I bought my WR250X earlier this year for a steal of $2800. I'm the second owner and I just hit 5k miles. 💙 It's everything I wanted out of a bike and I absolutely love it.
Just found my 08 Wr250R 3 days ago from original owner 4,500 miles with title looked like it came off the showroom floor I got it for 3,500$ I could not believe how clean it is plus he threw in over 500$ in extras... I love the bike.
Have a WR with Tusk racks and Flatland bash plates. After almost 50 years of riding many bikes I've come full circle. WR is the perfect near-home adventure bike.
I asked Yamaha Australia directly. They replied that the emissions ratings weren't able to be adhered to with the WR250R anymore. So I bought one anyway 😂❤️
My buddy Joe ripped his WR 250 R and did things on that bike that was amazing. Such a great dual sport. I hope Yamaha comes out with something similar.
Convinced a couple of my buddies to get WR250R’s. They are super fun and versatile. I plated my WR450F and the 250 feels too small and a little chunky now. I honestly enjoy the 250L more because it was smooth as a sewing machine and had less problems than 250r’s.
I imagine they couldnt easily get it to meet euro 5 regs. I'm sure they will come out with something that'll meet it... eventually. Hopefully sooner rather than later I'd love a mini tenere more dirt focused but still capable of highway driving. Light weight and long maintenance intervals would be great
Not only did Honda release the CRF300, but Kawasaki has also released the KLX300 and KLX300SM (Super Moto). So I think it's possible that you'll see Yamaha release WR300R in the near future.
Never been on a wr250r. They seem like nice bikes, currently riding the wheels off my drz. Still looking for the perfect commuter to add to the stable.
On my second WR250X, converted to R. Regretted selling my first one so bought one again, seven years later. Found a 2009 model with only 400 miles on it. Still breaking in the engine :D
Sad to see it go. I had one for six years and switched to the T7. Where I live using the WR for an adventure bike, it was under powered. With the mountains 4 hrs away and 75mph speed limits it got to be a long ride. I loved the bike. I wish they would come out with a wr450-500r, that would be the sweet spot. The T7 is a great bike.
After riding a Vstrom for a year and never taking it off road, I got the WR250r thinking it was the holy grail I was looking for. It was my Pandemic Purchase! Then I started riding with guys on KTMs and Husqvarna doing rough single track. Now I have buyers remorse even though I like the bike. But can the average rider have a bike for every ride? Like different shoes for every occasion? I want to run out and buy yet another bike (YZ250x) to fill a void that always reappears with every purchase. I need help!
I Purchased a brand new 2011 250 X I have owned over 40 motorcycles, and the WR is my all time Favorite all around bike from trails to freeways it impresses in so many ways! Some days I putter around like a scooter and get over 70 miles a gallon and other days I ring it’s neck! and play hard, And it’s so reliable, just easy to manage.
I went down a similar path and agree with everything you said except for one thing, which caused me to end up with a DRZ400S instead of a CRF250L. I also did a lot of research, looking for the best used dual sport bike for 50/50 riding with roughly a $3k budget. After ruling out all of the 600cc+ bikes for weight reasons, and the WR250R because of the higher cost and not being able to find one for $3k, I ended up looking at the CR250L and the DRZ400S. Even though the DRZ is a very old design, it's much more capable off road than the CRL. I've had an XT250 before and I knew I wanted more power than that, especially when on the street. From the comparison reviews I've seen, the CRL is really designed more for the street. I have no idea how you ended up with the CRL vs the DRZ lol. But hey, as long as you are happy that's all that matters. I want to see how the KLX300R compares, but regardless it will be a while before they are on the used market.
I sold my wr250r once I bought my 450L. The 450L is the better dualsport. Suspension is better, the bike feels lighter and the power delivery is better. The 450l does not have any more vibration than the 250r plus it has power to pass at highway speeds. I am sad to see the wr go. It is a good dualsport bike and I did enjoy it. I don't mind the maintenance on the 450. Oil changes are easy so are valve checks and adjustments.
Hi There. I'm a big fan of Wr250r. A new wr350r vould be a dream bike for lot of guys. But We will see Monday. Kawasaki will show the new bikes for 2021, and maybe there will be a new klx 300, or klx 350. That vould be cool. This is only speculation, let's hope for a surprise, like honda did with crf300l. I wish you fast recovery, I hope your leg is getting better every day. 💪💪💪
Just imagine a Yamaha Tenere 400 that is slightly smaller than the 700 and a bit lighter. I love that ADV bike but feel it's more than I would ever need.
Man I hear ya and agree with most everything you said. The WR is in a league of its own great bike. But, I love my 450L and there is a group out there that wants to hit the track, ride on the street and then hit the mountains for hella technical stuff. I have done it all on the 450L. John T. Young has put 13k on his with no valve adjustment performance in any arena has cost. We need them both! Love the dirt bike videos. Keep em coming
I owned a WR250R briefly. Bought it after completely wearing out an old XR250L. The WR250R was a trick little bike but it was heavy and slow. I sold it with 700 miles. Later I found an old XR650L in new condition for under $3K. The 650L is a true dinosaur but it is surprisingly capable, extremely simple, and totally bulletproof. It's been on most of the local moto trails and even many of the Moab jeep trails, sometimes with a passenger. I've also done some multi-day adventure rides with it. For a second bike I bought a Husqvarna FE501. This bike is unreal with amazing power, great suspension, and a light and nimble feel. It's in a different category from my 650L but I still love the 650L for what it does. I hope Honda comes out with an updated "CRF650L" someday but I know I will never buy a small displacement dual sport again.
