WR250X/R and altitude?

[expatbrit]

So...

Looking for a small, light bike for around town and the twisties. I'd like it to be easy to maintain, and I have hideous experience with the local KTM dealers, so I'm a lot nervous about anything in that arena. I'd also like to be able to learn to ride dirt on it, and low maintenance is a plus.

The WR250R/X looks like the perfect bike -- but everyone here I talk to says 'meh, under-powered'. Does anyone have experience with riding one of these at altitude -- the Duke City is at 5,000' and I end up over 10k on one of the local roads.

Oh. Yeah. I'm a bloody sail too, at 6'7. I'm not looking for long distance highways, but I do want to be able to do up-hill runs at this altitude.

I'm hoping to score a testride (if I ever get back into town) since the local Triumph dealer has a used one, but I'd like input if anyone has any. I know there's a few people with them out there, but not sure if anyone is up this high?

[servicerifle]

It isn't going to win any records, anywhere, much less at 10k feet.   A quick google search found that you'd basically lose about 8 hp at 10k.  You'd have less than 20hp at that point.  You can do exhaust and such, to get the bike back up to where it was stock, but that's not saying much, really.  They're taken regularly over CO passes on the TAT (and I plan to as well) but that's a temporary thing.  I think the hp loss would drive me nuts if I lived there.

Maybe better to consider a TE610 or the likes?

[expatbrit]

It isn't going to win any records, anywhere, much less at 10k feet.   A quick google search found that you'd basically lose about 8 hp at 10k.  You'd have less than 20hp at that point.  You can do exhaust and such, to get the bike back up to where it was stock, but that's not saying much, really.  They're taken regularly over CO passes on the TAT (and I plan to as well) but that's a temporary thing.  I think the hp loss would drive me nuts if I lived there.

Maybe better to consider a TE610 or the likes?

Thanks; that's about what I was expecting, knowing the altitude. MOST of my riding isn't above 7K, so that's not quite as terrible.

*mutter*

I'm trying to break my addiction to expensive, relatively high maintenance, Euro bikes and get something frugal -- but I was thinking what you said was the case.

(Now -- can I convince myself it's DRAMATICALLY better to ride a small bike hard than a large bike less so??)

[servicerifle]

The TE 610's are known to be pretty darn reliable.  I think in your shoes I'd be watching ADVrider for a good deal on one.

[expatbrit]

OK.

Stalking for that, and I find a WR250X locally. $4200, 2008, with 3K miles.

Already has a full exhaust and a PCV on it. BAH.

Test rode it, and it was ... OK, power-wise. It got up to an indicated 80 fairly easily, and wasn't too vibey up there. Doesn't accelerate like a MTS1200, but I'd be worried it it did.

Seems a bit pricey (but it's at a dealer), but has the right kit on it. A grand or so more for a set of Wheeling Cycle Supply wheels, and it's a WRR/X. What's a reasonable price for that thing? $3500?

[Cablebandit]

Sounds about right price-wise.  However, they are pretty scarce in these parts and seem to demand a premium.  Finding any under $4000 that aren't beat up is a challenge.

[servicerifle]

The price is right, but the engine is still wrong where you are.

Worth the drive:  http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=720061