Yamaha update the WR250R already!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 พ.ค. 2024
- #chroniclesofsolid #advnews
The mighty little Yamaha WR250R dual sport has been gone for 4 years now. Which is a dame shame. What made it such a great little motorcycle? why did it get discontinued and will we ever see an updated version like a WR300R or WR350R?
Thanks for watching,
COS
ADV MEDIA - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
WR450R now please….. the unicorn that we all want!
Japan is dying, dude. It'll never happen
All you have to do the the WR is spend $150 to unleash the motor and it is the same engine/power of the YZ. And, then live in a free state. In my state you can tag anything with two wheels.
@@zokhrozzWoomzy dying of what??
@@lhurst9550 impossible, the YZ motor is completely different from the WR250R
@@sandrider1406 I was talking 450. The 24 WR is the same as current YZ.
Best 50/50 dualsport ever made!!!! WR350R would have us all begging Yamaha to take our money.
Suzuki already made the DR350 long time ago, and dropped the ball with the DRZ400
I would LOVE to see Yamaha bring the WR250r back as a 350cc model. The WR was a little too MX in terms of the seat ergonomics for my liking, but otherwise it was an awesome bike. I still say the 350's of the 1980's and 1990's were the best all around dual-sport/enduro-type bikes ever made and considering how well they sold in their day it amazes me not one of the Big 4 has ventured back into that mid-size niche` of the market in the last 15-20 years. Closest thing we have is the DRZ 400S which itself hasn't gotten any real update since it's introduction in 2000 as a more modern replacement for the DR350's which were dropped the following year.
It also still baffles me to no end why Honda never released a dual-sport electric start version of the XR400r (a XR400L) after they added the e-start to the engine for use in the EX400 quad in 1999. Major missed opportunity there on Honda's part. The XR line of bikes was still hugely popular at that time for Honda and the only dual-sport offering they had at that time was the XR650L (the XR250L had been dropped in 1996 in the U.S. market), so a street legal version of the XR400r with e-start would have filled a HUGE gap in their line-up, would have been notably cheaper than it's nearest competitor - the DRZ 400S, and it needed little to no resources for R&D to bring it to market.
Personally I'd like to see someone - anyone - bring back something similar to the dual-sports of the 1980's and 90's with modern engines featuring fuel injection and electric start, and better fully adjustable suspensions. Keep the rider ergo's more relaxed like a DR or KLR rather than the skinny rock-hard MX-style seats most of the smaller dual-sports now feature. Also no more nose bleed seat heights on everything; bring them back down to a more manageable 30-32" height rather than the 33"+ height most of the dual-sports have today. Something that's not just a "dirtbike with mirrors and turn signals," but something that's also still comfortable to ride on the pavement as well while still offering good off-road performance for trail riding.
Let's be honest and face facts, the vast majority of dual-sport owners aren't out there attacking gnarly single track trails littered with obstacles worthy of a hard enduro course. The vast majority just want something simple and fun that's bulletproof reliable for tooling around on managed trail systems, forestry roads, snowmobile trails, etc. They don't need 13" of suspension travel or 12"+ of ground clearance, nor do they need 40+ horsepower or suspension suitable for desert or hard enduro racing.
The only bikes currently on the market in the U.S. that come close to fitting this description (IMO) would be the Suzuki DR 400S and the Yamaha XT250 - the latter being on the smaller side in terms of displacement. Something similar to the XT250 in a 350-450 displacement is what we really need, and preferably - if possible with emissions - keep it air-cooled for simplicity and as a cost saving measure to leave more money available for a little better (adjustable) suspension. How about a proper update for the Suzuki DRZ400S? Or how about a larger 350-400cc version of the old Kawasaki KLR250 Super Sherpa How about bringing back the old Yamaha XT350 or upping it to a XT400? And finally Honda...oh Honda! If they can waste time/money on things like the Rune and the Fury, then by God they should be able to find some time and resources to make a proper 350-400cc big brother to the new XR150L for Christ's sake.
I don't think that's asking too much of the Big 4, but apparently it is since not one of them has brought something like that to market in nearly 20 years now. *stepping off my soap box* 😁
I reckon they could take a fair chunk of Honda's market if they went for a 350 rather than a 300.
