Low maintenance/high performance bikes

[Coyote]

I know they're generally opposites, a bike either has one of the other. But Yamaha have recently released the WR250R which is only meant to have slightly less horsepower at the crank compared to the race bred WR250F whilst having longer service intervals (e.g. valve clearance check at 40,000kms rather than 500km). So I know a reliable bike with decent performance is possible.

The 250R sounds like a great bike, but underpowered. Is there any bikes similar in the big bore range? Or do they all require constant attention? At this stage the XR650R is at the top of my list of Motards, I've ridden one and loved it, but it's still a large bike with budget gear. The KTM LC4 looks similar and KTM's 690 range is too new to be in my league. I'd be more keen on a Husaberg or something similar but from what I've heard they're highly strung.

[GaZBur]

If you want Adventure and Motard then it sounds like your first idea or XR650 sounds like the idea.
I Motard my DR650 and it's super reliable and maintenance is practically nill compared to the higher tuned bikes, I imagine the XR would be very similar - a better choice for off road terrain even.

[trumpy]

.........I'd be more keen on a Husaberg or something similar but from what I've heard they're highly strung.

I had a 1995 Husaberg 350 which did over 400 hrs (showing on the hour meter) before I managed to kill it. The only reason it died at that point was because I crashed it in the sand at Woodhill and it lay on it side with the throttle jammed virtually on full for about 30 seconds before I could pick myself up and get to the kill switch......about 2 seconds too late:doh:. Not bad for a bike with no oil pump (these early ones just had a type of reed valve instead).
When I rebuilt the motor I used a 501 barrel and piston which takes it out to 430cc. Never gave a hint of trouble after that. Sold it about three years ago and to my knowledge is still going strong. They are not as fragile as some people would have you believe.

[Coyote]

I had a 1995 Husaberg 350 which did over 400 hrs (showing on the hour meter) before I managed to kill it. The only reason it died at that point was because I crashed it in the sand at Woodhill and it lay on it side with the throttle jammed virtually on full for about 30 seconds before I could pick myself up and get to the kill switch......about 2 seconds too late:doh:. Not bad for a bike with no oil pump (these early ones just had a type of reed valve instead).
When I rebuilt the motor I used a 501 barrel and piston which takes it out to 430cc. Never gave a hint of trouble after that. Sold it about three years ago and to my knowledge is still going strong. They are not as fragile as some people would have you believe.
That's really interesting. Have Husaberg's now stayed the same or did they change after the YZF400?

What about Husqvarna and other European brands? Also is the new KLX450 any good as a road bike or just a KXF with road trim?

[trumpy]

That's really interesting. Have Husaberg's now stayed the same or did they change after the YZF400?

The lack of oil pump was a short lived attempt to save weight and any 'berg from the late 90's will have a proper pump. There have been a number of upgrades/improvements in recent years and now under KTM ownership the build quality is up there with the Japanese stuff.

[Coyote]

The lack of oil pump was a short lived attempt to save weight and any 'berg from the late 90's will have a proper pump. There have been a number of upgrades/improvements in recent years and now under KTM ownership the build quality is up there with the Japanese stuff.
Reliability should be similar then shouldn't it?

How often did you do the oil on yours?

[trumpy]

Reliability should be similar then shouldn't it?

How often did you do the oil on yours?

I used to change my oil (generally) about every four trail rides. The filter was a washable one but tricky to get at so that only gone cleaned occasionally:o.

[clint640]

It'd definitely be cool to see some bigger bikes with a similar blend of performance & easy/low maintenance as the WR250R, but there's not much out there at the moment. Currently you're always going to be on a heavier bike if you want a stress-free big thumper.

I'm interested to know how, in the brand new WR250R, you 'know that a reliable bike with decent performance is possible' but discount the slightly less new (in the case of the motor) KTM 690 range as being not in the same league?

Cheers
Clint

[Coyote]

I'm interested to know how, in the brand new WR250R, you 'know that a reliable bike with decent performance is possible' but discount the slightly less new (in the case of the motor) KTM 690 range as being not in the same league?

I said they were too new to be in my league. They're around $17000 aren't they?

Wouldn't mind the Duke or SMR, someday...

[merv]

I wouldn't mind trying the new WR250R and though it has fuel injection not much has been revealed about how close in power it is to the enduro F model. What I do know for sure is the specs have it weighing over 25kg more and that is a shame. I like my WR for the rough because it is so light. If I want heavy I ride my XR or Mrs DR650.

We did talk about the Yamaha a bit here http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=57070 when Mr poos started this thread about the X model.

[Coyote]

I wouldn't mind trying the new WR250R and though it has fuel injection not much has been revealed about how close in power it is to the enduro F model. What I do know for sure is the specs have it weighing over 25kg more and that is a shame. I like my WR for the rough because it is so light. If I want heavy I ride my XR or Mrs DR650.

We did talk about the Yamaha a bit here http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=57070 when Mr poos started this thread about the X model.
According to Australasian Dirt Bike, Yamaha said the 250R has 3hp less at the crank than the 250F. Not sure how that translates to the wheel.

I'll have a looksee

[NordieBoy]

According to Australasian Dirt Bike, Yamaha said the 250R has 3hp less at the crank than the 250F. Not sure how that translates to the wheel.

I'll have a looksee

Should be nice and smooth throught the rev-range though.

[Coyote]

Should be nice and smooth throught the rev-range though.
No massive kick in power? How boring :p