5 Things I Hate about the WR250r

The WR250r is extremely versatile and very reliable… But like any bike, there are flaws with the WR250r. These are my top 5 biggest pet peeves of the Yamaha bike.
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[@glossblack1098]

I’m glad that after your 5 complaints, you said you love it. There is no other Dual Sport bike out there as versatile, light weight, low maintenance, low cost and reliable. That’s my list of 5 things I like about it. Cheers

[@samueljlarson]

Fun as hell too!

[@scott51288]

I ride a 2018 Yamaha XT 250, My bike is called a lead sled but it suits my type of riding almost perfect, it doesnt go very fast top end and is in no hurry to get to top end neither, soft suspension, the worst seat Yamaha could find, even the small jumps overwhelms the suspension and it bottoms out , of course I am 5 ft 10 and weigh in at 280 lbs..It is the perfect bike for me, I can buy a seat from seat concepts and live with the rest, I am 58 years old, too old to be jumping motorcycles anyway, I mainly ride 25 MPH or under and explore trails off road, I can go 130 miles to a tank of gas if needed, I rarely go too far from civilization.At 58, most of the need for speed is gone, we simply have outgrown in, we desire to stop often to smell the flowers.

[@scottymac5174]

There truly are not many modern small displacement motorcycles that can compare... Bummed to see Yamaha discontinuing this little beast.

[@substorekeeper]

Excellent review! Honest and to the point. That 2 gallon gas tank without a gas gauge must be a challenge! But overall the best all around dual sport for sure

[@TJY2K]

#4 is the one I hate the most. The lack of a good instrument cluster sucks but I love my WR.

[@sebysgarage6323]

Nice job on your videos. Great info, and great presentation and editing.

[@2wheelin]

Thanks! I really appreciate the feedback

[@elwadeo12sg]

I just got a WR a few months back and I have to say this is an honest accurate and Fair video great job man

[@mndurousa8264]

That seat looks nice, I'm a bit sore after a 4 hour ride today! I love the WR.....Ol' Reliable

[@scottymac5174]

I have put a 3.5 gal Safari tank on mine. 28,000 miles on my 2008 without needing a valve adjustment.

[@gpr2264]

I ride an XTZ250 Yamaha. It’s a dual sport with air cooled engine 20hp. I love the WR250R. Great video, saludos from Mexico!!!.

[@thehillbillyhoarder4996]

Nice video. Thank you for sharing

[@kk2into194]

2013 Wr250r and a 2010 Dyna Street Bob, I enjoy both but hands down the Wr is my favorite.

[@tomlaw8821]

I have this bike and I absolutely love it. I agree with you on all your points too.

[@stefandenninger920]

Nice vid! 👍 Did you already do some power mods? I would love to see a good installation vid for an aftermarket exhaust since im not sure if im able to remove the exup. That seems to be a rather complicated operation....

[@2wheelin]

Thanks! I've not done any power mods. My bike is pretty stock and I bought it used with the exup removed, otherwise I'd make a video on the process. If my channel grows a ton, maybe I'll be able to swing the cost of those upgrades, but for now it's just going to be ridden hard as is :)

[@gabrieldunbar9982]

Great video, I am riding a ttr125l right now but I'm going to upgrade soon, I'm thinking about either a ttr230 or a yz250f

[@jebediahnightlinger6357]

I don't ride anything...have had a WR250F on order for almost a year, so I just watch you current owners of cool bikes ride and I get to follow along. It works for now!

[@mrmustache8735]

Good stuff man. I ride a 2001 WR250F converted street legal. Barely though. It has no gauge clutcher, making it hard to tell how fast it's going sometimes lol. I usually figure it out by the electronic signs with the "Your Speed:".

[@garageliving3658]

2014 CRF250L Love it. If I wasnt short I would've gone with the wr250r. After a few power mods and tire change I'm not wanting for anything more than the crf has.

[@danielchacon5508]

Bought a BMW r1200gs to replace my wr250r, guess what, definitely not getting rid of my 2011 wr250r!!!!!! Will take you anywhere

[@scottymac5174]

I grew up as a kid riding 2 Strokes... One of the best things I like about The WRR is that you need to keep the RPMS up and ride it like a 2 Stroke when things get gnarly..