A 350 would be the sweet spot. Honda's 300 is actually a 286 anyway :(
Agree. I’ve seen some videos of upgrading the crf300l with a big bore kit -and wonder why Honda didn’t do that in the first place. That extra nudge of power made it even better, without being a competitor to the 450
@@funkygas Bingo. Injected & 6-speed 350 would be a win.
WR250R is the best bike to learn adventure riding on. It's very forgiving and super stable on gravel roads. Just get one that is fully kitted out with a big tank, comfy seat, suspension upgrade, rally pegs, screen etc. It's a fantastic bike and a WR350R would be a big success for Yamaha.
Learn? I started on a klr, then an xr650l, then another klr, then a vstrom, and finally a wr250r. This is where it ends.
Absolutely 💯, why oh why haven't the Japanese bikes (Yamaha, Kawa etc) MADE a 350 ????
Come on DO IT.... it will be awesome....10 years to late , but awesome !
Bring back the Banshee engine and put it in a WR frame. C'mon Yamaha, you can do it :)
@@Jonathan-Lanother meme bike how cool bro
Modular platform ,450 to 600 ,4 gallon tank ,tft display, ,6 speed ,35 to 36 inch seat height, with decent suspension for someone over 200lbs, fun to ride easy to wheelie, with long service intervals, 50 to 60 hp,40 to 50 lb feet of torque. With a dry weight around 310 to 370 lbs.
Heck ya and dont forget the comfy seat! and how about a 750 thumper?
YAMAHA - Just Do It... WR325/350R please
Yamaha have the 321cc in the R3 that could have been used in a next generation WR 300
Just like a new DR650, we can hope. Great vids. Thanks
I miss my WRR! Sold it for a DRZ because I wanted more power. But it was one step forward and two steps back.
I did exactly the same, I love my new DRZ but part of me misses the Yamaha. I think I may have to buy back my WR one day and just own them both.
I had two WR250Rs, but sold them both due to anemic power. But would buy another if it was a 350 (minimum) - 500 (preferred). If the Japanese keep dragging their feet, KTM is going to jump in and own this hole that has been in the market for almost 20 years.
I did South Korea, Russia, Mongolia and the Stans to Bulgaria on a WR250R...perfect weapon of choice 👍
Nice 😎
I just spent 7 days straight riding the wr250r with my enduro riding mates, its such a versatile bike, could it do with more power yes but can you use more power most of the time offroad NO. Id like to see a 300-350 rally version, Honda got it right except for the suspension.
I am an American living in Thailand and I have the Yamaha wr155. Yes it's heavy, minimal suspension adjustments but this little bike will take me all over Thailand. It's made in Thailand but I am not sure it's sold outside of southeast Asia. Cheers
It sold across SEA, indonesia has wr155r too..
why would they not just put a bigger engine in that frame? Pretty sure they can fit even an 600cc singe in there and the main frame is sold and actually looks like a proper dritbike frame as well. Pretty sure there are plenty of garage mods where they have done that, so why cant Yamaha do it?
I ask the same from Honda, because people (in their garage shops) have been putting the CB500X drivetrain into the CRF250L frame. There's only 20 lbs difference between the two powerplants. And then you have a sub-350lb offroad highway-capable twin.
I imagine it has something to do with emmissions. Im pretty sure that's why they had to discontinue the 250R in the first place, even though it was far from a gross polluter. The way emmissions regulations are structured around the world are totally backward. They punish small lightweight vehicles (like mini trucks and single cylinder dual sports) while promoting behemoths. That's why even commuter cars weigh as much as a small sun these days and pickup trucks keep getting bigger, heavier and more expensive.
Wr500r is what we need.
Long maintenence intervals, relatively low HP for a 500cc but far more hp than a drz400, large oil capacity, under seat fuel tank, super rigid pannier rack system, and a center stand.
Still love my WR
I've had mine for 5 years.
When it gets tired, I plan on rebuilding with cylinder works and a 2mm stroker crank, making it a 283.
The downfalls are lack of freeway power, and the rear shock.
I'd put money down on a WR350R.
