Yamaha WR250R Adventure Setup

yamaha wr250r adventure setup

Pros and Cons of WR250R

Pros
Cons

Why did we choose WR250R?

For a long-distance motorcycle adventure, we’re always looking for bikes with the following characteristics:

  • Reliable
  • Light
  • Affordable
  • Easy to maintain & repair
  • Plenty of parts available anywhere in the world
  • Good fuel range and fuel consumption
  • Good Suspension
  • Comfortable to ride over long distances

For our first long-distance trip around Australia, we chose Suzuki DR650, and we absolutely loved it. We also tested Honda CRF250L on our trip to Japan, but the WR250R was always a solid candidate for us, it was just not easy to find one. Unsurprisingly they disappear from the second-hand market very quickly. So when we finally found a very well-kitted one at a good price, we jumped at the occasion. We don’t regret it!

The WR250R seems to fit almost all of the above criteria right off the bat. Sure, it’s not a super cruising machine, but with some modifications, the little WR250R is a very reliable and rather comfortable adventure bike. 

We bought the bike second-hand in New Zealand. All previous owners took really good care of it and fitted almost all of the necessary stuff.

fully loaded yamaha wr250r on a beach
wr250 adventure setup without luggage

WR250R Adventure Setup

Below is a list of all the upgrades and modifications we have on our Yamaha WR250R which t transform it into an amazing adventure machine.

Fuel Tank

  • 14L Safari tank (link):
    • Increases range to approx. 380 km / 235 miles
    • Very sturdy, and serves as an extra protection
    • Lighter than the original

Air Filter

  • Funnel Web Air Filter (link)
    • This is our favorite air filter and we try to put them in every bike if possible
    • Designed for Australia’s dusty riding it has a larger surface and good airflow

Protection

  • Barkbusters VPS Handguards two points mount (link)
    • An absolute must!
    • Protects your hands & levers in case of a fall or from branches when off-roading
    • Some wind protection when driving on the freeway
  • Bash Plate
    • A must when off-roading
    • We have a metal one as it came with the bike, but we would recommend a hard-plastic one. It’s lighter, and gets you less noise and vibration.

Suspension

  •  Only slight adjustment
    • The original WR250R suspension is very good
    • A mechanic only hardened them a bit with a screwdriver
    • Modification is not necessary unless you carry A LOT of stuff or are planning to do some serious flying around.

Wheels & Tyres

  • Rimlocks
    • They were already on the bike when we bought it, a good idea if you will be riding sand and other soft stuff
  • 50/50 tyres

Battery & Electronics

  • SAE USB charger 
    • Allows for easy charging of devices and powering a tire pump or trickle charger.
  • Iridium Sparkplug
    • Lasts longer

Ergonomics & Comfort

  • Seat Concepts Seat (link)
    • Any seat is better than the factory one on long rides. The one from Seat Concepts is really good!
    • Bonus comfort with a sheepskin on top!
  • DRC Footpegs (link)
    • Wider (50mm/1.96 inch step width) making it more comfortable when standing up
    • Better grip (3 rows of teeth)
    • Better durability
  • Renthal bar with 20mm risers
    • Both upgrades came with the bike. Aftermarket bars are always a good choice for increased durability (and sometimes weight-shaving).
    • Bar raisers are a personal choice, some love them, some hate them.
  • Yamalink Lowering Link (link)
    • A must for shorter riders as the WR is quite tall.
    • Lowers the bike by max. 45mm (1.75 inches), without compromising the handling
  • Screens for Bikes Windshield (link)
    • Additional comfort, protection, and a place for stickers!

Mirrors

  • DRC Foldable Mirrors (link)
    • Good adjustments
    • Can fold them completely when off-roading

Luggage System

  • Happy Trails Side Rack (link)
    • Solid 3-point mounting system
    • Improves the integrity of the rear sub-frame
  • Top Rack
  • Tool Tube (link)
    • Replaces the stock one
    • Waterproof and solid

Key issues

The Yamaha WR250R is very reliable, with a solid build and amazing stock suspension. However, there are a few things that you need to be aware of:

  • Fuel Pump Failure (pre-2012 models)
    • Some owners reported this failure resulting in the bike stalling or not starting, especially in hot weather. 
    • If you have a pre-2012 model, it’s better to change the pump to an aftermarket one or carry a spare on long travels.
  • Chain Slider Wear
    • The chain slider (the part that the chain runs over on the swingarm) tends to wear out quickly, especially if the chain is not properly tensioned. If it wears through, it can damage the swingarm.
    • Regularly check the chain tension and the condition of the slider. Replace the slider as needed to prevent swingarm damage.

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