[@jaypowerstroke7396]

200,8 yamaha wr450f all around gr8 bike for driving very smooth and soft suspension handles driving on the road perfectly

[@SigmaSheepdog]

Out of the five complaints listed, I find that only #1 and #3 are my picks. I added an auxiliary fuel tank from Camel ADV as well as a Sargent seat. Though the instrumentation is basic, I have no need for a tach, but a gear indicator would kind of be nice but not totally necessary. Mine came modded with the usual FMF full exhaust, flapper mod, No Toil filter, and EFI fueling module, but I ended up putting everything back to stock and I am never going back.

[@jimperry4420]

It runs better stock?

[@willd0g]

I’m also curious about this

[@SigmaSheepdog]

@@jimperry4420 The difference is barely noticeable in my opinion and not enough to justify spending the money for the parts. The original owner had all of the parts installed and tuned by a very reputable dealer so I would say that the job was done correctly. The bike was of course louder which didn't work for me either as I like being stealthy.

[@mackenziemorris4797]

I'm riding a 15 wr250r. Great bike. Riden many but hands down the better true duel sport. I've fixed a few of those issues already and have myself a pretty bullet proof yet Smaller cc bike.

[@MrAdam-kp3en]

I am riding WR250R 2020 and I love it. I agree with you everything about WR. But I will never buy Himalayan bike.

[@scott7452]

Hahaha

[@jmedic8373]

Bought 2012 crf450r and sold it made money, crazy power, if you don't race you don't need it., just got 2006 yz250f for $1350 what a steal. I wanted drz400s but I can't find anything decent under 4k right now.

[@tieoneon1614]

The best power mod u can do to these is stick with a 100-100 series rear tire, go with an aluminum 46-50t sprocket depending on your riding type, and an MX non o-ring chain. That sheds a lot of pounds off the crankshaft, giving u back HP the rear wheel loses in momentum. I see so many Bro's throw a D606 on here and the tire weighs over 3lbs heavier than OEM tire. Of course the $800 in exhaust/fuel tuner helps, but couple these and these bikes really haul ass when geared low.

[@knifecharlatan8912]

Been working on a project 1984 honda v65 magna, and planning to sell it so I can get a dual sport. It's tough, though, I do enjoy going fast

[@austinthomas6081]

Ya man I'm working on a 83 V45 Magna and these bikes are sooo hard to work on.

[@zone47]

The 2 gallon tank isn't a big deal as I usually top it off before I leave and my butt is only good for 100 miles anyway... although I get around 65 mpg with mine. Freeway riding isn't bad unless it's a windy day or if I'm too close to a semi truck. Other than that, it's great!

[@mrchilled85]

i ride a kx 250 1992 tho have been looking at the wr250r as want a 4 stroke soon as getting sick of doing top end rebuilds every 80-90hrs riding

[@dualsporthooligan9515]

Love my WR250R. I’m on my 2nd one now. Grip it and rip it

[@FXFBS540]

Love it too, I'm also on my second WR250r.

[@dereckrodriguez9688]

is the X similar??

[@houseatreides6683]

Why are they so hard to find

[@martycech5844]

@@dereckrodriguez9688 ...No.

[@worstteammate4377]

when i did 800km trip in 2 days on CRF, wind noise was the issue. when i did that same trip with WR, engine noise was the problem. like, damn this thing is loud. even with FMF q4 with plug in, i could tell the engine noise is wayyyy too loud at higher RPM

[@NZCycletherapy]

Can you tell me what brand that screen was in your video? Oh and yes I totally agree with all your negative observations and positive ones too, I love my WR despite its flaws.

[@gabrielkopp2036]

I ride a wr250r and a t7 bought both new love my wr250r and ride more than i do the tenere

[@lwrich2229]

2015 WR250R, many mods, Love it

[@SimplyRed66]

I'm riding WR250R 👍 couple of mods,seat,exhaust,wind fearing,fuel programer...👍💪🚀

[@maybeerainmaybeesnow]

WR to infinity and beyond!