Just bought a farkled out Wr after owning a klx300 and crf250L and this bike is so much better than both of them. So much fun, the motor is a blast, very refined and smooth. Absolutely love the WR. This is my 11th motorcycle and my favorite. Don’t sleep in the Wr
I'd like to see a light adventure version of my Beta 390 RRS. The motor is incredible, but it needs a 6th gear, higher oil capacity and a smidge of wind protection.
A WR550 with a decent tank and seat I'd be very interested in. For the street end of dual sport a little more displacement goes a long way. to making a bike fun to ride.
Right you are! Yamaha definitely needs to reintroduce the WR in 300-350! The WR250R was the best dual sport out there! Really bad move to not only take it off the market but at the same time Honda & Kawasaki introduce their 300s. Yamaha is no longer relevant unless you find a used WR in good condition. However, as technology changes, Yamaha could totally introduce a cutting edge WR300-350R and blow the other two out the water. I mean it’s a no brainer! What is Yamaha waiting on? They’re losing customers & revenue! Come on Yamaha!!! Great video!🤙🏽 You’re saying what we’re all thinking!🤓
Still got a 2017 wr250r sitting in the garage. Doesn't seem to go down in value so no point in selling it.
What a shock that would be if Yamaha actually pulled it off. If anything it would be a long dragged-out affair like the release of the T7.
🥲
If we start hearing rumblings about it today, we can expect a 2030 release... Just in time for the globalist nanny state to ban motorcycles altogether.
Tom ,of Riding with Tom would agree with you on this, Solid.
Yamaha don't want to lose the potential T7 buyers.
I think the issue here is that the T7 is a totally different class. I will not own a mid weight adv. I would own a wr. As it stands I have no Yamaha's in the garage.
That's such a dumb attitude we don't want to lose customers to ourselves so we'll lose customers to our competitors instead.
I have a t7 and would drop the cash in a second for a 300-450 Yamaha dual sport. Completely different animal.
I have had both and they are two very different..I miss my wr250r
I initially miss-read the title as it being updated...😢
Nevermind, one can always dream 🙂
Me too! Thought we had some “breaking news!”
Would love to see WR250R successor.
My idea is to use R3/MT03 engine in WR250R frame(maybe with some update?) - this engine have plenty of power and even could be geared slightly for more torque. In this case engine bike would be very smooth becasue of 2 cyliders.
Second idea for engine would require more r&d - yamaha could chop down their CP2 engine to leave one ~350ccm cylinder.
In both cases it would require a lot of r&d from Yamaha. Bike would probably be heavier than WR250R - especially when using 2 cyl engine.
And switchable ABS is a must have to sell in whole world - otherwise it would be like KLX300 that is not available in EU :/
We need more competition in this segment - Honda cant be only one producing small dualsport.
It’s weird how a brand gets under your skin, I spent the last years of my racing career on Yamaha and would never part with my WR, even if they did bring out a 300 I’d probably just buy one of those too as it’s so iconic.
I would love a 350 or 450 dual sport w/ efi, 6 speed, and long maintenance intervals. Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki? Anyone listening?
I'm sad that they cancelled VMAX
690 enduro r, but the newer ones. I went from a 250L to the 690 in 2023 and I do not regret it, I just I regret not getting one sooner. The weight is much much better balanced due to where KTM puts the fuel tank compared to the Crf250L, as they weigh the exact same. My wife still has a 250L. Anyone who says a 690 weighs more is full of crap, I own both...they weigh the same. a 350R will cost a lot more than the 250 did, nearly KTM territory.
One thing a lot of people miss is how tractable the power is on this bike. I’ve seen people goating around places on this bike that give absolute headaches to the 450s and 500s.
100% mate!
Look at Wayne Dowsent and the bikes he was blowing past! lol
If Yamaha were to develope a 360 or 400 liquid cooled 2 stroke that could meet emmisions with high tech 2 stroke tech and bring back a low seat height version of their old DT in a ralley style bike with fulley adjustable Ohlins susp it would sell like hot cakes at a fatty convension
Only if it weighs like a ktm 350. Then I’d buy a wr 350 :)
Best dual sport bike ever. I have also CRF300L and brand new Kove 450 Rally. WR250R is simply better. 🤷♀️
Thanks!
