Should Yamaha release a WR450RF? Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Dual Sport or ADV? Q&A
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- Опубликовано: 25 июн 2024
- #advnews #chroniclesofsolid
Welcome back to another episode of Bike Banter where I go through your questions for the month and answer them as best I can. Should Yamaha make a WR450RF to compete directly with the CRF450RL from Honda? Why do Americans prefer bigger bikes? Which bike is best for high speeds but can still do sand riding? and is the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 a dual sport or adventure bike?
Thanks for watching,
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That’s 100% the reason. As an American who does the Adventure travel thing a lot…speed limits in the western states are 80 MPH. Most people regularly drive 10 mph over the speed limit on highways. Plus in those western states with the wide open spaces come a lot of wind. I’ve ridden all day in a 20mph head wind with higher gusts. I have a 300 Rally so I fully understand this trouble, at those wind speeds you may only be able to hold 65mph pinned wide open.
I wouldn’t bring yourself down by responding to those types of comments. You’ve proven yourself many times over, you clearly know what your talking about and anyone whose experienced knows that
Thanks mate 👍
I think Yama should build a WR450R Rally, as Honda did with 250/300.
A tenere 450 based on the wr450 with a 6 speed gearbox and t7 fairing would be the best thing ever
WR450F modified to be a dual sport… I’m in. Keeping it real as always Solid. 👍
Cheers Jimmy 👍
I was certainly one of the bigger is better crowd, I used to drive 100-110k just for breakfast, but as I’ve gotten older I’ve decided that slowing down and mixing the day on and off the bike is better for me. 450-650cc is my ride now.
🙏🏻🙏🏻
Yep a WR450R would be awesome !
Great episode mate,I can hardly ride a bike long distances without at least a quick shifter.My left hand is dodgy,so eventually an automatic would work.At least I’m still getting out there!
I’m an American and I’ve been riding a WR250R since 2017, it’s perfect. A friend has been trying to get me to go with a BMW 800 or similar for the last 5 years as he bought and sold numerous 700 cc or bigger bikes. I’ve kept my 250 and now my friend is riding a 300 cc dual sport… he said after trying to pick up his 800 cc in the sand, multiple times, he went to a ‘lighter’ 300 cc. Bigger is NOT always better.
It takes some people a while but nothing like getting stuck in deep sand or mud to make you a convert to lighter bikes 😎
I've always owned small displacement dual sport thumpers since 1975 but many older riders are down sizing to 300 cc bikes to keep riding. I wish the industry didn't reluctantly and belatedly sell us small ADV bikes and didn't insist on making them watered down de-featured bikes to protect the sales of their mid and full size ADV bikes. Smaller ADV bikes could be AWESOME if the manufacturers made the bikes we requested for decades.
As an American that lives in the middle of the continent, I have two bikes. One small 250 for local forests and trails, and a large capacity adventure for trips out west that can be over 3000 miles with all the gear. I love the WR for anything off road but not for long days that include high speeds.
Yank here and I agree with my countrymen from the USA. In the State of Florida where I live 80-90mph(128-144kmh) on the highway is standard. Plus the trucks\suv’s\semi are mostly very large and you will have to pass them. I prefer the middleweight bikes as I am getting older, so kilos matter but power is equally important.
Also great vid mate!
Living in Arizona I opted for the Honda XR650L so I could ride to fun areas as it's difficult to find a road free of wacko's so you don't get run over. Sold the 650 as it was getting too heavy for my back. Looking at a much smaller bike and if/when I go that route I'll trailer it or put it in the back of the truck (something I did with the 650 a couple times) and ride in safety and comfort too the destination. That way I'm fairly fresh when I arrive and as I learned from another rider - if you crash and prang yourself or the bike too much the truck is an excellent recovery vehicle. It's also easier to ride in the truck with a broken body than try to ride the bike.
The Eastern US has gas stations that are much closer together (some roads in Nevada are just a bit too long for my comfort zone to try and ride without extra gas) and offer many small roads for fun without having to ride a long distance (that is still an option though). Then there is Canada. Ufdah. One really needs to tailer their ride for the area they will be riding in and hopefully their skill set will be up to the task.
