Yamaha WR 250R

The WR250R redefines dual purpose performance on road or off.

You are looking at the next generation of high performance dual sport machines. Inspired by our legendary Yamaha WR series, the 2011 Yamaha WR250R is a machine that offers incredible performance on the road and off. Discover for yourself just how 250cc of fuel injected power can push the limits of performance. This revolutionary WR250R is ready to tame the twistest road or the toughest trail with power, handling and style.

When the road ends the fun begins.

The Yamaha WR250R draws upon over 50 years of Yamaha experience, on pavement and off, to bring you a bike that'll 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.

Yamaha has re-invented the 250cc dual sport class.

Don't let "only" 250cc fool you. The WR250R with its fuel injected, 4-valve, liquid-cooled powerplant is ready to shatter the 250 stereotype. From titanium intake valves to its aluminium frame and swingarm, this WR is a highly concentrated dual sport weapon. Whether commuting through city traffic or blazing down your favourite trail, this WR's is ready to provide uncompromised performance.

Yamaha WR250R model Features

Fuel Consumption * 30kpl/85mpg(Imp)
250cc, fuel injected engine
Lightweight aluminum frame & swingarm

Engine

Potent, liquid-cooled, 250cc, DOHC, 4-valve, 4-stroke powerplant with super light titanium intake valves and electronic fuel injection.

Super convenient electric starting means fast, sure starts.

Hassle free automatic decompression system ensures fast starting and reduces battery power requirements.

Lightweight magnesium cylinder head cover helps reduce weight.

Double overhead cam, 4-valve combustion chamber features a compact "pent-roof" design for maximum breathing efficiency.

Downdraft -type straight design intake port provides the most efficient intake flow for maximum engine performance.

Intake side, lightweight titanium valves and load-reduced springs decrease weight by more than 40% (Vs steel valves). Titanium valves reduce reciprocating mass for faster-revving, plus reduced frictional losses for smoother-hitting power delivery across the rev range. Intake valves are 30mm in diameter, while the steel exhaust valves are 24.5mm in diameter.

Steep valve angles, 11.5 degrees on the intake side and 12.5 degrees on the exhaust produce a more compact combustion chamber.

Dual electrode NGK CR9EK spark plug is located in the centre of the combustion chamber for fast, controlled combustion and great throttle response.

Ceramic composite plated cylinder provides excellent heat dissipation for consistent power delivery, reduced oil consumption, reduced friction for increased power and reduced weight.

Special cylinder design features cutaways that allow the air "trapped" under the piston to enter a side chamber (or cutaway) to reduce horsepower-robbing "pumping losses."

Special design crankcases also utilize cutaways to reduce "pumping losses." The crankcase cutaways match the cutaways in the cylinder to reduce 'pumping losses.

The crankcases feature a "tri-axis" design for the crankshaft, main and drive axles. This tri-axis design keeps the crankcases more compact while also centralizing mass for better handling. All of the shafts are positioned low in the cases to maintain a low centre of gravity for great handling and maneuverability.

Lightweight, high strength, short-skirt, forged aluminum piston provides great durability and its lightweight design means fast engine response and reduced mechanical vibration.

Lightweight roller bearing style crankshaft with optimized mass delivers excellent response and strong acceleration.

Engine counter balancer reduces vibration for improved rider comfort and reduced rider fatigue. This bike can cruise at highway speeds comfortably.

Special design high performance camshafts (intake & exhaust) provide outstanding class leading power. The cams feature a WPC (Wonder Process Craft) treatment that increases surface hardness for great durability and reduced sliding resistance.

Wet sump lubrication system is used. This system reduces weight and the number of moving parts versus a dry sump system. Piston oil cooler nozzle is used to maintain consistent piston temperatures for durability.

Oil volume in engine has been optimized to reduce weight and oil "drag" related power losses.

Easy access paper-type oil filter is used.

Compact design hydraulic automatic cam chain tensioner reduces maintenance and mechanical engine noise.

38mm, Mikuni electronic throttle body type fuel injection system is used. This system is a return-less FI system with TPS (throttle position sensor). This system provides excellent throttle response, great fuel economy, reduced emissions and a choke-free design. Throttle response and acceleration are excellent.

Long nozzle type 12 hole injector is used and provides a dual spray pattern for excellent fuel atomization and best in class performance.

Easy to service 4.1 liter airbox with a new intake control valve provides state of the art intake and emission control. The foam air filter is a washable design

Compact 16 bit ECU features 3D ignition mapping to accommodate the engine power characteristics. The ECU provides optimal timing at all rpms for fast engine response.

