2008 Yamaha WR250R

The "Anywhere" Bike

Purchase Date:

September 5, 2009

Odometer:

16,xxx

Favorite Mods:

GPR Stabilizer

Mexican Hat

09.05.09 - WAHOOO!

09.01.13 - UTAH!

WHY THE WR250R

Also known in the WR community as the “ANYWHERE” bike. It’s been named that by many very respectful riders, who have chosen this bike as their long distance adventure bike. This is going to be my opinion on why the WR250R is a great motorcycle to own and why I think its the best adventure bike on the market to date!

 

Don’t hear what I’m not saying… I’m not saying the WR250R is the only motorcycle to own… but I am saying for epic adventure, off-the-beaten trail, long-distance, live-off-the-bike, go-ANY-where you want to go bike… this is it! (we should note many differ on the definition of “adventure”, so I’m going by my own!)

 

The WR250R is a light-weight dual sport motorcycle.. one of the lightest in its breed. For me what makes the WR250R stand out in a class by itself is:

Fuel Injection

Fully adjustable front & rear suspension

6-speed, smooth transmission

Mega watt alternator: 350W! You can plug everything into this thing!

Light-weight & nimble, single-track ready (My WRR w/latest mods & half tank gas: 312lbs)

Long maintenance intervals – 3K miles for oil, 26k for valves!

Aftermarket parts to make it even better of an adventure bike (large gas tank, luggage racks, skid plate)

It’s proven to last! I’ve seen over 75,000 miles and counting…

WHAT THE WR250R ISN'T

But it doesn’t handle like a bigger bike on the highways…

 

I’ve taken long trips on this bike and there’s nothing I’d change about it, as long as the trip I’ve planned is WR250R approved. Where I see people get bent about this bike is when they use it for a trip that isn’t necessarily going to make the WRR shine. Their definition of “adventure” is different that mine or fellow WR250R owner. And usually what I hear is.. “it just doesn’t handle like a bigger bike on the highway!” And empty cans make the most noise! If your trip encompasses long highway runs then its not really the kinda trip the WR250R is designed for. I know that sounds like a “DUH” statement, but these are the kind of conversations I have with fellas all the time about the WR250R. It’s not a big bike and thus doesn’t handle like a big bike. But does a big bike handle trails like a WR250R… nope.

 

And empty cans make the most noise!

 

The key is understanding what your definition of an adventure motorcycle trip is. If its less rough stuff and you enjoy those miles down the highway.. then, of course, get a larger displacement motorcycle. But if you avoid highways like the plague, like I do, and plan trips on the most remote roads or trails but need to be on a street legal motorcycle.. well, then I’d say look at the WR250R. I’ve seen people buy the WR250R and the love it.. then they find their trips better fit a larger bike and get a larger adventure bike. Thats perfect.. I always say get the bike that fits your riding.. not ride to fit the motorcycle. There’s a reason I don’t own a Harley. They are great motorcycles.. but that’s not the way I want to ride, not even close.

 

Then I’ve seen guys get a big 1200GS and want to ride the same places I ride… and we end up butt’n heads…. while we are both trying to pick that thing up! There’s nothing wrong with that GS, they are fabulous motorcycles.. just don’t be on one trying to follow me around. 🙂

 

I previously owned a 2008 Kawasaki Versys.. it was my “street” bike. This bike accents the WR250R very well.. it has a very similar rider position, you can stand up on it and ride all day, it’s a bigger bike for the highway runs, it’s a good commuter bike, but… I’d never take it on trips that I planned for my WR250R, they are just different trips all around. The Versys is a very smooth, nimble motorcycle, I really enjoyed it, but my WR250R always wins when its time to go on an adventure!

 

Currently I also have a 2014 BMW F800GS Adventure, this is my Adventure Touring/Commuter bike. And still… the WR250R wins when it comes to big trips in remote places. I’ve done trips on my F800GSA and it’s an amazing bike, so balanced and great power, I just plan my rides on it differently than when I’m taking my WR250R. So far, I really enjoy how these two bikes accent each other.. and very impressed as to how confident the F800GSA is off-road.

SPECIFICATIONS

General information
Model: Yamaha WR250R
Year: 2008
Category: Dual Sport / Super Motard (WR250X)
 

Engine and transmission

Displacement: 250.00 ccm (15.26 cubic inches)
Engine type: Single cylinder, four-stroke
Compression: 11.8:1
Bore x stroke: 77.0 x 53.6 mm (3.0 x 2.1 inches)
Fuel system: Injection
Fuel control: DOHC
Ignition: Direct ignition coil
Cooling system: Liquid
Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type,
final drive:
Chain
 

Chassis, suspension, brakes and wheels

Rake (fork angle): 26.0°
Front suspension: Inverted fork
Front suspension travel: 269 mm (10.6 inches)
Rear suspension: Single shock
Rear suspension travel: 264 mm (10.4 inches)
Front tyre dimensions: 80/70-21
Rear tyre dimensions: 120/80-18
Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 250 mm (9.8 inches)
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 230 mm (9.1 inches)
 

Physical measures and capacities

Dry weight: 125.2 kg (276.0 pounds)
Seat height: 930 mm (36.6 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall height: 1,229 mm (48.4 inches)
Overall length: 2,174 mm (85.6 inches)
Overall width: 810 mm (31.9 inches)
Ground clearance: 300 mm (11.8 inches)
Wheelbase: 1,420 mm (55.9 inches)
Fuel capacity: 7.57 litres (2.00 gallons)
FEATURE WRR RIDE

UTBDR 2013

My UTBDR trip I took with BigDog & Dingweed back in 2013!

FEATURE WRR RIDER

ADVrider: “Dingweed”

My good buddy and fellow WRR owner, Scott Stevenson… who also is the owner of 3Step Hideaway in LaSal, UT.

Check out more WR250R posts…