Science historian James Burke’s 1985 BBC-TV documentary series,
"The Day The Universe Changed", documented key moments in the development of
science and technology, and their effects on our perception of the world. Had
Burke issued an episode tracking pivotal points in motorcycling in the United
States, the day the Yamaha DT-1 250cc Enduro was introduced 40 years ago
certainly would have qualified. The "Dit One" expanded motorcycling’s range of
possibilities, as it was the first reliable, lightweight, inexpensive and widely
available motorcycle capable of everything from daily commuting to off-road
racing. Single-handedly, the DT-1 ignited the off-road explosion that continues
to this day, causing a sea of change that turned motorcycling from a nearly
exclusively adult male obsession into a family passion.
Now, after a 20-year break, Yamaha is back in the business of
selling a 250cc dual-sport motorcycle—and this time we get fraternal twins. The
new dirt-oriented WR250R and supermoto WR250X will not change the universe the
way the DT-1 did, but these two bikes may bring a number of those original
Enduro owners back into motorcycling, as well as serve as an introductor for new
and existing riders to encounter previously unexplored facets of the two-wheel
gemstone.
 Photograph by Scott Hoffman.
Although Yamaha surely intended prospective purchasers to view these WRs as
close cousins to its superb WR250F and WR450F pure off-road bikes, the resemblance is limited to styling and nomenclature;
the main components—engine, frame, suspension and tires—are unrelated. Yamaha
has purposefully designed these road-going 250s for the tasks at hand. Prompted by ever-tightening emissions regulations, Yamaha has upped the
technological ante for the class by tapping fuel injection and a catalyzed
exhaust with an EXUP valve. Naturally, one expects somewhat less than thrilling
performance from a 250cc four-stroke single. However, Yamaha has done its best
to confound naysayers by way of four-valves (titanium intakes), high-lift double
overhead cams, plus a rapid-revving short-stroke configuration with a
lightweight, short-skirt forged aluminum piston in a ceramic-composite coated
cylinder. Yes, we have come a long way from the DT-1’s basic piston-port two-stroke
powerplant. Fitted in both the dual-sport R and supermoto X bikes, the
motor has to be tractable in the dirt, as well as able to provide the thrust
required on the pavement. When fitted to the WR250R, the engine lets you pick
your way across goat trails without drama, as it is fairly gentle off the
bottom. This means, of course, that you will have to tap the available
five-digit rpm when tackling power-demanding hillclimbs or open-terrain trails
that allow for high-speed. A 6-speed transmission facilitates optimum use of the
available power.
 RIDING STYLE
Helmet: Arai VX-Pro
Goggles: Scott NoSweat
Jacket: MSR Storm Jak
Gloves: MSR Cold Pro
Pants: MSR ISDE
Boots: Sidi Discovery
Photograph by Scott Hoffman. (Click image to enlarge)
Of course, for a motor to be usable off-road, the chassis,
suspension and tires must be at least equally capable. The largest surprise in
the R package might just be the suspension. Japanese dual-sport bikes tend to
wallow when pushed off-road, and whoops are best avoided. To be sure, this is no
off-road racer, but the R will delight. Suspension travel at both ends is 10.6
inches, and the action is nicely balanced. The fully adjustable Soqi shock and
damping-adjustable KYB forks resist bottoming when ridden hard, and satisfy the
comfort requirements of less-aggressive riders. The tuned rigidity of the aluminum frame and swingarm ably
assists handling. As I dodged between creosote bushes at high cross-country
speeds, I was able to concentrate on my ever-changing lines; the R responded as
if it were connected directly to my cerebellum. Ergonomics are excellent, as the
bike is helpfully narrow (though you do pay for it with a low-capacity,
2.0-gallon fuel tank). The seat is a bit wider than the race bikes, delivering a
nice balance between comfort and performance. The Bridgestone tires play their
part nicely. You may have apprehensive memories of the old Trail Wing tires, but
this latest incarnation works remarkably well in the dirt, while offering poised
cornering when riding on the pavement between trails.
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