The WR 250 has way more history than back to 08 man. I had the first 4stroke model back in 01 and the 2 stroke version goes even farther back. My 01 was no dual sport garbage either. It was a sweet off-road enduro machine. The 2 stroke was basically a YZ with a wide ratio gearbox. Hence WR. It was a beast.
Great commentary 👌 I totally agree with your thoughts - there is a big gap in the market and lots of latent demand for a useable 450 lightweight dual sport with a reliable engine and long service intervals. I have 1000 miles on my new CRF300L, and it’s a good bike, but I am sure Yamaha could give us an improved version. The T7 is top heavy especially with luggage and is a non starter for me, the 450L is as you describe “a disappointment”, so please bring it on Yamaha we need a lightweight replacement for the WR with added 💪
I own a WR250R and just bought a DR-Z400S so I now have both. Love the low end torque of the DRZ and that it's carburated. You'll never get stranded on a carb bike. And you can push start it if ther battery craps out. But not the WR. The only reason I keep the WR is I can use the DRZ battery if needed and push start the DRZ.
I had a WR250R. Only sold it because I moved out of country. That's a great bike. Plenty enough power for me. Pretty good fuel mileage. Really good suspension. Super reliable engine. Not overweight. I'll buy another if I want a highly capable dual sport. The others fail on those points (DRZ - horrible mpg, heavy) (honda and Kawasaki - far less capable suspension).. But yeah, nowadays, those new 300cc dual sports are probably better, right? And the Honda only like $5,000 new!
I'm a big Yamaha fan, my first bike shop job was a Yamaha shop in 1973. Worked in multi line bike shops all my life. Retired now. I have a WR250F, I also have '00 DRZ. I've ridden WR250R's. A WR250R couldn't carry a DRZ's jock strap in my opinion. Which I know, means nuts! And Yamaha sells a WR450F dual sport in Australia ( turn signals and all, you can google it). Of course their emissions standards are different than ours.
I bought a 2020 wr250r last spring. Threw all the usual improvements at it. Very good bike. I highly recommend it for dual sport. I began riding mostly off road(woods ,trails,sand pits). So I bought 2021 ktm300xcw. I haven"t touched my wr since. I will keep the wr for now. But the 300xcw is amazing.
Drz has chromoly frame, aluminum swingarm, liquid cooled 4 valve motor. It's not really a dinosaur. Not todays technology, but nowhere near a dinosaur.
i had one when it was a new model. very good and easy handling, prefered it to the heavier 400 ccm husqvarnas. could drive it up stairs and stuff without problem it felt nimbler as the husky. husky was also capable for driving upstairs but it was in general not as nimble but better for highspeed in the wood and at farm roads and lake crossings etc.
A lot of times when something was popular but slowly declining they will pull it to bring it back, probably as a 300 I would think, but Ford did it with the Ranger as one example of pulling something to just bring it back
I have a CRF250L Rally I bought to commute and do the land management areas around Tampa. I ride a heritage Harley, that I just dropped the new 131 motor. I do about 20,000 miles a year and it gets expensive. The CRF has long service intervals and cost way less to buy. I use it for work and running errands with an occasional interstate jog to cut out some time going to work. A little more power would be nice but I still manage. The Harley pulls like crazy but there is something cool when I get on the CRF. Kids love the CRF when I pass them in their folks car. It really enjoyable.
So what are your thoughts on the 2018 klx250? They brought it back with EFI. I have one now and it’s a nice improvement over the carb. There is also quite a bit of adjusting you can do to the suspension.
Yamaha just need to put a 350cc displacement engine in the already tried and tested 250r and they would have a bike that would sell like hot cakes and completely destroy the competition in the dual sport market.
I bought a 2019 Crf 450L leftover demo for 2 thousand dollars less than new. Got a Vortex Ecu and full FMF exhaust. Best dual sport I've ever drove. If you're patient and research, it's worth it.
Definitely a better dual sport bike than the eurpeans are selling. It's a shame they aren't marketed better. Same service intervals as the xr400 and I think it will prove to be just as, if not more durable.
Had two WR250Rs and miss them a lot. They love having their neck wrung in the woods. Have a CRF300L Rally now and still miss the WRR. If they update the headlight and add some displacement I may switch back.
@@Cd55650 the Yamaha weighs a little less but sits up a little taller, so your center of gravity is higher. The Honda feels a little more flickable, but the suspension on the WRR is better once you add springs for your weight. I recently went on some really gnarly Jeep trails and the Honda felt really good in low speed and technical areas. Popped over rocks and logs too. Will be taking it on a single track Enduro loop next month.
I think Yamaha splits the CRFs with a WR380 - cheaper/lighter than the 450 and more powerful than the 300. They can’t announce before their dealers have cleared the inventory. Otherwise their dealers will be stuck. I think a 350-390 would cannibalize both Honda’s, and the T7 already siphons off some 450 buyers. This would be a two-fer model.
Just found your channel. It's been a year and still no announcement on a replacement from Yamaha. Bummer! I have a WR250X I put Conti TKC70's on and am totally in love with the bike though, I got mine just in time. Just a smidge more power wouldn't hurt, but your honest reviews of the CRF450L have definitely made me axe the thoughts of replacing it with a 450. Just got back from riding in Wellsville, and then took a jaunt down to TN to do the Tail of the Dragon on it too. It does both street and dirt so well!
