I'm torn...

[dogjaw]

Have been a DR fanatic for quite some time, but recently came across a smoking deal on a WR250X... The bikes are too similar to keep both, but also so totally different. The choices:

2006 DR
Eibach suspension
19" excel rim, wave rotor
40f0 exhaust, air box, jetted
Seat Concepts, etc... Pulls like a train, very planted at 70+, likes 87, feels old school.

09 WR250x
Yamaha lowering link, PO mounted aggressive knobbies on 17" rims... Very flick able, probe to wobbles above 70, better brakes and suspension, incredibly smooth, considering the revs it requires to stay in the power...

I was convinced that I was going to keep the WR until I experienced the freeway wobbles yesterday, yikes... Let the opinions flow, please.

[dirtydeeds]

I'll bet you a shiny wooden nickel that those 17" knobblies aren't meant for 70mph on pavement. Put some Avon Distanzias on there and it'll smooth out. Consider balancing them too.

In the meantime, slide your fork tubes down a bit. I see you have 3/4" or so sticking above the triples. That might straighten the bike out, too.

Sounds like freeway ability is a must for you. I think you know which bike is best.

Love the Tiger colors on the DR. Very cool.

[ChR1s]

That front tire on the WR does not appear to belong there.

[jon_l]

All the WRR/X high speed wobbles I have read about have been tire or balance related.

That DR looks sweet and well set-up. Shame you can't keep both.

[Pantah]

I'd buy a proper set of wheels for that X and keep it. Put high performance Pirellis on the 17's and you have two fantastic motorcycles in one.

My WR is plenty stable on the freeway with Michelin T63's on a 18/21 wheelset. I've never read anybody complaining about the X with proper tires on the 17's.

[dogjaw]

Yeah, the wobbles shocked me yesterday; I had ridden it at highway speeds for hours before with no problems, came out of nowhere... The WR definitely feels more "modern"; could be a set of 705 or 244's could be the answer.

[Albie]

I'm with Pantah, get a 18/21 wheel set for the WR and get rid of the DR.

[dogjaw]

I knew I could count on you, Albie!

[sagebrushocean]

Wait for a deal on a 17" sumo wheelset for your DR, put some Pilot Road 2 tires on them, and you'll have the best of both worlds.

[dogjaw]

[sagebrushocean]

Originally Posted by dogjaw

That's no 150 or 160 tire on the back, though. :) And real sport/sport touring 17" rubber does make a difference on both ends.

P.S. Is that a K270 on the front of the WR-X? I have a K270 on the front my CRF230M for dirt riding, and it really sucks on pavement, at least in part because it is meant be a rear tire.

[plugeye]

i could tell you what i'd pick, but what diff does it make
only downside of the wr is water coolin & 17s imo

[dogjaw]

It is a 270; wouldn't have been my choice, but that is how the PO had it set up; then again, he was selling the WR to buy a Sportster, so his judgement was suspect to begin with... Sounds like the general opinion is in favor of the WR, which is mine as well, just don't want to regret it down the road.

[sagebrushocean]

Originally Posted by dogjaw

It is a 270; wouldn't have been my choice

There aren't a lot of knobbies to replace the 110-17 on the front, unfortunately, so the PO did the best s/he could. Some good street tires should fix your high speed wobbles.

Sounds like the general opinion is in favor of the WR, which is mine as well, just don't want to regret it down the road.

I'd miss the torque of my DR, but I ride mine almost exclusively on pavement where the extra weight of the DR doesn't matter much.