So I have the compression relief and the red pull tab on near the carb for hot starting. Once you figure it out, it makes is a lot easier. There is a process to it. I do recommend dirt bike boots when riding. Just got my first pair at 50 years old. Should have done this a long time ago. The kick back is not so bad and if you get hit in the back of the leg, not bad either. Good luck.
1998 WR400f I bought new was told 273 pounds dry White Brothers full exhaust ; radiator guards; heavy duty aluminum skid plate; front and rear disk guards; Twin Air air filter; Acerbis hand guards; fork bleeders ( to let out trapped air ); Moose brake pins; rear brake pedal Brake Snake; Moose Heavy Duty tubes; Michelin Unicross tires; Baja Design rear brake light actuator; Scotts dampener; Pro taper bars; Eldebrock 39mm carb ( stock yamaha slide wheels died and Yamaha wanted same amount as new Eldebrock just for the slide!); after market dual lamp head light; after market seat foam with gripper seat cover - only issue was a bent valve when the neighbor opened the compression release while riding it happy trails JJ
Hey, looks like an OK bike for the age. I have a 2000 WR400 I've been riding and working on for 18 months. Mine was a pig to start when I got it but I found someone had messed with the timing. Now I've sorted that and got a good technique it starts first or second kick, hot or cold. I've added a 13L Acerbis tank, new SM Pro wheels with a cush drive hub, had the suspension serviced and lowered 40mm (I'm a short guy), rewired it to run DC for lights and accessories and an ignition key for security, lots of other small things like Pro Taper bars, easy-pull clutch lever, reupholstered seat with comfort foam etc... It's a great bike. I've done 3,000 miles so far in the UK and Spain and it's never let me down.
If you have some photos I would love to see them. This next week I am taking the bike into have the forks rebuilt. They were leaking just a little when I picked it up, now there is a small puddle after a ride. In the summer here it is upwards of 110F so we do not ride much. However it is getting to be that time of year again where going outside is a bit more comfortable. Once I get the front forks rebuilt I will post another video. Thanks for chiming in. How do you like the tapered bars?
@@burdman480 I'll post a walk around video up when I get a chance. There's a couple of videos of me riding it on my channel, I'll upload some more. I didn't notice a massive difference with the bars to be honest. I already had them from another bike so thought I might as well replace the tired old ones.
Definitely got tons of compression. It's a bear to start. Great bike tho. Like you said...I love the gear box. This bike has all the power I need. Sure wish it had electric start! Better have a strong leg or enough ass to kick it. Lol
I've recently purchased a 2000 400f. Found it was hard to start but ran mint once running. Replaced the plug and fuel filter and some fresh fuel and it starts first kick when cold. Haven't had the chance to go for a decent ride to check the hot start as it needed new tyres (They were 10 years old) and I need to do the water pump seal as it leaks a little on first start up but stops after about 15 seconds.
If you find the carb needing repair or a rebuild sometime (the stock slide is prone to cracking and going into the engine), just chuck the stocker and get a newer FCR off a WR or YZ450F. The fuel circuits have a much better design. The bike starts and runs much, much cleaner and smoother, and you get the benefit of the bar-mounted hot start.
Regular EZ Off Oven Cleaner will remove the paint off the plastic. Just spray it on, somewhere outside, obviously and let it sit for 20 min or so. Just hose it off. May take a couple times if the paint is thick.
@@burdman480 No problem. I am working on a 99 WR400 that I picked up that was missing wheels and some misc parts. Just got the motor back in the frame and see if it runs before I really tear into it
I have a 98 Wr400f, she's a bear to start on cold days. I found that mine makes a clicking sound when I'm decompressing it to start it. And after that click, it's almost every kick if you put enough behind it. I weigh 145 in a rainy day btw. And I whip this bike around like it's a 85cc😂🤷 I love it, currently waiting on a new subframe
I’ve got a 2000 reg wr 400f never used it bought it and haven’t got round to it need to start fixing it up and using it loved my wr 125 it’s what made me buy the 400 also got mt-07 wheelie machine lol but wanna change it to supermoto
Depending on your weight and size a wr250f may be a better option. This is a beast and you can definitely tell when you are riding it. It is a heavy bike and takes a bit to get it to do what you want. Not to mention you can only put so much power to the dirt before it spins. Not saying don't but a 250 may be a better option. It is tough to kick until you get the procedure down.
You said something about it not kicking over when hot? I'm looking to buy a street legal one that's $2500 on letgo, mint condition and low hours he says. I'll have to see.
Sorry I forgot to add. If you bike is running right and you are riding for a while it will get warm. Sometimes you will need to use the hot start lever sometimes you will not. You can look on youtube for the starting procedure .
I am a fan of growing into any bike. This is a bike - if in good condition has a ton of power and will move well. If you are a beginner maybe a 125 or 250 would be a better option. But for $1500 not a bad deal. Good luck. Let me know how it goes.
@@MrCleanEmpire It is. If you watch some of the how to start videos, you can get on it with the kickstand down. Once on it will squat a little. It has been my favorite bike to ride so far. It has tons of power and ample suspension to do just about whatever you want.