Spot on. My WRR is approaching it's 10th birthday and there are no intentions to change it out for something younger. There is just nothing like it out there. If you own one, rather spend the $$ on upgrading it or even better: give the $$ to some dirt riding trainer in order to upgrade the guy on top of it. The bike 9 out of 10 times isn't the problem.
Still love mine. If they bring out a replacement with more power (better at highway speed) for touring, I will upgrade. It’s a gem of a bike that is almost perfect for a light weight do it all machine.
Very intelligent opinion, man. I'm very sad to learn they're discontinued, I imagine it's among the best, most well-executed motorcycles ever made. Hoping Yamaha doesn't disappoint with its replacement!
I spent 3 years saving up for a WR250R. They held their value, but you were able to buy used ones, but after Covid hit the market dried up. I got a 2017 with 500 miles on it back in May. Once I heard the news they were discontinued I was hoping to be able to buy up a few more to invest in, but i'm not seeing anything for sale at all expect new models. I'm going to beat the hell out of this thing, try to put 100,000 miles on it and then sell it to a collector for multiples of what I paid for it.
I bought a WR250R used for $3500 with 2500 miles on it. I love the bike, if you want to motocross, get a CRF450L, KTM or Husqvarna. It is a great bike, but not great on the trails. It is tall and does not have much low end.
Nice talk man got my own 2020 wr250r great bike out of the box only mods needed was a skid plate lots of rocks out here bark busters and some mt21 tires for the off road conditions be cool to see them release a 300-350 cc if not a low maintenance 450 rest up and get back on it keep it up man!
I liked the blacked out one of CycleCruza, oh well. Instead of the Grom I came really close to getting the TW200, feeling like whimsical or ugly, the little goofy won.
Two things could be happening here (as replacement). And maybe both are going to happen: 1) The Tenere 700. One of the things that the WR250R was often modified for was lightweight adventure biking. It looks like the midsized ADVs are likely taking over the niche of the WR250R. We might be seeing some smaller ADVs that can do what the WR250R could do off road. Problem then solved. 2) It is not difficult to take a WR250/450F or the YZ250/450FX and make them street legal (and a more capable dirt oriented dual sport). Yes, there is the high maintenance issue, but if your just going to take them on the road to ferry them from one trail to another, what's the difference between using them this way maintenance wise and straight off-roading them? The maintenance issue I believe only becomes and issue if you try to use them as a general commuter bike. However I suspect CycleCruza's YZ450FX conversion to a supermoto could very well be a proof of concept for using these street legal dirt bikes as commuter bikes (at least away from CA and the euro 5 regs here in the states).
Yamaha need to make a new WR450R or WR450F Rally type bike, kind of like a mini Tenere 700 and bring it to UK/Europe as we have all been crying for a bike like that for years now since they done away with the WR250R in UK/Europe years ago. Yamaha need to get a decent dual sport/enduro bike in the making to compete with Honda etc that are gradually releasing those types of bikes finally albeit choked up with euro5 conformities but still cool they are doing them. For me though a WR450R or WR450 Rally preferably would be just the ticket. 35bhp+ minimum, 10l+ fuel tank minimum and under 150kg wet weight would be THE bike of bikes, very doable so here is hoping yet again.
Emissions regs are killing dual sports (and bikes in general). The amount of stuff coming out the back of a bike exhaust is minimal compared to trucks, cars, planes etc. My theory is the companies are waiting until electric bikes become more valid then hopping over to that market instead. The 300l is a great little bike but the amount of work to get rid of all the shit attached and let the thing breathe properly is above a lot of peoples ability tbh.
I have a WR250R.. not sure what you need in the power department... rode mine from Washington state to Arizona and back doing multiple 600 mile days on the highways (not freeways) with 50 pounds of gear camping the whole way. My tent weighs 14 pounds lol... I'm 200 pounds. cc numbers are a chest-beating metric... nice to have, but you can get it done no problems on a 250cc fuel injected bike even if you weigh 200 pounds and carry 50+ pounds of gear, food, and water... what else you need?!? I pulled up into a gas station and saw some dude fueling up his 1200cc GS... around the same size as a VW Bug... got a chuckle out of it. I'm sure the GS guy got a chuckle out of seeing me too lol. For long distance travel you definitely have to upgrade the seat and may want to grab a bigger gas tank (I just carry a 1gal Roto). I have a Seat Concepts and it's amazing. Other than that go, go, go it will do it with almost no maintenance. That being said I bought a Tenere 700 last summer. It's too big to be a dedicated dirt bike, but between the WR and Tenere can do anything.
I take my WR250R everywhere my friends ride with their endure and motorcross bikes with no issues. I only ride offroad. Red River Motorcycle Trails, Cross Bar Ranch Davis OK, you name it it has been there. Yes it has less power and is heavier and the suspension is not as good as a pure enrudo bike but it is still bad ass for what it is and very capable. With a bigger rear sprocket (52 tooth) and a good set of tires you are in the offroad game.
Supposedly they weren't going to meet new epa regs with the 15yr old engine design. Also, new competition from crf300l and klx300 which are cheaper. Yes, the wr was/is better than those. Hopefully Yamaha is working on a WR300R or even a 350.
