Which is better trail bike 82 or 84 WR250?

I have an 1982 model WR250 already, but just saw an 84 WR250 for sale. They both need the engine and suspension rebuilt. Which one will be the most fun trail bike?

Will the oil seals, gaskets and bearings I bought for the 82 also fit on the 84? Are they the same engine?

I am 5'10" 210 pounds and am a casual single track trail rider in San Antonio, TX where is it dry, rocky and rooty most of the time. Some sand and some dirt.

I will use the bike to ride around after my two sons on KTM 200s.

Thanks Guys.

I believe they are pretty close to being the same bike, except for the seat and gas tank. I let the experts chime in on the bearings and seals, but I think their the same.
Ron

I believe 84 is ITC rear suspension.That would make the choice easy.

83 and 83 have ITC rear but 84 has a sharper rake/trail and results in sharper steering than an 82. some hate the 83/84 side panels as they do buldge out more than the 82. All in all all comprable but the 84 would be my choice unless you "hated" the look of the plastic tank and the white without the classic polished knee panels on the tank.
Joe

Second that opinion! A 84 WR250 is my trusty trail bike and I wouldn't trade for anything else. I usually leave my "modern bike" home, 96 KTM 360 EXC for the WR. Same engine as 82 but a little different porting, easier starting, more upper rpm power. Mine is basically a XC as I'm 6'2" 270# so I put XC suspension on mine. A 83 and earlier seat and tank will bolt right on if you wanted a older look, mine has 83 tank and seat. I have four 82's, one 83 but the 84 is the best handling of them all. I agree on the shock "bulge", not comfortable for me if standing up, rare with me on a trail. Hated the bulge on my 83-500XC when "on the pegs" heels of my boots would catch on shock springs but thats with size 13 hoof. 500 went into a 82 CR chassis.

If your just looking for a Trail Bike and short on funds I would just spend the money on fixing up the one I already have. If you have the extra cash buy the 84 then you will have a choice of bikes to take out and play on.

You guys are gonna get me in trouble with the wife!

But since she is getting new granite countertops, I should be able to pick up another Husky, right?

As far as sitting down on the trails, the KTMs make my butt sore, so that 84 WR is looking better and better.

And I do have an 83 WR250 tank that I can put on the 84 to get the old school polished knee panel look. It has some dents in it and looks like someome has patched it a bit on the bottom. I have an even older tank that is blue with chrome knee panels. It looks like one that came on the 70s era 175s. I think I will go out to the shed and see if it fits on the 83 frame that I have. That might look cool.

I think I should go and at least look at the 84 for sale. I don't have to buy it do I?

Thanks for the advice guys.

My wife always says, if she knows I'm going to go look at another bike, "please take the car instead of your pickup"

Last year I ended up with two showing up at my house with the "heh, I heard you like these old bikes" Will you give me $50 bucks for it?"
Have fun!