In the late 90s Yamaha Australia staff built the enduro bike before taking that TT-R based machine to Japan where they then pleaded with Yamaha HQ to build them a new type of truly high-performance four-stroke enduro bikes.
Originally launched as a 2001 model, the high performance quarter litre enduro racer was developed for Australian conditions by legendary ISDE competitor Geoff Ballard alongside YMA enduro riders Steven Cotterell and Peter Payne. The current model retains its antipodean connection by continuing development under Peter Payne with assistance from former world MX rider Josh Coppins.
And now for 2020, WR250F is closer than ever to the industry leading YZ250F and the cross-country racing YZ250FX. All three models are based on the same platform but with significant differences that suit the type of riding for which they have been designed.
The goal for the new WR250F was to provide superior handling and increased steering precision while retaining high speed stability. And to create a slimmer and lower machine that inspires more confidence with a lighter feeling.
Thorough testing has revealed that the new machine has surpassed this goal by allowing super easy direction changes with high levels of manoeuvrability. Power is stronger at all levels and delivered in a linear fashion with excellent traction characteristics.
2020 Yamaha WR250F at a glance
- New engine based on current YZ250F motocrosser but with specific enduro settings
- New free flow air filter, reduced resistance with increased reliability
- New smartphone tuning – On board WiFi allows engine to be tuned to different track conditions
- New engine map switch – Map button allows mid-ride changes to power delivery
- New lighter, tougher clutch – Easier lever pull with greater longevity
- Wide‐ratio 6‐speed transmission
- Mass centralised starter system – Lightweight starter motor
- Frame is based on all conquering 2019 YZ250F but flex-tuned for enduro riding
- Lower, flatter seat and slimmer ergos
- YZ250F spec KYB air-oil-separate upside-down front fork and rear shock sport model-specific enduro settings
- Bigger bashplate – Increased protection for water pump and hoses
- Larger fuel tank – 7.9-litre plastic resin fuel tank (up by 400 ml)
- 115kg wet weight including full fuel tank (down 3 kg)
- New forged aluminium sidestand
- Sleek new headlight cowl
- New stronger front axle brackets
- Lightweight speed sensor with high-precision display inlcuding fuel level
High performance YZ250F-based engine
The YZ250F has proved to be one of the most competitive motocross bikes at every level. US rider Aaron Plessinger won the 2018 AMA Pro National 250MX series and the model once again dominated in AUS by scooping both the 2018 MX2 Nationals with Wilson Todd and the MXD class with Bailey Malkiewicz. This success is reflected in the off-road racing world with Luke Styke the reigning 250cc class Australian Off Road Champion.
The new WR250F engine is based closely on the winning fuel-injected YZ250F design, and features a rearward-inclined cylinder and reverse cylinder head. Its airbox is situated in front of the rider and the fuel tank located at the centre of the bike – a unique configuration that contributes to the bike’s mass centralisation, which plays a pivotal role in achieving light and agile handling.
In addition, the WR250F’s reverse cylinder head allows the use of a straight air inlet for higher levels of intake efficiency, and by locating the fuel tank centrally, this innovative design permits the use of a long and flat seat that allows the rider to shift their body weight quickly and easily.
The 2020 WR250F features a new high compression forged aluminium piston, revised valve angle and exhaust cam timing with revised balance factor – all based on the current YZ250F, but with enduro specific settings to provide a high level of winning performance. That performance is further boosted by the fitment of a dual electrode spark plug and revised exhaust muffler for 2020.
Compared to the former WR250F engine, the 2020 design is more powerful at higher rpm, and also delivers stronger power right through the rev range.
The filter element features reduced airflow resistance and intake noise combined with increased reliability. The new filter and the length of the intake funnel contribute to an excellent feeling of traction and linear characteristics during acceleration and deceleration. Plus, dust filtering capability is increased by adding rubber seals to the centre positioning pin.
Lighter, tougher clutch
The 2020 WR250F is equipped with a 6-speed transmission that is designed to handle a wide variety of terrain, from technical rock climbs to full throttle blasting along forest tracks. A new lighter and tougher clutch is now mated to the box to match the extreme demands of enduro riding. Featuring new heat resistant friction plates, this durable clutch has a super light lever pull and is built to perform consistently and effectively for long periods in the toughest terrain.
Mass centralised starter system
A lightweight starter motor contributes to mass centralisation. Also, a garter spring is adopted for the spring of the one-way starter clutch in order to reduce horsepower loss – a 60% reduction in load compared to the outgoing model.
New smartphone tuning
On board WiFi means that you can tune the new WR250F to different track conditions using your smartphone. A downloadable Power Tuner app allows you to make fuelling and ignition timing changes instantly and upload/share them for the ultimate in track-side tuning. The free Yamaha Power Tuner app also allows owners to record ride/race log information and monitor a range of data such as maintenance and system diagnosis, engine run time and more.
The on board WiFi is available thanks to a Command Control Unit (CCU) that contacts the ECU and forms part of the free competition kit offered to Australian customers.
Engine map switch
A bar-mounted dual engine map switch has been adopted and positioned next to the left lever to enable changes in the engine power delivery characteristics mid-race. This switch allows the rider to select one of two engine maps on the fly at the press of a button to cater for changes in the riding environment.
