Before the 2015 Yamaha WR250F, Yamaha first released the model in 2001 after Aussie enduro legends Geoff Ballard, Steve Cotterell, Peter Payne and Rob Haskins all had a hand in the development. There were some small changes along the way over subsequent models, an automatic decompressor in 2003, digital speedo in 2006 and a lighter more rigid aluminium frame in 2007 but for this 2015 model a lot of changes were made by adapting the previous year’s YZ250F into a WR250F with very few modifications. The aim was for light weight, mass centralisation, mountains of torque, accurate handling and of course reliability.
The major differences from the motocrosser were in the gearbox and suspension with a KYB 48mm USD fork from the YZ, but with enduro settings and 310mm of travel and a KYB rear shock supplying 318mm of travel for a smooth ride absorbing all the choppy little bumps with no wallowing. Mitch was the test pilot and was impressed with the way the little thumpers torque carried him up a steep climb, that gave many others trouble, in second gear just off idle without any need to fan the clutch. He did state though that the midrange needed a bit of fine tuning. The rear wheel was changed to an 18” unit from the 19” on the YZ and was wider as well. There are always a few niggles though with any bike and Mitch wasn’t keen on the induction noise although it disappeared once the revs climbed past halfway and he was also disappointed in the lack of a hydraulic clutch.
Mitch found the rear brake, which was a mix of YZ master cylinder and WR caliper and disc, gave perfect feel and stopping ability without fade but thought the front brake a little soft, preferring the YZ front brake. In two days of testing around the hills and mud holes of Coffs Harbour there was never any brake fade, steep hills were negotiated with ease and the final decision was that the new WR250F was night and day better than the previous model. The 2015 WR250F sported a reverse cylinder head with four valves, an under seat fuel tank, six speed gearbox, 965mm seat height, 325mm of ground clearance and weighed 111kg dry for a price of $11,999 with a 24 month unlimited kilometre warranty.
