Shoot-out
The Highfive Shootout!
October 2008
Editor’s Note: the following articles were originally posted in the ADVRider forum by the author. It has been reposted here, with some minor editing to enhance readability. The contents of this shootout are the thoughts of Highfive with the exception of the commentary noted “Krabill” (his ever present riding buddy).
Enough wondering...is this a good bike or a not so good bike? The forums have been all over the map regarding Little Blue. I couldn't stand it anymore. I HAD TO KNOW FOR MYSELF! Once and for all. Is this "The ONE" we've all been waiting for, or not? I'm speaking on behalf of the true dualsport riders. Those of us that really ride it hard on the street and on the trail. I mean, can we really get hardcore offroad with this little beauty? And, still fly comfortably down the big slab afterword. I mean...come on...it’s just a 250!
It was the "fun" factor that reeled me in. I kept hearing "fun", "funner”, and “most fun ever!” That is what I wanted more than anything. So, you got me…
And, I'm about to give my honest, straightforward, unbiased opinion, but first some qualifiers. Most of you don't know me, some of you do. I've been an expert trials rider for 20+ years. I’ve competed in MX, Enduro, Cross Country, and Dualsport events nationwide. Not bragging....just saying.
I've had my WRR 3 weeks now. Broken in and run hard on street, MX track, and major enduro trails. I'll cover each segment in comparison to the other bikes. I want Krabill to have a chance to weigh in his independent opinion. Who knows where he is right now...probably out riding his KLR.
I'm not going to post a lot of photos as it’s the same exact bike (stock) as everyone else’s. Same as you can go sit on at your local bike shop and drool over. There have already been enough photos posted from about every conceivable angle (except inside the motor).
The Fit and Finish:
My earliest impression began on my roll-around in the garage. The fit and finish is stunning on this bike. The aluminum frame is substantially "beefier" than my WR450F (which is an 03 model). Every bolt and nut has been loctited from factory. Many of the bolts are the same exact matching stainless steel type and size. That sure makes throwing things in a bucket easier.
Something I found really cool is that a lot of the larger bolts have smooth round heads that are flat and flush; meaning nothing bulky sticks out on the bolt head side. Plus there are a lot of permanent nuts, so you only have a bolt to remove/install on one side. You don’t have to fiddle around with loose backup nuts and washers. Best of all, ONE wrench does the job for a lot of things (i.e. no backup wrench).
My bike had an odometer reading of 00000.0 miles on it when I picked up. They had just finished the uncrate and assembly. I was the first one to push the Magic Button. It shocked us all (sales mgr, mechanics, and me) when it started running after maybe 2 turns of the little crankshaft!
The Sales Manager was trying to explain to me how I should break it in gently for 600 miles or something, and blah blah blah....to honor the warranty, etc. But, I was having trouble hearing over the constant reving of the motor. So, I did the most polite thing I could….I shifted into gear and rode away, while reminding myself "this is only a 250."
Just a quick little background on my riding just in case there is somebody in a similar situation out there who can relate to it. I started out riding mx bikes when I was still just a kid and they will always be my true love as far as motorcycles go, but life gets in the way and I just don't have enough free time to be loading up a MX bike, driving to a riding area, riding for a couple hours, then loading everything back up, driving home, and unloading everything again. I needed a dual sport.
After contemplating exactly how I would be riding, I went with a KLR because I figured even though the woods is where I want to be, it would see commuting duty more than anything else. My options were limited a couple years ago as far as dual sports go and the KLR won out. I will say it makes a great commuter. The problem is that it's a pig in the woods. I make due, but have been constantly looking at other options.
I promptly give my WRR the "modified" Motoman method for break-in. That means I rode the living snot out of it for the next 20 miles! Of course, I reminded myself this was "only a 250" before I started.
It runs up to about 60 mph easy enough, and then you feel like it’s kind of topping out...like there won't be much more left. Then, you keep rolling on throttle and she just gets out a whole new pair of running shoes. I mean this little blue beauty has LEGS! I've had it up to 85 mph indicated (haven't took along my GPS yet) and she was running fine.