The older I get the less I have to prove and the less I worry about others proving themselves. Manual, automatics, three wheels, four or two. Just be kind and share memories.
T3 or T4 would definitely be something that I would consider buying for my next bike
Yamaha should build a T3. They have the engine (MT03) and the chassis (WR, with minor mods) already. It would be cheap to produce, and everyone who is currently looking at the new Himalayan and/or the 450MT would reconsider - essentially the same package, but with a japanese brand name.
I saw the 450MT in the flesh (in Australia) a few days ago, and basically it's the mini T7 I wanted. Make a T3, make it accessible to shorter riders (unlike the T7), and they'll be in demand.
You can't just toss a twin engine in a dirtbike frame. Internet engineers are hilarious.
@@burddog0792
Why not?...Lol
@@Alan-rz2fc Heavy engine in a frame not designed for it? 🙄
Don’t sweat the small stuff my friend. There are plenty opinions out there… not all will be
Relevant or intelligent. You are right on track with your interpretations and fully represent my interests. The right people are here because you represent their interests… don’t worry about those people that don’t understand, they aren’t your core audience. Please continue to represent my interests in the market, even if you don’t know you are doing it.
Thanks mate 👍
Yamaha ABSOLUTELY should!
As always, you are spot on. I would love a 350cc six speed like my old DR350 again. It was great in the desert and around town. But for long rides on the highway with less technical stuff and able to carry your gear 800cc plus is ideal.
I have a 2019 Beta Alp 4.0 that uses the Suzuki DR350 engine. It’s six speed ‘box is better than the 5 speed they put in the DRZ400, which I’ve also owned. Both Suzuki’s are also dead simple to work on yourself, unlike my Husky Norden.
YAMAHA: "We present to you, the Teneré 400!"
Adventure Crowd: "Take my money!!!"
Motorcycle enthusiasts: "Automatic and semi-automatic transmissions aren't even real motorcycles since you aren't clutching and shifting. What a waste!"
Also motorcycle enthusiasts: "The quick-shifter is amazing and it should come on every motorcycle. It's so nice to not have to clutch to shift!"
A lot of people will also complain when a quick shifter doesn't work well at slow speeds or at lower RPM. Its such an odd dichotomy.
Hey solid, you make one of the best moto content channels in aus, I genuinely miss watching your riding videos and hope life allows you to get back on the bike doing what you love. I'm in a similar boat but just got myself a 690 r and can't wait to properly get out there. Cheers!
Thanks Eddie, I miss getting into the dirt. It will happen but as you know it takes a bit of time 😅
How you gonna hate on a bald Australian dual sport guy. Bro’s got a heart of gold I could tell
Oh yeah that 450 road and dirt worthy from Yamaha is very much wanted . My deposit is waiting for a Tenere 450 or 500 .
Actually screw the deposit I will pay cash for it upfront and you know what , I would pay extra ........ lol
yess! i have a paralyzed left leg from the knee down, cant control it below the knee so automatic is mandatory
You hit the nail on the head Chronic. Big speeds require a generally bigger bike that doesn’t vibrate you to death at 80mph. (Almost 130kph)
Another bike Yamaha should make is a modern TW450 with disc brakes and EFI, but keep the low end torque and big funky tires. It should be light enough for slow off road use but capable of highway speeds with a 6th gear. A big rear rack and large fuel tank could make it an off road oriented ADV bike.
Props on your channel Solid. I watch every post. Your straightforward style and honesty are appreciated. I’m a 64 year old American who lives in the southeast. I’ve been a rider since I was 10. Currently own a 2019 crf450l with mods to the ecu, seat, etc. I love it. I also have a slightly modified 2000 Xr250r for the woods. As for bigger is better… I ride what suits my needs but always want my bike to be more capable than I am. I’m by no means an expert but I can hold my own. Age has slowed me down also. I went through the street bike scene in my 30s and always rode bikes over 1 liter. The FJ 1200 was my favorite. I feel it’s somewhat in American DNA to just own or ride/drive whatever you want. I don’t own a Hellcat but if money was no object I’d buy one today.
