Upgrading from WR250R to YZ250FX

[@mrktm65sx]

Thanks for explaining your thought process on how you moved from one bike to another; your comments about 450 power confirmed my decision to get a 250FX. And thanks for your excellent review of the 250FX!!

[@cobococreek1224]

Wow wasn't expecting the whole story line and multiple bike comparisons, nice!

[@ronbuellwinkler4586]

I found your review. Well done. I'm 67 and still riding; a lot of experience over the years. I decided that its best to get a bike specific for the use because it will work in that environment better. I have seen some that cross over well though. I've owned 2T and 4T. My dirt experience goes back to the beginning of my riding in the early 70s ... the short travel thick seat era. Rode street during the 80s, had a Goldwing, and KZ900, Suzuki 850 and 1000. Now have a GS1000G and also a Buell XB12X Ulysses. It has a Showa suspension. That bike feels like a dirt bike on the street and will cruse 75 all day long. Curious if you had a chance to ride the newer CRF300L. Lots of torque and smooth soft suspension off road. Another of my friends has one and I rode it briefly. Reminds me of a KLR650 the way it rides. Back to dirt, we started our modern Yamaha dirt riding with the 02/03 YZ250Fs, got WRs thru 05. Also owned several KTMs (2) 300 EXCs 95, and 98, and a 98 250 EXC. I trade a lot too; had a DRZ400 for a while. Sold it to get the 250FX. I still have the 05 WR, just like it too much to get rid of it. I rode one of my son's friends 2015 YZ250FX and was hooked after 20 min with it. I found a 2016 FX (practically same bike). Its very friendly, easy to ride, and will put a smile on your face all day. I use the FMF Woods map (it has an FMF Q4 slip-on). I like the snappy throttle. Gets the front up when you need it. Suggest you get your suspension tuner to change the initial short spring. Makes those small sticks and rock hits go away and saves your wrists and still has enough big spring to take of jumps. I haven't had my tuner do the shock yet, but that's next. I know the newer FXs have a map switch on the bar to switch between tunes on the fly, but I just use the 1 tune, and I have the accessory tuner to reprogram it if I want to change it. The FX just doesn't break, very reliable. I'm planning to keep this bike a long time, and suggest you do the same. There are bikes you regret selling, and this is one of those bikes. L8tr

[@Jacob99174]

This was a very good review. Thanks for walking through all of your experiences and how you landed on the 250fx

[@take5th]

That was great, thanks. You lived through my mental prorecess. I am an old Yamaha fan, have learned to ride the drz, have been considering a beta, but now thinking of a Yamaha again. Nice video.

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

This is a great video, you should make more vids. I’ve bought a few “wrong” bikes myself and have seen so many others go through the same discovery process. I agree the snappy throttle response is a good thing. I’m loving my 2021 YZ250FX.

[@MrClarkM]

Good video , I went from a WR250R to a 2019 WR250F . I upgraded the ECU and pipe and have never been happier .

[@TJTodd604]

hey there. I just bought a 2020 WR250F and just ordered the GYTR ECU kit and did the uncorking. Did it help with slow, technical riding with the WR250F? Did it solve/reduce the "touchy" throttle? This thing stock is a stall monster and heavy engine braking

[@MrClarkM]

It definitely helped it a little bit didn’t solve the issue completely. It definitely runs better at higher rpm’s though . As for the touchy throttle I found just adjusting the play/slack in the cable was the biggest help for that as the ecu doesn’t fix that problem

[@TJTodd604]

@@MrClarkM what a joke that Yamaha markets this as a wicked trail bike and better than the FX for slower tight trails....have you loaded any custom maps to help?

