There's no way that we're trying to tell you to pawn off your R1 and get a WR250X instead, but what about a second bike in the garage? You know, something a little friendlier and less focused. This little supermoto can still hang wheelies and roll on its front wheel whenever desired, but it's also able to fall over in a parking lot without much damage aside from a scratch or two. And if a big bike trackday isn't in the cards you can simply set up some cones in a parking lot and whip the WR250X around until your're content-for free.
In 2008, Yamaha introduced its WR250X, a standard supermoto that offered everything you'd need for some urban hijinks that would have you cuffed and stuffed if you were on a sportbike.
With plenty 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."
There's something raw and aggressive about riding a supermoto on the street. Not only will you view the terrain differently, but you'll not be as meticulous about where you put your tires. The WR250X is so light and nimble that even when you lose traction it's easy to gather up and get back under control. Potholes, puddles and gravel suddenly become non-obstacles when you have suspension travel to play with alongside a peppy motor that gets over 70 MPG.
Give one a go-you'll be presently surprised and start to wonder if you've got room in the garage for another bike.
2010 Yamaha WR250X
MSRP: $6590
Motor: 250cc, EFI, single cylinder
Horsepower: 30HP@8750 rpm
Torque: 18.7LB-FT@7750 rpm
Contact: yamaha-motor.com
MODS TO MAKE
Big Bore kit
Yamaha's in-house tuning firm, GYT-R, offers a big bore kit that bumps the engine up to 290cc and adds 5-8 HP. The best part is that you can install it on a Saturday afternoon in the garage.
$959.95
yamaha-motor.com Slip-on exhaust
LeoVince's slip-on pipe knocks nearly three pounds off the scale and adds power throughout the rev range. Obviously it looks great and adds a nice grunty tone too.
$379
leovinceusa.com Front disc guard
Before you even leave the dealership you should barter in a billet brake rotor guard as part of the deal. Not only does it instantly make the bike look like a factory race machine, but it'll keep your rotor safe from debris and damage.
$109.95
yamaha-motor.com Where To Ride
Avoid the freeways while you're hunting for twisty, less than smooth roads. A little gravel or dirt in the corners won't matter anymore on the lightweight WR250X. Additionally, sidewalks, fields and parking lots are all fair play when you've got considerable suspension travel and very little fairing to fret about.
Check the local supermoto forums for makeshift riding areas, or set up your own course anywhere you can find some open blacktop. Head out in the rain for some slippery riding practice, then just hose it off afterwards like a dirtbike. Before you know it you'll be a better overall rider.