Photos by Miguel Santana
The Ride
There’s something about Idaho’s high country that reveals the truth about a dirt bike. The steep climbs, loose shale, and unpredictable singletrack — some of it carved through terrain recently scarred by wildfire — don’t lie. That’s where we took the 2025 Yamaha WR250F, putting it through a full day of testing in rough, washed-out trails where new growth clawed at our bars and burned soil still held the smell of summer fires.
This wasn’t a polished press loop; it was raw, real-world backcountry. And the WR250F had to prove itself where few bikes truly shine.
A Proven Formula
The WR250F has always been Yamaha’s balanced middle ground between the razor-sharp YZ motocrossers and a true enduro machine. For 2025, Yamaha focused on refining — not reinventing — that balance.
The bike feels slimmer and more maneuverable right away. Yamaha narrowed the radiator shrouds by about 50mm, lowered the fuel tank rails by 15mm, and reshaped the seat and tank for easier rider movement. In tight terrain, the difference is immediately noticeable — body transitions feel smoother and more natural.
The KYB suspension remains robust and capable for rough or high-speed conditions, but we found it a bit stiff for slower, technical trails. While it soaked up big hits and provided precise feedback, navigating tight, overgrown singletrack sometimes required extra effort. The hand-adjustable compression knob on the fork was handy for minor tweaks mid-ride.
Fire, Washouts, and Overgrown Brush
The Idaho mountains can be unforgiving. Our route wound through blackened hillsides still marked by last season’s fires, where loose soil and exposed roots made traction unpredictable. The WR250F felt steady and predictable through this challenging terrain.
Climbing over burned rock and eroded trail, the engine’s updated internals — including a wider cam chain, new sprockets, and reduced friction — delivered smooth, responsive torque, making technical climbs manageable.
Downhill through sections where new growth masked hidden ruts, the suspension held firm and precise. One thing became obvious fast: handguards would have been a huge help. The overgrown brush on some sections tended to grab both the clutch and brake levers, leaving our hands exposed to scratches and snags.
By the end of the ride, both bike and riders were dusty, sweaty, and completely impressed. The 2025 WR250F had proven itself not just capable, but genuinely enjoyable to push through rough, unpredictable terrain.
Smart Controls and Mapping Options
The 2025 Yamaha WR250F includes a standard 2-mode map switch, allowing riders to easily toggle between two distinct fueling and ignition maps — one for general riding and another optimized for more technical terrain.
For riders wanting even more fine-tuning, the bike integrates with Yamaha’s GYTR Power Tuner Mobile App, offering features such as traction control adjustment, lap timing, and ride data logging. While it doesn’t allow full custom mapping without the optional Competition ECU, it still gives plenty of flexibility for adapting the bike to different trail conditions.
You can also replace the stock switch with a different OEM or aftermarket unit that combines kill and map controls, with several plug-and-play options available for those who prefer a cleaner handlebar setup.
How It Stacks Up
In the 250cc enduro class, the WR250F hits a sweet spot between trail comfort and competition performance. Compared to the KTM 250 XCF-W and Beta 250 RR, Yamaha’s offering feels more refined and less aggressive, yet every bit as capable when pushed. Against the Honda CRF250RX, the WR brings more stability and predictability in rough conditions, though at a slight cost in agility.
It’s a machine built for riders who value reliability, balance, and real-world versatility over peak numbers. It’s also one of the few bikes in this class that feels equally at home on a tight trail or a fast fire road.
Upshift plans to take this WR250F to the open desert next, where we’ll pair it with Yamaha’s GYTR Competition ECU to see how it performs in wide-open terrain and high-speed conditions — a perfect proving ground for its stability, power delivery, and tuning potential.
Final Thoughts
From burned ridgelines to rutted singletrack and the fragile green of new growth, the 2025 Yamaha WR250F proved itself a balanced, versatile trail machine. It rewards smooth input, smart decisions, and endurance — exactly what real-world off-road riding demands.
A set of hand guards would be a simple upgrade for protection against overgrown brush and snags, especially on tight, technical trails. Beyond that, the WR250F continues to shine in both confidence and durability.
ENGINE
| Engine Type | 250cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke; 4 titanium valves |
| Bore x Stroke | 77.0mm × 53.6mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13.8:1 |
| Fuel Delivery | Mikuni® fuel injection, 44mm |
| Transmission | 6-speed; multiplate wet clutch |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| Fuel Capacity | 2.0 gal |
CHASSIS
| Suspension/Front | KYB® spring-type fork with speed sensitive damping; fully adjustable, 11.8 in travel |
| Suspension/Rear | KYB® single shock; fully adjustable, 12 in travel |
| Brakes/Front | Hydraulic disc, 270mm |
| Brakes/Rear | Hydraulic disc, 240mm |
| Tires/Front | 80/100-21 Dunlop® Geomax MX33F |
| Tires/Rear | 110/100-18 Dunlop® Geomax MX33 |
DIMENSIONS
| LxWxH | 85.4 in x 32.5 in x 49.8 in |
| Seat Height | 37.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 57.9 in |
| Rake (Caster Angle) | 27° |
| Trail | 4.8 in |
| Max. Ground Clearance | 13.0 in |
| Fuel Capacity | 2.0 gal |
| Wet Weight** | 249 lb |
OTHER
| Price* | $9,099 MSRP |
*Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) shown. Does not include tax, title, prep or destination charges. Actual prices set by dealer.
**Wet weight includes the vehicle with all standard equipment and all fluids, including oil, coolant (as applicable) and a full tank of fuel. It does not include the weight of options or accessories. Wet weight is useful in making real-world comparisons with other models.
