Haha yes just about. Wouldn't be the first time either. I'm sure you've been there yourself! Thanks for watching!

been a while since I run a CRF450. I rode a 2018 CRF450RX not long ago and a 2004 CRF450R a while back. Both of those bikes were quite different (as I would assume they would be) The suspension on yours is going to be quite a bit stiffer, causing you to bounce off of little rocks and roots that would be absorbed instead. This helps keep your tire on the ground and remain in traction. if its too stiff all day it will tire you out faster. However the WR isn't so soft as to be running low in the stroke, it's actually quite a lot stiffer that a lot of guys will run their 300 2 strokes. In my opinion though, those are too soft and don't allow you to be an aggressive rider. I think the biggest difference that you're going to have is in the clutch itself. Ive ridden a CRF250X with a recluse and it changed the bike completely. Once you're up and moving the bike felt mostly "like itself" but gear changes and aggressive clutch actions to upset the bike the way you need to sometimes were just not there. I'd say because of your clutch, I can't really compare yours to mine. The biggest issues that 450 riders have in tight woods is the likelihood of stalling, and how you need to operate the bike to keep it going forward. Your 450R is going to have a really tall 1st gear which would have you slipping the clutch all day to keep it running, where the WR has a 1st gear that is almost half of your 1st, so it makes tighter stuff much more enjoyable. I did find that the CRF450X that I rode would stall super easy, any sort of load just above idle would stall it (one time in mid air on a little vertical bank jump) however it could have been old gas as he didn't ride often, so I don't want to discredit the bike for that.

I remember trying to find a video about it before I bought it and couldn't find anything, everyone always jumps to uncorking it, and then saying how much better it was compared to being corked... but without a video of the bike being corked you really had nothing to compare it to? So I made this video.

@@evanwilliams6352 Exactly!

You know, I try to be a 2 stroke fanboy (I've had a few 2 strokes - still have my 2000 RM 250) but I always seem to gravitate to this bike as well.. it's just soooo good! hard to explain unless you ride it for a day. Everyone has their own riding style and preference, but I feel like this bike adapts to whoever wants to ride it, it's just a great bike, honestly.

the DRZ took a lot more input and wrangling to get it to do what you wanted it to do, but it would throw down if you asked it to. The DRZ is a heavier bike with less power, but still plenty for most things. The WR is a much more aggressive and responsive bike in comparison, but it's way harder to find its limits (if it even has any) compared to the DRZ. The DRZ is softer suspension, so it'll try to blow through a corner or wash out as it'll be way higher in the stroke, where as the WR holds its form way better. Also, I found that first gear was close to the same (DRZ might have been a touch taller) but 4th on the WR isn't much sorter than the DRZ 5th - and the WR still has a tall 5th gear. I honestly never get to 5th as I'm always on single track, and even if I find myself on a windy gravel road 5th is a bit luggy, so it's probably great for straighter fire roads.

@@evanwilliams6352 I feel like I’m in between the two. I tried the wr250f and felt it was slow. The DRZ is marginally better in terms of engine power. What if I left the wr450 corked? Would that make it more manageable?

@@nosyjoe I would say that a corked 450f does feel kinda similar to the DRZ400. It still had good torque down low where not a lot of air flow was needed, but fell flat in the mid - upper RPM due to the restricting airbox and exhaust. A DRZ is a bit flat on top as it's a long stroke cylinder and doesn't like to rev like a modern short stroke race bike does. I haven't ridden a modern 250f (ridden plenty of carbureted ones) but I bet it felt slow because you were probably trying to use the torque of the motor to drive you. a 250F needs to be rung out like a 2 stroke, high rpm, and once you're there they pull pretty hard.

Adding a fan is quite necessary for tight single track. There were only a couple spots on these trails where a fan would be nice, but not necessary. But when it gets tighter, rocky and technical it's absolutely necessary. it's possible that you might need to richen your A/F mixture to cool it down if its running too hot even with some airflow. If your bike is popping a lot on decel you know it's running a bit too lean. Either way, get a fan. Keeping your engine cooler and not overheating will greatly extend the life of your engine.

@@evanwilliams6352 i think you're completely right it does pop when i let off gas ill have to see where its at and give it an adjustment.