Oh yeah…the seat. I almost forgot all about that. I didn't have high hopes for it, since, well, it looks like a dirtbike seat. I've always felt pretty comfortable on the KLR's seat, but after a couple hours it starts feeling a little too soft. The WRR's seat is much firmer, but since it is so much narrower than the KLR's I thought that might be an issue.
During my street ride on the WRR, I kept trying to pay attention to my comfort level because I was looking for weaknesses from the little 250. Or maybe I was actually trying to find "excuses" for not wanting to buy one, but I just kept completely forgetting about comfort. I'd realize I wasn't paying enough attention to it, so I would consciously think about where I was feeling pressure points on my butt, or vibrations, or fatigue issues, but the problem was…there just weren't any. This really became apparent after I climbed back on my KLR to ride home…and I could immediately feel everything wrong with it that I was looking for on the WRR. Uncomfortable seat, vibrations, and awkward handling.
Ok, so we are leaving the pavement behind and about to enter the Dirtzone with our informative little shootout.
Time to get R²...that's shorthand for "R - Squared" ready for a serious test. I grew tired of saying (and typing) WR250R all the time to distinguish it from the F model. Everybody else says "WRR". I call her R². So, she's got a name now. All my bikes have names. That's important. But I digress...
So, I have a fun little MX track out back behnd the house. It’s not Glen Helen or Washougal, mind you. But, it a 1/2 mile run of twisties, hairpins, off-camber up and downs, a couple of short straights and 3 jumps in a flat pasture. No table-tops, no doubles or triples, no long whoop sections. Didn't want to "beat" myself up, just wanted to walk outside my back door and have a barrel of FUN on any day. Its good therapy!
It’s time to call in the shootout team. So I broadcast "open track" and several guys promptly arrive at 8:30 am two Saturdays ago. A nice mix of bikes come with them; a new 08YZ450F, an older KDX250, and a new KX85 with one of the fastest 12 yr olds in Tulsa race circuit...I mean FAST! Oh and another guy shows without a bike...figures he's just gonna ride mine! There's always one in every crowd…
Ok, let's roll...and wake up some neighbors!
The "MX track" we were riding is basically a track cut out of a tall grass field with a couple little jumps built in for good measure. Lots of tight turns…all of them flat (no berms).
I will say that while the stock Bridgestones weren't completely useless, I was two wheel drifting pretty much every corner and I believe proper knobs would have cut that down a little bit. The little 250 motor really stuck out here as corner exits weren't the rear tire sliding fun that the WR450 was capable of, but then again I really think the 450 motor is a bit much for a track as tight as this one.
To be fair, Krabill probably didn't pin the throttle on the revs like I did. After all, its new, and its mine not his. I'd be a little gentle on someone else's new bike too. Plus, add the little snot factor. My honor had been challenged. So, I'm not convinced that Krabill has really experienced all that is hiding inside this blue beauty, yet. He talks mean, but he's really good with my bikes. I'd trust him on any of them. Well, almost any...as you'll soon see.
Next up was the KLR650. We rode Krabill's since it was out there already. Not bad if you like riding elephants! It runs good, and he's got a rock hard stiff suspension. Might as well be a Hard-Tail. It’s long-legged and fast, so you can race into a turn. Just can't stop! The brakes SUCK² (yeah..."squared..." you caught that). And, its sooooo lethargic. But, we can get around the track with it alright. Just don't jump them too much. I don't want craters formed in my landing areas!
Yeah, you got it right...I was really trying to baby your bike because it was new and I didn't want to drop it.
I've got super stiff suspension on my KLR because the group of guys I used to trail ride with all started buying enduro bikes and the stock suspension was way too soft to keep up with them. I slowly made it stiffer and stiffer until it got to the point where it is now. Those guys on the enduro bikes can't outrun me on the rough stuff anymore. This, however, makes it an absolute torture rack on seemingly "easy" terrain. Rough and fast it actually feels pretty good. The track was rough and fast. My KLR did pretty well, I thought. I don't know what HF is talking about a lack of power for, though. Maybe he didn't want to peg my bike like he thinks I didn't want to peg his bike, but I run the KLR's throttle to the stop and kept it revved up high and she just gits. Of course it's still a big fat pig, but put knobbies on 'er, rev it to the moon, wrestle it around and it does surprisingly well.
Alright…single track…let's get to it.