New news to me and definitely sad to hear. My trusty WRR has been (and still is) a great stable mate to my 990. She carried me to many a messy dual-sport adventure where the big KTM was a bit wide for the single track An exceptional little bike with a heart that goes and goes...you pretty much cannot break them. Shure she was not the lightest bike at the prom and her fuel bags were a little small, but with an updated the suspension from guys like Go-Race and some extra fuel stuffed somewhere, she could take you anywhere and you never doubted you had a way home. RIP WR250R, I'll bury your original 13T next to my 1st Buell belt and hope for a reincarnation with twice the cc and some larger fuel jugs.
I was just like you I always fell a little short on cash when one came available. Iv’e had TDUB, XR650R, KTM 525. Riding the 2 last bikes were like hanging on to a street bike. Be ready here comes the power. Great open dirt but trails bikes they were not for me anyway. A month ago I was in the market and Their was a few available in my area and what with WR owner selling them they were flaky !! Well I have one a 2018 and I stuck after market mods to hake it a off-road street adventure bike hanging off Mt Mercedes Sprinter. I am looking forward to many rides. It has become quite the cult bike. Around Bend Oregon out !
Ive owned 2 of them and switched to the honda 450L POWER and i like it BUT yamahas 250wrr like the new tenere700 share the fact that they are both very good on and off road ,,, this is what a lot of us like,,, SO if i were a Yamaha engineer what would bring market share ??????? im thinking the same wrr250 with a new 400cc engine. i would dump the honda and step up to this new yamaha immidiatly. Im not sure why kawasaki didnt get it with their new 300 ??? i dont need 50 hp. i dont want 30 hp ,, i want 35 to 38 hp.. and of course the abilty to wheelie with no clutch in 2nd gear..
If they made the WR450 street legal and made a WR300 that was more street bias I think it would sell. Just because it gives people options on both spectrums.
We want the unicorn of dual sports and the first to make one wins. Light weight (under 280 wet), long maintenance cycles, lower prices, 6 gears, decent power and fuel injection…… Yamaha and Suzuki come the closest but still fall short from factory.
They have to move in that 400cc direction if they wish to compete. The new rider market demands something more than a 250cc and they are now discontinuing it. That's for a reason.
The wr250r is a great bike... But not if you're a shorter person. I'm 5'7 and can't flat foot my 250L. I would really love to see a 350, that would be a great engine size for a dual sport. I know other manufacturers make a 350, but they are too tall.
I love the WR. Mine is fifth hand 12k km and it is brand new 2009.... no crazy maintenance yet. Need to get to 20k which will happen when in off-road? 2030? No maintenance is true. On the trail I’m not that far behind my friend with KTM 150 but this is my first year off roaring...
I bought my WR250X earlier this year for a steal of $2800. I'm the second owner and I just hit 5k miles. 💙 It's everything I wanted out of a bike and I absolutely love it.
I bought a brand new 2011 and did all the mods in to it 10K ! But it’s been so satisfying
Damn that’s a steal
I just picked up a 2011 X with 4k on it. Fully modded.
Great bike!
Just found my 08 Wr250R 3 days ago from original owner 4,500 miles with title looked like it came off the showroom floor I got it for 3,500$ I could not believe how clean it is plus he threw in over 500$ in extras... I love the bike.
Have a WR with Tusk racks and Flatland bash plates.
After almost 50 years of riding many bikes I've come full circle.
WR is the perfect near-home adventure bike.
I asked Yamaha Australia directly. They replied that the emissions ratings weren't able to be adhered to with the WR250R anymore. So I bought one anyway 😂❤️
noice lol
My buddy Joe ripped his WR 250 R and did things on that bike that was amazing. Such a great dual sport. I hope Yamaha comes out with something similar.
I would ask who's joe... buuuuuttt......
@@garretth0707 me. i am joe. it's true. i ripped on my wr250r. such a great dual sport. i hope yamaha comes out with something similar
@@greatBLT Haha I meant that as in the Joe mama joke because that's all people say nowadays
@@greatBLT and awesome!
Convinced a couple of my buddies to get WR250R’s. They are super fun and versatile. I plated my WR450F and the 250 feels too small and a little chunky now. I honestly enjoy the 250L more because it was smooth as a sewing machine and had less problems than 250r’s.
I imagine they couldnt easily get it to meet euro 5 regs. I'm sure they will come out with something that'll meet it... eventually. Hopefully sooner rather than later
I'd love a mini tenere more dirt focused but still capable of highway driving. Light weight and long maintenance intervals would be great
Not only did Honda release the CRF300, but Kawasaki has also released the KLX300 and KLX300SM (Super Moto). So I think it's possible that you'll see Yamaha release WR300R in the near future.
It would be called a wr300sm or wr300rsm because there's all ready a husqvarna wr300r two stroke.
Never been on a wr250r. They seem like nice bikes, currently riding the wheels off my drz. Still looking for the perfect commuter to add to the stable.
On my second WR250X, converted to R. Regretted selling my first one so bought one again, seven years later. Found a 2009 model with only 400 miles on it. Still breaking in the engine :D
I love my 2008 Wr250r it’s a beast I hope they make a 500 I would definitely be buying
Yamaha WR250R is the best dualsport bike ever👍🏻
Sad to see it go. I had one for six years and switched to the T7. Where I live using the WR for an adventure bike, it was under powered. With the mountains 4 hrs away and 75mph speed limits it got to be a long ride. I loved the bike. I wish they would come out with a wr450-500r, that would be the sweet spot. The T7 is a great bike.
After riding a Vstrom for a year and never taking it off road, I got the WR250r thinking it was the holy grail I was looking for. It was my Pandemic Purchase! Then I started riding with guys on KTMs and Husqvarna doing rough single track. Now I have buyers remorse even though I like the bike. But can the average rider have a bike for every ride? Like different shoes for every occasion? I want to run out and buy yet another bike (YZ250x) to fill a void that always reappears with every purchase. I need help!
I Purchased a brand new 2011 250 X I have owned over 40 motorcycles, and the WR is my all time Favorite all around bike from trails to freeways it impresses in so many ways! Some days I putter around like a scooter and get over 70 miles a gallon and other days I ring it’s neck! and play hard, And it’s so reliable, just easy to manage.
I went down a similar path and agree with everything you said except for one thing, which caused me to end up with a DRZ400S instead of a CRF250L. I also did a lot of research, looking for the best used dual sport bike for 50/50 riding with roughly a $3k budget. After ruling out all of the 600cc+ bikes for weight reasons, and the WR250R because of the higher cost and not being able to find one for $3k, I ended up looking at the CR250L and the DRZ400S. Even though the DRZ is a very old design, it's much more capable off road than the CRL. I've had an XT250 before and I knew I wanted more power than that, especially when on the street. From the comparison reviews I've seen, the CRL is really designed more for the street. I have no idea how you ended up with the CRL vs the DRZ lol.
But hey, as long as you are happy that's all that matters. I want to see how the KLX300R compares, but regardless it will be a while before they are on the used market.
Glad you have no regrets!
I'm nearing 16,700 miles on mine in just over two years.
Maybe they're going to make a WR 450 R or WR500R!?!? Now that would be a bike!
500 4stroke?
@@reedtarted1932 Yes!!!
@@veiledallegory like a ktm
I just bough a modded 2018 drz400 and would sell it for a wr450/500r FASSTT
You can get a Wr450
I sold my wr250r once I bought my 450L. The 450L is the better dualsport. Suspension is better, the bike feels lighter and the power delivery is better. The 450l does not have any more vibration than the 250r plus it has power to pass at highway speeds. I am sad to see the wr go. It is a good dualsport bike and I did enjoy it.
I don't mind the maintenance on the 450. Oil changes are easy so are valve checks and adjustments.
Brown noser
They just need to add turn signal to tje wr450r and make it street legal i'd buy it so fast i'd sell my drz400 100%
They’ve been road legal in the uk since the early 2000s
What we want is a WR450R
Hi There. I'm a big fan of Wr250r. A new wr350r vould be a dream bike for lot of guys. But We will see Monday. Kawasaki will show the new bikes for 2021, and maybe there will be a new klx 300, or klx 350. That vould be cool. This is only speculation, let's hope for a surprise, like honda did with crf300l. I wish you fast recovery, I hope your leg is getting better every day. 💪💪💪
Just imagine a Yamaha Tenere 400 that is slightly smaller than the 700 and a bit lighter. I love that ADV bike but feel it's more than I would ever need.
Man I hear ya and agree with most everything you said. The WR is in a league of its own great bike. But, I love my 450L and there is a group out there that wants to hit the track, ride on the street and then hit the mountains for hella technical stuff. I have done it all on the 450L. John T. Young has put 13k on his with no valve adjustment performance in any arena has cost. We need them both! Love the dirt bike videos. Keep em coming
I owned a WR250R briefly. Bought it after completely wearing out an old XR250L. The WR250R was a trick little bike but it was heavy and slow. I sold it with 700 miles. Later I found an old XR650L in new condition for under $3K. The 650L is a true dinosaur but it is surprisingly capable, extremely simple, and totally bulletproof. It's been on most of the local moto trails and even many of the Moab jeep trails, sometimes with a passenger. I've also done some multi-day adventure rides with it. For a second bike I bought a Husqvarna FE501. This bike is unreal with amazing power, great suspension, and a light and nimble feel. It's in a different category from my 650L but I still love the 650L for what it does. I hope Honda comes out with an updated "CRF650L" someday but I know I will never buy a small displacement dual sport again.
Aside from being old asf, was the honda xr250l a better bike than the wr250r?
Yamaha WR 350....simple and sold before it ever gets to the dealers show room, The end.
Drove all the way from Cleveland Ohio to Grand Rapids Michigan to get one of the last 2020s
Haha I was about to drive to Ohio to find one today from michigan
@@traderinthetrees1785 yeah lol i checked they are now 2020 models only 22 miles from me now for sale. oooooooffff
The WR 250 has way more history than back to 08 man. I had the first 4stroke model back in 01 and the 2 stroke version goes even farther back. My 01 was no dual sport garbage either. It was a sweet off-road enduro machine. The 2 stroke was basically a YZ with a wide ratio gearbox. Hence WR. It was a beast.
Great commentary 👌
I totally agree with your thoughts - there is a big gap in the market and lots of latent demand for a useable 450 lightweight dual sport with a reliable engine and long service intervals.
I have 1000 miles on my new CRF300L, and it’s a good bike, but I am sure Yamaha could give us an improved version.
The T7 is top heavy especially with luggage and is a non starter for me, the 450L is as you describe “a disappointment”, so please bring it on Yamaha we need a lightweight replacement for the WR with added 💪
I own a WR250R and just bought a DR-Z400S so I now have both. Love the low end torque of the DRZ and that it's carburated. You'll never get stranded on a carb bike. And you can push start it if ther battery craps out. But not the WR. The only reason I keep the WR is I can use the DRZ battery if needed and push start the DRZ.