It probably is 👍 I don’t think you need an ECU on those, simply uncork them.

I don't have the part number handy, but it is the GYTR ECU which works in the YZ450F and FX. The 2023 WR is similar to the (I want to say 2018 - 2022 YZ-F and 2019 - 2023 YZ-FX) I had called my local dealer and had them order it up for me.

I called the dealer that I purchased the bike from, they ordered it for me, took about 2 weeks. Keep in mind this was 2 years ago. Powermotorsports.com

I've never been big into motocross but I have gone to the tracks and have built big jumps in the past. (before I took an 8 year hiatus - I don't really jump anymore) biggest tip I could give you is to look where you're heading. Stay on the throttle while exiting the jump, either a consistent throttle or accelerating (blip) off of the jump lip. If you let off of the throttle you'll slow down and nose dive. This is why looking at your destination (where you're going to land - or where you think it might be 😅) is so important. When you come to the tip of the jump and you find yourself staring at the peak and not where you're going to end up, you'll naturally let of the throttle, which then throws your weight forward. The issue intensifies if you let off of the throttle as soon as the front tire leaves the jump, the rear tire will slow down significantly and act as a pivot point which drops the front end down. Try practicing on little bumps in the road (say a foot tall) and notice how your bike reacts to throttle inputs when you go over the bump. (keep in mind speed has a lot to do with your outcome) if you stay consistent over the bump what happens? if you let off at the last second what happens? if you give the bike a little blip what happens? try these on the same bump at different speeds and see how the bike reacts.

@@evanwilliams6352 wow that is such helpful advice i appreciate it heaps mate. ill be sure to put that into effect and find out what happens with my bike when put under different conditions. this was very helpful. thanks so much again

@@rorylah absolutely! I love helping teach those who are willing to listen. Remember body positioning is hugely important as well. Stand up with good posture, arms and knees bent. You'll notice that a horse jockey's body stays still and in control as his horse violently moves around underneath him.

@@evanwilliams6352 what a great analogy! i understand what you mean, thanks for that too. i can tell youre very knowledgable about this subject

I thought it was funny 😆

@@evanwilliams6352 I enjoyed it haha. Might buy a used 2013 WR450F in a few weeks and idk if I even need to uncork it after watching this vid lol your reaction was priceless

@@oldtownscouts3712 I'm not as familiar with the older bikes, and how "corked" they are in comparison to being uncorked, but I'm sure it's still plenty of power for most people. ( it was hard to tell in the video where I crashed and why, but there was a little stump about 4" round and 6" out of the ground that would have thrown my front tire way off course if I had hit it. so when I swerved, I threw my line off and my balance to avoid hitting the tree😅)

I had went with the 450 as I needed the headroom for hillclimbs and dunes riding. 250's are fun an probably plenty or (enough) for most riders honestly. The Wr's aren't road legal out of the box over here, but if they are where you are in the UK then it's going to be a great choice.

it really depends on what you want to do with it. I'm a sucker for hill climbs, that's where a 250f fails for me... but I think most other places, if you live in flatter (or at least less aggressive terrain) and perhaps you're less experienced, go for the 250. There weren't any gnarly hills in this video as it was an event, so they didn't lead the trail into places where people couldn't make it. But when I'm out with my buddies we'll find some good ones.

Thanks for watching 👍 I rode with a guy the other day that had a 2022 YZ450FX and he loved his bike as well. This is the first 450 that I've owned as well (I've ridden them a handful of times before this though) most of the riding I do I'm surrounded by 300 2T bikes, so I'd say this 450 holds its own quite well out there.

Interesting I didn't realize that a 2018 was old enough to not have an electric start. Must have just missed it. It's funny that you run dual fans, I was considering doing that and had looked into it but didn't see anyone else doing it. The way I see it is if you can keep the engine in its optimal operating temps you'll prolong the life of the motor. I'm going to look into it more now 👍 It's amazing I've even watched video's where people are flat out against radiator fans because they can drain the battery... which is nonsense as the motor generates electricity to run the fans as the motor is running... it's like saying you don't want to use the lights in your truck as it draws power from the battery.. Anyways I hear ya, I'm a sucker for the 4 stroke power, but keep in mind my backup bike is a 2000 RM250 which is way more "2 stoke at heart" than the modern 2 strokes are... I honestly think that the modern 4 strokes are a closer resemblance to old school 2 strokes - whereas modern 2 strokes are like super lightweight "oldschool" 4 strokes. I feel like they reversed roles. I've owned many oldschool 4 strokes and never cared for them, the older 2 strokes were way more exciting.. Now in current times the 4 strokes are way more lively and the 2 strokes kinda feel sluggish (even though they do absolutely rip) but you have to ask it to do so. Wow, I'm blabbering on.. Sorry about that haha.

