Everything I Learned about the 2021 Yamaha WR250F

[@peterleonard9759]

Well done Snowman. I had a WR250F for two years and loved it. I even let all of the oil out of it (somehow) and only noticed after an hour of hard riding and sound seemed a little bit off, so at a refuel, my genius IQ noticed that there was no oil in it, and that the plastic oil screen cage had melted right out. My dealer went through it and not a thing wrong with it. I got a KTM 450 SXF for motocross, but miss that WR!

[@ashsowman]

Below are the ENGINE MAPS I stuck with in the end, didn't do as much experimenting with this aspect of the bike as I would have liked, but definitely tried quite a few. This was the best combination to have in the two selections for me: Map #1: Josh Coppins custom 'Clean Feeling' map - Good for motocross and high-speed cross country, will also work well in sandy enduro conditions or desert racing. Bike feels very fuel injected on this map, instant snap-on power when you touch the throttle and perfect deceleration (no bangs or pops). +1 +2 0 0 +2 +1 +1 +3 +2 +2 0 0 +2 +1 0 +2 +3 +3 +1 0 +3 +2 0 +2 +3 +3 +2 0 +3 +2 0 +1 Map #2: Slippery Terrain - My proffered map most of the time, use it on trails, in the mud and anywhere else that grip is at a premium. The bike runs kind-of rough on this map, especially under deceleration, but still never dies off idle or anything like that. Almost has a carbureted feel... +2 +3 +3 +3 -2 -3 -3 -4 +2 +2 +3 +3 -1 -2 -2 -3 +1 +1 +2 +3 0 0 -2 -3 0 +1 +1 +3 0 0 -1 -2 *EDIT* Have since heard from a fellow 2021 Yamaha WR250F owner who was able to diagnose the whining noise when it happened on his one... It's the starter motor clutch engaging when the bike is running! If yours starts doing it, take it back into your dealership immediately and have it fixed. The cause still remains unknown for now. It just seems to happen randomly, and only whilst then engine is very hot.

[@Loganfishing.]

Hi

[@martinhaycocks1248]

Been looking for some decent maps for a while. Especially off some experience top lads who know there stuff. Thanks for uploading . Great video

[@parjanfin]

Interested to know on which RPM's and throttle positions those values are from?

[@nickovdub6131]

@@parjanfin I have the same question

[@karlosmoreno3821]

You know if these will work with a Yz250f? Cheers

[@Superdisco199]

There's another solution... just buy a 2014 carb'd WR250F. The engineers knew 15 years ago that the limit for a trail bike was

[@khaccanhle1930]

I have a 2005 carb version. It's old, but I love it for trails

[@jarrodhutton8776]

I’m a massive Yamaha fan. Owned more than 10 of them over the years and still have one now 22 YZ250F. How ever for enduro I do not rate them at all. The KTM group has done a way better job unfortunately. Their bikes are just better handling machines all round and more versatile as an enduro bike. Thanks for the video mate. Great job 👏

[@dougie6221]

It does say in the OM to open the throttle fully then close before restarting, this always cures my hot start issue on my 2020, it puts a fresh charge of air in the throttle body

[@Dom34007]

YEEESSS! it's always a great day when Ash uploads

[@tajima_uchiha_4568]

Y does every body say the same thing

[@Dom34007]

@@tajima_uchiha_4568 because it's true, dude makes awesome videos

[@wrjackhartley]

Don't know if you still ride it but I'm in australia and not the best rider but have the 2020 but I found that turning the comp down 4 clicks from standard and rebound down 3 from standard front and rear made it soooo much better for hard enduro, soaks up all the rocks in first but stays firm for harder stuff. I also got the "Trail Traction" map that I found on the yamha website and it makes riding trails so much easier and calms the high revs, definitley makes it tractor going slow as well. Just what I have learnt, I have only 5 hours on the bike right now and one big stack but I am loving it!