Considering how normally timid Honda released the beastly CRF450L on the poor sods in the market, I dread what Yamaha would unleash to one up them. Yamaha always did this, we in Asia even have a meme that Yamaha always try to one up the other factories in terms of consumer good. One of the example is the now discontinued but still famed WR250R.
Love this video and comparison. For this novice I find your comments very useful. Please continue and looking forward to more of these types of reviews. Thank you
Thank you! Will do!
In the states my favorite dual sport is a 2017 KTM 250EXCF. Plenty of power, light weight, nearly impossible to stall on tight single track and will run quite nicely at 65mph on the streets and highways. I would love to see a Yamaha YZ300FXL. That's my imaginary ultimate dual sport. Wake up Yamaha!
You’re a moto-scholar and a gentleman Solid…
“I didnt see any hard questions from you” 🤣 perfect response for that guy🤣😂😂
“Moto-scholar” I like it 😎
Picking up my '24 WR450F next week, and tagging it next week also.
Most people in the U.S. that have the big adv bikes don't take them on challenging offroad trails. Mostly just dirt roads. A lot of people who have a adv bike also have a dual sport or just a full on offroad bike as well. I blame the advertising for making it look like we use them like dirt bikes or something. They are more like very comfortable road bikes that can hit some dirt roads and that's mostly what we use them for.
In South Africa we regularly sit at 180km/hr on the road sections, even the 690 class bikes can't realistically keep up for long, on gravel roads we sometimes sit at 150 - 160km/hr.
I'm an american and I love small light bikes but I do see a lot of the bigger or faster is better mentallity. Plus a lot of americans who ride also work long work weeks and only get a couple weeks vacation a year so if you want to travel any distance you need something truly interatate worthy.
Here in America, we have more speed suggestions than speed limits. You need to be able to cruise at 85mph and still have some passing power. My modded DR650 is great for me. A husky 701 is a dream bike, but I can't justify investing over $20k on more than one bike with the needed mods. Even as fancy as the KTM 690 based bikes are, you still need to set them up. By the time you get the suspension done, get a more comfortable seat, proper skid plate, long range fuel solution, have the ergos set up for you its going to be 20k or more. I've already done that with my race quad, so the light adventure bike needs to be budget conscious. Older DRs can be had for under 2k and I've another 2k into it for long distance off road. I've got another 4k to go to get it how I want it.
For super tight single track and low speed fun, I picked up two dt175 two stroke dual sports for $180. Lots of low dollar fun for two people.
If you've ever tried to merge onto a US highway with SUV's and semi trucks doing 90 mph you'd understand why Americans want powerful bikes.
As an older American (73 and 9/10ths), as soon as you say “adventure,” I think that I am going to have to pick this bike up more than once in challenging conditions. I also figure that I will be far away from any kind of help from others. So, a smooth riding, wind-protected parallel twin for wondering the paved and maintained gravel roads of the country is great! But, for “adventure,” I’ll take a WR250R, or more likely these days, an XT250. Adventure, not misadventure!
Another great video, thank you! I’m an American that lives in Colorado (at 7000ft elevation and most rides are higher than that). I had the WR250R for a while and it was a great bike but a bit down on power to be ideal for me, but I would love to have a ~400-ish cc version of that, or a Tenere 400-500. Something with the Yamaha reliability, but a little bit more power than the 250. I may end up with a T7 at some point, but would much rather have a smaller/lighter/cheaper bike.
I am from the USA and I have a couple different size motorcycles. I have a smaller displacement lighter under 400cc for off road short trip motorcycle and a big displacement over 1200cc for mile crunching and feel that torque motorcycle. I think right size for the right job.
It seems that the smaller bikes are becoming more popular in the States, at least in my area.
'Murican here. Bigger is better? Off road, less is more. Love my G310GS baby adventure bike, but it'd be better with 450 cc for the little highway cruising that I do, 50 pounds less, and with a 5 gallon fuel capacity instead of 3 gallons.
Yamaha seriously need to resurrect the Super Tenere 1200 for long road trips.
