'87 250WR vs 250XC

Hi all - I am wondering what is different between the XC and WR. I've always wanted an '87 or '88 250WR and now have an opportunity to buy an '87 250XC. What would it take to convert the XC to WR? I know about the shorter fork legs, but already have a spare set of '88 WR forks, so should be good there. There seems to be plenty of rear subframes on ebay for the WR at reasonable $, so should be good there to. What is different with the rear? Does the XC have a longer swingarm and shock? Anything else other than the obvious plastics/headlight? Thanks.

will be interesting to hear some chime in..you are correct about the subframe, as the 87-88 xc bikes i have encountered all had the short one with no loop. i have never seen different swingers, so i assumed they were the same. motor should be all same, as the cr (rare) had an electronic powervalve.

The shock is different in length, at least when assembled likely just a few parts inside different. The wr probably has those 9 pins on each side of the rim where the xc does not. I would have to study the parts sheets. electric alternator might differ, silencer probably is different, pipe maybe.

The 86ae,88wr,and 88te have two cross pieces connecting the sides of the swingarm. One near the tire and one near the pivot end. The 85/86 xc do not have the forward cross piece. If you see only one cross piece on an 87xc then that aspect of the swingarm is different.

Mogly, put some pics of the engine. Not all 1987 engines had the powervalve.

none had it except the cr250, as far as the swedes were concerned

in wanting the wr? what aspects of riding require the enduro orientation that an xc cant supply? do you need full lighting? is it the height of the bike? can it be registered or plated? just curious as to why a wr is specific. an xc would be a blast.

in the most basic description, the rear shock had a shorter internal rod and sometimes they just put a spacer in it as a top out, the spring obviously is shorter
you know about the front forks, the subframe is built to support a tool kit and tail light, the WR came with lights the XC it was a kit
the only difference on the swingarm is the chain follower, the XC has the upper and lower rollers, the WR uses only a lower roller and an upper plastic chain cover
the XC typically came with a Motoplat the WR with a SEM either one will support lighting

I want a WR for pretty much all the reasons you mention. I'm 5'7", so the shorter suspension is welcome, the local events I ride require plating and lighting, the WR platform is better suited for the tight woods in my area.

Thanks for the info! The swingarm/shock info is just what I was looking for.

wow, so you are a short guy...i wouldnt want my xc bikes any taller and im 6'1"...sometimes a little tall in tight woods..i like the wr height myself!

more important is your inseam I am 6' with a 30" inseam so these seem tall to me too

i have about a 33-34 inseam..i can start with either leg comfortably..i still wouldnt mind an inch or so lower seat height..but the rut clearance is nice!

my wife has commented whenever someone elses bike is at my garage how small they look

yep, WR for you

Isn't the difference between a wr and WR the XChas the CR suspension? I'd pull the forks up in the tripple clamps and save the longer suspension travel. Set the race sag on the rear shock. Then try it.
I have a 29" inseam and I ride any one of them.

Yes the gearing is different from the XC and WR. The XC had a WR and CR gears. I can't remember which ones.

swing arm length. xc is longer for high speed stability.

the cr has its own suspension. swing arm, shock,linkage and brake baking plate are way different.

I am 5'8" with a 32 pant length and my 87 250xc is a fine height . My xc sucks in tight woods I think it was bred to be a desert racer only.
If you wanna go fast in all six gears all the time the xc is for you but don't think your gonna tame this thing down and lug it around in the woods. If your sights are woods riding get a WR and be done with it , in the long run you'll be happier.

I had a lot of these same questions since I am restoring a 87 250 XC. See my thread if you're interested.
I found the best way to confirm XC and WR differences is to check the '87 Parts Manual. The manual is pretty helpful to compare the different models.
XC and WR shock travel is different due to shock spacers, but the shock springs are the same length, as is the swing arm. Fork travel is also different.

the XC and WR are geared alike, also share a swingarm with a different (shortened) shock