Wr450

[twisted-hog]

Looking at a 2003 WR450 on Craigslist.
Haven't had a physical look at it yet.

Any advice out there?

Adding more orange to the stable, isn't in the budget, blue is priced better.

 

[offworlder]

Here's where the WR450 is at today - awesome !

http://www.dualsportbc.com/forums/showthread.php?13925-Dakar&p=141038&viewfull=1#post141038

 

[bkoz]

There was an update to install a torque limiter on the starter gear train. Other than that, if it has had decent maintenance, it should be a tough old bike.

 

[twisted-hog]

There was an update to install a torque limiter on the starter gear train. Other than that, if it has had decent maintenance, it should be a tough old bike.

Going to look at it tomorrow.
So are you saying a 2003 would have had the update?
They tell me motor hasn't been touched and no hour meter.
I'll just have to have a good listen to the motor and check exhaust for blue smoke and do the usual fine tooth comb look over the rest of bike.

Regarding a tough old bike I've already got one of those. This one would be an upgrade out of the 70's into this century.

Thanks t-h

 

[bkoz]

Going to look at it tomorrow.
So are you saying a 2003 would have had the update?
They tell me motor hasn't been touched and no hour meter.
I'll just have to have a good listen to the motor and check exhaust for blue smoke and do the usual fine tooth comb look over the rest of bike.

Regarding a tough old bike I've already got one of those. This one would be an upgrade out of the 70's into this century.

Thanks t-h

The 2003 needed the updated. The update came standard on the '04. I would *guess* that the bike has gotten the update sometime in the last 13 years. Or it just got lucky. It is possible the late model year 2003 got it. I can't remember.

Make sure there are signs that the air filter has been serviced regularly. And that it starts easily dead cold. These bikes had the most robust valve trains of this era but its big bucks to redo the valves. It would be worth budgeting for a new cam chain and tensioner if you do pick it up.

 

[twisted-hog]

The 2003 needed the updated. The update came standard on the '04. I would *guess* that the bike has gotten the update sometime in the last 13 years. Or it just got lucky. It is possible the late model year 2003 got it. I can't remember.

Make sure there are signs that the air filter has been serviced regularly. And that it starts easily dead cold. These bikes had the most robust valve trains of this era but its big bucks to redo the valves. It would be worth budgeting for a new cam chain and tensioner if you do pick it up.

Thanks,

I found this info on Thumper Talk

"Many people don't know this, but in mid-2003, Yamaha came out with an updated idler gear assy",
"The 2003 original gear cover is flat, the 2004 and newer WR450F has a chamfered bulge in the cover to accommodate the longer axle on the updated gear assy."

This is something to look for.

I also checked ebay, only $36 for a new OEM cam chain and about same for a tensioner.

Thanks again.

 

[twisted-hog]

Well that WR450 was in rough shape.....

Electric start only works when bike is hot, just made a whirling grinding noise?
Bike spits out small puddle of coolant when kick started, owner says that's normal?
Loud as fu*k, FMF muffler needs repacking.
Rear tire shredded from him getting a flat and riding it back to truck, so no test ride.
No odometer or cable running to front wheel.

 

[TW_rider]

 

[bkoz]

Well that WR450 was in rough shape.....

Electric start only works when bike is hot, just made a whirling grinding noise?
Bike spits out small puddle of coolant when kick started, owner says that's normal?
Loud as fu*k, FMF muffler needs repacking.
Rear tire shredded from him getting a flat and riding it back to truck, so no test ride.
No odometer or cable running to front wheel.

Was it street legal?

 

[twisted-hog]

Nope......barely dirt legal.......