Finally took delivery of my Himalayan 450, yes It's for the long rides, a bit of highway, mostly dirt roads, forest tracks etc. I'm keeping my KLX400e for the sand, mud & other harder day or weekend bashes. But will be keen to find out the limit of the heavy 450 once I get some serious 50/50 tyres on her, & of course get used to riding it. Only done a few k but having moved a few controls and lifted the seat I'm becoming more confident I made the right choice. Was serious about finding a low K F800gs until RE's 450 release at that price point.
Cheers from north Brissy.
I own a SWM RS500 that has been setup for Rallye. I just understand how people get sucked into these over weight monsters. then take them into the dirt with really knowing how it will effect them. Lighter is always going to be better. Just look at the interest for the new CFmotot 450.. what great value...
Your videos are very balanced, I enjoy most that I have watched. Personally I think another big single is a waste of time, A Yamaha big single still will not have great road manners or range. And all that are being honest know that trying to ride at highway speeds for hours on a big single buzzing out your dental work and soul!! Yamaha needs a light twin.. and 500 pounds is not light!!
Don’t field questions or apologise to these losers! You’re smashing it mate. You don’t need to explain yourself.
Thanks 👍😎
I still think people confuse adventure with enduro. Adventure isn't tackling snotty steep rocky climbs or single track. If that's your bag, you want an enduro. Sure, PolbTarres can throw a 260kg adventure bike around like an enduro bike. But really that's like taking a Rav4 into the high country. To me, mild double track is about as extreme as an adventure bike should be tackling. Anything more than that, an adventure bike is probably not what you're after and you should be looking at an enduro/dually.
There is an unfilled market need for off road oriented ADV bikes for the TAT, TET, BDRs, etc. Many of us want a lightweight bike that's decent off road, but mostly ride back roads with the occasional highway. The big motorcycle companies ignore our pleading. They'll sell a Dakar race bike that only a few people will use, while refusing to offer a true off road oriented ADV bike that millions of us have begged for since BMW made the first GS.
Great replies Solid! You definitely have a knack for getting me off my RUclips butt. Your constant nagging was a big driver for me to go out and pick up a used 250 Rally while waiting endlessly for the 390R to come out! Love the Rally for what is is so far, and hope to do some more back-roading with it, but 1 ride off the road sure makes me appreciate my EXCF!
Thanks mate. Which EXC do you have?
I have a 250EXCF. 4 bikes in the last 8 years and all 250's!!@@chroniclesofsolid
And 1 ride on the road with the Rally was a reminder of how not nice the EXCF is on the road! Best of both worlds for now until the Unicorn is spawned!
Solid i haven't seen anyone in Australia do a review on the fantic caballero 500 Rally or Explorer or even the new 700 would love to see what you think.
WR450R please
Agreed 😎
Yes, there is an overwhelming sense of "bigger is better" in America. I do not agree with this, and I know for a fact there are many people here that prefer smaller yet capable machines. I understand the size of this country and the higher speeds that are necessary to travel comfortably are factors, but I personally have no desire to ride on the highways. I'm an off road rider at heart. I sold my CB500X, and I will never own a 500lb ADV bike. I ride two plated dual sports, a Yamaha 250 and a Honda XR400.
I think the intake noise alone would be a deal breaker. Not to mention the tiny amount of oil they carry. They would be better off dusting off the old five valve motor, put fuel injection on it, strap it in the old steel frame that held oil imo.
Oh sick I got in a video.😮
👍
I agree about the bigger is better in America. But as American I don't believe in it. I have owned two 175cc bikes one 250cc and a 230cc and now own a CRF300L Rally and am trying to sell the largest bike I have ever owned ( Honda NC700x). I am 73 and love to ride off the tarmac and ride alone and can not pick up 450 LB or heaver bikes.
G'day mate, loving your videos. Can you tell me what oil your using in your crf 300l
I’m a bit of a simpleton when it comes to oil. I put in what the manufacturer suggests. That means what the Honda shop sells me. Very similar to a kit like this one www.crfsonly.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/8143 which is a good kit 👍
I'm not sure if there is a bigger is better mentality (the epa has regulated small trucks into oblivion), but there is definitely a lot of crossover between adv and touring bikes. And in that case the adv bikes will be on the bigger side. As to a smaller adv, I think many just get a big dual sport.
