Choose Off-road Motorcycle According to its Purpose “WR250R” [Webike Motoreport]

1455015341521L.jpg Motorcycle Reviews

The off-road motorcycle selection according to its purpose.

Hello, I'm Tono. I would like to introduce the "YAMAHA WR250R" of the 4-stroke off-road motorcycle that I bought for the first time, based on the deciding factor of the purchase and the actual test ride review.

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1. A quick review of the WR250R

I also feel "it's a little late", but I will give you a quick review about the WR250R. The WR250R is a liquid-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder off-road motorcycle launched in 2007. With the bold concept of "YZF-R1 of the off-road model" and the solid aluminum frame reminiscent of competitive models such as the WR250F and YZ250F, the WR250R drew attention from off-road fans with 120% of what they expected. The 17-inch front and rear of the "WR250X" motard model also appeared at the same time (but I'll write about the 250R this time).

ea9e250e3a00e49883cbfe5fa1f28e12.jpg▲WR250R
WR250X_bk.jpg▲WR250X

2. Buying motive

It was in the fall of 2012 when I had planned to purchase a new off-road motorcycle. I have owned several off-road motorcycles in the past, but they were all 2-stroke models. So, I decided only that "if I will buy a new one, I will try the 4-stroke" (the motorcycle I got in the past is listed in my profile). At that time, the purpose that I was looking for a new off-road motorcycle was mainly for street riding use such as commuting, but I wanted to try to ride on off-road also in earnest..

1367926583130L.jpg▲ At the forest road touring
1367926582145L.jpg▲ At the forest road touring

3. It was so hard whether to choose "R" or "F". The decisive factor is the main purpose of use

As a contender for my 4-stroke off-road motorcycle, it was the WR250F and WR250R that were listed. The SEROW which is the standard motorcycle for off-road was not attractive in appearance for me. (I'm sorry to owners of SEROW). As you know that the SEROW is a typical motorcycle that can do everything: town riding, forest riding, and riversides riding. However, when you buy a motorcycle, the appearance is very important that you like or not!

From that time, I often heard that "the WR250R is too expensive!" (although it is getting more expensive by its end of production...), but I think the "values and preferences" exist "whether you want to ride even with that price". When I ride on the SEROW with the mind that "I really wanted the WR, I bought a compromised motorcycle", isn't it rude to the SEROW? lol

It was so hard for me to choose between the two, the WR250F (hereinafter F) or the WR250R (hereinafter R). The "F" is a race motorcycle for enduro, but it is possible to ride on public roads by acquiring a registration. Compared to the "R", the "F" is lighter and more powerful, and I was thinking "If I will ride on full-fledged off-road in the future, it will be the "F". But I didn't know about the race vehicle at all, and I was worried about which will I choose. So, I thought this is the best time to consult with a professional!, and I consulted YSP (Yamaha Sports Plaza) who was good at handling the "F".

So the first question YSP asked me was the purpose. I was able to divide the applications I used for my new off-road motorcycle into 3 groups in order of frequency. The 3 groups are the following: 1. Commuting (city riding) 2. Forest road touring (high speed also runs) 3. Riding in the riversides. *I was not thinking about off-road racing at this time.

2020-Yamaha-WR250F-EU-Yamaha_Blue-Studio-001-03.jpg▲ WR250F
17d9eca72daa1279dc7933072f683760.jpg▲ SEROW 250

4. The conclusion is "R"

YSP's answer was speedy, "I think the "R" is better if you will use it mainly for town riding." If the main usage is not for off-road riding, the "R" is considered to be the most from ease of riding. By the way, since the "F" is a model for running a long and severe enduro race, the durability of the engine (including the piston, etc.) is high, if the beginner level just play around, it was okay without frequent engine maintenance. Still, if the city ride is the main use, the trail model is recommended. I was like, "that's right," but I was able to purchase the "R" with a refreshing feeling by being able to confirm it properly. By the way, the opinion of YSP at this time is the same with "my opinion of the present." If there are people who are lost in the enduro model or the trail model in the same use (town ride is main), I recommend the trail without hesitation.

20150124_125431.jpg▲ Depart for forest road touring
0150125_142702.jpg▲ Merging with everyone
20150125_110716.jpg▲ At the forest road

5. Pay attention to seat height

Since the "R" is a very popular model, its test riding report is overflowing on the internet world. Even so, I dare to write, "there is no problem if you will clear only the foot grounding!" The seat height of the "R" is 895mm. Although there is a difference in physique, I can not say that it is good even as flattery. If you have any concerns, I recommend straddling it once to check if it is possible to ground as long as it is or you need a lowdown kit and lowered seat.

If you clear the foot grounding, it is a very good motorcycle that rev is increased smoothly until its red line, very easy to ride in the city or off-road, you can also ride fast it. Aftermarket parts are also abundant, so you can enjoy customizing.

KEN2001_resize.jpg▲ At the Enduro
WS000003.jpg▲ At the Enduro

6. High off-road performance

The suspension and the engine of the "R" are great. If you do not make a mistake in choosing the tire and the air pressure, it is a motorcycle that you can ride on rough forest roads. After all, I was addicted to off-road riding, and when I noticed, I was participating in the enduro race. I didn't think about participating to the races when I bought it.

In case you want to enjoy the motocross and enduro courses at a high pace with the "R", it tends to be jumped, if using the OEM rear suspension. If you can afford resetting the front and rear suspension, it will reborn for the Enduro race. In slippery downhill slopes, the engine brake can get in the way. When standing the "R" up from falling, I feel its weight a little bit heavier.

I think that the weight when caused by falling, is a big thing that it is painful in R. When we are a beginner, we will fall down again and again and it will be hard to stand it up every time, lol. If the exhaust system is replaced for a full exhaust system of other brands, it is significantly possible to reduce its weight. In case of me, I cut off all brackets such as the pillion step bracket and the mounting bracket of the in-vehicle tools.

While enjoying the race with reducing its weight, I was also able to win a prize at the beginner level of the enduro race. The "R" was a great motorcycle that you can also enjoy to ride off-road in earnest, though I have switched to the enduro racer by parting with it now!

17060697031_ed0bebe6c1_o.jpg▲ One scene in the race
20150329_112339.jpg▲ I won a prize with the WR!

7. Overall review of the WR250R

Advantages / satisfaction As my ideal, the "R" had performed satisfactorily on both public roads and off-road. You can win, even you are a beginner of enduro. If some professional rider will ride it, he can win even the Dakar rally. (It is kidding) lol
Disadvantages / dissatisfaction As my opinion who had only ever been riding 2-stroke off-road motorcycles.
・Heavy motorcycle
・Engine braking is strong
・I wanted to have more aggressive acceleration.
・Especially the rear suspension was hard → I couldn't endure and I reset it.
Advice for people who want to buy from now on This is the best trail bike I have ever owned, and the performance is high. It is recommended for the riders who want to ride on it on the road, but I want to ride on it with the Enduro race. I didn't like the feeling of the OEM suspension, especially the rear suspension, and I customized both front and rear suspension. Having that done, it was much better. I stood on the podium of the Enduro beginner class.

See YAMAHA Moto Index Page
See Accessories for YAMAHA WR250R
See Accessories for YAMAHA WR250F
See Accessories for YAMAHA YZF-R1 (R1)
See Accessories for YAMAHA YZ250F
See Accessories for YAMAHA WR250X
See Accessories for YAMAHA SEROW250

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