I don't see much written or reported from travelers riding the Yamaha WR250R.
Is it that some parts of the world can't get hold of this machine? Too expensive?
Or what?

Has the whole of the HUBB community all gone Cheap Chinese bikes now?

Or is everyone too afraid to go anywhere?

Seems the folks "at the top" are still buying new BMW GS's and 1290 KTM's. But not all have $25K USD to spend on a bike ... then another $4K or so to make it road worthy. (not a joke!)

I'm shopping now for a WR250R and used ones are a bit pricey I guess. I'll keep at it, in the meantime I'd like to hear from other WR owners who have taken the bike out for some testing and torture.

How's it doing for 'ya all?

What I have seen on here has been very positive but with a UK price of £7,500 when an F700GS BMW is only £8,300 I am not surprised few if anyone from the UK is riding one.

The low weight is attractive, but even if the £7,549 price was more reasonable, the 7.5-litre fuel tank would eliminate it for me.

I'm not about to spend that much on a bike and then have to spend money getting it to a reasonable configuration.

__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)

Surprised to see such prices in UK for used WR250R. As far as fuel range and small standard fuel tank ... AKAIK, most every dual sport bike out there requires a larger tank, especially KTM/Husky. Every bike needs upgrades ... whether a Chinese 250cc or $25K BMW GS. Setting a bike up for travel takes time, money and new parts!

I've modified every bike I've ever owned ... as most here do.

But with 60 to 70 MPG, the WR250R goes far even with tiny standard 2.0 gal. tank. Many reports I've read (US/Canadian owners mostly) do well with stock tank, some returning 70 MPG. Others carry a Roto-pax tank or one gallon jug or bladder.

In any case, buying a larger fuel tank for the WR does not break the bank.
A couple hundred USD and you are there. Or ... you might even find a nice used one

IMS (USA company) make two tanks for the WR250R:
IMS 3.0 US gallon ($247)
IMS 4.7 US gallon ($383)

The IMS is the most popular upgrade but also Safari make a tank. Safari are good but expensive here in USA.
Safari 3.7 US gallon ($574)

In grand scheme, seems the WR250R needs fewer "upgrades" than most other bikes out there. Many retain stock seat (hard to believe but true), many also stay with stock suspension. (I would not) The hard core WR owners do everything as they are pushing the bike into Pro Enduro type conditions.

IMO, this is great for us mere mortals to learn from (or old guys )
Proves how good the bike actually is in tough conditions over time.

Elec. power output is fairly strong for a 250cc bike, so a good thing if powering heated gear/accessories.

Used WR's in USA are fairly high priced. From about $4000 up to $6000 for nice, low mile examples. They rarely drop below $3500 and tend to be well used. Good for long term, but means price of admission is high.
Worth it? I think so in this case ... as the bike is discontinued by Yamaha!

I have no experiences whatsoever with the WR but it should be a very well suited travel bike afaik. With some upgrades of course. Bigger gas tank, seat, windscreen, better footpegs, handlebars, hand protectors, bash plate, luggage etc etc.
But it is quite expensive for what it is, no doubt about that. The Honda Crf 250L which looks to be 30-40-50 % cheaper seem to be more popular and more available too although the WR has better specs.

Would have been nice to see a thorough write up about the WR from someone who have used it on a long overland trip - as Mollydog asks for...

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In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....

Well no worries, we've got a few guys here riding the WR, so perhaps they'll post up something? I only put this thread up yesterday, so plenty of time to allow folks to chime it here.

Here in USA the Honda CRF250L is less money, but no where near 30% to 50%. Maybe 15% to 20% most. Lots of great deals here on used ones and deeply discounted on new ones too.

The WR250's are not discounted much at all from dealers, but some sellers of used ones eventually come down on price and take lower offers ... eventually!

Really? So why am I still riding my Morocco/Spain KTM 690 with the standard 11.7-litre tank? Over 25,000 km now.

Why did you made such a trolling post with your comments about Chinese bikes and suggesting people on HUBB are too afraid to go anywhere?

__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)

Hello Mark!

I ride a WR250R! And it is an amazing bike :
- almost as light and good offroad as an endure bike
- will ride all day long at 110 km/h if needed
- just needs an oil change every 6000 kms and a spark plug every 12000 kms.

Comparing a WR250R and a CRF250 side by side makes you immediately understand why the WR is more expensive. It is a very well made bike and I love it

Cheers

Guillaume