[@MP-gq4uj]

I bought a 2023 WR new. Came off a KTM 2019 2 stroke. I have a clutch weight, and the throttle sensor issue was fixed for 2022. I can not fault it. Great bike and it does do the hard enduro thing now without the stalling issues pre-2022.

[@rantANDrave1987]

Hey how many hours at this point? Any issues? Starting is easy ?

[@MP-gq4uj]

@@rantANDrave1987 Bottom line after watching Mr Snowman's Vid I was worried before i rode mine. But I have none of those issues. 15 hours. Starts great, no stalling. I ride hard enduro trails, Note: I put a Traction Disc (clutch weight) from day 1. Its like glue up hills and I am coming off a 2019 250 exc 2 stroke that I loved.

[@jeffbrown6880]

Thanks Ash , I pick up a 2022 WR250f tomorrow, watching that video I was like, shit oh no,, Oh cool good choice, shit bad choice, oh cool good choice.Anyway new subscriber mate, keep'em coming.

[@ashsowman]

Haha already on the rollercoaster mate!

[@tieoneon1614]

If your idle was low....of course it will start hard. And nobody seems to address that from the factory the clutch drags, it never fully disengages. If u are in gear, trying to start it...its very difficult without giving a little throttle. Was there not a idle adjustment screw on the new one?? My '15 FX did it, and I pushed a new WR on the showroom and it still did it. It starts fine in nuetral. It was said the clutch plates where put in before the oil, and they never got saturated. Laying it clutch side on the floor, running cracking the throttle and clutch some said got oil in there and it went away. Others said they removed the plates, soaked over nite.

[@deanfakes5314]

Nice honest review , people find it hard to present any negative feed back on their nice expensive shiny bikes as it detracts from justification spending shit loads . I know how you mean, about that feeling you get inside when wheeling you're new bike out of the dealers I have the 20, lo e it for for trails / moto x ..yep it can be shite at starting sometimes

[@richardhammond2633]

Great summary Ash. Shame about the starting issues on some modern 4 strokes. My 20 model has given me some greif but mainly operator error when i used the cold start button when i shouldn't of. Really impressed with my bikes handling and motor, and the suspension is incredible at speed. Thanks for the maps, you can turn them into an Xr 250 if you load right up on fuel and retard the timing!! Just needs some flywheel weight for better stall resistance and I'd be 100% happy. Cheers.

[@northnzriding9403]

A mate of mine has a 21 wr aswell and he was having much of the same issues with stalling/starting and too much decel. He ended up just putting the idle up a couple of clicks and it seemed to help all of those issues. its not a huge change, probably only 100-150rpm but it did make a difference.

[@khaccanhle1930]

Nice review, thanks for all the details about the little issues. I have a 2005 WRF and love it to bits, carburetor is great technology.

[@exodus3163]

great video man love it i been sticking with my 2007 wr250f for a while so yea i might think on a possibly new bike

[@Gtdubsterx7]

Thanks a bunch for the insight on this! I have a RMX450Z from 2017 but I have the same issues with starting at the moment so I might talk to my dealer about some of this stuff because it would "flame out" when I stopped the bike with the clutch in but also not like starting and I went and changed the battery and put the idle up so next comes the ECU and TPS as the RMX also came plugged for emissions to the maxis so ill be sure to talk to a tuner/dealer about this. thanks ash!

[@adzythepwcblokeinaustralia5467]

Try a 2021 YZ250F airbox ! It breathes way better along with YZ250FX Muffler and a Rekluse Radius CX clutch and rear brake on the left bar ! Magic stuff !

[@leightonwatty8740]

I've just bought a CRF 2022 250r I think I've got about 7 hours on it and its been pretty good.

