxv. Was completely oblivious to the 5000 mile motor rebuild. Thanks for bringing that up.

oic0 wrote:

All I have to say is KTM690. Bit less power than the aprillia but a real street bike motor that doesn't require constant voodoo rituals and human sacrifices to keep running as a commuter. Theres also the 610 and the 525.

I agree with the others, if you are asking this, its probably going to be your first bike. The aprillia is more of a toy for someone who already has other bikes and wants some exotic toy they can take to track days and occasional meets just to show off. Honestly, give me a warmed over KX500AF or CR500AF. More reliable, similar power with less weight, cheap readily available parts.

Thanks for bringing this up. I haven't really been exposed to a lot of dual sports. I'll probably do a lot more digging before I go ahead with anything. Ideally I am looking for something fuel injected (eliminating the majority of dual sports out there) that has some power.

motokid wrote:

There's also something about red vs black sealant on the cases and one of those colors being very bad if you're looking at used Aprilias.

Not sure which one is the one you don't want, but if you're looking, you need to know.

Bottom line is this:

Aprilia SXV= THE MOST LABOR INTENSIVE STREET-LEGAL MOTORCYCLE ONE COULD POSSIBLY BUY

I think that's been hammered into me over the last few days. Still though it remains an option.

Sitting here flabbergasted.

Do you consider a SXV a "dual sport" ????
A "dual sport" that in some way is comparable to a wr250r?


Even if you were thinking wr250x vs. SXV that would be a silly and unrealistic comparison.

For the record, I have no idea when motor rebuilds are required for Aprilia SXV's. I've seen postings about it needing to be done at some low mileage. That might be for the older models. I know some have reported 5000 miles, but not sure what the circumstances were around that.


You have an R6? And you have no clue what changing an exhaust out can or might be able to do for a bike?

You've also never considered a KTM? What about a DRZ? Or a Husqvarna? Or making your own from a __________? Then there's also the KLR line from Kawasaki. Gas Gas? Husaberg? How about the Ducati Hyper? BMW?

What is it you really want? Honestly?

Be serious, and 100% honest with yourself and us.

You can't sit there and say "I can't decide between a SXV and a 250r. Each has it's own advantages and disadvantages."

It's like saying you can't decide between buying a condo in a large city, or 10 acres and a log cabin out in the boonies.

It's inevitable that if you think you might want either, you'll be sorely dissatisfied with whatever one you end up with. (Unless you can afford both.)

So you have to soul-search very deeply and figure out what you really want, and why.

What's wrong with your R6? Why do you want something different?

motokid wrote:

Sitting here flabbergasted.

+1

shake1tup wrote:

...I know that I am avoiding the 07 or earlier models as they are predisposed to having problems.

Maybe you are confused and looking at the WR250F. This forum is for the WR250R or WR250X. The 'F' is a completely different motorcycle. They a look-a-likes, that's all.
Yamaha started making the R or X in 2008. There are no 07 or earlier.
Btw, the WR250F and WR450F are strickly off road and not road legal, and need more maintenance too.

oic0 wrote:

Meanwhile the WRX is probably the lowest maintenance of anything outside the sport tourer class. Its like asking if it would be better to date a cute sunday school teacher or a porn star with a cocaine addiction.

Pornstars and cocaine sounds fun. That's the Yamaha right?

Take a look at the KTM 690SMC. Much more power than the WR, yet not nearly as bad service intervals as a SVX. I consider the KTM much more of a "dual sport" than the Aprillia. I had the chance to ride a friends 690 for a few months and I fell in love with it. if I ever buy a bigger SM, i will seriously consider the 690SMC.

The WR is fantastic for what it is. I have a 290BB kit, full exhaust, K&N PC5, autotune, ect. Pretty much every power mod available for the thing. Sure it could use 10-15 more ponies, but I didnt buy the bike with intentions of hanging with 450's at the track. It's not a high compression race engine/bike as I'm sure you are aware. So to compare it to an SVX is like comparing apples to oranges as others have pointed out.

I was once in your shoes and I know you are simply looking for first hand advice/info on the bike. You've come to the right place.

The WR is just an very well rounded bike. It doesn't do any one thing spectacularly (except put a smile on my face every ride), but does everything well. It's an absolute blast to ride whether it be around town, on the karting track or in some twisties. If you are looking for a fast, drop dead sexy bike, look elsewhere imo. I would love an Aprilia as well, but for what I do with my WR, it simply wouldnt make sense. My close friend owns a Husky 510. He is always stressing on checking his valves every 1k, or flushing his oil every 500miles. I've noticed at times it takes a lot of the fun out of our rides. He is envious that my bike does 90% of what his bike can do, and he has confided in me many times that he wishes he had gotten a WR or DRZ.

Ride as many bikes as you can and ask as all the questions you have. It's a substantial investment and you don't want to regret a bike purchase. feel free to PM me if you have any questions. Best of luck on you supermoto search.

motokid wrote:

Sitting here flabbergasted.

Do you consider a SXV a "dual sport" ????
A "dual sport" that in some way is comparable to a wr250r?


Even if you were thinking wr250x vs. SXV that would be a silly and unrealistic comparison.