This means that when the going gets loose, steep or muddy – high traction can be accessed at the press of a button.
Sharp handling YZ250F bilateral beam frame
WR250F now runs the same bilateral beam frame as the sharp handling current model YZ250F. To achieve a rigidity balance with the amount of flex needed for enduro riding, the engine mount brackets have been altered. The upper-side mounts are the same as on the YZ250F, while two-plate type mounts are used for the front-side mounts.
The result contributes to the machine’s excellent feeling of contact with the ground and offers feedback about the riding surface while providing a light feel to the handling.
Industry leading front and rear suspension
WR250F runs the same KYB air-oil-separate closed chamber upside-down front fork as the YZ250F but with model-specific enduro settings to provide stable damping force. This suspension is acknowledged to be the best available on a production dirt bike and responds particularly well during the transition between the compression and rebound strokes. And because the suspension holds up well in the stroke, ground clearance is improved over the outgoing model.
The outer tubes are the same as the YZ250F and contribute to a secure feeling of ground contact. The mid-speed valve (MSV) that provides damping in the mid-speed range has been changed from a coil spring type to a leaf spring type. This mechanism responds to even the slightest amounts of oil flow and so delivers excellent damping feel at low speeds.
The rear shock absorber is also based on the YZ250F unit and features enduro model-specific settings. It features a coil with a higher fatigue strength than the current model’s and with an 11.5mm wire diameter achieves a weight reduction of approximately 350 grams. The capacity of the reservoir has been increased by 30cc to run cooler and achieve a more stable damping force.
More protective bashplate
The new WR250F features a more protective plastic resin engine guard to help prevent damage to the frame, engine, water pump and hoses when running through ruts or from impacts by kicked up rocks. Also, reducing the size of the open space at the front limits the amount of mud and stones entering and so reduces additional running weight.
Larger fuel tank
A newly designed 7.9-litre plastic resin fuel tank is featured that reduces the frequency of refuelling during longer distances. The current YZ250F’s tank was used as the developmental base, and the lower portion has been extended toward the centre of the bike to improve mass centralisation, and to increase the tank’s capacity.
A compact fuel pump is another new feature. These changes have made it possible to achieve a slim, compact body design comparable to the YZ250F that also results in minimum interference with the riding position.
Flatter, lower seat
A redesigned seat with stiffer seat foam is fitted to aid rider manoeuvrability and to make getting on and off the bike easier. A slimmer design through the shroud/knee contact area helps further improves rider ergos.
New forged aluminium sidestand
A lighter and less obtrusive forged aluminium sidestand is positioned to ensure plenty of ground clearance when riding through ruts and the like. The new stand sits higher and the amount it juts out from the chassis is reduced which helps prevent snagging. The weight of the stand has also been reduced by about 100g. This is the same as the 2019 model YZ250FX stand design.
Sleek new headlight cowl
The WR250F’s new headlight cowl sits lower and closer to the rider. It contributes to centralisation of machine mass and helps to create a light, agile impression for the machine.
Lightweight speed sensor with high-precision display
A new lightweight front wheel speed sensor connects to a highly precise speed display and with no more speedo drive, makes front wheel changes easier. The system features a pulse wheel and sensor system known for excellent reliability and provides the detailed speed information essential for enduro riding. Display includes low fuel warning light.
Off road competition kit
For the Australian market, the new WR250F is supplied fully ADR compliant and in road registerable condition. A free competition kit is supplied and can be easily fitted for closed course use. The kit includes:
- CCU for smartphone tuning capability
- Lightweight LED tail light/ and licence plate holder
- Competition larger diameter exhaust muffler outlet
- Full power / full travel throttle stopper screw kit
- YZ airfilter holder guide
- Wiring connector for headlight
- Brake snake kit
- Wiring connector for rear brake light
- WRF Barkbuster handguard set
2020 Yamaha WR250F Specifications
| Engine type | Liquid cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve |
| Displacement | 250 cc |
| Bore x stroke | 77.0 x 53.6 mm |
| Compression ratio | 13.8 : 1 |
| Fuel delivery | Fuel Injection |
| Starter system | Electric |
| Transmission system | Constant mesh 6-speed |
| Final Transmission | Chain |
| Frame | Flex tuned aluminium bilateral beam type |
| Front suspension | 48mm twin chamber KYB, 310 mm travel |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring/gas hydraulic damped KYB, 317 mm travel |
| Front brake | Hydraulic single disc, 270 mm |
| Rear brake | Hydraulic single disc, 245 mm |
| Front tyre | 90/90-21 54M tube type |
| Rear tyre | 130/90-18 M/C 69M M+S tube type |
| Overall length | 2175 mm |
| Overall width | 825 mm |
| Overall height | 1270 mm |
| Seat height | 955 mm |
| Wheel base | 1480 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 320 mm |
| Wet weight (including full oil and fuel tank) | 115 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity | 7.9L |
| Colour | Team Yamaha Blue and White |
| Warranty | Three months, parts only |
| Ride away price (includes freight, pre-delivery and all on road costs) | $13,999 inc GST* |
| Availability | TBA |
Source: MCNews.com.au