Thanks very much 👍😎
Cos keeping the dream alive 💛
🥲
One cylinder from the T7 would be 344.5cc, that would put Yamaha back in the game.
If the bean counters say no it will never fly. The dollar always wins.
I'm done waiting for a WR350R, WR450R, 390 Enduro R or any other new lightweight 400-500cc dual sport from the major manufacturers. As far as I'm concerned there's two lightweight unicorns already available for long distance adventure rides if you make enough mods. Just bite the bullet and get either 1) a drz400E and install the ACT wide ratio gearbox, EFI kit, and make major changes to the ergos to suit your taste. Suitable choice in Oz. Or 2) a DR350 and install a 9.5:1 CR 440 big bore kit, EFI kit, factory oil cooler to increase oil change intervals from 5k km to about 7k/8k km, and change ergos as well. More suitable in the states since we don't have many drz400e. Each of these are < 310lbs wet and each have a strong enough rear sub frame for pannier racks and luggage. Will take some work to get either of those going but when the new dual sports come out sometime in the next 10 years they probably won’t be as light as these bikes. Might as well put in the work on one of these now and get it done.
One advantage of the DR350 over the DRZ is that it has a lower CG and less weight on the front end. I've always found the DRZ ergos, steering and handling to be a bit off. DR350 might solve that. Much prefer the geometry of a DR650...
Scratch that i just spoke with bill blue and found out that he has a 351 big bore kit for both the crf300L and klx300 which still run on regular gas.
These bring up the power of these 300’s to within a few hp of the drz and i believe should be good enough to easilu cruise at 75mph on freeway for extended duration. He also provides an EJK kit loaded some base tuning to get the big bore running.
Should be a lot more straightforward than trying to build a modern dr350 or drz.
I love my WR250R don't know if I will ever sell it ya don't need really anymore power in the bush well yes a 300-350 option would go well , its just that highway speed where the power is needed.
I've got a old 1200 GSA some old YZF 1000's and its nice to take the bigger displacement bike for a ride but the most fun is the WR on the dirt or the twisty hard top roads 🙂🤙
Ooh the clickbait is strong with this one. I fell for it. I’m ashamed of myself.
Hi solid enjoy very much watching your videos mate thank you keep them coming and yeh i love my wr250r ive owned it for nearly 7yrs now just wish it had that little bit more I'm not greedy dont need something with a shit load of power and weight would be very great full for a wr350r safe riding solid
Thanks Shane
I feel this 'half-engine' solution could easily be done again. Like, take that great parallel twin from Tenere, cut it in half figuratively speaking, and here's your 350 single for a lighter ATV bike.
If they ever go ahead and make a WR300 or 400r dualsport again they won't make an expensive high end one as it was the WR250r, motorcycle prices are already going out of hand.
Yamaha could make their 300 twin motor fit into the t7 frame and have a Tenere 300 adventure bike.
Apparently, you can get a Tenere 450 from CF Moto now.
I love my Honda, but I'd be very tempted to buy one of these if it got updated.
Yup 😎
Good video, I believe 400 is a good balance between torque and lightness. Keeping the platform as close to the original would be the goal here. Of course 400cc and ABS will add weight and change the character immensely. Tweak the shock rebound but otherwise leave it the same. The sub frame could use a bit of a tweak to guard against fatigue.
I'd buy it. I'm getting older now and want to downsize to a lighter adventure type of riding but I want that higher spec suspension and motor off the shelf. If they don't do something soon, I would buy an e-MTB instead. More importantly, the manufacturers need entry level bikes to capture the next generation.
I have a WR250R, it's a good bike, would be a great bike if they had shaved 50 pounds off it. I wish they would make a street legal version of the YZ450WR.
I live in Italy and now have a 2016 WR 250 F (with Athena Big Bore 300 cc Kit) that is a great bike but may be I would go back to a 300 cc 2t for technical riding and buy also a used WR250R. I would be really curious to see the difference and see how far can I go in enduro and how confortable could be going adventure riding (that I know do with a Caballero 500 Rally, pretty fun bike to ride). What do you think about ? What about compered to a modified CRF 300 L with new suspension ? Anyway I do not think Yamaha will update this bike, at lieast not in Europe, unfortunately. They are not any more intersted in small displacement enduro or dual sport...