[@MostroMoto]

Great video I’m trying to decided between this and the Tw200. Love the performance and capabilities of the WR250, but I also love the simplicity of the TW200. Keep up the good work

[@2wheelin]

Hey, thank you! I've actually owned a TW before. Great little bike. It's even less sporty than the xt so keep that in mind. Just figure out what kind of riding you want to do and the bike choice will become clear.

[@MostroMoto]

2 Wheelin Absolutely, great advice. Ride safe!!

[@kturn5953]

I bought the WR250R, and then talked my wife into buying the TW200 after she got interested in dual sporting too! That is how you get both bikes haha 😆 If you are around 6ft tall you will appreciate the seat height and your posture while riding the WR250R, but if you just want a small rugged bike good for beginners and for riding trails and backroads than the TW200 is a bike everybody can jump on 👍 But BOTH is still my main suggestion 👌

[@court2379]

I have both as well. Both great bikes, but it depends on what you want to do, and how big you are. The TW's suspension is definitely not as nice, and is underpowered. However it is low, which is great for stability and shorter riders. Also the traction and stability is better with the big tire. I put 11K miles on mine before getting the WR. It is geared low to help make up for the small engine. The WR, you need to be taller. The points he makes here are true. Plan on a new seat, as the factory one makes you hurt. The two up pegs are too close to the front pegs. The heat off the engine is unpleasant as you ride unless you stay moving fairly fast, never noticed much heat off the TW. It has a lot more power, and revs forever, but has no low end so isn't great at putting along. The throttle isn't very smooth when transitioning to accelerating or decelerating, jerky(my #1 issue with it). The TW is quieter. I prefer to ride the WR because I am 6'4", and it has more power, but I still like the TW.

[@audiogarden21]

I disagree with #2 wholly and #5 slightly. If you know how to ride it to maximize the performance it's actually quite lively. Adjusting suspension setup helps a lot with highway riding and mind your tire choice; I still use TW301 and 302s as I find their performance exceptional as a 50/50 tire.

[@nelscot]

I love my WR but im thinking about getting a YZ250x instead because I want to ride more offroad.

[@scott7452]

Love my WR, you are right but a windshield does nothing for those side wind gusts on open highway or a tall bridge. Just hang on tight is the only fix I have found for that. It is just so tall and light. Loaded panniers however seem to calm things down a bit but it is still squirrelly as hell going fast in any wind.

[@2wheelin]

Good point. Windshields just make the airflow a little less violent. I've found tire choice to be the only thing with a noticeable difference in highway stability. Knobbies are pretty sketchy and switching to more street inspired tires helped me a lot.

[@littlemotohouse]

@@2wheelin I highly recommend a steering damper. This helped tremendously at highway speeds on the wr250r I owned for a few years.

[@ZSmith-yy4lv]

I can’t complain. Compared to my yz125, it gets more range, has a much better dash, is leagues ahead on the road, and even the seat is better. It’s heavy and makes a bit less power, but honestly, I haven’t noticed the weight too much, and I still haven’t went up on the rear sprocket.

[@papatorr3669]

I understand the advantages of the WR250R, I understand why you love and hate it. It's not a 250, but just get a DRZ400!

[@shrederduck]

I just found a used 2009 last week that had an IMS 3.1 Gallon tank, Power Commander, FMF exhaust AND PowerBomb Header, & Seat Concepts seat. All upgrades I probably would have put on it eventually... Still debating on putting a screen on it since this is mostly going to be a trail bike. I agree though.. Dash could use some more info!

[@2wheelin]

Sounds like a sweet bike man! Enjoy it :)

[@rezkidgamingyt4725]

2023 Yamaha came out with the WR 250 F this is way more like a motocross bike. It has the YZ 250 engine detuned. However, you can return it the WR 250 F is by far Yamaha’s best Enduro yet well maybe the 450 also WR on road off road does track single track and hard Enduro all around the WRF 250 F’s are awesome bikes

[@Weltbummler23]

Wait for that new kawi dual sport...

[@obeseocelot298]

Wr250r is my dream trail bike but I own an xr100r 2002 (because I'm a kid)

[@AlexanderSimic]

Im just a kidddddd and my life a nightmare

[@brianrichard1768]

Ya kinda gotta know what dual sports are. Not great at anything but able to do lots ok.