Lightweight direct ignition coil is integrated into the plug cap to reduce weight and complexity

Wide ratio 6-speed transmission features gear ratios designed for on and off road riding. This transmission adopts a "shower type" lubrication system for great reliability.

Heavy-duty clutch matches engine output and offers a light, progressive clutch feel with less lever effort for smoother shifting.

Quick-access, lightweight aluminum outer clutch cover allows fast, easy access to the clutch.

Single, 9.5kW rad is used. The "exhaust air" (after it has passed through the rad) is directed away from the rider for excellent rider comfort. An electric cooling fan maintains consistent engine temperatures even in stop and go traffic. The single rad is located on the left side of the fuel tank.

Lightweight, compact "rare-earth-type" ACM (Alternative Current Magnet … 14V & 350W output ) is used.

Lightweight exhaust system features a stainless steel header pipe and a compact 3-stage expansion type upswept muffler with a honeycomb catalyzer to reduce exhaust emissions. This system maximizes engine power and allows hassle-free replacement of the oil filter. It features a cleanable screen-type spark arrestor. Heat shields protect rider and passenger.

The exhaust system also features Yamaha's EXUP System (Exhaust Ultimate Power Valve). The single butterfly valve prevents the "blow back" phenomenon caused by "valve overlap". The EXUP system eliminates "flat spots" in the power band and reduces emissions too.

Solenoid activated AIS (Air Induction System) reduces harmful exhaust emissions like carbon dioxide and hydro carbons.

SUSPENSION

Lightweight, compact aluminum semi-double-cradle frame features a variety of components. The main frame is cast aluminum, while forged aluminum is used under the main frame below the steering head area and separate detachable down tubes are thin walled high tensile steel. Yamaha has maintained the semi double cradle design to allow for "controlled flex" to optimize suspension action. This frame design provides a low centre of gravity for a light feel and razor sharp handling, plus less rider fatigue, and excellent stability.

Detachable high tensile steel rear sub frame is constructed of round steel pipe. The detachable design provides easy rear suspension access and reduces costs in the event of loop out.

Lightweight, tapered, aluminum swingarm features a mix of extruded, cast and forged parts. The main arms are extruded while the cross member at the front is cast and the rear portion at the chain adjusters are forged. This unique rear arm provides the best rigidity-strength balance plus a dynamic look too. The suspension links are located below the arm to maintain a low center of gravity for razor sharp handling.

46mm, adjustable inverted, Kayaba cartridge fork provide excellent suspension performance. Front wheel travel is 270mm (10.6"). Front fork adjustments include: 19-way compression damping and 17-way rebound damping.

Cast aluminum upper triple clamp and forged aluminum lower triple clamp reduces weight and provides excellent strength. The steering stem is light weight aluminum. The fork features a 25mm offset and a 28mm axle offset for great stability and neutral steering characteristics.

Competition YZ inspired "cantilever style" fork protectors wrap around the fork tubes for increased protection against dirt, mud and stone chips. These fork protectors are self-supporting to reduce friction for smoother fork operation.

Monocross rear suspension system features a fully adjustable, piggy-back style shock. The damping rod is 14mm in diameter while the actual shock body is 46mm in diameter. Rear shock adjustments include: spring preload, 12 way compression damping and 23 way rebound damping. Rear wheel travel is 270mm (10.6").

Link-type rear suspension provides a rising rate (progressive) suspension function. The linkage design is very similar to those used on the YZ/WR competition line-up.

Stainless 250mm fully floating front disc brake with "wave style" rotor is squeezed by a twin piston Nissin caliper fitted with lightweight 27mm aluminum pistons. Nissin front master cylinder features an 11mm piston. Braking performance is excellent. Sintered metal pads are used

Stainless 230mm rear disc utilizes a lightweight "wave style" rotor. The Nissin single piston caliper with 11mm piston and an integrated Nissin rear master cylinder (fluid reservoir is integrated into the top of the master cylinder to reduce weight) delivers strong, progressive stopping power with excellent control and feel. Sintered metal pads are used

Rugged yet light aluminum DID 21" (21 x 1.60) front and 18" (18 x 2.15) rear rims provide exceptional durability and help reduce unsprung weight for optimal suspension performance. Straight pull spokes are utilized.

Competition WR series inspired lightweight, digital meter assembly. This compact meter features (basic) are: speedometer, odometer, dual tripmeters, and a clock plus FI system diagnostics in the basic mode. A stopwatch and distance-compensating tripmeter can be found in the "measurement or pace management mode".

Rugged "slim-line" bodywork is very similar to the competition WR counterparts. This "slim line" bodywork allows fast, easy rider movements and a lighter overall machine feel.

Gripper seat cover is based on the competition YZ/WR style seat.

