Directly descended from Yamaha->ke301's legendary 'YZ->ke2652' moto-crossers and the 'WR->ke2035' off-road machines, the WR250R is the perfect blend of the best of two worlds.

It's neither an enduro model nor is it a glorified streetbike; what it is though is a bike that plays on many faces, depending on how the riders want to use them.

The word 'dual-purpose' is getting thrown around a lot recently, but very few machines fit that description to a tee quite like the WR250R. The WR250R is a machine that offers incredible performance on the road and off.

The bike has the capability to be rolled out to serve many purposes, be it as an ultra-lightweight adventure tourer that can hit the trail without any problems or as a city rider that can get you to your destination as seamlessly and efficiently as possible.

Versatility is the name of the game and the unquestioned calling car of the Yamaha WR250R. Some bikes will offer you more power and some will look a lot more sophisticated, but if you're looking for a no-frills, do-anything ride, the WR250R will offer you all that and so much more.

Find out more about the Yamaha WR250R after the jump.

2011 Yamaha WR250R

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Yamaha WR250R
  • Engine/Motor: fuel-injected, 4-valve-per-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 27.7
  • Torque: 16.95
  • Transmission: wide-ratio, six-speed transmission
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Design

As far as looks being deceiving are concerned, the WR250R is right up there in that category. Despite what appears to be a conservative approach in its design, the WR250R can get around the block in relatively easy fashion.

It's got a slim, steel fuel tank that has been shaped while taking into account the knee grip and the entire ergonomic layout to make the rider feel like part of the bike. It has a narrow, YZ-inspired seat - seat height is 36.6" - that features gripper-type cover for great seat-of-the-pants feel.

Yamaha also designed the WR350R with minimalist front and rear fenders without any frills. Designed for function and lightness, the front and rear fenders provide yet another example of the bike's overall prevalent sense of simplicity. There's also a radiator heat outlet that will help keep the engine and the rider cool under any circumstances. The lightweight headlight and LED taillight allow for maximum visibility while the compact WR enduro-style instrument panel provides great purpose and excellent visibility, allowing the rider to be able to decipher its contents in easy fashion. The panel features two modes: basic and measurement. The former provides information on speed, clock, tripmeter, and self-diagnostic function while the latter includes a stopwatch and a distance-compensating tripmeter, among other things.

Performance

Despite carrying what appears to be a tame '250cc motor', the WR250R is anything but, providing the kind of uncompromisable performance that belies its looks. The WR250R comes with a fuel-injected, 4-valve-per-cylinder mill churns out respectable go-power, despite its lean, EPA-satisfying tuning and three-chamber muffler. During some dyno tests, the bike returned 27.7 horsepower and 16.95 lb/ft of torque and when mated to a wide-ratio, six-speed transmission, the WR350R can get around the block with no difficulty. Taking into account its svelte frame, the bike is capable of hitting 90 mph into mild headwinds and up to 95 mph without any hindrances.

Brakes and Suspension

The WR250-inspired semi-double-cradle frame uses a

main frame of cast and forged aluminum sections, with

high-strength steel down-tubes for optimum strength and rigidity. An asymmetrical swingarm provides the same characteristics to give the bike a pretty dynamic look. A fully adjustable 46mm fork provides 10.6 inches of wheel travel while a forged lower triple clamp and a cast upper one helps the bike to provide an excellent front-end feel for the rider. An aluminum steering stem cuts down on the weight of the bike with the linkage-mounted rear shock providing 10.6 inches of travel

with adjusters for compression damping, rebound damping, and

spring preload. Wave brake rotors on both the front and rear of the WR250R, including a large 250mm front disc, also cut down on the weight of the bike while still catering to excellent performance.

SPECIFICATION

Model

WR25RAL

Engine Type

250cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke;

4 valves

Bore x Stroke

77.0 x 53.6mm

Compression Ratio

11.8:1

Fuel Delivery

Fuel injection

Ignition

Direct ignition coil

Transmission

Constant-mesh 6-speed;

multiplate wet clutch

Suspension/Front

Inverted fork; fully adjustable,

10.6-in travel

Suspension/Rear

Single shock; fully adjustable,

10.6-in travel

Brake/Front

Hydraulic single-disc brake, 250mm

Brake/Rear

Hydraulic single-disc brake, 230mm

Tire/Front

80/100-21

Tire/Rear

120/80-18

L x W x H

85.6 x 31.9 x 48.4 in

Seat Height

36.6 in

Wheelbase

55.9 in

Ground Clearance

11.6 in

Fuel Capacity

1.9 gal

Est. Fuel Economy

71 mpg

Wet Weight

298 lb

Color

Team Yamaha Blue/White


Quote

Motorcycle.com says " The Yamaha Wr250R draws upon over 50 years if Yamaha experience, on pavement and off, to bring you a bike that will take you practically anywhere-one hundred percent legally. More power than you might expect flows from its high-tech fuel-injected DOHC engine while a hybrid aluminum frame keeps you in complete command. Pavement optional. "