[@OgreMoto]

The dash is one of my favorite parts of the bike. Tell me of another bike this cheap that has a diagnostics system built right into the dash!!!

[@brockjohnson4116]

Yeah and comparing it to a RE :), there is a reason that bike is cheap (my friend has one and wants the cb500x now)

[@scottymac5174]

Apparently ADV is more like the KLR and the Suzuki DR... Honda has a street legal Dual Sport 450..

[@Calebmizell]

Hey I like the video, Actually. i noticed it looks like your in the Texas hill country? if so id like talk. i, looking at buying a wr250r or wr250f and maybe we can ride sometime.

[@2wheelin]

Yessir, if you're looking for good riding buddies in the area check out twtex.com I'm on there and many others are that ride far more often. Tons of group rides and comradery.

[@FRANKO-iu3dx]

74 HUSKY CR250R ....74 W.R. 400.......79 O.R. 390. But I need that YAMMERHAMMER

[@SuperNomad14]

The WR dashboard is not specific to that model, for long periods, the WRF came with essentially the same thing just without the control lights section to the right side. The WRR used to be so expensive because it was exclusively manufactured in Japan, it was initially conceived for the Japanese market only. For comparison in Europe the XT660R was about a thousand EUROs cheaper back in those days (about 7300 EUR vs 6400 EUR or so). But these XTs had been manufactured in France (and are heavy piles of sh#t that need even more after-market modding than the WR..).

[@markkus1134]

Replace the exhaust your over 30hp I just bought a 2008 owner lowered it I’ll have to beef up the rear shock way too soft!

[@MortalZen]

The versatility of this bike is great. I modded mine to be more single-track orientated. I did add the Seat Concepts seat...highly recommend that. I geared mine down with a bigger rear sprocket and threw on Kenda K270s for a 90% dirt tire (DOT). IMS foot pegs. Upgraded the levers to a shorter length and easier squeeze. Gearing it down makes my top-end speed be between 55-60mph but man it really helped with slower-speed single-track stuff. I feel this really is a good trail bike that I can freely take on all the Forest Service roads up here in the PNW.

[@Elbribon1]

My dream bike.my only complain: too tall for me.I will go to the more heavy crf3000.

[@rudolphhessian4183]

would this push a 230lb porker? Maybe i need the red pig 650. I can't believe how under powered at 27 hp. i can finesse some power out im sure.hmm

[@2wheelin]

While it isn't fast, don't concern yourself with your weight. This is far more capable off road than many of the bigger dual sports (klr, xr650, drz). Try your best to ride them. That's the best advice I can give.

[@ChrisJones-pi5mh]

I'm 6'2 and 200lbs, and I have no issues whatsoever and mine is bone stock. It's a fairly tall bike though (as mentioned in the video) so if you're thinking of getting one and you are 5'11 or under, I'd be careful. Having said that, there are ways to lower it as well so you may be ok... Don't expect too much of a power gain through mods like exhaust, airbox, fuel programmers, etc. It won't be all that noticable, or so I've heard anyways. If you're willing to throw some more serious dough at it, you can always throw on a big bore kit which will give you a whopping +4(ish) hp! Changing the gearing is a popular mod as well (13T front, 47T rear). Obviously won't give you more power or top end, but will help out with acceleration.

[@court2379]

I am 220, and it will move me fine, stock. Just have to keep the revs up on the hills.

[@markkus1134]

Add the FMF exhaust it will add probably 3hp

[@Spritrider]

The Best Dualsportbike #WR250R 👍🏻

[@bboyztv5122]

I thought my new wr had a weird noise and from last clip I could hear it so I’m Gucci

[@hphillips7425]

Wish I would have got one before production was stopped

[@markkus1134]

Plenty of used ones out there I just picked one up with 5000 miles on it with FMF exhaust lowering kit

[@elobiretv]

It's a dualsport, you want the dash to be as simple as possible not cluttered with useless crap like a gear indicator and fuel gauge. Cant really compare it to a RE Himalayan, that's a bike built for a totally different purpose and 90% of them will never see a bit of dirt.