400cc with passanger/luggage isn't enough on highways.
Who mentioned a passenger? 🤔
A lot of the northeast (USA) 2way highways are limited to 50-55mph …
The biggest challenge Yamaha will have for a dual sport version of the WR250/450(RF) will be the Euro 5/CARB emission restrictions. However, it should be pretty easy to add enough oil capacity to stretch out the service intervals to the old WR250R levels to allow for full dual sport conversion in those locals that allow it (AU & some states in USA). Those engines are already bulletproof. A T3 skewed toward off-road would also be an option for a Euro 5/CARB complacent scrambler or adventure bike.
I can certainly answer the American thin. Some of it is ego. We have a ton of high power cars too. But most states here have a 80 MPH speed limit. So you dont want to be in the way. So your bike has to easily cruise at 80MPH all day long. Yes our smaller 400cc bikes can do that too. My DRZ400 has now 54,000 miles on it. I ride it from state to state for our BDR routes we have here. But im kins of weird that way. But that is the answer. Long stretches of 80 MPH cruising with gear and sometimes 2 up. Not many 400cc motorcycles 400cc and smaller can do that with ease all day long to get to that special route you have in mind.
Both my dad and I have been talking about how we'd love a new 450 dual sport from Yamaha, or even a 300/350
Chances of Japan building a new big single EFI engine with 5K / 10K oil change intervals and a 6 speed transmission is slim to none IMO. Maybe Suzuki will update the DR400 to EFI because they already have the engine, but they will be tempted to keep the trusted 5 speed after the DR250 had problems with its 6 speed.
Starting off on dirt bikes I prefer the smaller bikes for adventure travel, unless I'm doing primarily road riding. For that I want the extended frame of a bigger bike , especially when riding double. One other consideration is that there are few 400-450 bikes that are made for distance traveling in comparison to the multitude of 650, 700, 750, 800, 890, 900, etc. bikes which are capable of reliable distance travel. I dismiss anything that doesn't have descent suspension travel, even the 390 KTM is not ideal for that reason. I would never in my lifetime buy the original Himalayan; I don't know what to expect with the newer version? In short, I had a Yamaha WR450 with aftermarket tank, but still needed wider gearing for all around use and didn't have a dampened rear wheel for smother running.
These 450s shouldn't be more than $9-10k USD, there just isn’t enough bike to justify the additional dollars. Prices going up exponentially, but they don't do anything special.
I loved my WR450 but was a bit heavy off-road. Do-able though that’s for sure. But then again I want a 701 for a light adv bike. 😂
American here. Frustrated, there are not many choices for well-equipped, lightweight adventure bikes. A 250-450cc single with long maintenance intervals, long suspension travel, luggage rack, large tank, tubeless/spoked wheels, and ride-by-wire with cruise control. I would also like to see dual-sport bikes with street engine maintenance intervals and premium Enduro/Cross Country suspension. This kind of bike will be heavier than racing bikes and won't be winning races, but it is also not intended for racing. A KTM 390 Enduro-R will be awesome. So would a redesigned/updated WR450R, street-legal WR250F/WR450F, modern/updated Suzuki DRZ400(6-speed, injected, water-cooled, no CUSH), DR400 (6-speed, injected, air-cooled, oiler cooler, CUSH), Honda CRF250RL, or CRF450L(similar engine as 300L) with premium suspension.
When are you going for another ride? Metro road will be looking good with a little more rain
The main selling point for me is the low seat height followed by the 450cc engine, I'm only 166cm tall so every dual sport or adventure bike is out of my reach literally except the xt250 tw200 maybe the ktm 390
I'm 163 with a 29 inch inseam so I feel your pain. A WR450F with a much lower seat height would be fantastic, hence why I'm looking at the CFMOTO 450MT
@jbaker0203 that's nice, I've not seen them before, 800mm adjusted seat height would be awesome
@@tillsy23 The only downside with them AFAIK is the weight
I would love a 450 yammies dually.
