Yamaha WR250R

We really are spoilt for choice when it comes to trailbikes. Forget the fire-breathing enduro racers for a moment, and instead consider the versatile, friendly and reliable machine that is the modern trailbike. Suzuki's DR-Z250 and 400, Kawasaki's KLX250 and Honda's XL250L are staples of the road/trail market and have proven to be dependable commuters and light track explorers.

Yamaha, it must be said has the trailbike market pretty well sown up if only by choice alone. Yamaha's range runs the gamut from 125-660cc, and no other manufacturer offers such a comprehensive choice of traily.

The release of the WR250R 'Supertrail' in 2008 had some of us concerned for the future of some of the perennial blue favourites. With such a technically impressive machine now on the showroom floor, who could walk passed it and still get excited about the old XT or TTR250?

We needn't have worried of course. The TTRs and XTs have a perfectly righteous place in this world and, as long as people are buying them, they'll be with us. But for those that want that solid build, quality pedigree but some more techno cool thrown in, the $10,499 WR250R is the only choice.

A year in and it still stands alone as the only truly 'up to date' trailbike.

TOP TO BOTTOM
It's a sweet looking bike, which sets it apart from all but the more up-to-date styling of Kawasaki's KLX250. It looks for all intents and purposes like it's a closer relation to the WR-F than the TTR. In fact it's an excellent mid-point between the two.

Packing Yamaha's first fuel injected, four-valved trailbike engine the WR is the epitome of smooth and easy. It's got more poke than the TTR, but it doesn't flash it around like MR T's bling. The power comes on gently and predictably, which is part of the reason it's such a fuel miser. It's also a bonus for those who do a more or less even mix of road and trailriding as the WR won't chew through rear tyres anywhere near as much as using something like a Honda CRF (which has a key start and therefore can be used as a commuter), for the same thing.

The bike is whisper quiet and by that I mean if a leprechaun was whispering to you from 12 feet away with its head buried in a sack of sleeping cats, you would still hear him above the noise of the WR's engine.

On the road the WR is compliant in every way. It's a comfortable bike to sit on and has barley a hint of vibration. The standard suspension set-up is pretty good for the tar, although if you overcook it into a corner it does tend to squat which is no surprise given the overall plush feel of the WR.

It's impossible to get a perfect mix between road and trail performance because they demand very different things at very different times. The WR however is as good as anything else we've ridden.

The gearing is also the other area where it has to share the spoils between the on and off-road needs. It's a trailbike in first and second gear, but after the huge leap to third it becomes more a roadbike. It chortles along at more than adequate road or freeway speeds, but any serious dirt obstacles or hills are to be attempted in the two primary gears only, lest ye run out of mechanical puff.

YOU DIRTY THING
On the dirt the WR is a pleasure to ride as long as you keep in mind that it weighs over 120kg and you don't go looking to bust berms or monster any triples. It's comfortable enough to ride for a long period, but if you are looking to do that on a regular basis, some might like a seat cover fitted because the standard is a tad hard. Lambs wool anybody?

It's a torquey engine and has no trouble hooking up on loose stuff, and that initial low gearing will get you up and over most things. The low seat height is also a plus for any learner or those that visit the bush infrequently.

The incredible fuel economy will probably ensure that you can ride from your house to the trails and back again without bothering the local service station for much more than a pie for lunch.

It's a lot more expensive than the competition, but it's a better bike in many regards, not least those that are becoming more important these days. It's economic and it's a very clean running motorcycle. It exceeds exhaust emission levels set across the globe so you'll be doing Polar Bears a big favour by buying the WR250R.

It's a solid build, with room to add bling if that's your thing and has a funky look that leaves the other trail bike looking so last decade.

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six speed
Final drive: Chain

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: Not given
Claimed maximum torque: Not given

OTHER STUFF
Price: $10,499
Colours: Blue or white
Bike supplied by: Yamaha Motor Australia (www.yamaha-motor.com.au)
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres