A taste of Adventure
By TMX Archives on 21st Aug 08
YAMAHA pioneered the new breed of four-stroke off-road comp bikes with its revolutionary YZ400F back in 1997. From this beginning, evolved Yamaha's class-leading single-cylinder four-stroke models in both motocross and enduro designated YZ250F and WR250F respectively. For over a decade, the Yams have been right up there with the best in class.
Now the Japanese giant has expanded the range to include an Adventure (trail) and Supermoto versions designated WR250R and WR250X. These are effectively street-versions of the full-on competition machines but retain the engine and chassis performance of the all-out racers. The race-developed DOHC engines are mounted in classy aluminium chassis and as Yamaha says in its press release:, "These two new models are no compromise, highly focused machines that offer riders a new level of engine and handling performance.”
The short-stroke (77mm bore, 53.6mm stroke) motor revs to a heady 10,000rpm, guaranteed to deliver all the thrills you need, while fuel-injection guarantees excellent throttle response. The motor is fired-up by a compact electric start system and to save weight, the old kickstart system has been discarded. Hooray for that! A six-speed gearbox should, again quoting Yamaha, (for the WR250R) deliver impressive performance whether on city streets, twisty trails and fast dirt tracks.
The aluminium frame and swinging arm draws directly from the critically acclaimed MX and Enduro models, while 46mm front forks and a fully adjustable rear shock, operating via a linkage, gives a more than useful 270mm of travel front and rear. Colours available for you are Sports White and the usual Yamaha Racing Blue.
The accompanying WR250X is a Supermoto styled version for street demons that looks as trick as you like with its 17" rims and 110m wide front tyre and meaty 140mm rear. Stiffer springs up front and stiffer settings on the rear shock aid with the handling while a mighty 298mm front disc has no problem stopping this lightweight flyer.
The WR250X is available in Yamaha Racing Blue and Yamaha Black. The black version, as you can see in the pic, looks pretty damn mean to us!
So there you have it, we look forward to test riding both versions. The WR250R looks like it should have genuine trail bike potential (as opposed to just being a street bike posing as a trailie) while the WR250X just looks wicked!