[@MrClarkM]

I agree … for what we pay for these machines they should be set up to run at their best right !? Yeah I believe there is 3 settings on the competition ecu ? I had the dealer put mine on the middle(medium) setting

[@TJTodd604]

@@MrClarkMwell especially because they marketed the WR as a "trail" bike. It is nothing like the older WRs that had smooth, linear power curve. Lucky you are in NZ where they come stock with the performance ECU, CCU and Map switch. Here in canada I had to order everything separate. The GYTR Comp ECU comes pre- loaded with only 2, "wild" and "mild". I am gonna try a few custom maps some fellow riders have created for slow trail crawling. Might even throw a 52T rear sprocket and heavier flywheel weight

[@jmedic8373]

Thank you for the video this is just what I needed and suspected. I buy and sell bikes and so many bikes come and go. I'm trying to figure out what I want to keep. I'm not very dirt experienced but my son is 8 and been riding for 2 years so we are about to hit the trails together soon. So excited

[@TheStephenspann27]

Really helpful video, sharing your thoughts on so many models

[@jamiericottone1554]

DRZ400 owner looking for the next step. Thank you so much for this video. I think I know where I'm headed.

[@RedEmpire36]

Keep the drz if you can. Finally found another WR250R for cheap and it is nice to have something to take camping, go on grocery runs while,on vacation, it’s nice having a cheap low maintenance dual sport.

[@TEKKYTWO]

great story telling, I like the fact that you came back to Yamaha after doing a full circle haha

[@aboutfaceretreats6562]

Awesome education on a range of bikes!!

[@paulcamino5034]

I did the same, have a wr250r with a 290 kit and suspension mods 25,000 mile and whated to replace it, tested lots of bikes, drz, beta 350 390, and ended up with dual sporting a 2015 yz250fx, actually didnt like it stock, had to soften up suspension valving and lower it now it pretty good, I keeped the wrr and just did a valve job and still runs super strong, so the wrr is still my go to all around bike, now if yamaha comes out with a wr300r, just 280lb wet and a reverse motor with 3gal, tank under the seat for under $7000, wow I put a deposit on it tomorrow

[@kodisells7897]

Excellent review. Thank you for the information.

[@aricollado4505]

Great review!

[@jasonpark5692]

Great honest review. Thanks

[@Bubbleuprubberdown]

I started on an ‘84 xr500r back in 2017. It was a beast for PNW trails. I saved and bought a new 2017 yz250fx. It was night and day but still kicked my arse. I tried to tune it and dial it in for hard trail riding. It just didn’t cut it. The bike was great for quick track like conditions but on the harder technical terrain I was beat. 2021 I got the new KTM GasGas ec300. Totally gelled with it. Lighter, torque, and less maintenance. All I did to dial the bike in was set sag, add some protective bits and fuel. 2 strokes are so much better.

[@thambu19]

Glad that you found your perfect bike. Although I felt that most of your earlier bikes were great dual sports as well especially the very compliant & linear FE250 so I am not sure why you let that go since its a very nimble chassis. I have always been interested in the FX and hopefully one day I will give it a try. Right now my current 4S favorites are a Husaberg FX450 with the 70deg engine and WR250F and Husky 350

[@TapioBlue]

Back in 2011 I bought a WR 250R new and got 60,000km on it. Now I'm old and worn out with stiff hips. I need a YZ 85 BW ha ha. I don't really need crazy power, but dumping 50 lbs and getting way better suspension sure would be nice.

[@C3HENRYS]

Same thing almost here but from a 2014 WR450F to an 18 YZ250FX!

[@jimv8669]

Just came across your video. I have an 18 wr250r and a 19 FX. The FX was for my son who was doing hare scrambles and got too old for the mini class. Then he got his street license and converted the WR into supermoto. We ended up trading and I love the FX, but the power is instant and I know that I will never come close to its potential. I do think it makes me a better rider on the dirt. The WR is predictable but the YZ does everything better.

[@WhiteMaaark]

Great explaining! If i planning to make most dirt, but i wanna touring sometime. Should i go WR250R?

[@GNR325]

Thanks for the review. I assume the touchy throttle was the same on the 450 and with more power on tap it made it a handful in the tight trails? Do you mind me asking your size/weight? From what I've read the 250 has plenty of power for riders in the 200lb range. I'm that and 5'9" so shouldn't be an issue I don't think.

