First look at Yamaha’s 2025 enduro bikes with the baby sibling WR250F getting “heavy focus” on new frame design, 10mm lower suspension, improved power and new bodywork and seat.

Yamaha’s WR feels part of the framework of enduro like tape on tests and bomb holes in muddy fields. The evolution of both 250 and 450 four-stroke models is something often overlooked by the masses who favour different colour bikes.

But those updates keep on coming and, based on the heavy programme in the motocross department, the latest generation WRs are leaner, fitter and smarter electronically than those not in the know would believe.

Note: Europe is a step behind the model updates in other parts of the world including the USA for example where the 2025 WR and FX ranges were announced July last year. Someone forgot to put money in the meter or the boat took longer or something…

Anyway, you’ll want to know the details and we look forward to testing this baby blue legend asap.

2025 WR250F model key updates

• New cam chain to reduce friction loss
• New twin beam frame with 15mm lower tank rail for improved rider feel and agility thanks to lower centre of gravity
• New 10mm shorter KYB suspension for improved stability and shock absorption
• New hand adjusters on the forks for compression
• New lightweight 3-cross spoke rear hub and new 22mm rear axle
• New high-efficiency air management system improves power
• New compact bodywork including a slimmer and flatter seat

If riding the 2025 baby WR is anything like the step-change the 450F was last year, then we’re in for a 250 treat. Yamaha boast many updates using the YZ250F’s design as a base, but with enduro-specific features not found on other Japanese “enduro” models including the six-speed gearbox.

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.

Feel and feedback are also improved with the bump absorption and lateral flex characteristics of the new frame given “heavy focus” in development to help soak up the shocks from uneven terrain and provide a smoother ride but also reduce rider fatigue.

New KYBs

Revised KYB front forks are 10mm shorter in their stroke and the new KYB rear shock runs 10mm lower than before, dropping the WR250F’s centre of gravity and reducing the seat height for to help 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 which is quite the update from KYB who got with the programme at last!

Yamaha also add in here strengthened dust seals and slightly larger fork guards to help protect against dirt and aid longer-lasting performance and durability.

New rear axle and hub design

The WR’s rear wheel has a new lightweight three-cross spoke rear hub and new 22mm rear axle designed to also help improve feeling during bump absorption, raising the rider feedback they claim.

Power gains

Power characteristics on the 2025 WR250F should be a noticeable update thanks to a redesigned “high-efficiency air-management system” with a new air box. It draws air from the rear through ducts in the new side panels, frame, and tank. In essence that “high-efficiency air-management system” seems to mean the engine breathes better.

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 which was introduced in the YZ250F last year.

There are also updates to the ECU “tuning it to deliver smoother, more controllable low-end grunt and excellent mid-to-high-speed performance”, Yamaha say. 

The WR models are also tunable via the constantly evolving tuner App which we know from experience is fantastic and adapting the bike to the conditions and your riding.

New bodywork

The WR250F has subtly redesigned bodywork with 50mm slimmer shrouds, a slimmer fuel tank, and a flatter seat to improve rider mobility during braking, acceleration, and cornering. Yamaha say the new riding position provides more space between hips and feet and more freedom for active riding.

A newly designed short(er) muffler helps the mass and the overall emphasis on a more compact WR.

Also added to the list of updates are a new starter motor, lithium-ion battery and multi-function button cluster on the bars.

2025 WR450F

The latest WR450F was heavily revised last year and landed with less weight, more power and a bold claim to be the “lightest, slimmest, fastest YAAH 450 ever”. Enduro21 reviewed it here: First look: 2024 Yamaha WR450F – “lightest, slimmest and fastest Yamaha 450 ever”

In actual fact we tested one for a short while but crashed, cutting the test review short. We’ll get back on it while testing the WR250F asap.

For 2025, both the WR450F and WR250F see the addition of the seamless-skin seat seen on the motorcross models, with new Icon Blue graphics.

2025 WR250F Technical Highlights

• Lower center of gravity for attacking tight enduro courses
• Redesigned aluminum bilateral beam frame based on the YZ250F motocrosser
• Fully adjustable KYB® spring fork  includes hand-adjustable knob for toolless compression adjustment
• Linkage-type rear suspension features a fully adjustable KYB® shock
• Lower center of gravity for enhanced maneuverability and easier reach to the ground
• A flatter, narrower body design
• 250cc four-stroke engine features a high-spec piston, aggressive cam profiles and forward positioned intake cylinder head layout
• More efficient intake path
• Wrap-around exhaust design
• Compact 44mm Mikuni® throttle body ensures optimum fuel atomization
• Revised Yamaha Power Tuner App
• New four-level selectable Traction Control System controlled through the Power Tuner App
• Wide-ratio six-speed transmission
• Large 270mm front brake disc and 240mm rear disc with a Nissin caliper
• Large-diameter 15-plate cable actuated clutch
• Tapered 1-1/8-inch aluminum handlebars with four-position adjustable handlebar mounts
• 55mm foot pegs
• Compact, lightweight push-button electric start
• Larger 2.0-gallon fuel capacity (compared to YZ250F) with low-fuel indicator
• Advanced computer-aided wheel design shaves weight without sacrificing durability
• Rear wheel features three-cross-spoke pattern
• Dunlop® Geomax MX33 tires
• Radiator fan
• Sealed O-ring chain
• Aluminum side stand
• Composite engine guard
• Embedded graphics
• Enduro-specific features including unique engine and suspension tuning, an H4 headlight, LED taillight, shortened, quieter muffler with spark arrestor

More details: www.yamaha-motor.eu and www.yamahamotorsports.com