A couple of days ago I dropped into the Yamaha dealership and got a WR250R for a test ride.
Some history: I got my CBR250R as my first bike ever about a year ago. I have a limited license so I had to buy a 250. At the time I didn't consider the dual sport 250s because all seemed to have a very narrow seat that I thought would make them uncomfortable. However after gaining some experience riding the CBR I cam to realize that the sport bike riding position is not very comfortable for me. I am 1.82m (6") tall and I feel too cramped on the bike, also the hunched riding position gives me back aches sometimes.
So I came to realize that I wanted to change to a dual sport, both for the upright riding position, but also for the possibility to go off road.
Initially I thought I would go for a mid size dual sport like a BMW G650GS. But I read some good things about the WR250R so decided to give it a try.
The initial feeling of riding the WRR takes a bit of getting used to. This bike is very tall (maybe the tallest seat height of all dual sports). I am not short but I could barely touch the ground with my fingertips. but after the initial shock and riding around for 15 minutes I quickly got used to it and it wasn't a problem.
It was a working week day so I got on the highway and rode out t of town to a commercial zone where I was able to ride around on some empty streets, try some corners, and even a bit of gravel riding on empty parking lots (almost crashed there on some low speed slide in the gravel but luckily was able to hold it up).
I have to say I was very impressed with this bike. First, it feels much more powerful than the CBR, it is about 20Kg lighter, It feels it has much more torque and accelerates much better from low RPM.
The engine sound is bassy and manly, really nice.
It is light and easy to flick into corners, but still feels stable and composed even at high speeds.
The build quality looks great, it has an aluminum chassis and all body parts look premium and well built.
The riding position is excellent, I had difficulty finding the shifter at first when I realized I don't have to bend my legs to reach it. I could just sit naturally with knees bent 90 degrees and both the shifter and the brake fell right under my feet. Generally all the controls feel great and give a premium feeling. I particularly liked the shifter action which is shorter and feels much more solid than the CBRs. Clutch action is also nice and light.
On the highway it seemed to perform quite well too, no problem cruising at around 120Km/h. the dual sport tires seemed to be gripping the tarmac well but I probably didn't challenge them too much to be honest.
Back in town I was already feeling at home on the bike, and it was light and easy to handle in city traffic. Both in and out of town the tall riding position feels dominant and gives you better visibility over traffic.
After one hour of riding, my butt was a bit sore, as the seat is still a bit narrow. However my back was good and overall I felt much less tired than I would after an hour of riding the CBR.
So overall, I really liked this bike. I am seriously considering to switch my CBR for the WRR.
G
Some history: I got my CBR250R as my first bike ever about a year ago. I have a limited license so I had to buy a 250. At the time I didn't consider the dual sport 250s because all seemed to have a very narrow seat that I thought would make them uncomfortable. However after gaining some experience riding the CBR I cam to realize that the sport bike riding position is not very comfortable for me. I am 1.82m (6") tall and I feel too cramped on the bike, also the hunched riding position gives me back aches sometimes.
So I came to realize that I wanted to change to a dual sport, both for the upright riding position, but also for the possibility to go off road.
Initially I thought I would go for a mid size dual sport like a BMW G650GS. But I read some good things about the WR250R so decided to give it a try.
The initial feeling of riding the WRR takes a bit of getting used to. This bike is very tall (maybe the tallest seat height of all dual sports). I am not short but I could barely touch the ground with my fingertips. but after the initial shock and riding around for 15 minutes I quickly got used to it and it wasn't a problem.
It was a working week day so I got on the highway and rode out t of town to a commercial zone where I was able to ride around on some empty streets, try some corners, and even a bit of gravel riding on empty parking lots (almost crashed there on some low speed slide in the gravel but luckily was able to hold it up).
I have to say I was very impressed with this bike. First, it feels much more powerful than the CBR, it is about 20Kg lighter, It feels it has much more torque and accelerates much better from low RPM.
The engine sound is bassy and manly, really nice.
It is light and easy to flick into corners, but still feels stable and composed even at high speeds.
The build quality looks great, it has an aluminum chassis and all body parts look premium and well built.
The riding position is excellent, I had difficulty finding the shifter at first when I realized I don't have to bend my legs to reach it. I could just sit naturally with knees bent 90 degrees and both the shifter and the brake fell right under my feet. Generally all the controls feel great and give a premium feeling. I particularly liked the shifter action which is shorter and feels much more solid than the CBRs. Clutch action is also nice and light.
On the highway it seemed to perform quite well too, no problem cruising at around 120Km/h. the dual sport tires seemed to be gripping the tarmac well but I probably didn't challenge them too much to be honest.
Back in town I was already feeling at home on the bike, and it was light and easy to handle in city traffic. Both in and out of town the tall riding position feels dominant and gives you better visibility over traffic.
After one hour of riding, my butt was a bit sore, as the seat is still a bit narrow. However my back was good and overall I felt much less tired than I would after an hour of riding the CBR.
So overall, I really liked this bike. I am seriously considering to switch my CBR for the WRR.
G