Ditto to all u said good for the WR. Have a WR250R and love it. Hate to see it discontinued but, we can only hope something will fill the void, soon.
I had a WR250R. Only sold it because I moved out of country. That's a great bike. Plenty enough power for me. Pretty good fuel mileage. Really good suspension. Super reliable engine. Not overweight. I'll buy another if I want a highly capable dual sport. The others fail on those points (DRZ - horrible mpg, heavy) (honda and Kawasaki - far less capable suspension).. But yeah, nowadays, those new 300cc dual sports are probably better, right? And the Honda only like $5,000 new!
I have an 08 wr250r fmf pipe 48,000 klm never did a thing but tires,chain,sprockets and brakes..LOTS OF FUN!!
I'm a big Yamaha fan, my first bike shop job was a Yamaha shop in 1973. Worked in multi line bike shops all my life. Retired now. I have a WR250F, I also have '00 DRZ. I've ridden WR250R's. A WR250R couldn't carry a DRZ's jock strap in my opinion. Which I know, means nuts! And Yamaha sells a WR450F dual sport in Australia ( turn signals and all, you can google it). Of course their emissions standards are different than ours.
I bought a 2020 wr250r last spring. Threw all the usual improvements at it. Very good bike. I highly recommend it for dual sport. I began riding mostly off road(woods ,trails,sand pits). So I bought 2021 ktm300xcw. I haven"t touched my wr since. I will keep the wr for now. But the 300xcw is amazing.
Drz has chromoly frame, aluminum swingarm, liquid cooled 4 valve motor. It's not really a dinosaur. Not todays technology, but nowhere near a dinosaur.
Dude, it's still a carbureted motorcycle in 2020... Absolutely is a dinosaur .
@@shammons556 No dino 🦕
i had one when it was a new model. very good and easy handling, prefered it to the heavier 400 ccm husqvarnas. could drive it up stairs and stuff without problem it felt nimbler as the husky. husky was also capable for driving upstairs but it was in general not as nimble but better for highspeed in the wood and at farm roads and lake crossings etc.
Thanks for the feedback! Fantastic machine.
Had a 2008 X and now have a 2017 R that’s been converted to SM ..... I love it!
Great video, my dad just got a 2008 wr250r with 11k miles for $2,400 and I got a 2016 wr250r with 3k miles for $3k. Love them!
It's the end of an era. Yamaha will do something in this space.
Dont know why they are doing it i own one and its an amazing bike but they sell them every year but i think a 450 will come
A lot of times when something was popular but slowly declining they will pull it to bring it back, probably as a 300 I would think, but Ford did it with the Ranger as one example of pulling something to just bring it back
I have a CRF250L Rally I bought to commute and do the land management areas around Tampa. I ride a heritage Harley, that I just dropped the new 131 motor. I do about 20,000 miles a year and it gets expensive. The CRF has long service intervals and cost way less to buy. I use it for work and running errands with an occasional interstate jog to cut out some time going to work. A little more power would be nice but I still manage. The Harley pulls like crazy but there is something cool when I get on the CRF. Kids love the CRF when I pass them in their folks car. It really enjoyable.
So what are your thoughts on the 2018 klx250? They brought it back with EFI. I have one now and it’s a nice improvement over the carb. There is also quite a bit of adjusting you can do to the suspension.
Yamaha just need to put a 350cc displacement engine in the already tried and tested 250r and they would have a bike that would sell like hot cakes and completely destroy the competition in the dual sport market.
I bought a 2019 Crf 450L leftover demo for 2 thousand dollars less than new. Got a Vortex Ecu and full FMF exhaust. Best dual sport I've ever drove. If you're patient and research, it's worth it.
Definitely a better dual sport bike than the eurpeans are selling. It's a shame they aren't marketed better. Same service intervals as the xr400 and I think it will prove to be just as, if not more durable.
Had two WR250Rs and miss them a lot. They love having their neck wrung in the woods. Have a CRF300L Rally now and still miss the WRR. If they update the headlight and add some displacement I may switch back.
How do you like the 300l off-road compared to wr250? I ride single track and want whichever feels lightest
@@Cd55650 the Yamaha weighs a little less but sits up a little taller, so your center of gravity is higher. The Honda feels a little more flickable, but the suspension on the WRR is better once you add springs for your weight.
I recently went on some really gnarly Jeep trails and the Honda felt really good in low speed and technical areas. Popped over rocks and logs too.
Will be taking it on a single track Enduro loop next month.
please make a 450R!!!
I think Yamaha splits the CRFs with a WR380 - cheaper/lighter than the 450 and more powerful than the 300.
They can’t announce before their dealers have cleared the inventory. Otherwise their dealers will be stuck.
I think a 350-390 would cannibalize both Honda’s, and the T7 already siphons off some 450 buyers. This would be a two-fer model.
Just found your channel. It's been a year and still no announcement on a replacement from Yamaha. Bummer! I have a WR250X I put Conti TKC70's on and am totally in love with the bike though, I got mine just in time. Just a smidge more power wouldn't hurt, but your honest reviews of the CRF450L have definitely made me axe the thoughts of replacing it with a 450. Just got back from riding in Wellsville, and then took a jaunt down to TN to do the Tail of the Dragon on it too. It does both street and dirt so well!
Spot on. My WRR is approaching it's 10th birthday and there are no intentions to change it out for something younger. There is just nothing like it out there. If you own one, rather spend the $$ on upgrading it or even better: give the $$ to some dirt riding trainer in order to upgrade the guy on top of it. The bike 9 out of 10 times isn't the problem.