thanks! its almost riding season around here again, I'll be hitting this event up again.

the ECU was $200 and the map switch was another $100

It's a blast of a bike, and all the other 450's I've tried in the woods this one is best suited for it. I recommend this bike. It's almost riding season again, I'll try to find the time to make more videos of the bike.

I bet It does, I wonder how much it affects the 450f compared to the 250f

@@evanwilliams6352 a lot I’d say I drove mine when it was it had all the restrictions still on the bike and it was like a tt 250 gutless

@@rezkidgamingyt4725 I bet, the 450 wasn't necessary "Gutless" but for a modern 450 it was. the 450 has more headroom than a 250f though, so I could imagine a 250 being pretty docile.

@@evanwilliams6352 it’s is but when you are at 12000 rpm the bike rips the 2023 revs to 16000 rpm I really need the fmf exaust plus I’m just a small guy 160 lbs soaking wet lol

@@rezkidgamingyt4725 I'd like to get the FMF as well, but mostly only for the looks, I wouldn't need it for the power. The stock pipe is a bit bulky, I like how the FMF tucks in nicely.

Sorry to hear it. This video was actually all on Private Property (which isn't the same in the UK as it is here) but they've kept it an oasis for dirt bikers, they throw big rides / events all the time. Summer gets too hot to ride and risk of fires, but spring and fall are perfect times to ride around here.

I guess it depends if you already have a car to drive. Cars are fun too, but bikes are a different kind of fun for sure.

@@evanwilliams6352 They are. Plus with a bike like a WR, you can go almost anywhere and at high velocity>

when you ride a 4 stroke at the lowest RPM while applying some load to the engine you will hear some noise, as the computer would start advancing the timing a bit as you apply throttle, but the RPM's are still too low to take advantage of that. The cycle then "fights itself" and creates a huge spike in pressure (usually this is when you stall) It's also possible that your spark plug has some buildup on it, creating hot spots and "dieseling"... a loose timing chain is more of a rattle, or crackling sound, rather than a knocking sound. Keep your oil changed frequently and don't use old gas.

I'm in Southern Oregon 👍

@@evanwilliams6352 Awesome! I'm just in Portland. Is that an actual ohv riding area or private property? Would love to check it out! You've got my brother interested in a Wr450 now and that's after he just bought a '23 KTM 350 lol. I've got a '08 wr250f that I'm almost done rebuilding and going to need to break it in.

@@sethw1230 its BLM, but you kinda need to know how it get in. the spot I get in I have to park at my bosses place and ride up the hill, but I have to be careful not to make tracks otherwise others might see it and come down into his property. honestly I don't know where other people are getting in, as there isn't really a "parking lot" to start from. you kinda need to know a guy. Honestly I'd love to have a 350 size, as a 450 is a lot of bike at times, I keep it on "mild" most of the day. I love my WR though, it does everything so well. it's a very well rounded bike.

I'm leaning towards saying no, I think a WR250F might still be the better way to go. This depends on what you'd like to do with the bike though. I don't know anyone with a WR250F but I have a feeling that the 450F takes a bigger hit on power being corked than the 250f would, as the corking is the same but the 250f already breathes less due to its size anyways. I haven't had the chance lately to try a more modern 250F but have ridden quite a few in the past. If you're new to riding a 250f is plenty of bike (I'm not new to riding and I still almost went for the 250f honestly) reason being is that modern 450's have a ridiculous amount of power these days, which will hinder you as a rider if you're not prepared for it, and even if you get used to it as a new rider it'll be your crutch to rely on that power when you ride a bike with less. I think a WR250F would be best for a new rider, it's going to be tamer and easier to control, this will help you build confidence and skill as a rider. Once you feel that the corked 250F isn't enough power you can uncork it and it would be a bump in power, and honestly enough for most riders. It could take you years to outgrow that power. Perhaps by then you could go up to a bigger bore, or you'll have ridden enough and made some friends who have 450's and could try theirs.

