Yamaha WR250F

This bike has been very eagerly and impatiently awaited. The previous WR250F's Achilles' heel was uncertain starting and a bulbous tank. IMS had the fix for the riding position, but nothing seemed to make the starting foolproof. An electric starter was a sure cure. Even with the E-button, the starting isn't always instant, but it always happens and without sweating or cursing. Cool!

Originally this 24-Hour was going to compare box-stock bikes, but the Yamaha WRs would have been a shoo-in for last place. They run poorly and make minimal power with zero smile factor. Since we tested on a closed course, we could legally replace the WR throttle stop with a YZ stop, finesse the gray wire out of the bundled wire loom plug under the tank and exchange the stock baffle with a GYT-R baffle (less than $40 from YPAD) that will still pass the California 96-decibel sound levels. With those mods, the WR is a spunky little thumper that covers trails in a hurry as long as you keep the rpm in the blender ranges. The engine will pull smoothly from idle, but it's just humoring you until the revs pick up. Just keep reminding yourself, "This competes in the motocross 125cc class."

The bike is 251 pounds but feels light, nimble and quick handling. It turns great, too, so the chassis is a willing conspirator helping the engine keep singing. Keep the corner speed up and rip. Every single opinion sheet described the WR250F as fun to ride. In the tight sections of our 24-Hour course, the little WR was king with an aggressive rider aboard. It isn't relaxing, but it is serious fun. Racers won't notice the rpm addiction, because they are on the gas and pegs anyway. Standing is a good idea since there isn't much padding in the seat. But some casual riders may notice the lack of low-rpm grunt. As long as the trails aren't too extreme, you can easily do a Sunday sightseeing ride. When it is time to make tracks, though, wind up the rubber band.

The suspension is fairly plush but will bottom when pushed hard. Like the other bikes, we ran the WR's suspension pretty much stock for the duration of the test, and Yamaha left the jetting stock as well.

This makes a better race bike than a sit-down trailbike, but it is capable enough do both while providing big smiles with a $5799 price tag.

The WR250F doesn't produce the tall feeling that the WR450 gives me, though I dislike the thin seat equally. The bike feels light, nimble and fun, but I get frustrated when I try to ride it like a four-stroke. This is a great bike and big fun, but not as my only bike. I don't want to be this frenetic every riding moment with a constant diet of rev limiter. Karel Kramer

I liked the nice light feel of the WR250, especially in the trees and cornering in the tight stuff, but I experienced some front-end push while cornering on fast fire road sections. It always takes me a while to figure out that you ride this bike like a 125. Keep the rpm up and you'll be surprised how fast you can get through trees and tight stuff. Tom Carson

The WR250 feels light and easy to throw around. The harder you ride the better it goes. The suspension is too soft, and it's underpowered on the hills but great in the trees. The brakes are the best. I wouldn't race this bike stock, and it needs more bottom power for novice riders. Elmer Symons

The WR250F was pretty much keep-it-revving-or-don't-go-anywhere. I was impressed by the power it makes at high rpm. This is the most nimble four-stroke I've ridden. It's light, has strong brakes and 125-like handling. Ray Gibbs

I figured Jason Webb was always hopping around the trails, finding jumps on his 250F because he's a high-energy kid. Then I found myself doing the same thing on the WR. The bike is pure fun! Light, nimble feeling with a button start--too cool. The biggest hills are out, but that might be OK. Ed Tripp

The WR250F topped my list. It's the most fun on the trail. Although it can feel a little underpowered in some situations, its plush suspension and excellent handling had me wanting to ride an extra lap. Riding is all about fun. Plus, I'm trying to be serious about off-road racing this year (my training regimen won't impress any top racer, and arm-pump runs deep in the Webb family genes). I feel most competitive racing this WR250F because I can go fast longest on it. Jason Webb

I hopped on the WR at 1:00 a.m., and as long as I rode it like a peaky 125, it ran pretty good. What a fun bike. The power is not what I am used to, but it was outstanding through the tight stuff. Suspension seemed fine, and brakes typical Yamaha. Electric start that doesn't add noticeable weight--what a concept. Kip Temple