I bought a 13 Wr250r last May for 2500 bones. I really think it's the most fun you can have with your britches on boys.
Still love mine. If they bring out a replacement with more power (better at highway speed) for touring, I will upgrade. It’s a gem of a bike that is almost perfect for a light weight do it all machine.
Wr250r is one of my favorite bikes! Especially since I have supermoto wheels to 😬 itd be awesome for u to own one for at least 5-10 videos
....."own one for at least 5-10 videos"......LOL.
Long service intervals#1!
I got my 09 wr250r a couple weeks ago, im in the UK and i look forward to riding it off road soon
Very intelligent opinion, man. I'm very sad to learn they're discontinued, I imagine it's among the best, most well-executed motorcycles ever made. Hoping Yamaha doesn't disappoint with its replacement!
Bring back the wr200r... 2 stroke with modern tech would be amazing.
Can't sell a 2-stroke dual sport anymore in developed nations. They'd have to sell it in China and Belarus
6 years after buying my WRR new, I regret nothing
Love my 2014 WR250R. My MotoMosko R80's fit on it and I did a 22 day ride through southern BC last summer.
Its a keeper.
so basically a better drz 400. one with 6 gears , a 4 gallon tank and Fuel injection, I've been saying that for yrs.
I spent 3 years saving up for a WR250R. They held their value, but you were able to buy used ones, but after Covid hit the market dried up. I got a 2017 with 500 miles on it back in May. Once I heard the news they were discontinued I was hoping to be able to buy up a few more to invest in, but i'm not seeing anything for sale at all expect new models. I'm going to beat the hell out of this thing, try to put 100,000 miles on it and then sell it to a collector for multiples of what I paid for it.
Hahahaha
You still buy them New Zealand, not sure for how long. It’s a great bike, hoping for a 300 or a 450 replacement.
I bought a WR250R used for $3500 with 2500 miles on it. I love the bike, if you want to motocross, get a CRF450L, KTM or Husqvarna. It is a great bike, but not great on the trails. It is tall and does not have much low end.
Nice talk man got my own 2020 wr250r great bike out of the box only mods needed was a skid plate lots of rocks out here bark busters and some mt21 tires for the off road conditions be cool to see them release a 300-350 cc if not a low maintenance 450 rest up and get back on it keep it up man!
I liked the blacked out one of CycleCruza, oh well. Instead of the Grom I came really close to getting the TW200, feeling like whimsical or ugly, the little goofy won.
CC should have never sold his.
Two things could be happening here (as replacement). And maybe both are going to happen: 1) The Tenere 700. One of the things that the WR250R was often modified for was lightweight adventure biking. It looks like the midsized ADVs are likely taking over the niche of the WR250R. We might be seeing some smaller ADVs that can do what the WR250R could do off road. Problem then solved. 2) It is not difficult to take a WR250/450F or the YZ250/450FX and make them street legal (and a more capable dirt oriented dual sport). Yes, there is the high maintenance issue, but if your just going to take them on the road to ferry them from one trail to another, what's the difference between using them this way maintenance wise and straight off-roading them? The maintenance issue I believe only becomes and issue if you try to use them as a general commuter bike. However I suspect CycleCruza's YZ450FX conversion to a supermoto could very well be a proof of concept for using these street legal dirt bikes as commuter bikes (at least away from CA and the euro 5 regs here in the states).
Yamaha need to make a new WR450R or WR450F Rally type bike, kind of like a mini Tenere 700 and bring it to UK/Europe as we have all been crying for a bike like that for years now since they done away with the WR250R in UK/Europe years ago.
Yamaha need to get a decent dual sport/enduro bike in the making to compete with Honda etc that are gradually releasing those types of bikes finally albeit choked up with euro5 conformities but still cool they are doing them.
For me though a WR450R or WR450 Rally preferably would be just the ticket. 35bhp+ minimum, 10l+ fuel tank minimum and under 150kg wet weight would be THE bike of bikes, very doable so here is hoping yet again.
Emissions regs are killing dual sports (and bikes in general). The amount of stuff coming out the back of a bike exhaust is minimal compared to trucks, cars, planes etc. My theory is the companies are waiting until electric bikes become more valid then hopping over to that market instead. The 300l is a great little bike but the amount of work to get rid of all the shit attached and let the thing breathe properly is above a lot of peoples ability tbh.
WR330R🤞👍 ...Love my 2016 - WR250R💘
Definitely hoping for a proper 450cc dual sport. If anyone will do it right it's Yamaha.
The 300l is coming and it's going to be awesome..
Except for the ultra soft non adjustable suspension carried over from the 250l
@@22dagget eh I'll just upgrade the suspension, I'm a 6 foot, 60 kg rider
Had one for 4 years, and I'll never sell it.
whats your thoughts on a 350cc dual sport?
that would be a game changer in the market
Husky and KTM! But I agree it would be nice to see a Japanese model.
This is news to me I just picked up a 2010 for 3550 with 1800 miles and I love it
The wr300 will blow your mind
WR300R or WR350R PLEASE!
350r would be an absolute complete hands down winner. Just put that in the old 250r, change nothing else and it would be the best dual sport ever.
