A mate had a WR500 I rode it a bit, compaired to a CR or KX 500 they were a bit behind the times. I think Yamaha were just using up old stock. They didn't have a wide ratio gearbox like the 200 and 250, they were basicly the same YZ490 motor from the early 80s. I still have a 92 WR250. I get it out the bush a few times a year, all the boys on the new 450 hang shit on it, being a ratty looking old bike, but she still keeps up and does what it has to.