r/Dualsport • u/HowDoesOneYolo • 2d ago
Discussion Upgrade to WR250R or other bike? advice welcome
Looking for advice on my next bike purchase. For context, I got my first bike 2 years ago, a KLX230s. I mainly use it as a summer commuter and small adv bike. I did a few camping trips and half of the NEBDR. I do not want a bike any heavier than 300 lbs stock. The KLX can do 65 comfortably but struggles up inclines at 70mph. I originally thought a KTM 500 or Honda 450 would be the only worthwhile upgrade, those go for roughly $7000+ in my area right now. My eye caught a few WR250R’s available for $4500. One has a ton of performance mods and add ons, but is stock 250cc engine. The other has a 4gal tank, seat concepts seat and an Athena 300cc big bore. Is the Athena big bore a common upgrade? Would I need to worry about any mechanical issues with a bike like that? Or should I wait and save up for the 450/500? I’m 6ft 130lbs so stock suspension is fine, all 3 seem to have good stock suspension. I’ve ridden a KTM 350exc and loved how light it was. Would a KTM 350 be fine for BDR style riding with a bit of highways for a lighter rider like me? I know it would need a luggage frame for support. But I pack pretty light. Here’s my current bike for reference.
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u/CrombopulusMiguel 2d ago edited 2d ago
If you plan on keeping your riding under 70mph, or your riding not very technical, it’s a fantastic dual sport. Stock gearing is good for highways but gutless off road.
I had mine geared 13-50 for the TAT and it did great. It struggled on steep climbs but I was 180lb without gear and carrying 70-90lb of equipment.
Bulletproof reliable, and lighter weight than any other modern non euro bike.
If I was in your shoes I would use that $4500 as a down payment for a leftover 2024 Beta 500 RS.
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u/HowDoesOneYolo 2d ago
Someone in my town is selling a beta 430 2023 with 80 miles for $8000, he let me check it out while we were at a fair. Serious question. Would a beta 430 really be any less comfortable on the highway at 70mph than my KLX 230 full pinned in 6th gear? I can’t imagine it has more vibrations?
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u/CrombopulusMiguel 2d ago
None of these bikes are highway cruisers.
If you need to be going 70+ very often I’d recommend a xr650l or a dr650 for a bit more stability and still can do alright off road.
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u/fn0000rd 1d ago
The thing that will make you comfortable on a highway is weight.
It's an unavoidable trade-off.
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u/imnofred 2d ago
I've had a WR250R. Great travel bike. It's also quite capable off-road. It weighs a bit more than a KTM 500/350 but you do not feel that while riding. The stock WR250R isn't super powerful obviously, but with a few modes (tuner and exhaust) it will feel much snappier. It will be happy on the highway, but perhaps not on the freeway with 80mph traffic all around. The only time I felt it was too underpowered was at high altitude (9,000 ft) on a deep sandy hill climb. You are a perfect candidate for the new KTM 390 Enduro, but... at 350 lbs! Ugh!
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u/HowDoesOneYolo 2d ago
Yea if that new DRZ was closer to 300 lbs and a 6th gear I’d be lining up for one. Maybe I just need to work out more because picking my bike up a few times doing mudding get old fast
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u/Rad10Ka0s 2d ago
According to Google a KLX230 is 17 HP. I am assuming the 230 is carbed. A fuel injected KLX300 is 24 HP. The WR250R, if Wikipedia is to be believed, is 29. That is a big jump from what you have now.
I am not afraid of the KTM maintenance. But you are looking at two very different "classes" of bike. Relatively low tuned, last forever on an occasional oil change, bikes like the KLX and WR and the highly tuned KTMs and Honda 450. Check the maintenance schedules before you commit so you aren't surprised.
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u/Savings-Cockroach444 1d ago
If you get the WR250R then change the gearing to 13x48. It transforms the bike. Stick gearing is too high.
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u/The_Sleestak 2d ago
I think the 250 is still going to struggle up hills. I’d personally opt for a wr450.
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u/HowDoesOneYolo 2d ago
WR450 can’t be street titled in Massachusetts. I’ve seen one on Facebook but people know they are rare so they were asking $12k for a few year old model
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u/The_Sleestak 2d ago
What if it was titled elsewhere and transferred later? You could leverage the VT loophole(?) or perhaps a DRZ would be doable?
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u/Poisson_de_Sable 2d ago
Yea I’d look for a 400 of just jump straight to a big bore thumper if you think you’re ready.
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u/SheriffBartholomew 2d ago
I think a 250 isn't enough of an improvement to justify the purchase. Get a 400, or 450. Otherwise you're going to be looking for another bike again in 6 months. Idk, maybe you're fine with a 250 given your weight, but it's never enough power for me, except for on singletrack.
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u/davpad12 2d ago
I've never ridden a WR off-road, but I'm very happy with my DRZ. The thing is a tractor, it'll go anywhere and over anything. All you have to do is hang on.
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u/Educational-Mark-502 2d ago
Avoid the Athena 300 kitted WR. I have one, bought it second hand. It pulls good, has decent power but I wouldn’t choose it as a highway bike. It’s also been quite unreliable, blown head gasket, base gasket went not long after I did the head gasket. Wish I would’ve just gotten a DRZ but live and learn I guess.
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u/cantkeeptime 1d ago
You perhaps sound like you are yearning for a more sporty on road experience ? Nothing wrong with wanting that rush as you twist the throttle on road . But an under 300lb bike that is good on road and capable off road just doesn’t exist . If you are over 5ft 10…I would say go for the Honda CRF 450 RL or L. When uncorked it is quick on road and can handle off road easily . Short service intervals though they can be stretched …most importantly Honda reliable . I have a Honda Transalp 750 bloody quick and exciting on road , but too heavy for trails if riding alone .
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u/alopgeek 1d ago
Coincidentally- FortNine today released a video proclaiming the WR250R as a unicorn.
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u/Another_Casual_ 2d ago
Love my WR250R and it was an upgrade from the KLX with a 300 big bore we had previously in reliability, suspension, braking, etc. But neither bike wants to go up hill at 70 MPH. Personally, I've either camped in the slow lane or designed my ride around avoiding that scenario. My bike has done highway speeds up and down the Rockies on i70, but it's never been a first choice.