I am also interested in a bike that can handle both sand (I can put a pattle on for this application) and highway speeds of 70mph (I can put a road tire on for this). This would be my two main uses for my motorcycle. I would really like to see a video that covers this topic. I am a beginner.
@stavrosk is right. I am an American and I’ve never understood or agreed with it, but the bigger is better belief is prevalent here.
Depends on the location imo. Where I’m from, a wr250r is suffice for narrow backroads with some twists and dirt/gravel sections thrown in for flavor.
Owned several bikes klr650 good for fuel range & pack mule owned the Himalayan good for short trips (100 miles) great on trails CRF250L was amazing on forestry roads but lacked fuel range & tie down capabilities for luggage many street bikes for long haul best was '04 1100 honda saber shaft drive couple harley loud expensive get the braging rights of "harley" nothing further in my opinion and finally had couple small displacement Suzuki cheap durable never done nothing just ran but didn't keep either very long
To answer the question regarding a bike good for 70 mph and sand, it would be an enduro or dual sport with light weight (< 150kgs) and a wide ratio gearbox to avoid high revving on the highway. I think the 690/701s may be too heavy for someone just learning sand. Perhaps the CRF450RL is the best of the bunch? Would be good to compare many of the enduros for power, ratios and weight to put them in some kind of pecking order (for this criteria).
Owning a 2019 YZ450FX and a 2015 WR450F that is played is love a street legal WR450FL (?) assuming they don’t deviate too far from the WR450F like they did with the WR250R.
We need a wr450r. I'd be first in line.
Wish they brought back the XT500 with 12" of good suspension, though not sure if they could meet smog regulations with an air cooled 500 like the XT250's
I started out as a bigger is better American, but I’ve slowly become more of a lighter is right’er American 😂. For me, the best combo would be my current DR650 for commuting/trails/camping paired with a vstrom 800/1050 for longer distances/ touring. That’s all I’d ever need… for now.
I watch you just because you are an “average Joe”. Fells more real if you get my point. Love from Sweden❤
Thanks 👍😎
Majority of South African guys have the bigger is better as WELL. Gs 1200 and up, KTM 1290, etc are more popular. I prefer my DRZ 400 e and Dr 650.
As a long time rider that has owned many different dual sport singles I suggest to friends starting out not to buy a bike under 400cc for street use here unless they are of smaller stature. Do you really want aggressive drivers taking chances to get around you when you're 20-30kms below traffic pace on hills? I think the sweet spot for a dual sport would be a long stroke 550cc single with a heavy flywheel yet that category sits empty. My 38.7 hp 450L is so much better on the highway than my DR350 was but it is light years better off road than any of my 650's were. I just want the bike to be both fun and practical for both dual sport environments. I also want the fuel tanks at my shins like an 890 if an engineer is reading this.
Texas is big. It’s a 12 hour day from Houston to my favorite off-road riding in Big Bend. Speed limit on our interstate highways is 75 mph (~120kph). Texans consider highway speed limits a polite _suggestion_ and are usually running at 80-85 mph (~130-140 kph), so you’ve got to have a bike that can run at those speeds indefinitely and _comfortably._ And without getting blown off the roads by semi trucks. Creature comforts are a must - some wind protection and, please God, cruise control. And that’s why 400cc class bikes are out. About the closest we have that fits that bill and is still capable off-road is the Aprilia Tuareg 660. If you don’t mind poor reliability, skimpy dealer network and crappy Piaggio Group warranty service. The Transalp would fit the bill nicely _if it had cruise control_ - are you listening, Honda?! 😖 Next up is the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro, but now you’re up to 500 pounds (~230 kg), and that’s an awful load for an old fart like me to pick up. Pay attention, motorcycle manufacturers - we baby boomers are looking to downsize, and we’d be delighted to _throw money at you,_ if only you’d make a fully loaded 500-ish cc twin ADV that weighs less than 400 pounds (~180 kg). Get a clue already.
Isn’t I-10 outside San Antonio to fort Stockton 90mph (or 80mph) ?