I wouldn't be surprised if we see Yamaha launching an electric version as a replacement
I have a WR250R.. not sure what you need in the power department... rode mine from Washington state to Arizona and back doing multiple 600 mile days on the highways (not freeways) with 50 pounds of gear camping the whole way. My tent weighs 14 pounds lol... I'm 200 pounds. cc numbers are a chest-beating metric... nice to have, but you can get it done no problems on a 250cc fuel injected bike even if you weigh 200 pounds and carry 50+ pounds of gear, food, and water... what else you need?!? I pulled up into a gas station and saw some dude fueling up his 1200cc GS... around the same size as a VW Bug... got a chuckle out of it. I'm sure the GS guy got a chuckle out of seeing me too lol. For long distance travel you definitely have to upgrade the seat and may want to grab a bigger gas tank (I just carry a 1gal Roto). I have a Seat Concepts and it's amazing. Other than that go, go, go it will do it with almost no maintenance. That being said I bought a Tenere 700 last summer. It's too big to be a dedicated dirt bike, but between the WR and Tenere can do anything.
How does it do at 65mpph?
As an owner of a WR250X since 2010, my dream bike would be the same on a YZF450X street legal...
I miss accidental broadcast 😢
I bought one because of Kalani!
Also look up Tim Hollis if u want to see what a stock wr250r can do
I take my WR250R everywhere my friends ride with their endure and motorcross bikes with no issues. I only ride offroad. Red River Motorcycle Trails, Cross Bar Ranch Davis OK, you name it it has been there. Yes it has less power and is heavier and the suspension is not as good as a pure enrudo bike but it is still bad ass for what it is and very capable. With a bigger rear sprocket (52 tooth) and a good set of tires you are in the offroad game.
I’m a bit unclear, sounds like an amazing bike! If it’s so amazing and in demand, why did Yamaha kill it?
Supposedly they weren't going to meet new epa regs with the 15yr old engine design. Also, new competition from crf300l and klx300 which are cheaper. Yes, the wr was/is better than those. Hopefully Yamaha is working on a WR300R or even a 350.
Props for the Michael Scott insert. I see Kawi is going to a 300cc KLX dualsport ,with Honda. Maybe Yamaha will do the same.
Well said. Hopefully Yamaha listens, which they tend to do!
Waiting for the wr 350
New news to me and definitely sad to hear. My trusty WRR has been (and still is) a great stable mate to my 990. She carried me to many a messy dual-sport adventure where the big KTM was a bit wide for the single track An exceptional little bike with a heart that goes and goes...you pretty much cannot break them. Shure she was not the lightest bike at the prom and her fuel bags were a little small, but with an updated the suspension from guys like Go-Race and some extra fuel stuffed somewhere, she could take you anywhere and you never doubted you had a way home. RIP WR250R, I'll bury your original 13T next to my 1st Buell belt and hope for a reincarnation with twice the cc and some larger fuel jugs.
I was just like you I always fell a little short on cash when one came available. Iv’e had TDUB, XR650R, KTM 525. Riding the 2 last bikes were like hanging on to a street bike. Be ready here comes the power. Great open dirt but trails bikes they were not for me anyway. A month ago I was in the market and Their was a few available in my area and what with WR owner selling them they were flaky !! Well I have one a 2018 and I stuck after market mods to hake it a off-road street adventure bike hanging off Mt Mercedes Sprinter. I am looking forward to many rides. It has become quite the cult bike. Around Bend Oregon out !
Ive owned 2 of them and switched to the honda 450L POWER and i like it BUT yamahas 250wrr like the new tenere700 share the fact that they are both very good on and off road ,,, this is what a lot of us like,,, SO if i were a Yamaha engineer what would bring market share ??????? im thinking the same wrr250 with a new 400cc engine. i would dump the honda and step up to this new yamaha immidiatly. Im not sure why kawasaki didnt get it with their new 300 ??? i dont need 50 hp. i dont want 30 hp ,, i want 35 to 38 hp.. and of course the abilty to wheelie with no clutch in 2nd gear..
If they made the WR450 street legal and made a WR300 that was more street bias I think it would sell. Just because it gives people options on both spectrums.
We want the unicorn of dual sports and the first to make one wins. Light weight (under 280 wet), long maintenance cycles, lower prices, 6 gears, decent power and fuel injection…… Yamaha and Suzuki come the closest but still fall short from factory.
In Australia the WR450 is road legal 👌
WR300r next!!
I dont know why they would do that I love my Wr250r. It's a great bike I think
i doubt yamaha will do something like this without any reason.
Wr250r is a big seller in Australia, surely they have a replacement?!
They have to move in that 400cc direction if they wish to compete. The new rider market demands something more than a 250cc and they are now discontinuing it. That's for a reason.
The wr250r is a great bike... But not if you're a shorter person. I'm 5'7 and can't flat foot my 250L. I would really love to see a 350, that would be a great engine size for a dual sport. I know other manufacturers make a 350, but they are too tall.
I am 5.5 and I love my wr it is just will and practice buddy.i drove a crf on a trail and I can really tell the 2 bikes are worlds apart
@@spiroskanellakis1894 I have a 300L now, love it. It does what I need it to do.
I love the WR. Mine is fifth hand 12k km and it is brand new 2009.... no crazy maintenance yet. Need to get to 20k which will happen when in off-road? 2030? No maintenance is true. On the trail I’m not that far behind my friend with KTM 150 but this is my first year off roaring...
Anyone else watching this after he buys the crf300l
No ragrets!
Have you take a look on the AJP PR7? It seems to tick all the boxes when compared with the T7.
What do you think?
Hows about a 350 ? 🤔
had a wr250r on the big island and never should have sold it