[@TheProCut17]

Nice bike

[@dualsporthooligan9515]

I’m 5’8” and the seat height has never been an issue whatsoever 🧐

[@2wheelin]

Yeah I've never had issues... But I get it when someone barely over 5' looks at WRs.

[@dualsporthooligan9515]

2 Wheelin oh yeah, I feel like you gotta be at least close to my height at 5’8” to feel comfortable on it! If you’re shorter then 5’7” you’d probably have some issues, falling over at stop lights and on off camber trails and whatnot 😂👍🏻

[@dualsporthooligan9515]

Luckily for the short folks, there’s a few ways to lower the bike

[@canamdennis6829]

Do you have any idea why they stopped building them bud

[@2wheelin]

As far as I know, this happens every year. They might not list a 2021 model, but it is unlikely discontinued. If you Google this, you'll find articles from 2017, 2018, 2019 and more with the same concern.

[@canamdennis6829]

@@2wheelin no I went to three different dealer and they all said the we 250 r has been discontinued in North America Canada and the USA

[@TommyNitro]

Can am Dennis 68 Can am Man interesting. I spoke with a dealer a few weeks ago who said he was waiting on his shipment of the 2021s.

[@2wheelin]

Well, that's the first I've heard of it. If that's true, hopefully they have big plans for a replacement.

[@TommyNitro]

2 Wheelin a 350 would be nice 😁😁

[@canamdennis6829]

they are not making them anymore 2020 is the last year I don't no why because they are one of the bikes ever built

[@dualsporthooligan9515]

Definitely the best bike ever built

[@timqtlz9411]

Or are they just skipping a year?🤔 Have heard the same thing for the last 5 years and they still came out.

[@brockjohnson4116]

Euro emissions is why, from what i heard

[@supercomputadora]

i love the seat.,... but its not for long ride

[@mattyb7736]

I'll stick to my Himalayan tractor with the nice dash and a fuel gauge and a 15 litre tank thanks.

[@czrider6300]

You’re joking? The wind?

[@krazed0451]

A YZ125 drinks considerably more fuel... Weird comparison.

[@JahR96732]

Xt250

[@krispewkrem3]

6th thing I hate: I don’t own one and can’t find any.

[@257796]

It's an '08. You've had it a year. Most stock seats suck, all Yamaha seats suck. I have 125 Zuma, MT07, and that bike ur on. The dash and wind..... I guess homie

[@scottymac5174]

Most true MX bikes don't even have a dashboard...

[@motoklx]

All those complaints and thats the type of riding you do?

[@lepycelrau]

Sounds like you need a GS ...

[@2wheelin]

Ha, now that's funny!

[@octosquatch.]

I think the wr250r was supposed to replace the ttr250, which is what I have, so I was thinking maybe an upgrade. Sounds like the ttr is just a bit lighter and more powerful, and holds a little over 3 gallons of gas... hmm. I wish yamaha would build a better all purpose 250 than they could in 1999.

[@2wheelin]

I would say the wr250r is significantly more sporty than a ttr250. Wr probably has more power, it’s also water cooled and has better suspension in my opinion.

[@scottyd2262]

A YZ85 has a better power to weight ratio than a WR250r... Just let that sink in for a moment...

[@2wheelin]

Well sure. But the yz85 isn't slow and I'd expect most race bikes to outperform their trail counterparts.

[@scottyd2262]

@@2wheelin It's a kids bike dude.. js No hate.. You can ride what you want. The more people riding is what l like to see. Back when l was on 80's we used to beat guys on XR's and TT250's all the time. There's another guy that I've been watching that has made one seriously quick, but he has spent some big $$ on his. Stroked as well as a big bore kit, pipe, mapping, suspension work. He really should have purchased a F for what he's done to his. Every bike has pros and cons imo. Take care

[@2wheelin]

Lol no feelings hurt, always like the feedback and conversation!

[@jamesgreen1614]

Every bike on the market has pros and cons, likes and dislikes, from Europe to Japan. Stop 😭 🤢🤮👎🗑️🤢🤮👎