I remember my old jeep couldn’t get up to the speed limit that was posted!
@@timlubbers2884 - I usually go out Hwy 90, through Del Rio. I don’t think the speed limit on I-10 goes up to 80 until you get past Junction. But, yeah, it helps to be on something that can keep up.
Build it,they will come
If I had to decide, Yamaha would release a 375cc engine to have on a WR375 and from there lie perfectly between 300 and 450. Then they can release a WR500 to crush the KTM501
I would love to see yamaha produce anything to replace the wr250r to compete again with honda and kawasaki and suzuki.. i would be the first in line. I love my wr250r and would never sell it.. seriously yamaha needs to build something besides the xt250 and the tw200 those two bikes won't even do 55 mph pinned wide open. I was interested in the cfmoto 450mt but that thing weighs 450 lbs fully fueled
Drz400
oh ffs the drz400E has always been complianced and sold in the enduro category as an enduro bike in australia, the E literally stands for enduro (not e start)
the E model also never had pillion pegs only the S (street) and sm (super motard) models had pillion pegs.
I don't have access to sales figures but here in Canberra WR450 are an extinct species. Its a sea of 300 and 350's or similar ktm/Gasgas/Husky/Beta etc There is the odd WR250f. So what's wrong with the WR450 ? 5speed gearbox instead of 6. Run super hot, even with their fancy phone App, Mapping are super lean and they are on the fan constantly. Black fuel tank - so you can't see how much fuel you have. 10kg over weight compared to the pumpkin bikes. They have good KYB forks and Shock. But shock is difficult to service and gets cooked by the reverse motor.
In my opinion Japanese motor cycle and car makers lost the plot after GFC and have not recovered. Imagine where we would be if Honda kept selling their XR250/400 - just put an electric start on it or put some R&D into the CR250/500 2T . What if Yamaha put a 6 speed, wide ratio, hydraulic clutch, 72mm 300cc barrel, electric start, and used their 2000 steel frame - in the YZ/WR250/300. or how about YZ/WR150/165/200 or just put the old YZ/WR450f traditional motor bike on a 10kg diet. It would be a sea of blue now. But computer says NO, and the lazy fuck, non riding accounts took over the kingdom, they make more cash from postie bikes and scooters so thats the focus - and don't get me started on parallel twin 7/890 T7 and Africa vomit
¹ I bet that an engine swap video of implanting the CFMOTO 450cc *crossplane* inside a DR650 doner would have a *crazy watch count*
² I'd pay for such an engine swap to make my DR650 a *450cc crossplane*
Mate with all the hysteria around the CFMOTO 450MT I wonder whether you would be interested in doing a pros and cons for 450MT v CRF300 Rally? Cheers
Noted Jimmy 🤔
Yes but they won't
One of the drivers of displacement and potential conflict over the next 10 to 20 years will be climate (change) - resource scarcity, climate change is going to compound the cocktail that's driving war and displacement.
Ed Miliband
Its funny how anyone thinks we Yanks think bigger is better when the biggest ADV bikes come out of England, Germany, and Austria.
Why do Americans think bigger is better? Last I checked, KTM, BMW, Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda, Ducati, triumph, Kawasaki and whoever else isn’t an American company.
American demands/preference is what he’s referring to.
Yes Yamaha should release a WR450R, BUT they should just smog the existing WR450F so we have a real off road dual sport beast, instead of creating a whole new, heavy, 300 pound hog like the WR250R.
you can't make a decent dual sport by starting with a competition motocross bike. the crf450x, l, rl, wr450, rmx459, klx450 etc etc have all proven that beyond a doubt.
you can't start with a bike that sacrifices everything for short course performance and turn it into a durable long term bike without changing nearly everything. it's something that just needs to stop. manufacturers need to build bikes fit for purpose from scratch.
I don’t think it’s about bigger is better at all, and it’s not an American thing either. On every content you’ll find the german made GS, Austrian made SAR and S, AT’s, and on and on. It’s just a different experience. We need to get away from the mentality that our way (small bore bikes) is the only or the best way to do something. It’s a very narrow minded egocentric way of thinking.