Thoughts on a trade

[Johnnati]

Hello everyone, my first post. I am considering trading my Yamaha WR400F for a 2003 300ec. The bike looks and seems to run out nice from the videos I have saw. I am probably going to go look at it this weekend (2 hours away) and was wondering if there are any issues I should look for? Were these reliable machines, and how hard are they to find parts for? Thanks in advance

[(F5)]

Yes they are. Not too bad.
Issues, well it's a circa 20year old dirtbike. There will be loads that will be worn out under the surface.

[Zman]

Between myself and my riding group, we have 10 older GG bikes from between 1998 and 2004. Those bikes are very solid and reliable. Parts are easy to get since most consumables are supplied by aftermarket companies. There is a good supply of used parts on this site or ebay.

If it is in good shape it should last for many years. I would look for common dirtbike wear items; suspension linkage wear and lubrication, leaking suspension seals, chain and sprockets and wheel bearings. Ask what engine work has been done and when.

Bike/year specific, look for rust in the frame near the foot pegs and suspension linkage. If it was ridden like a personal watercraft you may have some frame rust issues.

[Johnnati]

Thanks guys that?s the kind of info I was looking for, I have always been pretty loyal to Yamaha, but this WR is just too much to fight with here in the mountains where I ride. I was just a little Leary giving up that Yamaha reliability but it sounds like no worries here. Is it still possible to do the 2011 conversion or is it even worth it?

[blitz11]

Originally Posted by Johnnati

Thanks guys that?s the kind of info I was looking for, I have always been pretty loyal to Yamaha, but this WR is just too much to fight with here in the mountains where I ride. I was just a little Leary giving up that Yamaha reliability but it sounds like no worries here. Is it still possible to do the 2011 conversion or is it even worth it?

i did the 2011 conversion, and would probably do it again. the fastener selection was sort of hit and miss, but boy the bike looks good when it is all done. I would recommend that if you do the conversion, also add the airboot. the old-style airboot used screws, where the new boot just fits into the space well. The kit comes with the new-style spring/rod unit which holds the air filter (quick change) whereas the old boot uses the old style system. I much prefer the new style.

[Johnnati]

Originally Posted by blitz11

i did the 2011 conversion, and would probably do it again. the fastener selection was sort of hit and miss, but boy the bike looks good when it is all done. I would recommend that if you do the conversion, also add the airboot. the old-style airboot used screws, where the new boot just fits into the space well. The kit comes with the new-style spring/rod unit which holds the air filter (quick change) whereas the old boot uses the old style system. I much prefer the new style.

Where is the best place to source all the parts for the conversion? I can?t seem to find the kit

[Moto7man]

You?ll like the gasser a lot more in the woods than your WR 400. I had a WR 400 in 98 and I liked it and I like Yamahas but nothing?s turns better than a gasser.

[blitz11]

Call Neil at Motocenter in Mesa, AZ. https://motocentergasgas.com

He knows all - if it's out there, he can get it.

The part number for mine (2002 EC 300) was BE90100R2513

Good luck.