2023 Yamaha WR250R Rally
Words and Photos: Yamaha Motor Australia
Held over the weekend of 25-26 November, the 2023 WR250R Rally saw 38 riders tackle a variety of trials around the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales. With just the right amount of rain to keep the dust away, but not too much to turn the off-road sections into skating rinks or quagmires, rally riders enjoyed stellar conditions.
Conducted by Yamaha Motor Australia (YMA) partners, RideADV, the seventh edition of this annual rally for Yamaha WR250R owners was based in the motorcycle-friendly town of Wauchope (inland from Port Macquarie) and consisted of two days of loop rides taking in some of the best trails in the region. With plenty of twisty dirt and gravel roads – and tarmac kept to a minimum – riders were in heaven!
Day one’s 400km route saw the WR250R crew head south, travelling down to Wingham, then inland to Mount George and Nowendoc Road. From there, the return leg to Wauchope via Comboyne and the Bago Forest took in some stunning scenery, viewable via some epic hilltop trails.
The second day’s ride was a shorter 245km loop north, taking in forest trails, quiet rural roads and more legendary adventure riding spots, such as Rolland Plains, Dongdingalong and Willawarrin, with a stop at Fredo Pies in Fredrickton and passing through Kempsey.
A Popular Choice
The fact that this year’s rally was the seventh edition of the WR250R-only event proves the popularity of Yamaha’s now discontinued dual-sport bike. Introduced in 2008, the WR250R brought a little bit of YZ magic to the quarter-litre dual sport class. A DOHC 250cc single pricing around 30hp, an improved frame and fully adjustable suspension made it a popular companion to the venerable WR250F, despite a price premium over rivals in its class. RideADV’s Greg Yager went further, describing the WR250R as the Swiss Army Knife of motorcycles, given it could do so much so well off-road, while still being road legal.
Like the WR250F, the WR250R was developed with a lot of Australian input, further explaining its popularity here. As such, local enthusiasts were dismayed when Yamaha discontinued the model a couple of years ago. However, a strong cadre of experienced off-road enthusiasts and dual sport newcomers, like those on this year’s WR250R Rally, are ensuring the gutsy, liquid-cooled single continues to thrive.
“From its launch in 2008 until its demise in 2021, the WR250R continually surprised riders with its long distance off-road ability,” said YMA Marketing Manager Sean Goldhawk. “Much of that has to do with the crew at RideADV, who helped develop the bike into what it is today – a lightweight adventure bike that punches above its weight to attract a cult following.”
A Great Weekend
The experience of Benjamin Edser, one of this year’s WR250R Rally participants, sums up the enjoyment had by all on the weekend: “It was awesome ride, with a great mix of people, well organised and safe.
Special call out to sweep rider Brett ‘Chicken’ Gattera for getting us home safe.” Edser had only recently purchased a WR250R ahead of the rally, in order to improve his riding skills for the Ténéré 700 that also occupies his garage.
“The trip showed me where the WR excels and why it's such a legendary machine. Bring on the WR300R mini Ténéré!”
Is a WR300R coming? Honda’s CRF300L and Kawasaki’s KLX300 (replacing 250cc units in both instances) makes the idea of a 300cc successor to the WR250R seem like a no-brainer. Yamaha haven’t made any announcements one way or the other on this yet. Until then, the WR250R will continue to service the needs of dual-sport enthusiasts. And there’s enough of them to keep the WR250R Rally on the calendar for some time yet!
2023 WR250R Rally prizes winners
Highest Mileage: Gavin Marchio
Furthest Travelled: Dean Macauley (California Gully in VIC)
Best ADV Setup: Bruce Kesby
Crew’s Choice: Lee Danswan