wr450f versus 690 performance

[blauth]

KTM525 and 500 get my vote. I'm more familiar with the 525 and it's a damn strong engine if you're not a complete plonker with maintenance.

I've heard a whole lot less issue from the 525 or 500 than I have from the 690. I attribute it to the evolution of this engine which started back with the 520. The 530 as stated here was a balls up but then I think they got it together again with the 500, which I think may be better than the 525 with nice features like the Cush clutch and FI. It's considerably more powerful too.

I've used both a 525 and 690 as adv bikes and apart from the regular servicing, the 525/500 is better in almost every way....in my opinion.

Keeping in mind that I don't do the panniers and shit loads of luggage adv riding....then I'd rather have a DR or XR

[Epilot]

Thanks for the reply, on off-road bikes my experience is 250 2t and the 690 is my first 4t except for a brief stint on a husaberg 501 that didn't work out well.

[CUZZY]

It's no secret that I'm a Yamaha fan !. I have ridden both bikes mentioned and owned a WR 450 for a few years. Brilliant fun bike. If your mission is fun rides with point and squirt stuff, the bike will go forever if regularly serviced. What kills these bikes is riding at constant throttle speeds of 100 to 120 kph. A mate of mine owns a bike repair shop and has showed me a number of 450s used as motards or commuters with buggered engines. Expensive shit! I like long trips and sold my WR 450 for an XR 650L.

[sidetrack]

If the 690's have such issues, why would another KTM single be better?

The RFS motor first appeared in 2000 which was based on the Husaberg motor that came from who knows how far back. Thing is they improved on it year by year and by 2006 and the holy grail 2007 it was perfect. Dare I say it's better than a Japanese motor since it was just as reliable but had far superior gearbox ratios and power traits.

[2StrokeDan]

If the 690's have such issues, why would another KTM single be better?

The RFS motor first appeared in 2000 which was based on the Husaberg motor that came from who knows how far back. Thing is they improved on it year by year and by 2006 and the holy grail 2007 it was perfect. Dare I say it's better than a Japanese motor since it was just as reliable but had far superior gearbox ratios and power traits.

Thanks!

[darthvader]

5 valve Yamaha reliability is in fact atrocious.  However, all things considered a 690's combined issues will approach the amount of pain a failed valve on the Yamaha will bring.  Between those 2, I'd take a 2nd hand KTM 500 and have none of the issues.

Wise words!

500/501(2016 model) is the 2017 way to go.

[2StrokeDan]

5 valve Yamaha reliability is in fact atrocious.  However, all things considered a 690's combined issues will approach the amount of pain a failed valve on the Yamaha will bring.  Between those 2, I'd take a 2nd hand KTM 500 and have none of the issues.

Wise words!

500/501(2016 model) is the 2017 way to go.

I have had lots of riding buddies with WR's and zero reliability issues. Both my son and myself has had 690's, and what shit they are. Everything of the cheapest.
Then again, we ride, we do not play around.

A failed valve does not matter whether it's on a Yamaha , Suzuki, KTM or Triumph, on any 4T a failed valve may bring disaster. If you worry about valves, buy a 2stroke.