@@evanwilliams6352 that was really helpful man, thanks for taking the time and sharing your insights, I appreciate it 🙏

they're definitely hard to ride slow 😅 but super fun to ride fast

To uncork a current WR - you need to remove the air restricter in the air box (it uses soft plastic rivets so it breaks off with your bear hands) you need to remove the dB reducer in the tailpipe (drill out two rivets) and you need to buy the GYTR ECU $200 which comes with a shorter throttle stop screw so you maximize throttle movement (or you can just cut the factory screw shorter which is what I did, because I rode the bike for 10hours "corked" while I waited for the ECU to arrive, but I wanted full throttle motion) the ECU is located under the gas tank and mounted to the backside of the air box (as the air box is now on the top/front of the bike), it's a pretty simple procedure.

@@evanwilliams6352 Okay much appreciated those things are pretty much the consensus I'm seeing. Doing those things could make things lean, will the Gytr ECM balance the gas/air mixture because there is no carb or jets to adjust on Fuel injected now especially if you do a pipe also etc,,,

@@seatime674 I didn't uncork the bike until I got he GYTR ECU as I was worried about the same things, the stock ECU is already a bit lean as it is. opening up the air box will only make it leaner, so I waited. the only thing that I did was shorten the throttle screw when it was still corked and factory ECU. I uncorked everything the day I put the GYTR ECU in it.

@@evanwilliams6352 Did the Gytr Ecu come with beginner/advanced map button for the handle bars I was wondering how that worked to tell what map you're in by pushing a button...

@@seatime674 I paid an extra $100 for the MAP switch, it simply plugs into the wiring harness (there's a plug that's located on the left side of the head stem where you can plug it in) the GYTR ECU is preloaded with 2 maps, I call them "Mild" and "Wild" the switch will glow blue or be off - these are your two map options. I haven't gotten the WiFi module yet to actually tune the two maps, but I will get it one day.

I appreciate you

You hit the nail on the head, they have a huge amount of torque on the bottom, as long as you're on the gas even a little it'll keep going. 4 strokes don't have the same low end "basement" where they'll continue to run below the idle point, but it's a huge amount of power just off idle. Also yes, I can't get behind the KTM products as easily as a Japanese bike, the europeans just don't build in the same reliability as the Japanese do.

I just brought one great bike

@@brianshannon9289 did you snag the Yamaha? or what did you purchase?

@@evanwilliams6352 purchased it

Yes I have the GYTR ECU (not sure exactly what model, I bought it from the dealer - I'm assuming it's for the FX) yes I installed it myself and the map switch, I did not get the WiFi module yet.. the ecu comes with x2 pre loaded maps that you can access with the map with "mild" and "wild" is what I call them. I "Uncorked" my bike when I installed the new Ecu, so that in itself would have given me loads more power in itself, but it didn't want to uncork the bike until I had that new ECU, I was concerned that it was already running pretty lean, I didn't want to add even more air to the mix. if your bike is still corked and stock ECU then you're going to get a wake up call once you uncork it and change the ECU, it'll be way more of a handful than it currently is. To answer your question - yes, you can just buy the ECU by itself and it'll be in one map, buying the switch allows you to access the second map already uploaded, and buying the CCU allows you to tune those maps as you please.

#BDB-E9500-V0-00

@@andrewmcshane7224 its a good question! I'll have to find the paperwork or take the tank off to read the ECU.

@@andrewmcshane7224 that part number seems correct when searching the internet.

I would like to see what it looks like too, I don't have the WiFi module to link to my phone, not yet anyways. It'll likely be something I purchase this year. Perhaps there are photos or videos on the internet of what the GYTR ecu maps look like from factory, as I haven't changed the maps.

There’s a bunch of mild maps on the forums for the 2012. Never had a problem with the popular maps for the 2012 model. Usually ran it on aggressive though.

Unfortunately no, they've changed the casing, it will no longer accept a kick starter.

