Words: Guy Streeter

Yamaha has had an impressive 60-year history with innovation at the fore of its heritage, so it’s not surprising that in 2016 as the brand celebrates its 60th Anniversary, the WR250F still holds true to that.

The 2016 Yamaha WR250F continues the success from this year’s model, with just minor changes made to the Australian Off-Road Championship E1 Class title-winning machine. The bike is heavily influenced by Yamaha’s championship-proven motocross bike, the YZ250F, and the WR as it stands was this year taken to the top of the AORC E1 series by Josh Green.

Yamaha’s 2016 model WR250F continues with the revolutionary rearward-slanted, fuel injected, 249cc, DOHC four-stroke engine featuring four titanium valves, sitting inside a bilateral beam frame combined with a host of technology which massage the bike from its YZ250F-base to an off-road performer.

The quarter-litre WR features industry-leading KYB suspension front and rear set for enduro, a 7.5-litre fuel tank, 18-inch rear wheel, electric start, radiator fan, skid plate, aluminum side stand, head/tail light, wide-ratio six-speed transmission and a top-mounted airbox.

Yamaha Motor Australia invited MotoOnline.com.au up to Mackay, Queensland, this month to test ride the 2016 WR250F around the Gum Valley MX/Off-Road facility. The first thing you notice once you get on the bike is the way it feels so natural ergonomically, with its flatter seat, slim feel and the lack of a petrol cap in its usual open positioning.

The direct link to the YZ250F makes you feel the bike is suited for all types of riding, because in years prior to the current version you could be mistaken in thinking you were riding a souped-up cow-catcher. The 2016 WR really feels like it is a can-do-anything bike.

Once you have fired WR into life and get moving, you will notice from the previous generation (2014) of WR that the motor is much more lively. Yamaha was one of the last manufacturers to bring fuel injection to the market in 250cc models, but like all good things, sometimes you just have to wait.

The WR250F engine has been redesigned with its revolutionary rear-slanted design and forward-mounted fuel injection system. These are major aspects in why this bike is such a blast to ride. Coupled with off-road specific ECU settings, the bike has a smooth feel right off the bottom and the difference in comparison with the previous version is really noticeable.

Its motor delivers a broad, easy to use power right throughout the range and through the gears, giving anyone the greatest control and confidence in the nastiest of trails. The overall feel of the 2016 WR250F is very central and provides a sense of confidence at high speed, with a stable feel from first to the top of sixth gear.

Weaving your way through rocky creek beds and in and out of trees the WR250F is extremely nimble. The agility is paramount to the bike’s adaptability in the Australian scrub and racing in our conditions, which plays a major role in its development.

The 48mm adjustable KYB SSS (Speed Sensitive System) forks and KYB shock allow you to adjust the bike exactly to the rider’s ability and conditions that you’re riding within. Yamaha have achieved agility and stability by centralising the mass of the bike, stemming from the way the engine sits in its compact aluminum bilateral beam frame and lightweight detachable sub-frame.

With the complete redesign of the frame, reverse-slanting engine and wrap-around exhaust, this allowed Yamaha to move the airbox to the front of the bike with a solid-type foam filter. That’s raised the height of the air intake, which is ideal for deep creek and river crossings. Access to the air filter is even easier than before with no need to remove the seat.

Yamaha is well known for celebrating its history and for the brand’s 60th Anniversary, it has released a retro yellow, white and black colour scheme as per the accompanying photos, exclusive to the Australian market for the celebrations and complete with black Excel rims.

Overall the latest WR250F is an amazing bit of weaponry for the Australian bush, no matter if you are battling for an off-road title or just chasing your mates around the trails. The bike comes race-ready in stock trim, so you can definitely look to see the Yamaha WR250F continue with its strong performance at the top of the AORC field next year.

Australian pricing comes in at $11,999 for the current model standard colourway and $12,199 for the 60th Anniversary special edition, available locally from September 2015.

Further information on Yamaha Motor Australia’s WR range and complete specifications can be found on its official website at www.yamaha-motor.com.au.