For the record, I have no idea when motor rebuilds are required for Aprilia SXV's. I've seen postings about it needing to be done at some low mileage. That might be for the older models. I know some have reported 5000 miles, but not sure what the circumstances were around that.


You have an R6? And you have no clue what changing an exhaust out can or might be able to do for a bike?

You've also never considered a KTM? What about a DRZ? Or a Husqvarna? Or making your own from a __________? Then there's also the KLR line from Kawasaki. Gas Gas? Husaberg? How about the Ducati Hyper? BMW?

What is it you really want? Honestly?

Be serious, and 100% honest with yourself and us.

You can't sit there and say "I can't decide between a SXV and a 250r. Each has it's own advantages and disadvantages."

It's like saying you can't decide between buying a condo in a large city, or 10 acres and a log cabin out in the boonies.

It's inevitable that if you think you might want either, you'll be sorely dissatisfied with whatever one you end up with. (Unless you can afford both.)

So you have to soul-search very deeply and figure out what you really want, and why.

What's wrong with your R6? Why do you want something different?

I am really enjoying my r6 so far this season and as far as I am concerned, it's something that will take growing into. I've always been interested in learning stunting and offroad riding and I'd like to keep my r6 for it's intended purpose. And for the record, I honestly didn't know that changing an exhaust can add power to the bike.

I've looked at other options, but everything given (looks, performance, maintenance) in the order of my priorities, I came down to the WRR or the sxv. After reading feedback from here, my suspicions on the sxv because even more clear. I'll definitely be avoiding it until I am ready for it. It clearly isn't a starter bike for the purpose I am looking at. Maybe next season.

Delta_T wrote:

motokid wrote:

Sitting here flabbergasted.

+1

shake1tup wrote:

...I know that I am avoiding the 07 or earlier models as they are predisposed to having problems.

Maybe you are confused and looking at the WR250F. This forum is for the WR250R or WR250X. The 'F' is a completely different motorcycle. They a look-a-likes, that's all.
Yamaha started making the R or X in 2008. There are no 07 or earlier.
Btw, the WR250F and WR450F are strickly off road and not road legal, and need more maintenance too.

I meant 07 sxv. 07 and earlier models have a ton of issues and added with the high maintenance, it's not something I am interested in. I'd also like to keep things road legal which is why I wanted a WRR over the F. R over the X just for seat height being lower (if I go for the R, I'll need to change the seat to lower it further)

chuckP wrote:

Take a look at the KTM 690SMC. Much more power than the WR, yet not nearly as bad service intervals as a SVX. I consider the KTM much more of a "dual sport" than the Aprillia. I had the chance to ride a friends 690 for a few months and I fell in love with it. if I ever buy a bigger SM, i will seriously consider the 690SMC.

The WR is fantastic for what it is. I have a 290BB kit, full exhaust, K&N PC5, autotune, ect. Pretty much every power mod available for the thing. Sure it could use 10-15 more ponies, but I didnt buy the bike with intentions of hanging with 450's at the track. It's not a high compression race engine/bike as I'm sure you are aware. So to compare it to an SVX is like comparing apples to oranges as others have pointed out.

I was once in your shoes and I know you are simply looking for first hand advice/info on the bike. You've come to the right place.

The WR is just an very well rounded bike. It doesn't do any one thing spectacularly (except put a smile on my face every ride), but does everything well. It's an absolute blast to ride whether it be around town, on the karting track or in some twisties. If you are looking for a fast, drop dead sexy bike, look elsewhere imo. I would love an Aprilia as well, but for what I do with my WR, it simply wouldnt make sense. My close friend owns a Husky 510. He is always stressing on checking his valves every 1k, or flushing his oil every 500miles. I've noticed at times it takes a lot of the fun out of our rides. He is envious that my bike does 90% of what his bike can do, and he has confided in me many times that he wishes he had gotten a WR or DRZ.

Ride as many bikes as you can and ask as all the questions you have. It's a substantial investment and you don't want to regret a bike purchase. feel free to PM me if you have any questions. Best of luck on you supermoto search.

Thanks, your feedback is exactly what I was hoping to hear. The bolded is particularly why I've came to the WRR over higher performance models. The slight reduction of power to be able to do 90% of what other bikes can do to save on the maintenance is huge.

btw on all other posts, the KLR series doesn't appeal to me and the DRZ's don't either as they aren't fuel injected. Fuel injection is a must for anything I buy.

shake1tup wrote:

.... R over the X just for seat height being lower (if I go for the R, I'll need to change the seat to lower it further)

The seat hight of an R is 36.6" and the X is 35.2" So if you want a low seat hight, the X is your best bet. The bikes are identical except for the wheels and the front brake (bigger on the X).
The X is lower because it has 17" wheels (with street tires). If you want to lower it even further you can adjust the rear shock and you could consider a Yamalink. You can also raise the front fork 18 mm (so the bike goes down a bit).
If you want to use the X in the dirt a lot the only problem you will have is finding decent tires. Choices are limited when you have 17" rims.

shake1tup wrote:

I've looked at other options, but everything given (looks, performance, maintenance) in the order of my priorities, I came down to the WRR or the sxv.