The Yamaha WR250R

Also see: My Journey to ADV | My WR250R Gallery

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 are:

• 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
• 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 60,000 miles and counting… and doesn’t look like a 60k KLR either!

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 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 they 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 also own a 2008 Kawasaki Versys.. its my “street” bike. This bike accents my WR250R very well.. it has a very similar rider position, I 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’ll never take it on trips that I plan for my WR250R, they are just different trips all around. The Versys is a very smooth, nimble motorcycle, I really enjoy it, but my WR250R always wins when its time to go on an adventure!

My WR250R Farkles (as of 1/13)

• Dunlop D606 Front 90/90×21 // Rear 120/90×18 Tires
• Primary Drive 13 Front // 47 Rear (Steel)
• Primary Drive 520 ORH Gold X-Ring Chain 520×110
• Ricochet Skid Plate
• Cycra Probend Racer Pack Handguards – Triple Clamp Side Mount
• Symtec Motorcycle Grip Heater Kit w/round rocker switch (mounted in HDB top clamp)
• Highway Dirt Bikes Top/Lower Clamp – 1-1/8″
• ProTaper EVO 1-1/8″ Henry/Reed Magnesium Bars
• Pro Grip 714 Dual Sport MX Grips (best ever!)
• KTM OEM Folding Mirror 280mm (10mmx1.25mm)
• 14x LED Short Turn Signals ( from ebayer “The2Wheels)
• 12oClockLabs Programmable Taillight (built-in turn/backoff signals)
• Pro Moto Billet Cargo Rear Rack
• Safari 3.5gal Gas Tank
• Eastern Beaver 3CS Fuse Panel
• Powerlet Socket (mounted in HDB top clamp)
• No Toil Foam Air Filter
• SeatConcepts Seat Black (Standard height with center gripper section and carbonfiber vinyl sides)
• Wolfman Enduro Tank Bag
• Wolfman Expedition Dry Saddle Bags & Racks
• Wolfman Enduro Carry-All Bag
• Garmin 478 GPS (use to run Garmin 60CSx)
• Touratech GPS Flat Mount
• Shock Sox Seal Savers

WR250R Resources

• My DIY Mods
• BigDog’s WR250R Buildup
• Rick Ramsey WR250R Modifications
• ADVRider’s Monster Thread
• WRR Dual Sport Forum