The supermoto craze got going in the late nineties but took its time gaining mainstream momentum. Much of the media poo-pooed the idea without ever really considering the concept though, so supermotos didn't get a fair shake. But a motorcycle with huge performance capabilities and a low price tag can't be ignored for long...
So maybe they aren't practical, and perhaps not even remotely comfortable, but supermotos could still qualify as the best "second bike" in the world. Who wouldn't want something to rip around the neighborhood and blow off a little steam on? Better yet, hit a local parking lot with some cones for a little makeshift racing. And, this is also a bike that can be taken down a bumpy dirt road a lot faster than any Hayabusa or CBR could ever dream of. These considerations have prompted manufacturers to amend their boring and gangly dual sport lines with at least one basic supermoto.
In 2008 Yamaha introduced its WR250X, a standard supermoto that offered everything you'd need for a load of fun, except that it lacked a bit of power. But with some quick perusing of the GYTR parts catalog Yamaha put together this hopped-up version, which is precisely what SSB would've done to the stock bike.
Thanks for handling that one, guys.
Where does a 40cc big bore kit, remapped ECU (that's right-it's fuel injected) and exhaust take the WR? Into the respectable realm of true hooliganism. Second gear wheelies become the norm thanks to the gruntier bottom end. While on paper the five horsepower increase over the stocker may sound insignificant, but a little power goes a long way on a lightweight 300-pounder like this.
Plus, with loads of suspension travel there's not a sidewalk, staircase or speed bump in town that the WR250X can't handle at wide open throttle. Try that on your sportbike and you'll be changing fork seals and cracked bodywork before you can say "bottomed out." And when the traffic light turns red, the eye-popping brakes get it up on its nose just as quickly as it jumps out of the hole when goes green.
Is the GYTR-tuned WR250X a monster that'll rip your arms out their sockets and loft the wheel in every gear? Of course not-it's still under 300cc, after all. But, the WR250X is quick to clean, catches air easily and can park almost anywhere. In fact, it's so much fun under 70 mph that you might feel like you're breaking every traffic law in the book. And that's 'cause you probably are.
Second Opinion
If you haven't ridden a supermoto yet, you're missing out. I can honestly say it's the most fun you'll have under 100 mph. Wanna hop a curb? Sure. Feel like lofting the wheel or painting some black marks? Certainly. And that's just the behavior the WR250 demands, especially with the big-bore kit and hot parts. If you want the snap of a 450 motocrosser the WR ain't got enough, but if you're looking for a starter supermoto or a great commuter, the WR is key. -Justin
2009 Yamaha WR250X
MSRP: est. $8500
Motor: Liquid cooled, FI single cylinder, GYTR big bore 290cc, GYTR exhaust
Horsepower: 29 hp@8750 rpm
Torque: 18.7 lb-ft@7750 rpm
Contact: yamaha-motor.com