2015 YAMAHA WR250F
RIDING IMPRESSION
P50
firmed our on-trail findings. While peak
horsepower remained nearly the same at
33.66 (which is only about a half horse-
power more than stock), we saw a nearly
five horsepower gain between 7000 and
9000 rpm (max rpm is about 13,000)
and a 3 lb.-ft. gain of torque in the same
range. Now you're ready to go GNCC rac-
ing or GP'ing.
In spite of the hefty increase in mid-
range power, the WR's rear Geomax Dun-
lop MX51 tire still had no problems hook-
ing up on a wide variety of surfaces, and
the overall power delivery stayed smooth
and controllable. It simply felt like a YZ but
tuned down just enough to keep it fun,
predictable and easy to ride on the trail.
The GYTR Competition Kit (ECU)
sells for $109.99, but you will also need
Yamaha's GYTR Power Tuner (which sells
for $291.95) to make mapping adjust-
ments. In our opinion, both are well worth
the investment if you want more power
(which you will, sooner or later).
Most of our testing on the WR took
place with the Competition ECU installed,
and we also felt that it benefited the bike's
gearing. Stock, we thought the WR was
geared a little too tall for most slow-speed
situations, but not with the more powerful
ECU in place. The bike could now easily
pull the stock gearing out of the turns with
the new ECU.
Sitting on the bike, the WR feels very
narrow between your legs and the flat
seat makes it so you can move around on
it freely. You can slide way forward on the
WR, just like you can on the YZ. It's a very
comfortable motorcycle, made so even
more by the adjustable handlebar mounts
that can be moved fore and aft an inch
or so. And the tapered-aluminum handle-
bars, which might be a little low for some,
have a neutral bend with just the right