The 2021 - 2023 WR450F are the same, but (I believe) the 2018 - 2022 YZ450f and likely 2019 - 2023 YZ450FX are all going to share many similar parts. The GYTR ECU that I have is for the 2022 YZ450FX I believe (I called my local Yamaha dealer and they got it for me) If you're buying a pipe, all the years that I listed should work just fine on your bike 👍

@@evanwilliams6352 thanks Evan, super helpful!

thanks man. The difference isn't a whole lot really... the gearing is apparently the same. The WR comes with the headlight, tail light, speedo, fuel consumption meter, rad fan, Spark arrestor, softer valving in the suspension. But remember that it comes "corked" so you'll likely want to uncork it and get the GYTR ECU ($300 for the ECU and MAP switch - another $300 for the WiFi module) The FX will be "uncorked" from factory with the GYTR stuff ($600 worth of stuff) but if you're wanting some of the stuff that the WR comes with you'll likely spend more money getting it to that point. I plan on putting plates on mine soon so I can legally get to some of the riding areas.. so everything that the WR comes with I would have had to install on an FX later on, so the WR made more sense to me.

Yes it is 👍

I'm 6' 200 / 205lbs it really depends on what kind of rider (and how much seat time) you have. I always tell people to stay away from a 450 as they're just way too much for so many people - a 250 is honestly a much better bike. I've been riding for a long time and hill climbs is one of my go to activities on a bike, so a 450 was the better choice for me... however, in saying that. 90% of my riding would be a blast even on a 250, for example this video that we are commenting on. However... being that this bike was "corked" from factory, it was somewhat comparable to a 250f (I bet a yz250f has more power than a stock WR450f) but once you uncork it and put the GYTR ECU in it is a fire breathing 450f (this bike is uncorked in this video) - I read that you gain roughly 20HP after uncorking) so if you are "less" experienced and you never uncork it, the 450 could be a good choice, but you'll likely be better off on a 250 and uncork it. Or maybe swing for the YZ250FX. It's a long topic and I could talk forever about it 😅 450's have too much power and it'll scare newer riders, and even if they do get used to it, the power will become their Achilles Heel and won't do well on other bikes or situations where technique is needed. I strongly believe that "less is more" but it is nice to have....

@@evanwilliams6352 good stuff thank you sir!

I would love to have a T7! you'll love the WR if you decide to get one. They're quite capable machines, I take mine on all the rides when everyone has their 300 2t out, not an issue for me. Check out my other video "can a WR450F single track?" I talk a bit more about how the bike performs 😁

@@evanwilliams6352 Nice one, I will check that out. What I’m ideally looking for is something that handles single track a bit better. If you watch any of my own videos you’ll know what I mean 😂. The T7 is such a fantastic machine though, for what it is it handles so much so bloody well. But the WR will hopefully be obtained this year 🤞🏼

@@motorbikediaries I'll take a look at your videos!

Thanks

I haven't had a chance to have a "good ride" on a 300 yet, only for a few minutes down the trail, and same with this Beta 300, it was a brief experience. I found them to be very luggable and it's easy to keep them running at low speeds, but they'll hammer down if you ask them to. I felt like both of them you really had to ask it from them to get them to really move though, meaning you really had to twist the throttle a long ways to open them up. (this makes them very predictable however) which is funny as I'm used to riding 250 2 stroke race bikes in the woods and the throttles on those bikes are like light switches. The WR450F isn't quite as much of a light switch as the old school 2 strokes, but definitely way snappier and and a huge amount of low end torque, but you still need to be ready on the clutch if you're near the idle RPM of the motor. To answer your question - I'll start off first by saying that I wouldn't worry about your height or weight, these bikes RIP If you're a good rider and have been riding for a long time then a 450 is a good choice, but only if you're experienced, otherwise a 450 is way too much for most people. A lot of people buy a 450 because they are actually easier to ride that low rpm grunt compared to a lot of other bikes, but if you grab a handful of throttle they are literally rocket ships, which should never be in the possession of a newer rider. It'll scare them and won't allow them to have any fun, or they'll get used to having the power do the work for them. If you're still somewhat new to riding then id suggest the 250 if you're looking towards a 4 stroke. however, I run this bike in "mild" all day, it definitely dulls it down on the bottom half and makes it much easier to ride, way less wheel spin and arm ripping acceleration. a modern 300 2 stroke has loads of power for anyone, but I find it to be tame enough that even a newer rider can handle it just fine. You won't stall near as much and won't have to be ready on the clutch near as often in low speed technical situations. I see WAY more 300 2 strokes on my trails than any 4 stroke these days. It's likely the way to go (but I can't get myself to move away from Japanese bikes)

First thing I did

​@evanwilliams6352 so the video showing it corked was without the throttle screw but the other things still in place Did you ride it with the screw in at all and if so, what was it like?

