Here's my $.02 on the WR vs KLX.

The KLX has smoother stronger bottom end, which makes it awesome for single track and light to light riding. Piped and jetted (20HP), I got a consistent 50mpg and could run 85mph all day long. The suspension was soft and comfortable, great for long cruises to the trails. Very satisfied with my KLX, 13,000 miles of reliable service.

Now the WR is a different breed. Keep in mind I've never owned a dirt bike. For me this bike took some getting used to. The dyno @ 700miles in stock form a 45Deg outside, came to 24.8hp. The fuel injection, very choppy off idle, like a two stroke, it is difficult to manage in town and single tracking. But 60mpg, and 85-90mph top end. The bottom end is weak, and the power cranks on at about 6,000 rpm. The bike demands much faster speeds off road. Even geared up 4t in the rear, I stall too often if I don't read a track properly. I've gotten used to the very stiff suspension.

In April I'll do a real test at the Desert 100. The KlX handled awesome the last two years. I'm just not a fast rider, and the KLX power band fits me well. I will be able to run the WR hard, and see if the stiff suspension and crazy top end is a good thing or not...for me .

And since this is a 250 comparison, there is not any info on the Suzuki DR200S. I put the DR right there with the KLX as an all around great small D/S. Great bottom end, good top end and a good sized fuel tank, 3.5 gal.

 

haha... yea really..... Just because you can prove something doesnt mean it didnt happen... lol

 

Great comparison and insight, Tony! That jives with what I've read from folks who've ridden both. Peak HP is just a number and not terribly meaningful as to how it translates to the ride/handling itself. Personally, I would prefer a solid, luggable, stall-resistant bottom end any day over a weak bottom but higher peak HP, everything else being equal. But that's just my riding preference.

Of course, you have the best of both worlds, you own both! You can pick whichever one suits your mood for any given day.

 

He doesn't have 'kato' (his KLX331) anymore. He's got a KLR650 and the WR now.

Also, since his last impression of the KLX was in 331cc form, it's a murky view at best.

 

Now Tremor, I put 10,000 miles on Kato before the Schwarzenegger steroid package. The 331 did add lots of torque, but it just wouldn't tach up like the stock jug did. I love bumpin' the rev limiter the first few gears.

And Kato went to a good home...

 

+1...

 

Yeah, that's the reason I've avoided going past 300cc. With the more agressive cams and lighter weight Wiseco piston, the hp curve is nearly identical to stock.. with little bit more of a rise at midrange revs. Love the added low-end torque though. They do make a 315cc kit over here that still manages -when combined with the same cams I have- to keep the upper rev portion of the curve from the dreaded tapering-off that normally happens with higher displacement, but it's a bit pricey. It also has a 11.9:1 CR, so I'm not sure how it would do on regular grade gas.

What you descibe with the abrupt on-off throttle resonse on the WR, was the exact same impression I had with my first EFI bike (CBR1100XX). Got used to it after awhile though. Same feeling with my pumper carb. Kawi has managed to make the EFI KLX surprisingly smooth in that regard.