Yamaha WR 250 F (2001-2002) Review: The Trailblazing Four-Stroke Revolution

Introduction

When Yamaha unleashed the WR 250 F in 2001, it didn’t just release a motorcycle—it dropped a seismic shift into the dirt bike world. Designed as a race-ready machine with lights and a license plate bracket, this bike blurred the line between motocross aggression and enduro versatility. After spending days carving trails and testing its limits, it’s clear why the WR 250 F became a benchmark for 250cc four-stroke performance. Let’s dive into what makes this machine a legend—and why it still holds relevance for riders today.

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Engine Performance: A 250cc Powerhouse

The Heart of the Beast

At the core of the WR 250 F lies a liquid-cooled, 249cc single-cylinder engine with a DOHC 5-valve configuration—a design borrowed from Yamaha’s championship-winning YZ lineage. The numbers tell part of the story: a 12.5:1 compression ratio, a 77mm bore x 53.6mm stroke, and a stratospheric 13,000 RPM redline for a four-stroke. But the real magic is in how it delivers power.

Crack the throttle, and the Keihin FCR-MX37 carburetor (a flat-slide gem) serves up instant response. Low-end torque is surprisingly tractable for technical climbs, but the real party starts at mid-range. From 7,000 RPM upward, the WR transforms into a snarling beast, pulling hard like a two-stroke with a relentless top-end rush. It’s not just “good for a 250”—it’s 35% more powerful than rivals like the Honda XR250R, per dyno tests.

The Electric & Kick Start Dilemma

Yamaha hedged its bets with dual electric and kick starters. The button is a blessing for trailside restarts, but when hot, the engine can be finicky. A well-timed kick (and learning its quirks) becomes part of the ownership ritual. Pro tip: Keep the battery charged, and practice your kick-start technique.

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Chassis and Suspension: Built for Abuse

Aluminum Frame Agility

The WR’s aluminum bilateral beam frame strikes a perfect balance between rigidity and flex. At 106 kg (233 lbs) dry, it feels flickable in tight singletrack yet stable at speed. The 27-degree rake and 115mm (4.5") trail contribute to razor-sharp steering—ideal for dodging rocks or slicing through berms.

Suspension That Soaks It All

Up front, 48mm fully adjustable inverted forks offer 300mm (11.8") of travel, while the rear Monocross shock delivers 305mm (12.0"). Out of the box, the setup is plush for trail riding but firm enough for motocross jumps. Bottoming out? Rare, even after overshooting a landing. For aggressive riders, tweaking the compression damping unlocks even more precision.

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Off-Road Prowess: Where the WR Shines

Ergonomics and Control

The 998mm (39.3") seat height is tall but manageable for riders over 170cm (5’7"). Standing up feels natural, with narrow plastics that let you grip the tank effortlessly. The handlebar position encourages an aggressive stance, though shorter riders might opt for a lowered seat.

Ground clearance? A massive 335mm (13.2")—enough to straddle logs without a second thought. Combine that with the 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels (shod with grippy 80/100-21 and 100/100-18 tires), and the WR laughs at rocky terrain.

Braking: Confidence in the Dirt

The 250mm front disc (2-piston caliper) and 240mm rear disc (1-piston) offer ample stopping power without the abruptness of race-only setups. Modulation is key in loose conditions, and the WR’s brakes reward finesse. Aftermarket sintered pads from MOTOPARTS.store can further reduce fade during long descents.

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Competition: Dominating the 250cc Class

The WR 250 F didn’t just compete—it redefined expectations. Here’s how it stacked up against contemporaries:

Kawasaki KLX250R

• Weight: 118 kg (260 lbs) wet – 12% heavier than the WR.
• Engine: Air-cooled SOHC 249cc with modest 23 HP.
• Verdict: Bulletproof reliability but feels sluggish next to the Yamaha’s frenzy.

Honda XR250R

• Weight: 126 kg (278 lbs) – A tank in comparison.
• Engine: Air-cooled, 4-valve, 22 HP. Low-end grunt but signs off early.
• Verdict: A trail tractor, not a racer.

Suzuki DR250R

• Weight: 121 kg (267 lbs).
• Engine: Oil-cooled 249cc, 24 HP. Smooth but sanitized.
• Verdict: Commuter-friendly, but outgunned off-road.

The WR’s Edge: Lighter, faster, and more race-focused. Competitors prioritized durability and ease of use; Yamaha chased performance—and nailed it.

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Maintenance: Keeping the WR in Fighting Shape

Engine Care: High-Strung, High-Reward

• Oil Changes: Every 10-15 hours with full synthetic 10W-40. The dry-sump system holds less oil than street bikes, so freshness is critical.
• Valve Checks: Every 30 hours. The titanium valves are durable but demand precise clearances.
• Air Filter: Clean after every ride. The WR’s appetite for airflow makes a TwinAir filter upgrade worthwhile.

Suspension and Drivetrain

• Linkage Bearings: Grease every 50 hours to prevent trailside seizures.
• Chain Adjustment: Keep slack at 50-60mm (2-2.4"). Swap worn sprockets for DID X-Ring chain kits for longevity.

Brake Upgrades

Stock brakes work, but MOTOPARTS.store’s EBC sintered pads and braided steel lines enhance feel during marathon descents.

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Conclusion: A Legacy Carved in Dirt

Two decades later, the 2001-2002 Yamaha WR 250 F remains a revelation. It’s a bike that rewards skill, punishes complacency, and delivers adrenaline in raw doses. While modern rivals have caught up technologically, few match the WR’s purity—a race engine with just enough civility to hit the trails.

For owners today, the aftermarket is your playground. From suspension revalves to big-bore kits, MOTOPARTS.store has the upgrades to keep this legend shredding. The WR 250 F isn’t just a bike; it’s a statement—one that still echoes through the hills.

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Specifications sheet

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