@@terrythompson448 I rode it around the block. Then I brought it in and made the mods. It would have been unridable off-road.

Mostly air box noise

The KYB suspension is super nice. And it's softer setup than a track bike. After riding last weekend with 5 other KTM's and one guy was a small time suspension Guru, talking to everyone about suspension setup, possible rebuilds to make them better for their riding style, Lucky cartridges, air forks sticking etc. then pointed at my bike and said "but you just can't beat the KYB setups from factory, you're good to go".. I might play around with it, go softer, then harder, see how I like it. Otherwise I don't feel like I need to touch it at all.

@@evanwilliams6352 i pretty much take it as a given that all bikes need springs and valving to be correct for most riders. Even really good suspension like your kyb is seldom set up for the rider weight and ridding skill level and what kind of ridding he or she is doing.

I know right, sometimes you have to explain it in a way just so people can get upset about it

No I have not, I don't know anyone with one either. They look to be pretty sweet bikes. From the videos I've seen they'd be softer than the WR-F, but being that it's street legal out the gate, they'd make a great all around bike. Wouldn't necessarily be my go to bike if you're doing a lot of woods riding, but if you don't like loading up a bike to hit the trails, the Honda would be a great fit.

I know!! I probably would have bought that instead of the 450 honestly.

Seriously been saying that for years!! 100% agree

@@Jdake801 if they start a 350 class then It would happen, till then I don't see it happening unfortunately, which is sad as the common 350 is probably as powerful as the early model 450's used to be

Question: is this a good bike for adult learner that can ride?

Imagine if Yamaha built an electric start, six speed, two stroke, enduro style 300! Unfortunately they don’t, so millions of dirt bikers buy millions of European 300’s. Like my new Beta 300RR. I’ve had 4 WR 450’s and still have one so thank you Yamaha, but there’s a new girl in the household and she gets taken out way more than the WR and she’s a lot more fun to dance with hands down! The big WR is very capable but…

In this video I've got the GYTR ECU, not the stock one.

I have an older DRZ400e which to my understanding didn't need to be "uncorked" as my air box is already opened and I have a different carb than the newer ones, which people claim the older ones were better carbs. In comparison in power, there is no comparison... the WR450F was* a little more torquey and a bit snappier than my DRZ400... but then you uncork the WR450F and it'll blow the doors off of the DRZ400... the WR450F uncorked is honestly a missile when you twist the throttle too hard.. WR's used to be a detuned engine with lower compression and different cams etc.. from their motocross versions, but now they're the same engine. so you're basically trying to compare a DRZ400 to a YZ450F. The DRZ400 is a good engine, but not in the same class as a motocross engine.

@@evanwilliams6352 Right, I understand the Drz400 isn't necessarily a race engine, seems it's more designed to be a smooth semi-sporty engine with reliability and long service intervals in mind. I too have owned several bikes over the years, never a 450 4 stroke though. If you have the Drz 400E model, then you likely have the first generation Keihin FCR 39 "slant" carburetor. That's a good carburetor when it's set up properly. The carburetor I mentioned I have, but haven't yet installed, is the new generation Keihin FCR 39 "MX". Same carburetor that came on all the newest 250/450 MX bikes before they switched to fuel injection. Anyways, the reason I asked regarding the power comparison, is because you were comparing the corked WR450 to a 250 MX bike. I use to own an RMZ250, and to be honest, I think my Drz400 as it sits would beat that bike. I also currently have a ktm 125sx, which is also comparable to the 250 4 stroke mx bikes.

@@evanwilliams6352 The WR450 sounds like such an awesome bike though, and perfect for the kind of riding I do.

I don't mind the quieter sound that the WR puts out, but I do like the looks of the factory YZ pipe or other aftermarket pipes on the market, I like how they tuck into the bike really nicely 👍