Yamaha’s WR250F and WR450F enduro bikes feature some of the smartest technology in the off-road world. Derived from their championship and race-winning motocross counterparts, both WR450F and WR250F stand out in the enduro world as the ultimate go-anywhere off-road motorcycle and for 2025, the WR250F looks set to propel riders to victory with a wave of performance, handling, and ergonomic improvements to raise the bar once again in the 250cc enduro class.
2025 WR250F: MORE FEEL, CLASS-LEADING SUSPENSION, UNRIVALLED AGILITY
Developed from Yamaha’s Grand Prix winning YZ250F motocross machine and built to conquer the most technical of trails, the heavily revised WR250F is ready to offer race-winning performance through a wide range of riding conditions in 2025.
A series of refinements include a new cam chain to reduce friction loss, an optimised bilateral-beam frame for enhanced rider feel and agility, best-in-class KYB suspension for improved stability and shock absorption, enhanced power delivery through a new high-efficiency air management system, plus new compact bodywork including a slimmer and flatter seat.
For next-level handling, the WR250F’s redesigned chassis takes inspiration from the race-winning YZ250F’s design but includes key refinements for enduro riding at the top level. The frame now features a 15mm lower tank rail with a U-shape rear profile, with the connecting tension pipe also dropped by 15mm to lower the bike’s centre of gravity to aid cornering stability and agility.
To give the rider as much feel and feedback as possible, the bump absorption and lateral flex characteristics of the new frame were given heavy focus in development to help soak up the shocks from uneven terrain and provide a smoother ride while also reducing rider fatigue.
Revised KYB front forks featuring a 10mm shorter stroke, coupled with a new KYB rear shock running 10mm lower than before, drop the bike’s centre of gravity and reduce the seat height for increased levels of stability and agility.
In addition, the front forks feature a convenient hand-adjustable compression damping system to allow suspension settings to be fine-tuned without tools, while strengthened dust seals and widened fork guard areas provide enhanced protection against dirt and debris, ensuring longer-lasting performance and durability.
Down at the rear wheel, a new lightweight 3-cross spoke rear hub and new 22mm rear axle designed for improved feeling during shock absorption, raises the WR250F’s rider feedback to the next level.
To improve power characteristics, the 2025 WR250F features a redesigned high-efficiency air-management system complete with a new air box, drawing air from the rear through ducts in the new side panels, frame, and tank. A newly designed short muffler enhances mass centralisation and emphasises the bike’s compact feel, while the updated ECU has been tuned to deliver smoother, more controllable low-end grunt and excellent mid-to-high-speed performance.
The 2025 uprated reverse-head engine is also equipped with a new cam chain design, with a wider chain, revised sprockets and dampers to reduce friction loss.
Elsewhere, the WR250F’s redesigned bodywork features 50mm slimmer shrouds, a slimmer fuel tank, and a flatter seat to improve rider mobility during braking, acceleration, and cornering. The new riding position provides more space between hips and feet and more freedom for active riding.
Yamaha’s updated Power Tuner App elevates wireless tuning for the WR250F. The new ‘Quick Tuning’ feature lets riders adjust engine settings from ‘Smooth’ to ‘Aggressive’ via a simple smartphone scrollbar, while Traction Control adjustments, plus a lap timer, are only a few screen taps away.
Also a new starter motor, lithium-ion battery and convenient multi-function button cluster are introduced to elevate the overall quality.
2025 WR450F: THE ENDURO MASTER
The latest WR450F, also heavily revised last year, offers a similarly class-leading specification, offering a whole new level of controllability for ultimate performance on all types of fast, slippery, and technical terrain. With both engine and chassis derived from the MXGP race-winning YZ450F, the WR450F delivers motocross-level technology tweaked to tackle even the toughest terrain.
For 2025, both the WR450F and WR250F see the addition of the seamless-skin seat seen on the motorcross models, while striking new Icon Blue graphics from a stylish new look.