That is a good question. I say that depends on what type of riding you are doing. Heat, cold, water, sand, and so on also contribute to the break down of the oil. Some say 20 hours is a good round number. I say base it on how you ride. If you ride for a mile and it takes you a couple minutes, that is a lot different than riding for an hour and traveling the same distance. Technical riding is a lot harder on your bide than "cruising". Hope that helps. Good luck. BTW - Both are great bikes.
I did not catch that. I have not noticed that they are bent. In the next couple weeks they are going to be removed and sent to the shop to be rebuilt. I will find out then. I do have a second set that came with the bike. I will keep you posted.
Replace the exhaust cam with the Hot Cams auto-decompress. IT makes all the difference in the world! Here's my 77# kid starting my WR400: ua-cam.com/video/B4UJMzn-FPM/v-deo.html
No I skipped right to the WR459F with electric start. It is a 2007, and it is about 40lbs lighter with about 9 more horse power. I am still getting used to it. I still have the 99, and TBH, like riding that one a bit more. It is smoother, the ride is more comfortable and the suspension is more forgiving. I am still tweaking my 450.
Az. It came this way. You can byt a street plate with a headlight, tail light and mirror. There is a lit of stuff on the road down here I would have never seen legal in Seattle.
Firstly who ever painted like that should just stop. 🤦♂️🤣 my 99 has a yz 400 exhaust, decompression cams. on the left side of the carb i capped the air pump lines and removed the red choke it's easy to start.
You ain’t lieyn about starting!! Hot cams compression relief the best!!
So I have the compression relief and the red pull tab on near the carb for hot starting. Once you figure it out, it makes is a lot easier. There is a process to it. I do recommend dirt bike boots when riding. Just got my first pair at 50 years old. Should have done this a long time ago. The kick back is not so bad and if you get hit in the back of the leg, not bad either. Good luck.
1998 WR400f I bought new was told 273 pounds dry
White Brothers full exhaust ; radiator guards; heavy duty aluminum skid plate; front and rear disk guards; Twin Air air filter; Acerbis hand guards; fork bleeders ( to let out trapped air ); Moose brake pins; rear brake pedal Brake Snake; Moose Heavy Duty tubes; Michelin Unicross tires; Baja Design rear brake light actuator; Scotts dampener; Pro taper bars; Eldebrock 39mm carb ( stock yamaha slide wheels died and Yamaha wanted same amount as new Eldebrock just for the slide!); after market dual lamp head light; after market seat foam with gripper seat cover
- only issue was a bent valve when the neighbor opened the compression release while riding it
happy trails
JJ
Hey, looks like an OK bike for the age. I have a 2000 WR400 I've been riding and working on for 18 months. Mine was a pig to start when I got it but I found someone had messed with the timing. Now I've sorted that and got a good technique it starts first or second kick, hot or cold. I've added a 13L Acerbis tank, new SM Pro wheels with a cush drive hub, had the suspension serviced and lowered 40mm (I'm a short guy), rewired it to run DC for lights and accessories and an ignition key for security, lots of other small things like Pro Taper bars, easy-pull clutch lever, reupholstered seat with comfort foam etc... It's a great bike. I've done 3,000 miles so far in the UK and Spain and it's never let me down.
If you have some photos I would love to see them. This next week I am taking the bike into have the forks rebuilt. They were leaking just a little when I picked it up, now there is a small puddle after a ride. In the summer here it is upwards of 110F so we do not ride much. However it is getting to be that time of year again where going outside is a bit more comfortable. Once I get the front forks rebuilt I will post another video. Thanks for chiming in. How do you like the tapered bars?
@@burdman480 I'll post a walk around video up when I get a chance. There's a couple of videos of me riding it on my channel, I'll upload some more. I didn't notice a massive difference with the bars to be honest. I already had them from another bike so thought I might as well replace the tired old ones.
@@burdman480 here you go! ua-cam.com/video/NayxrV4UE6E/v-deo.html
Definitely got tons of compression. It's a bear to start. Great bike tho. Like you said...I love the gear box. This bike has all the power I need. Sure wish it had electric start! Better have a strong leg or enough ass to kick it. Lol
I've recently purchased a 2000 400f.
Found it was hard to start but ran mint once running.
Replaced the plug and fuel filter and some fresh fuel and it starts first kick when cold.
Haven't had the chance to go for a decent ride to check the hot start as it needed new tyres (They were 10 years old) and I need to do the water pump seal as it leaks a little on first start up but stops after about 15 seconds.
Thank you for that. I am buying a plug and filter this week. I will let you know how that works out for me.
If you find the carb needing repair or a rebuild sometime (the stock slide is prone to cracking and going into the engine), just chuck the stocker and get a newer FCR off a WR or YZ450F. The fuel circuits have a much better design. The bike starts and runs much, much cleaner and smoother, and you get the benefit of the bar-mounted hot start.
Thanks for the heads up. I appreciate the info. I might look into that.