[@ktmkaos]

Awesome honest video .When it comes to paddling if you have both feet off the pegs you cannot move your weight forward and a flip is going to be the result every time.Keep up the great vids

[@husqvarna199]

I owned since 2016: WR250F 2016 with 200 hours. YZ250F 2018 with 140 hours (that was also converted to enduro riding). YZ450F 2019 with 110 hours (that was also converted to enduro riding). 2022 YZ250F 2022 with 40 hours (current). and I can say the new generation YZF and WRF (as you mention) bikes are hard to start when in gear or hot, when the bike is cold they start perfectly. Combine the aggressive engine character with hard to start and you see why the WR250F is not a bike for slow, loose technical terrain. They are probably the best bikes for fast EnduroGP style riding, but when it comes to more technical terrain, I just got my self Beta350RR racing and there is no comparison. I guess the Beta, Sherco and KTM group will be better alternative then the Yamaha for this type of riding.

[@someonethatwatchesyoutube2953]

I so regret buying my son this bike. My KTMs are better in every way for our riding style.

[@jeffbrown6880]

Can't beat that Yamaha reliability.

[@stanimirgg6044]

I got a wr250f 2022 and i want to know when would you recomend me to change the piston etc ... i ride normaly and dont rev it out

[@husqvarna199]

@@stanimirgg6044 Never changed pistons on my bikes, just valve check and valve adjustment when needed. maybe if I will start thinking about pistion is around 200+ mark.

[@rezkidgamingyt4725]

I just got the 2023 Wr and the yz250x 2024 Awsome bikes

[@TheRcscalebuilder]

Awesome channel man, keep it up!

[@thorstentrapp274]

Cheers. Did you consider getting the WR450F? Yes, you've got to be more careful on the throttle, but it seems it's got a bit more of this tractor factor, which makes it a easier if you're not in the perfect gear and it seems it's more relaxed on tarmac...probably not revving quite as high as the 250 even though it's got a 5-speed gearbox. Not sure about durability comparing both of them either. Any opinions on this?!

[@peterhutchinson4292]

Mate thanks great content. I’m a road bike rider and wondering if you’d recommend this bike as an entry trail bike? Interested in exploring and maybe some light touring off-road. Cheers!

[@rezkidgamingyt4725]

Yha it’s the clutch that keeps grabbing when I stall an try to restart the bike I’ve got the 2023 I’ve been going to neutral for restarts Andy my suspension is stiff I I’m only an small guy 160 lbs soaking wet lol . And the 2023 you are able to fully tune this model timing and fuel just like the Yzf I still need the fmf exaust I did remove my baffle for now until I can afford the full fmf power bomb . Mine had a sqeel in the clutch area when I am riding the clutch hard

[@hagestad]

8:00 those helmet mounted cameras can actually be pretty dangerous in some freaky accidents. Michael Schumacher is one example. Apparently his skiing injuries are due to GoPro going thru his helmet. So they ban those to be on a safe side i guess.

[@ftsboys9825]

Love the vids Ash! I got my 21 WR250F at the same time as you, I love comparing what we’ve both learned about the bike. Great content as always, keep it up lad!! I’ve found that with the starting issue, it starts almost within 1-2 seconds now cold, 1 second or less hot. I had the same issue from brand new it didn’t wanna start, I was very disappointed after dropping $14k. But after 41 Hours run time it now it starts good. Yes the stock tires are absolutely junk! I had the same issues, barely any grip and they also did not last long at all. For the seat cover your talking about, I’ll test it out this weekend in the Aussie Victorian high country winter wet, this will be a real test up at snow height, been raining all week and will be raining while riding. Hard enduro, my mate got a yz125x just after Christmas, obviously being a 2 stroke she’s much lighter and can hop logs like no tomorrow, still find it able to do it, just a challenge. Hand guards, junk broke the right hand one first ride, kangaroo jumped out 2 meters infront of me doing 40km/h, not wanting to total my brand new bike I grabbed the front breaks as I would on my old bike anddddd went straight over the bars. Plastics wise, I seem to keep getting a lot more white marks etc than my mates yz125x and we do all the same stuff and stack the same which is weird. Still a great bike overall, plenty of power and surprised it’s pretty alright for all styles of riding 🤙🤘

[@ashsowman]

It seems our experiences match up in a lot of ways then, good to know it's not just me!

