250-500cc review of 09 wr300 from longtime ktm owner

I do the same thing: use a bolt held in vise-grips. I am not sure if you have Cycle Gear where you live, but i think they sell an attachment for a 3/8 socket that has several sizes specifically for this type of axle.

I also seem to have spokes loosening quickly on our WR125...one almost backed completely out before I caught it. Check all the motor-mount bolts and kickstand bolt too. I have had those loosen on my WR250.

I hope your race goes well on the new bike. Should be fun.

JS

why didn't you sell me one when i got the rad guards and computer?

Now you owe me a beer.

He thought you had a 12mm already... We all do

Someone told me there is a WR300 at my nearest Husky dealer (Moore and Sons) for $5100. Very tempting!

The same person also told me the bike only has 42 hp....so not sure if I believe a word he says.

JS

My 300 is barely off the peak power level of my built YZ285, which is the opposite of a slouch. I've yet to be outrun by a 450 (except top speed runs) on either.

I'd like to see the numbers a 450 mx'er puts out on that dyno. I'm guessing they'll be well below the touted 55hp number most people like to throw around.

No way 42 is right. Some bikes that hit feel more powerfult than they are but the WR is smooth. When a smooth bike is scarry you know it has power. I have ridden a 03 KX250 which was a slow MX250 and was reported to be around 42 HP. My 02 WR250 would smoke it. The newer WR250s are faster and the WR300 is faster yet.

450 MX'er put down 49-52 hp. At least on the dyno runs I've seen. So I wonder what the numbers are on a 300, anybody know?

Anyone have accurate info on an update schedule for the WR300? 2011? Time is creeping/racing by, can't wait any longer and have no desire for an orange bike. Thanks.

Not waiting that long.

I think the WR300 has a decent hit. The Motocross Action article in this months issue on building a Pro Circuit Kearney replica claims the bike is a mild mannered trail bike. Dirt Rider magazine said the 300WR "walks away from 450cc four strokes in a third gear roll on or even in hammer down acceleration, .....trust us this bike is open class." Dirt bike said it was faster than the KTM300XC and the Gas Gas 300.

I used to race a KX500 in hare scrambles.....it also had hit. The WR 300 has respectable power in comparison....but is more manageable. I think the Pro Circuit Platinum 2 pipe may spread out and smooth out the power delivery, and I'm eager to bolt one up soon....but hear the Pro Circuit silencer or spark arrestor is required to do so which pushes the whole package up around $400. Oh.....and also the MXA article claimed the bike made 42 hp stock.....the Pro Circuit Kearney mods added 10HP.

Is 42hp measured at the wheel? If so, that would make more sense. But it seems like there is conflicting information.

What is involved in the Pro Circuit Kearney Mods...that give 10 hp
JS

Power was measured on the dyno. Stock was 42.4. With the mods it made
4 hp more at 7000 RPM, 6 more at 8000 RPM and 10 more 9000 RPM.

The mods consisted of:
- 38mm Keihin PWK with 162 main and 48 pilot ($250.95)
- Pro Circuit Porting ($329.95)
- Gas Gas 300 domed vertex piston to replace Husky flat top($250.95)
- Pro Circuit Pipe and Silencer ($350)
- Ignition and lighter flywheel from a older Husky CR250

They also had PC revalve the front fork and install stiffer springs.
MXA said the biggest single improvement was to stiffen up the front forks
which was to make it more moto worthy of course...

You guys worrying about how much HP the thing has.......If it's fast enough for you, who cares?

BTW a dealer within a few hours of me has an '09 for like $5200. Tempting.

Great write up, thanks! So want to pull the trigger on one. Dealer here in Phoenix is getting out of the business has a new 09 for $4,950. Think I'm convinced. Just put my TE310 back on Craigslist! Personally, I loved the magic button on my KTM 250 XC-W (e), but it wasn't a necessity, that's for sure. Agree the money saved would be better spent on a Rekluse. Then you don't have to worry about restarting in awkward spots!

Velo, Have any more thoughts about the bike now that you have ridden more???

who's this velo guy yer talking to? Oh, you mean me, never mind, lol.

My thoughts about the bike are I love it for rocky technical riding and twisty stuff. The suspension is currently getting a little overpowered in deep sand. If i turn up the fork compression, it gets harsh instead of just stiffening up. So I emailed LTR and will probably send them my suspension to see if i can get more bottoming resistance and 'mid-stroke-mud', and perhaps even a little more compliance of fast square-edges and rocks. It's still quite a bit better than any other stock bike i've owned, but i'm kinda spoiled with an mx-tech kx250 and trailtricks 200xcw.

Moto, that type of fork action is exactly what I am seeking with my bike. Does LTR have a rep for understanding that package. The crossover from sand needs to technical with rocks and roots seems to be foreign to some tuners.