2008 Yamaha WR250R
I traded my Buell Lightning for this Yamaha, and haven't looked back since. It is a fuel injected 250cc thumper with plenty of power to get out of town on the freeway, and then cruise all day long on country roads. I bought it used but mostly stock, with about 3000 miles. I'll try to keep my modifications to a minimum (as this bike will be endlessly abused by rough roads/trails) but needless to say, the list of future add-ons is increasing.
The bike has impressed the heck out of me already, and I look forward to updating this page as I add miles, modifications, and pictures.
There are two known and common 'problem areas' with the WR250R. 1) The fork seals seem to constantly leak. I've cleaned mine numerous times, and replaced each a few times. I wipe mud or dirt of the fork tubes after every ride, but the issue is still ongoing. In general, I wipe any visible oil off before and after a good ride, and don't let it bother me. This generally doesn't cause any harm, but is an annoyance. 2) The swingarm chain guide can wear through, allowing the chain to rub against the swingarm itself. There are more details below regarding this issue, but worth mentioning, I just installed my 3rd chain guide now, at 12k miles.
Dual Sport Tire Experiences
Zeta Hand Guards with Signals
The previous owner added these, and they are an excellent first modification. I use the guards on just about every hard ride I'm on, and the integrated turn signals look and work fantastic.
Chain and Sprockets
The original chain was becoming kinky around the 4000 mile mark, so I decided to swap it out and adjust the sprockets at the same time. I am quite pleased with the versatility of the factory gear ratio, but I wanted to up the front sprocket size to keep the chain from eating into the swingarm/guard*. I went from the factory 13/43, up to a 14 tooth front, and 47 tooth rear sprocket. I installed a 112 link O-ring chain with the new sprockets, and all has been well.
The original chain was becoming kinky around the 4000 mile mark, so I decided to swap it out and adjust the sprockets at the same time. I am quite pleased with the versatility of the factory gear ratio, but I wanted to up the front sprocket size to keep the chain from eating into the swingarm/guard*. I went from the factory 13/43, up to a 14 tooth front, and 47 tooth rear sprocket. I installed a 112 link O-ring chain with the new sprockets, and all has been well.
* Fun fact, the WR250R is known for eating through the bottom of the swingarm chain guard. This wear becomes dangerously rapid when, 1) the chain is too tight, 2) a 12 tooth front sprocket is used, or 3) the chain is old, and becoming kinky. Before you know it, the chain can be eating into the metal of the swingarm. With 12k miles on mine, I've just installed my 3rd chain slider. No aftermarket options currently exist, but the factor part is: SEAL, GUARD Part #: 3D7-22151-00-00
Luggage Rack
I needed to be able to carry a days worth of stuff around with me on dual-sport rides, so I went looking for an adequate luggage rack. I ended up purchasing this TCI Borrego rack, and have been very pleased with it. There are some cheaper racks, but I liked that this one has 4 mounting points, directly to the sub-frame. It is very sturdy; I have picked the bike up with this rack many times.
Tail Bag
I had heard good things about using Kayak Bags as dual sport luggage, and I found this REI version on sale, so I gave it a shot. In theory it's perfect: Waterproof, Compact, Straps to attach it, and plenty of tie down points and bungees for extra stuff. In reality though, it's simply not nearly as heavy duty as it needs to be to hold up to the abuses of off-road riding. Over the next year of riding, I've ripped most of the straps out destroyed the zipper.
Grip Heaters
I tried a new type of grip heater on this bike: Polly Heaters Cartridges. They install within the handlebars, as opposed to beneath the grips. This allows you to eliminate wires to each grip (they are run within the bars), and replace grips whenever necessary. I wanted the simplest solution, so I went with a set that is either on or off, no hi-low to mess with.
Again, the theory is sound, but in reality, I just don't love them. They don't get hot enough to help much below 40 degrees, they take a bit more time to warm up, and they make swapping bars more difficult (and don't allow the use of heavier duty aluminum bars).
Paint and Decals
The WR250R is a very common bike, and I'd rather mine not look like every single other one out there. Also, my factory decals were flaking and peeling off. My solution, some simple black Yamaha logo decals for the side panels, and white Yamaha decals for the fork guards. Then I painted all the white plastic black with Krylon Fusion plastic spray paint. It cost me about $20, and it's just different enough. I'm very pleased. The paint will need touched up (or re-done) every year or so, but that only takes about an hour. I hope the decals last a bit longer than that, but only time will tell.
Ricochet Aluminum Skid Plate
Long overdue, I finally purchased a skid plate for my WR250R. I ended up with a Ricochet plate, only because I found one heavily discounted. There are several brands available, and I'm not particularly partial to any one. But, with riding off road in the rocky areas I'm accustomed to, a metal skid plate is highly recommended.
Fly Aluminum Handlebars
After bending the stock steel handlebars several times.. I finally upgraded to aftermarket aluminum bars. I went with Fly Racing Yamaha bend in black. The bend wasn't identical to the stock bars, but close enough that after a few minutes on the bike, it shouldn't be noticeable. I did cut half an inch off each end. I added new generic dirtbike grips at the same time.
Unfortunately, my previously installed grip heaters no longer work in these thicker bars... but I'll cross that bridge again this fall.
DRC Shorty Levers
This was actually one of my first modifications... but I immediately forgot all about it. While riding a gravel road with a group, my front tire washed out and I low sided in a corner. No damage to me, but it bent my clutch lever significantly. Even with the metal hand guards, the lever still contacted the ground in a major way. To remedy this, I replaced both levers with the 'shorty' versions, I opted for the DRC shorties, as they are under $10 each and look/feel factory. I've never had another related issue.