[@RorydriftmansxrsilviaWilkinson]

@@ashsowman aye ash sowman. where yo been bro have not seeing yo for a while mate is every think going okkay with yo buddyy dirt bike mate.

[@RorydriftmansxrsilviaWilkinson]

@@ashsowman cuzzy rory messages yo brother hows it going bro etc. been a while missed seeing yo vids too man soo sick asf yeah back now freind

[@ftsboys9825]

@@ashsowman Day one down 4° all day 700m altitude start and climb. I noticed the starting issue, it starts as good if not worse than my mate with his 2015 Yz250fx who has been having major starting issues. For the seat, definitely gonna get a gripper seat, noticed when my seat is wet it is like an oil slick no grip at all. Did the bigger battery help your starting issue at all?

[@ashsowman]

@@ftsboys9825 the battery made it crank a little bit faster but the ECU settings confirm that the problem is with fuelling not cranking, so doubt it made much of an improvement

[@RichardStreeterYZ450FX]

Hey there Ash, that's interesting what Josh mentioned about the starting issues, I find my fx is a bitch to start with the clutch in, not all the time but usually when I've stalled on a knarly hill. I was keeping eye out for you at the Andos 5 hour in Ward but didn't see you, that was a bloody good day, there's a couple of vidz on my channel if your interested in what the track was like. Cheers Richard

[@ashsowman]

Interesting, that's basically the same track as the top of the south XC that used to run there. I have videos of both myself and Josh Donald racing it, cool countryside! Was a bit gutted to miss out but had no interest in going because I've been low on energy for the past month or so, even editing buggers me out at the moment. I can feel myself coming right though, hoping to get out there again soon and soak up some mud!

[@sammcmahon3202]

Great video

[@rezkidgamingyt4725]

10:37 I don’t know about that. I’ve had that happen also and it happens when I let off on the throttle from really high speed second gear I think it’s coming from the clutch.

[@danielg2754]

Awesome video. Your reviews of the WR has convinced me that it’s the bike for me (‘23) model. BTW - I cannot find the thanks button….so I’ll just type it. THANKS

[@chaysongikas9664]

Hey did you end up buying the 23 model? If so how is it? I’m looking to buy one rn

[@kottarainen07]

unpopular opinion probably, but the 2005-2006 Yamaha WR450F bikes are the best looking WRs, especially with a swapped out rear plastic and custom breaklight.

[@avz46]

Im surprised you didn't get a yz 250 or 450fx seeing is you liked the 450fx you tested so much. ??

[@lessshgooo6949]

Lessshhhgoo another vid

[@RH-wd3oz]

I had a whine in my 2023 wr 250 on my first ride similar to what you expained. I thought it came from the speedo thing at the front wheel

[@2uzfe4x43]

man i was sold on the yz250fx, now im thinking I might need a yz450fx for my everything bike

[@tonygee3284]

Hey Ash how come you didnt get an FX250

[@peterleonard9759]

Thanks!

[@TheMadMonkey3]

Hey ash! Ive got a 2018 WR250F. Do you know if it also has the emissions crap on it? Cheers!

[@str8e499]

What’s the bike like on rocky terrain like river beds?

[@avz46]

I upped the idle on my 22 450 fx always starts quick my 17 xcw started as soon as you touched the button 1 rpm most of the time, this fx doesn't take much longer.

[@timvincent2148]

Hi mate new subscriber from Oz. Loved the vid. I have owned a 2020 since new and def agree on the bloody seat with climbs. What do U recommend as a replacement seat cover? Much appreciated

[@ashsowman]

Just anything ribbed, could probably buy a universal one from aliexpress and fit it up if you wanted to save a buck. Will need an industrial staple gun though

[@timvincent2148]

@@ashsowman thank U mate

[@zacharykall2644]

Why did you replace the front brake line and the air filter? can you not just take it on the trails straight out of the dealer?