[@tieoneon1614]

LOL u change bikes like underwear like i do. I had the YZ250FX after coming from the 250 dual sports, i will admit I have never rode that fast on anything else. But that was my problem, it was only comfortable riding it wide open. Twitchy throttle, ton of power and bad dual sport. I explore a lot solo, dirt roads, back roads, deer trails, desert. Im goin back to a WRR or KLX to putt around on comfortably but can still do single track

[@joeb2829]

I rode a 250fx years ago that had the "hard hitting map" loaded in and it was the same way. My bike on the stock map cruises at any speed very nicely, whats your mapping?

[@tieoneon1614]

@@joeb2829 Mine came with that, 13-52 gearing. Spin, Stall or Loop was the only throttle options LOL. I loaded the Woods+FMF map, kept the torque and hard hit upper rpm but still hard to control on SoCal mnts and boulders. Was a blast in the desert though, that suspension is just amazing.

[@terrywilson1362]

I have a 19 yz250fx and I put a 400 cam throttle tamer on it and that fixed the jerky feeling, I ride mine on all terrain, rocky hill climbs are fun once you use the clutch right People say 4 strokes are no good on techy terrain but I disagree, I love my bike and wouldn't trade it for any other bike made

[@TJTodd604]

Great video. How does the bike handle, tight, slow speed single track trails? Touchy throttle or nice and smooth? I have a 2020 WR250F and holy crap does it have a touchy throttle and sucks in slow riding conditions

[@markkus1134]

One of the most dependable bikes made

[@666dynomax]

I got rid of my drz400 .. good reliable machine but heavy, carb, 5spd, im thinking of going wr250r... i think the reduced weight and only a bit less hp is going to be a winner... found the drz too top heavy in narrow trails ... thoughts?? im just a trail rider... im 40 with two kids on a 110/125 im not jumping or going to the track... but it DO want to at some point street the wr250r... thinking it might be a good one for the kids when they hit 16?? anyway, never completely happy with the drz....

[@Stimm002]

Wr250f sounds like exactly what you were looking for. Its basically what you have tried to create with the yz250. The wr250f is a totally different bike to the wr 250r. The 250f is based on the yz250 just trailed up from factory for you. Although the names are similar they share almost no parts the wr250f and 250r. The 250r is heavy, under powered, setup and tuned totally different.

[@fatneck2008]

Hey - great vid! Did you consider the WR250F at all? I went from a WR250R (too heavy!) to a YZ250X (stalled it all the time) and currently unsure about next bike. WR250F looks to be the right choice for me, but the YZ250FX is also an option. Cheers.

[@joeb2829]

wr250f derestricted with free mods (and competition ecu) is basically a yz250fx from 2015-2019. wr250f comes with headlight, tail light, trip meter and softer suspension. yz250fx is cheaper and more available here in WI. Its a wash, wr250f can be made into a yz250fx, yz250fx can be made into a wr250f. Only downside to the wr250f is last time I checked the competition ecu's are on backorder. Given the choice of bike all setup for the same price I would go wr250f, to get the stock headlight, tailight, and tripmeter.... I had to add all that to my yz250fx. Its important to know the 20+ wr250f and yz250fx run a different stator, the 2020 wr250f has more wattage output then the 2020fx peace

[@fatneck2008]

​@@joeb2829 Cheers for the info - looks like I wouldn't really go wrong with either. Thanks again man, stay safe.

[@Frsmyr]

I have the exact same problem. I’ve been trying to decide. WR is 9 lbs heavier than FX, I suppose because of add ons. It has a little less horsepower. I’m unsure if the GYTR competition ecu would put the horsepower and torque to the same as the FX, after installed. I didn’t know that the WR had a bigger stator. That might help with keeping electrical drain with a gauge and lights and engine fan. I might have a hard time getting a WR, in the St.Louis area. A sales guy told me he hadn’t seen a WR, in years.Excellent review and comparison to other bikes that you’ve had.

[@ShawnBlais]

Next you should try a Husky FX350.... :D

[@jayautrey2398]

How do you think it would handel a 275lbs guy?

[@stevenarrivo4595]

Three wide SxS in the middle of the "trail"!!!!

[@stevewitkus5971]

Why wouldn’t you get a WR250F and get the wide ratio transmission and a full lighting package?

[@codycis]

that's what i was thinking why such a big jump to ktm he never got close to using all that power in the woods.

[@Frsmyr]

FX is wide ratio transmission.