In Europe we got the Fantic with Yamaha WR motor and frane and so on. There is a export treaty i think its not available in the US. Abaut Australia i dont know.
350- 390 six speed adventure rally. Seat not to high lower fuel tank with great suspension.
Investing in a new platform when gasoline vehicles are starting to be banned from city centers could be giving many projects pause...
Best bet is to work with their current WR450F...
I think it’s a shame. People are learning of other brands and developing other brand followings the more time goes by. I don’t even hear much about the XT250 but even that is being beaten out by the other 300s.
You've seen the rumour Yamaha is developing a wr200r and wr200rx ? This was reported by the magazine out of Japan called Young Machine that is noted for scooping new rising sun models. They have a web page and the only visible hint is it's on the cover of their latest mag as I don't subscribe or read Japanese.
No mention of the two small displacement dual sports already in Yamaha lineup
Considering how popular and capable the KTM 350 EXC-F is, I'd hope Yamaha would go 350cc to compete in that market rather than settle for 300cc.
I think they'd be better off making a mini tenere and add another cylinder and make it around a 500cc Rally or Adventure bike. I think that would be the sweet spot and totally take the competition off guard.
i'd buy it
I think you're onto something there Joe. A 500cc twin with 270 degree crank. C'mon Yamaha, I'll have one in blue please.
CF Moto already beat Yama in that regard.
I know so what better way to step up their game.@@ERUtheWINDRIDER
But if I could get a Chinese bike or a Yamaha I know where I would put my money... But they won't built a lighter/smaller Tenere, as it would dig into the market of the actual Tenere @@ERUtheWINDRIDER
With the new KTM 390's coming.... and the market shifting twards that magic 400ish displacement I think they either need to target that or stay out of it entirely.
How about parts availability for those who would buy a used WR250R?
Yamaha has decided to completely ignore the dual sport market. Honda loves that decision.
I want a single cylinder 450 adv bike like a mini tenere. I'm hoping it's taken so long because they are in fact working on something special.
Rear suspension on these units sucked off road. Like a pogo stick at speed. The reliability of mine was so good though
Gimmie a THUMPER! A 690/701 beater cos I’m selling my T7 for one soon
1/2 of a CP2 doesn't make much sense, but a mono version would make a nice CP1 family.
Yeah its quite a bit lighter than say the crf 250l. It would be nice. Im afraid of what the price would be on a 350
Seat height was too limiting for many people. They sell buckets of xt250's all over the world because of the approachable seat height. Personally I think that the most you could hope for would be a 300 ish version of the xt. Reality though may be more like, sell xt250's until nobody can sell internal combustion motorcycles anymore.
I know Honda has came out with an “s” model for the crf300l (lower seat height)
Tenere 350/400 would be nice to see
So we will wait for the new drz...
Just seen it lol
If they took 1/4 of the FJR1300, they would have a 325cc...perfect!
I'm gutted that Yamaha stopped producing the 1200 Tenere as it's engine couldn't get Euro 5 compliance. I wish they'd get their finger out and produce it again as there are plenty of people who would snap them up for long distance touring. The T7 just doesn't tick enough boxes for me yet.
The bumblebee colour scheme 😍
With the success Yamaha are having with their T7 I don’t see any single cylinder dual sport in their future. Maybe a smaller Tenere twin sibling…
I have a WR450F and converted my 'Popeye' (mean power & torque) into a light weight adventure bike. I sense that your inspiring view of the WR250R applies to my 'Popeye'. Any comments from your side??
I’ve only ridden the WR450F twice. All I will say is that the only similarity they share is that they are both blue 😅 I’ve seen some set up real nice for ADV but a bit too raw for my lacklustre skills 🙃
We still get them in the USA, so it is an issue with your market. Sales or emissions regulations.