[@rfmxbr]

Thank you Ash, you did a very well done review of this bike. Iam divide of this bike and a 350EXC KTM, here in Brazil both have the same price, but the Yamaha looks like more strong and durable. What do you recommend? In most time i only do Enduro for fun.

[@TheMopedraser]

Take the 350 :)

[@rfmxbr]

Yesterday I was watching ash's the lost trail series and it made me want a WR250 :(

[@ammechanical7660]

Would you have you prefered a wr450 looking back?

[@WvMnts]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Mortee1955]

Hay sorry fore asking but do you think the WE250F would be good in a mix of mountain and swamp tairain?

[@GM-he3um]

I aways thought Yamahas pushed in the turns compared to a Honda or Suzuki. how does this on turn? especially in the mud....

[@kevingaraway6494]

Do you have any more videos on the ktm killer

[@LJ_Adventure79]

Hey ash I'm looking for my first bike and have been looking at a kx112 I have done a bit of research and kawasaki nz says they have good lower end power so would it be good for a beginner

[@seansage3705]

Hi , great vids Ash , do know or does anyone else know if the emission control standard that Yamaha changed , did they affect the YZ450fx models as well, cause I’m looking at getting one but might save for longer if they don’t affect the 2022 models. Thanks for any input.

[@ashsowman]

450s were unaffected

[@damolux3388]

Whats the NZ prices for the ktm 250 4t and the wr? In Oz they're about the same price.

[@sbutcher222]

Do you plan on using the road legal stuff can I purchase it from you

[@adamniswonger8015]

Nice summary of your ownership experience, but re-think your justification of not racing because of the camera mount. That’s very silly. Race because it’s fun, not for the videos and then use a chest rig if you must. We have the same helmet cam rules with most orgs in the US. Adapt and move on.

[@mattschaper2915]

Need a 2022

[@bennylava8717]

why 250cc? a WR300F wouldn't weigh more and have a bit more torque

[@royranapia3759]

I think it's the only Yamaha bike that can be made road legal right

[@peterwilson3733]

Excellent

[@1991enduro]

what about the ktm killer the yz250

[@samuelhole5408]

you should come to the top house t ride on the 19 of june

[@kondeab7498]

Hey man how cab i get a secondhand bike to cambodia

[@matthall6244]

Haha you cheeky pri*k! Love your videos mate 👍🏼💪🏼

[@jaiatwal7595]

what a video

[@yanah162]

Yewww

[@aidanfrancis5187]

Wr is road legal model yzfx is Enduro model I disagree with the bike you got the wr rider is generally older

[@liamwilson1948]

What happend to the new video every Wednesday lol

[@ashsowman]

I got covid 69

[@liamwilson1948]

@@ashsowman oh, how bad. Lol that's a better name for it

[@RorydriftmansxrsilviaWilkinson]

@@ashsowman how long did yo getting coivd 19 for an how bad was it for yo bro cuzzy rory messages yo ash sowman

[@timparish7515]

Second

[@jasegazzard3743]

Hey lad good vid, I have something sitting in my shed for you to have a look at and take away at some stage if ur interested think you know what it is anyway hope ur well flick me an email at some stage cheers

[@ashleypearce3507]

He went to Filco farm and sport in nelson he payed far to much he was ripped off Murray Thorn motorcycles is the place to go

[@xclife211]

Yes i felt guilty buying it i just bought a house the wife approved so i was in the clear right?? Nope being the man i am i felt guilty but rode it and guilt turned to joy and loved every minute of it and working hard and not enjoying the spoils of the hard work it pointless you all get the same thing in the end a six ft hole and a box in the ground and not none of this shit fits 😂😂

[@MotoM1234]

Yamaha puts shit tires on their street bikes too….