Regular EZ Off Oven Cleaner will remove the paint off the plastic. Just spray it on, somewhere outside, obviously and let it sit for 20 min or so. Just hose it off. May take a couple times if the paint is thick.
Thank you for the tip. I will update you once it is done.
@@burdman480 No problem. I am working on a 99 WR400 that I picked up that was missing wheels and some misc parts. Just got the motor back in the frame and see if it runs before I really tear into it
@@comradehadenov779 Sounds like you most likely got a good deal on a great bike. Good luck getting it back together.
I have a 98 Wr400f, she's a bear to start on cold days. I found that mine makes a clicking sound when I'm decompressing it to start it. And after that click, it's almost every kick if you put enough behind it. I weigh 145 in a rainy day btw. And I whip this bike around like it's a 85cc😂🤷 I love it, currently waiting on a new subframe
Send a photo once you get the new sub frame. Would love to see it.
I have a 99 400 its super fast just had motor rebuilt
I've got a 2001 wr400f and it works mint!!!!! Great bike!
I’ve got a 2000 reg wr 400f never used it bought it and haven’t got round to it need to start fixing it up and using it loved my wr 125 it’s what made me buy the 400 also got mt-07 wheelie machine lol but wanna change it to supermoto
got a desert tank on my 98 wr400f, it can go about 120 miles on it of varying riding conditions.
That is good to know, thank you.
When my 2001 is already warm/hot it starts 1st kick???
Great video, I’m 16 and I’m thinking about getting a 2000 WR400F!
Depending on your weight and size a wr250f may be a better option. This is a beast and you can definitely tell when you are riding it. It is a heavy bike and takes a bit to get it to do what you want. Not to mention you can only put so much power to the dirt before it spins. Not saying don't but a 250 may be a better option. It is tough to kick until you get the procedure down.
You said something about it not kicking over when hot? I'm looking to buy a street legal one that's $2500 on letgo, mint condition and low hours he says. I'll have to see.
There is a hot start lever. Once you figure out the start up procedure it will not be an issue. It is a great bike. Have fun and ride safe.
Sorry I forgot to add. If you bike is running right and you are riding for a while it will get warm. Sometimes you will need to use the hot start lever sometimes you will not. You can look on youtube for the starting procedure .
@@burdman480 Thanks, I'm buying a 2000 WR400F hopefully next week.
@@GiuseppeSimonetti Very cool. Hope you love the bike. Post photos, or a video walk around. I would love to see what has been done to it.
@@burdman480 It's fully stock as far as I know aside from the wisco piston. I'll let you know if I get it
Is the 98 a good version to get as a beginner bike? There's one up for 1500 I think I might pick it up
I am a fan of growing into any bike. This is a bike - if in good condition has a ton of power and will move well. If you are a beginner maybe a 125 or 250 would be a better option. But for $1500 not a bad deal. Good luck. Let me know how it goes.
@@burdman480 thanks I hear it's a pretty tall bike too. 🤔
@@MrCleanEmpire It is. If you watch some of the how to start videos, you can get on it with the kickstand down. Once on it will squat a little. It has been my favorite bike to ride so far. It has tons of power and ample suspension to do just about whatever you want.
ua-cam.com/video/oE5Ck1jxLGA/v-deo.html
Hi, I have two options, the wr400 and the wr426, but, I have a question. How many hours you need to replace the oil and filter?
That is a good question. I say that depends on what type of riding you are doing. Heat, cold, water, sand, and so on also contribute to the break down of the oil. Some say 20 hours is a good round number. I say base it on how you ride. If you ride for a mile and it takes you a couple minutes, that is a lot different than riding for an hour and traveling the same distance. Technical riding is a lot harder on your bide than "cruising". Hope that helps. Good luck. BTW - Both are great bikes.
are your forks bent or is that just the camera lens distorting them?
I did not catch that. I have not noticed that they are bent. In the next couple weeks they are going to be removed and sent to the shop to be rebuilt. I will find out then. I do have a second set that came with the bike. I will keep you posted.
Replace the exhaust cam with the Hot Cams auto-decompress. IT makes all the difference in the world! Here's my 77# kid starting my WR400:
ua-cam.com/video/B4UJMzn-FPM/v-deo.html
I have a 1998 yamaha wr400f
How do you like it? Any issues?
you get the 426f yet ??
No I skipped right to the WR459F with electric start. It is a 2007, and it is about 40lbs lighter with about 9 more horse power. I am still getting used to it. I still have the 99, and TBH, like riding that one a bit more. It is smoother, the ride is more comfortable and the suspension is more forgiving. I am still tweaking my 450.
Did you make is street legal or did it come that way? What state?
Az. It came this way. You can byt a street plate with a headlight, tail light and mirror. There is a lit of stuff on the road down here I would have never seen legal in Seattle.
Firstly who ever painted like that should just stop. 🤦♂️🤣 my 99 has a yz 400 exhaust, decompression cams. on the left side of the carb i capped the air pump lines and removed the red choke it's easy to start.
I certainly did not buy it for the paint. Thanks for the advise on the air pump lines and the red choke. I will look into that.
It is 251 pounds wet
Thank you.