I'm going to go from worst to best.
Let's start off with the 950. I've never taken it on single track, but I can't imagine it would be a whole lot of fun. Too heavy, too wide, and well…just too much.
Next in line would be the KLR. Now, I've done plenty of single track on my beast and while I haven't found much it won't make it through, the sheer weight of it makes it rough going. Doing fast, tight single track also requires liberal use of the rear brake to slide the back end around trees from time to time and the rear brake just sucks on the KLR. Well, both brakes suck on the KLR.
Ok...let's go. I need a break from what I've been doing this morning, and I'm no good to work right now. My Father passed away at 7:30 am....and you know what all goes with that. But, since he was my original inspiration to ride, I'll consider completing this Shootout as a tribute.
Not to digress, but a side note seems worthy. I stopped by Dad's apartment to check on him yesterday about 2pm. He was looking poorly. Called 911 and loaded him in the ambulance. Last thing he sees when I say my last goodbye is: me standing next to R² in the parking lot behind the ambulance. He points at the bike and nods his head...I knew what he was saying, "Cool...New Bike!" And, he gives me a big thumbs up! Doors close and that was the end.
Now, let's move onward.
Road Test
Rank Highfive Krabill
1 950 950
2 KLR R2
3 R2 KLR
4 DR KLX
5 KLX DR
6 450 450
HF Comments: #1 hands down is KTM950 Adventure (The Black Princess). #2 was really tough decision. R2 definitely has better handling, more planted feel, superior brakes, and less vibration across the entire rpm range. But, I’ve got so much road time on my KLR, I just couldn’t give up the spot. It has good comfort, superior range, superb reliability (important long way from home), and is a proven Pack Mule! But, I guess you could call it a tie for 2nd. I need some long distance trips on R2 under my belt. I ranked DR #4 because of its nice long legs. Cramped riding position wasn’t as big a problem on the road compared to on the trail. Just love that 350 motor. Sure wish I could put that motor in the KLX frame. Wow…There’s a thought! KLX is nice on the road, just a small motor that feels like it. Nice road manners, though. WR450F…forget it. Krabill Comments: On the road, the 950 is a no-brainer. Mind numbing power, incredible handling, and brakes that actually work. It was a toss-up between the R2 and the KLR for #2 spot because the KLR is miles ahead in a few categories like fuel and cargo capacity. Those two things can be very important depending on where you’re heading and what you’re doing. Even with the few KLR pluses, I still think I’d take the R2 because of its superior handling, comfort, BRAKES, and smooth motor.
MX Test
Rank Highfive Krabill
1 450 450
2 R2 R2
3 KLX KLX
4 DR DR
5 KLR KLR
6 950 950
HF comments: The WR450F is a BLAST on the track! Next three…Ok, I guess...just for fun. The last two….only if someone begs you to do it.
Krabill comments: Not really much to say here other than if you ever get a chance to take a 950 on the track. . . . DO IT ! ! ! HF follow-up to Krabill comment: Yeah…only if you don’t actually own it !
Trail Test
Rank Highfive Krabill
1 R2 R2
2 450 450
3 KLX KLX
4 KLR DR
5 DR KLR
6 950 950
HF comments: Nuff said between WR250R and WR450F already. KLX was very pleasing on trail. I like it. Just not as much as the other two. I ranked "MY" KLR next because its HIGHLY modified with superb Cogent Dynamics suspension front and rear. I’m very comfortable on it for EASY trails. Have survived HARD trails (barely). I’d much rather have the DR on HARD trails. Then I’d like to switch back to my KLR for easy trails. Can some one follow me on the DR….please, then swap me when I want? The 950….well, I don’t ever want to pick it up off the ground by myself again! Nuff said.Krabill comments: This is the important one. The TRAIL. This is where a dualsport bike either shines or falls on its face. It needs to be able to cover miles of varying terrain with as little effort as possible. Of all the bikes I’ve ever ridden, I can’t think of a single one that does it better than the R2. Not one. The silky smooth motor, the comfortable seat, the near complete lack of motor vibrations, and the plush suspension all mix together to make it my hands down, not even close, won it by a mile, top pick for a trail ride mount if I had to choose.
Well, there you have it. We are all done, time to shut-up and ride!
HF