Yamaha made the their monster power enduro bike easier to ride, but not by much.

Power: The Yamaha WR engine had a fantastic mid-range power hit that desert racers loved and Eastern woods riders loathed. In '94, Yamaha mellowed the engine mid-range hit by putting a tad more flywheel weight and giving the cylinder slightly different porting. The adjustments produced some desired results. However, the powerful WR engine would still gave Eastern woods and inexperienced riders the ride of their life. Western desert folk still grooved on the WR's low-end power and phenomenal mid-range.

Suspension: The Yamaha susension people also mellowed the suspension performance. They actually shortened the rear suspension slightly. The machine was a bit more responsive to small bumps, rocks and roots. It never felt bad in this terrain, but, it wasn't the most plush in the little stuff either. Overall, the suspension was set up more for high speed work.

Handling: The WR turned very well, but a CR can undercut it. Then again, what can undercut a CR? The WR was stable at high speed. Yamaha attempted to slim the bulbous fuel tank. Their success at this was marginal. The WR's handling would still benefit from a better tank shape design.

Reliability: It'll take a beating and keep on blasting. Most WR's have few reliablility problems.

Odds & Ends: The WR didn't come with lights, spark arrestor or had guards. The bike remained more of an open area bike than a woods weapon. It's great bike! Hang on tight when you ride it!