Stylish slim design front halogen headlight offers 60/55 watts of lighting power.

Slim design compact LED taillight is tucked out of the way to prevent damage

Heavy duty plastic (polypropylene) guards in front of the water pump and stator cover.

Additional features

Premium dual sport tires offer good traction in the dirt and on the road.

Slim design 7.6 liter steel fuel tank with built-in eclectic fuel pump.

Low fuel warning light. The low fuel light will activate with 2.1 Litres of fuel remaining.

Serrated steel footpegs

Serrated, aluminum rear brake lever.

Steel shifter with folding shift lever tip

Rugged, plastic rear caliper protector

Steel handlebars with reinforcing cross bar

Adjustable front brake lever

Compact, Yuasa sealed, low-maintenance 6 amp hour battery is gel-filled type to prevent leaks in the event of a tip-over.

Lightweight chain guide / support helps reduce chance of chain derailment. Also helps protect rear sprocket damage too.

Heavy duty rubber swingarm protector

Heavy duty "O" ring chain for durability

Passenger footpegs

Helmet lock

Locking fuel cap and steering

Convenient oil level sight glass

Street Riding Impressions

The WR250R’s fuel-injected, 4-valve-per-cylinder mill churns out respectable go-power, even with relatively lean, EPA-satisfying tuning and three-chamber muffler. When cold especially, it displayed a slight off-idle stumble at times, but this is something that could be tuned out.

We dyno’d the same-engined 250X model last year, and its oversquare, 11.8:1 compression ratio powerplant returned 27.7 hp and 16.95 ft-lbs torque. Combined with its wide-ratio six-speed transmission this is enough to stay ahead of traffic around town. It will easily wheelie in first, and second gear with a little clutch slip.

On the open road, with a 200-lb rider geared up and acting like a sail, it will still pull just shy of 90 mph into mild headwinds, and up to around 95 mph or so when tucked in, which is enough power even if traveling via interstate highways.

If desired, this bike could be pressed into duty as an ultra-lightweight adventure tourer, at least for several hundred miles, if not longer, depending on your needs and tolerance – particularly if much of your route is on secondary roads and off road.

Handling from the 55.9-inch wheelbase machine is stable enough at speed, yet light and nimble around town. Riding on 18-inch rear and 21-inch front wheels, the Bridgestone Trail Wing TW-301 front and TW-302 rear tires have adequate grip on tarmac. The 46mm, 10.6-inch-travel KYB fork, coupled with Soqi shock offering equal travel in the rear, soak up expansion joints and potholes with aplomb.

Passenger pegs make it possible to carry someone at least moderate distances, and, if desired, the stock 36.6-inch ride height can be shortened by nearly an inch by means of a shock-linkage-mounted clevis pin arrangement. While sitting on the bike, normal sag under my 185 lbs dropped the ride height so I could just plant both feet flat beneath my 34-inch inseam.

The bike comes rather softly set up for street duties, but front and rear suspenders have provision for spring preload, as well as compression and rebound damping adjustments – items lacking on less-expensive Japanese competitors.

Off-Road Riding Impressions

The WR250R is close to being the proverbial “dirtbike with lights,” but alas, the component spec, including the street-legalizing extras make it 42 lbs heavier than the longer-travel WR250F enduro, so we have no illusions there.

This said, Yamaha has surely done its homework on the WR250R to make it as capable in the loose stuff as possible. The semi-double-cradle frame uses cast and forged aluminum sections to comprise the main frame, and steel downtubes reinforce the structure, adding up to good rigidity.

A stiff asymmetrical swingarm, cast aluminum cross members, and a 22mm rear axle also help keep things in line and combine with obvious work done toward achieving mass centralization.

In short, the WR250F hides its extra pounds well, and handles gravel and dirt roads, mud, grass, and loose dirt and rocks reasonably well. Its long suspension lets you plow over 6-inch or larger rocks, and soak up square-edge holes that would have lesser bikes destabilized.

In the high mountain desert in and around El Mirage, the bike showed itself at least able to hold its own. The only sketchy part was when hitting deep, loose sand. Bikes with true desert tires we rode with could stay on line much better, whereas the closer knob pattern on the Yamaha’s on/off-road compromise tires often had more than they could handle.

Hitting deep, rutted sand washes at anywhere from 20-40 mph, we sort of had to just hold on and keep the bike upright, staying mindful of body positioning, trying not to nail something that could affect steering. Several times we would get channeled by the rivulet-marked surface we were floating through, started to plow the front sideways and wondered whether we would recover. Fortunately we did, but it did not encourage us to fly like banshees through the open scrub environment like guys on better-equipped dirtbikes could.
 

Extract of a review by: Motorcycle.com