No we do not. 2020 was the last year. I own one …
I don't think the Honda and Kawasaki dual sports are doing well. Rarely ever see them in the wild so I doubt that's giving Yamaha any confidence to compete with the small adventure bikes again.
I haven't tried one yet, but heard from people that the KLX300 isn't as good as either the WR250R or the CRF300L.
Yamaha needs a real duel purpose motorcycle like beta ect..
We may see one, from a distance. Sure there will be a modular product produced for the up and coming 3rd world countries. That's where the market and money is gir these size motorcycles. The market is almost dead in USA. There are all kinds and sizes of adv bikes sitting at deslerships. When we wanted them we couldn't have them. Buyers have moved on.
What if Yamaha rip off the crf450rl strategy with the wr450f but don’t screw up the efi?
😎
I can't see a true successor coming out with everyone moving to a modular system. Honda's 300 single powers a few of their motorcycle models. And building motorcycles is more of a passion project for Kawasaki, who seem to want the crown for most models in their lineup. Yamaha has already moved to a twin with the R3/MT-03, so they'd probably be more likely to release a mini Tenere using the same 321cc engine.
Wr300r please and thank you
If Yamaha copy and pasted Hondas' 300L, and moved production to Thailand/ south east Asia, they could sell the numbers to make it worthwhile....Thailand has strong protectionism for their motorcycle industry, imported bikes are expensive, look up the price for a Honda 300L in Thailand.
Yeah, but then what would be the point? We dont need another SE Asian market budget commuter in dual sport drag with a Yamaha badge. We need a high end Japanese built performance dual sport.
You’re so correct, but the big four don’t make bikes for the Australian market they make them for Asia, then America and Europe.
WR 450 = 660 motor 👌
If Yamaha had a WR350R when I bought my KTM, I would have gotten it instead.
Solid among these theories which is most likely to be true in the first place ??
Conspiracy theory :
1) Just like WR250 was made from R1 engine. So, Maybe WR300 will be made from MT-09 Engine as it is also a pleasurable motorcycle to ride with a really great engine and good output.
OR
2) 321cc engine from R3 and MT-03 might make its way to the WR300 .
OR
3) They might be developing a 300cc single for the market right now.( Warning: Take the last theory with a some skeptisim ).
I think number 2 but I’d love to see any of those options 😎
Annoyed the ag100 was discont lol
Give us a T3 but keep it under 300 lbs and $7k. They'll not be able to keep up with demand just as when the T7 came out.
I think that something like a tenere 400 is more likely
I would like to see 12 new Dual-Sports from Japan. The CRF450L came out 5 years ago. Where is Yamaha's, Kawasaki's and Suzuki's? l think the market is dead.
The crf450l is just a glorified dirt bike 🤣
@@zokhrozzWoomzy Exactly
@@zokhrozzWoomzy450L is bad a$$. Aimed at more experienced riders.
The better idea for Yamaha will be to up their game to a 450~550 cc engine, killing the Kawy and Hinda and competing with Himalayan, 450MT, 450Rally etc
This
Fantic has XEF 310 (Yamaha WR)
Which is a full-on race bike not a trail/dual sport.
Road legal in my country.
@@Laplander. I have the Yamaha WR 250 F (with 300 Athena big bore kit) so very close to the Fantic 300 and I can confrim it is a full enduro race bike, it's street legal but just enough to get to the close by single track or enduro park. The WR250 R instead is pretty diferent in service intervals and road capability...
@@Laplander.So are my 450EXC and my 200EXC but they are still race bikes with usual challenging maintenance intervals and terrible road manners. The European manufacturers take advantage of an EU exception to many of the laws about manufacture of motorcycles for machines primarily built for off-road use, trials bikes and competition enduro machines make it through by defining the seat heights and ground clearance.😂🎉
350 single track bike with highway capability
Please yamaha mini tenere 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Huge tank? 2.1 us gallons.
Irrational those decisions mostly are. Yamaha should make a better CRF300. A 350-400 displacement would be perfect. Weight under 150kg. 2 Person capability. Around 33-40PS with about 30-40 Nm. Fuel consumption about 3,5l/100km. 12l tank volume and about 2-3l oil volume. LED lights, ABS, E-start. Dont wait for the Chinese.