[@kordapyo612]

@@Frsmyr but doesn't have lights and radiator though it's fuel tank is a little bigger, at least here in Australia. But I didn't expect it to be a wide ratio transmission.

[@SkullKingSkate]

Any reason you didn't get a wr250f?

[@da7062]

Can't you just use the Powertuner App to make the throttle a lot less twitchy. I did that on my 2019 WR450F with CCU/ECU which I dual sported

[@luckyaffpv343]

Did grey wire mod on my 250wrf now it lifts up every gear lol

[@svttodd]

I was wondering... in your "Goldie Locks" search for the perfect bike if you have tried a 2-stroke 300 (or 250) like a KTM/Husky/Gasgas, or a TM Racing en300i? They are so light feeling compared to 4-stroke. I myself have been on a quest for the perfect off-road bike, and I have narrowed it down between a brand new WR450f and the above listed 300 2-strokes. I played "Goldie Locks" bikes for years too, then I got out of dirtbikes for a few years with a new child. Now he is 6 and he wants to ride all the time (he has a TTR50 and a Gasgas Electric motorcycle). I got old and fat in the down time, and I need a lighter bike with electric start. I might be able to get back into shape(maybe), but I haven't figured out how to get any younger!

[@joeb2829]

I did ride a 2015 300xc or xcw, nice bike and lightweight.... I hated the vibrations which I read has gotten better in the newer models. I ran two strokes from the 80's all the way up to about 2014. I had kdx400, dt250, it250, kdx200, cr250 and a boatload of yz125's. A 2006 crf450r was the bike that made me change over to the thumpers for good. Everytime I see a youtube video of a guy shredding it on a european 2 stroke, I start to get the itch again for a two stroke. But then I remind myself that they are competition bikes, with castings as thin as possible to keep weight down. Then I remember all the headaches that go along with two strokes, crank seals, power valves, fouling plugs, jetting if carb, or new ecu if efi, leaky oil tanks on the new tpi bikes, hydro clutch seal failures, power valve gasket failures.... yuck. If I were racing hard enduro I would go 2-stroke euro bike, they are the king in those conditions. Anywhere else I am on a thumper, Good luck on the bike search, the new wr450's after un-corking will do "roll on" 4th gear wheelies on the tar :)

[@mrktm65sx]

If you want to ride on MX tracks as well as trails, you might want to avoid the KTM 300, at least the XCW version. I have a 2020 300 XCW and the bike is great on the trails, but the suspension makes the bike feel out of control on long straights and sweeping corners. I've ridden both hard clay and sand tracks, and the bike feels scary on both. That is why I'm planning to sell it and get a YZ250FX.

[@joeb2829]

@@mrktm65sx Keep in mind the 20+ 250fx has a smaller stator and different cams (more aggressive), check thumpertalk if you plan to run a headlight

[@jetdr]

I am in the market for a 4 stroke, moving from a 250 2 stroke. Getting older!! So power and snappy power isn’t a problem, my only issue is I am 195lb. I don’t think a 250fx would have enough ass. I might go for the 450fx

[@samscola585]

You won’t need a 450 the 250 has plenty of power still for your weight. Just my opinion. My buddy is 220lbs and his 250 is still plenty of power.

[@jetdr]

@@samscola585 I bought a ktm 350 xc-f, I rode the 250 and it was a dog. the 350 is perfect for what I need.

[@samscola585]

Where did you get the headlight and taillight for the 250fx? I wanna do the same thing!!

[@joeb2829]

Amazon my friend, just search dirt bike headlight tail light

[@joeb2829]

Look on ThumperTalk.com for where to wire in the light, if I remember right there is a four pin plug under the seat and I believe the brown wire has 12 volts when the bike is running

[@Guachale]

Is it possible to get the YZ250FX street legal in California?

[@tieoneon1614]

I had one plated in South Dakota.

[@vinnieortega]

Hey bro what headlight and taillight did you use? I have a 450fx and I want to add some lights. Thanks

[@joeb2829]

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0771MX7HH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079BM1FVY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 There is a 6 pin switched joint connector located close to the relays, If I remember brown wire is +12v when bike was running. So you can wire in to that or just use a toggle switch mounted to the headlight cowling

[@vinnieortega]

@@joeb2829 Thank you 👍

[@vinnieortega]

@@joeb2829 do they plug right in to the existing harness?

