My 2008 WR250R turned X is started to get up there in mileage for a thumper at just under 40,000 miles. I'm started to hear some clatter from the motor on cold startups (probably/possibly cam chain and/or tensioner) and can't help but feel she's a bit down on top end power from where she used to be, and feel like there's some more motor vibes than there was before. The rear shock needs to be rebuilt for sure, coming close to needing a new chain+sprockets again, and piece of mind has me wanting to replace the wheel and suspension bearings. Per the manual, the brake lines should be replaced too, and it needs front pads again.
All in all, I'm looking at putting a decent amount of money into a bike that has a ton of sentimental value but not a lot of net worth anymore. It does help that I own it and its dirt cheap to insure but...
I kinda want something different. I've basically had the same bike since 2009, ridden close to 60k between this one and the one that was stolen. My main complaint is motor, as in I want more of it. I've ridden a WRR with an Athena 290 big bore kit and head work and it still doesn't have the grunt I'm looking for. The bike I really want, if it makes it to the states, is the new Guzzi V7 Stone but I've also thought hard about a 600cc sport bike or really anything better suited for riding on the road than my old 250. Can't really afford nor do I have the space for more than one bike. Part of whats stopping me is its still probably cheaper by half to rebuild the WR250R over buying a new bike. And when I did the X wheel and brake swap, I really enjoyed the bike again for a couple months...
So what do you do? Rebuild old faithful, knowing you'll never get back out of it what you put in to it at this point, or get a new bike?
I've read your stories on ADVrider. I'd be tempted to keep it as well. My bike is a 600 and there are days I wish I could go offroad (better, it's seen two-tracks)
How much would it be to buy a low-mile used engine and slap it in?
A quick ebay price search says $1800 for a used motor.
I was thinking of sending the current motor to Thumper Racing and letting them install their 280 kit and maybe do some head work, then sending the suspension to Go Race Suspensions for their revalve and respring service, and ordering a set of dirt wheels from Warp9.
Right. It's a 250, and while that's delightfully nimble in the dirt and perfectly ok around town, it's a small bike for riding across the state and such.
Since that is what is bugging you, a rebuild won't fix that problem, or scratch that itch. Go up to a bigger bike. With a little watching, you can get one in the size you're talking for a grand or two, in pretty darn good shape. Probably not a 201x model, but you don't have to go back to a 198x range either.
You can keep your WR250 and ride it just as it is, little clattery, little down on power. Or, you could sell it just as it is, and apply that money to a newer bigger machine.
Having read your trip across the country, I remember that you did encounter some cases of hike-a-bike.
On a larger adventure style dual sport, that would've been very difficult.
On a Scrambler you would have ridden the dirt road and turned around.
On a Standard you would have never ridden the dirt road in the first place.
I'm a Scrambler guy. Having owned a XT225 for a bit, and enjoyed it "oops I dropped it" weight, I know that I couldn't own a sport bike. I enjoy riding offroad too much.
But at the same time, I know I'm not riding a dirt bike, and I don't have the tires, and if I get it stuck I'm out here alone...so if I get someplace where I can't ride a Scrambler, it's been a fun detour and I turn around.
I know of a Honda XR 650 R that is available near Detroit. It has plenty of power. If you are interested I can get the details.
I had a budy that had a BMW G 650 GS that he replaced with a BMW K1200. He wishes he had it back. He would do 4-6k mile roadtrips. I rode it a few times and it had acceptable highway power and felt light enough to be decent for adventure travel. It compared favorably to Honda and Kaw's big boar thumper enduros (a bit hevier and a lot more refined feeling so probably inferior off road but superior on road). He also averaged 60mpg over his ownership of 30K miles.