[@joeb2829]

@@vinnieortega no the fx do not have connectors for lights on the stock wiring harness

[@vinnieortega]

@@joeb2829 ok, I'm assuming I can spice some connectors in

[@russelljohnson6829]

You went the wrong way around, add a light and what not to the 250fx

[@walkerskii]

Don't you need to have a horn and turn signals in order to get street legal?

[@fynn8252]

It depends where you live. For example: Arizona doesn't require turn signals but you do need a horn and at least 1 mirror.

[@brianrichard1768]

good vid, similar route at 52. Had the te310r...good power, flame outs sucked. KTM200 exc fantastic but high speed headshake. Currently on modded wr250r and it's a happy medium. Easy to ride all day. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6PYfmVqfsulrZY

[@k0d0kan]

I agree. KTM is problematic and EXPENSIVE to work on. Did you try a power commander with the WR250R? With a power commander, and an open pipe, the WR250R is pretty much the same bike as a WR250F. A whole different world.

[@RedEmpire36]

I wish this was the case, but I am switching from a WR250R as well. Almost nothing on it is similar to the WR250FX. The suspension is from the 90s on the 250r. It was at least 10 less HP, barely clears 27 with a pipe and commander. It is very heavy and is around 300lbs ready to ride. The engine is great for commuting and dual sport, but is made to last for 26,000 miles between valve checks. If i had one bike to just commute and explore on, it would do.

[@YZEtc]

No, a WR250R and WR250F is not "pretty much the same bike". No offense, just setting the record straight on this. The only things the same are the designation WR250, they both have two round wheels, and they're both blue Yamahas. The engines, chassis, and suspensions are COMPLETELY different, and the confidence and ability to go fast over rough ground is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyy different, meaning faster on the WR250F by a country mile. I owned a 2008 WR250R, a 2008 WR250X (the motard version), and both of those had a fuel controller and FMF exhaust system. I also owned three WR250Fs: A 2002 model, a 2009 model, and a 2016 model (which was the best of the three). I tell it like this: In situations where I'd be cautious on the WR250R being careful not to put a wheel wrong and maybe crash, I'd be riding with some aggression on the WR250F with loads more stability, performance, and confidence. I mean a night and day difference in confidence to go faster over rough ground because of the whole package. The 2016 WR250F and the 2015 YZ250FX in this video are very much the same, as both are based on the 2014 YZ250F.

[@MultiFab14]

Never selling my WR250r

[@torkrench]

Not even twice the hp actually

[@therealtashiro]

Great video Joe! I'm a newer rider on a 2020 WR250R. I'm looking for my next bike... What do you think about the new WR250F as a viable dual-sport? My preference is not to be on freeways, but on backroads, two-track, fire roads and cruising through small cities/towns to get to these destinations. Maybe a BDR trip here and there. Also looking to get a truck and truck camper and be able to haul a bike on a hitch mounted bike carrier. Also considering a Beta RR-S, KTM/Husky 350/500 690/701...

[@joeb2829]

Used YZ250 FX is still a hard bike to beat for the price, WR250F will come with a headlight and tail light, but you can add those to the FX for much cheaper than the price of a WR. Currently I'm on a 2022 KTM 350, as well as a 2024 KTM 300 xc-w two stroke. If you're looking to spend 6k to 8k I would get a KTM 350, less than 6k get yourself a nice YZ250 FX, Happy riding and thanks for stopping by!

[@therealtashiro]

@@joeb2829 Are you on a KTM 350 exc-f?

[@joeb2829]

@@therealtashiro I'm on the KTM 350 XCFW, pretty much the same bike as the EXC but does not come with blinkers brake light or horn, there's a shorter review somewhere on my channel I think I was around 20 hours, soon to come out with a 80 hour review hopefully that bike has been stellar. I haven't touched a single bolt on the suspension or engine in 80 hours

[@therealtashiro]

@@joeb2829 Nice! Did you make it street legal?