This 60 year old picked up a WR250R a year ago. So far I added 1 inch bar risers, a small tank bag and a 20 inch Madstad adjustable windshield. I do about 70% on road and 30% offroad. Must say windshield really help for the road part of dual sports.
Along those same lines I bought a ‘19 KLX 250. Dead reliable, way friendly and crazy long maintenance intervals. Just a few upgrades and it rocks. Got it with 78 miles on it for $4300.
You'll love the WR250R mate. I bought mine 2 years ago and now have 10,000 km on it. It's such a fun bike and perfect for what you will be doing on it. My fav mods are D606 tyres, GYTR slip on pipe, 13/47 sprockets, usual bike protection, wider foot pegs, rear rack for Rotopak or tail bag. Enjoy.
Living Off The Slab, A lot of ADV riders get the bigger ADV bikes, but don’t realise how much fun the smaller Dual Sport bikes are. You can do so much more on a 130 kg bike, compared to a 260 kg bike.
Hi, Craig. Just subscribed. I'm looking at the WR250R after about 20K miles of hwy touring and offroad with my DR650 throughout the western US and Mexico. I love the bush pig, but I'm challenging harder trails now and the DR takes at least one "nap" per ride as I'm testing the limits. My last tough ride had me off the bike 7 times! I was exhausted picking up the DR. I'm committed to attending an off-road school this year, as well as practicing specific skills like sand riding and steep, rocky downhills - my current two nemeses. I'm looking forward to your journey with the WR250R. I'm 61 with a DR650 & Super Tenere. Dave in AZ
I'm hoping to do the TET (trans european trail) over the next couple of years when I retire. At present this little beauty ticks most of the boxes and hopeful I'll get one in about 3 or 4 years when I have some other bucket list trips under my belt in France and Scandinavia. You guys in the states are so lucky that you have so many options no matter what direction you go.
This is going to be fun to follow your development of the WR. I also have a Super Tenere and the more I ride off road the more I’m drawn to the dirt. At 64 I’m a bit late to the off road game. Can’t wait to see your review on the New Garmin XT as well.
Hey Craig! After purchasing an '18 Super Tenere in '18, my wife and I (two up) took the Tenere on a 5k+ ride last summer. By the time we returned home we thought the Tenere did very well on the "on road" tour. So much so I didn't want to "mess it up" doing more aggressive off road riding. So last October, I also purchased a new Yamaha WR250R. It is a different animal for different riding and has been a "fun" bike on the trails. I also needed practice for "off road" riding since my experience was nil. It's like having a different "tool" for the task (dirt) at hand. Hope you enjoy yours. You mentioned being sixty. I turned sixty-two this past March. I had been watching UA-cam videos of these guys doing duel sport riding and having a ball! I figured if I'm going to ride on dirt, I better be at it before I come to the conclusion later, "Maybe I'm a little too old now." So, good choice, Craig! Happy Trails!
I think you'll be VERY VERY happy with this bike, it's light, good power for trails, a little lacking on the freeway but 55mph is reasonable, low service intervals, no need to change oil all the time, light light light adventure bike, good move sir, you will be happy
Once again the needles of our "interest compass" swing in the same general direction. I've been checking out the MABDR (Forty Times Around just did some nice posts on his ride there last fall), but thinking of the Super Tenere for that... did you trade that as well? Did I miss something?
As Cathy says, I still have the Tenere. For the MABDR the Tenere will be fine as the MA is fairly tame, but some of the NEBDR is a bit more challenging, so I though a smaller bike would be more fun. That is the key thing...it is just fun!!
I love my WR250R. Can’t wait for my Sear Concepts seat to come in because the stock seat sucks lol. Also want to upgrade the tank size to 3 gallons soon. I have a skid plate, hand guards, radiator guard, rear rack, wide foot pegs, and a 60/40 tire on the rear (Shinko 700). I’m really digging it. You’re going to have a blast on that thing. It’s so smooth on the street but you can beat the hell out of it off-road and it takes it like it’s nothing.
The bike looks great Craig. I’ve gone through the process of making my WR a quasi-adventure tourer as well. That said, it’s never been on the highway and a 300 mile day of pavement is borderline torture, even with a Seat Concepts seat. On the dirt though it’s a pure joy to ride. It will make you a much better dirt rider: you can take nearly any line, rather than having to choose the best line on the Tenere. I’m looking forward to seeing what you do with it.
Hah!!! I literally just did the same thing for the same reason. Traded in my 2019 versys 650 for a 2020 wr250r and im in love with what its capable of. And stock gearing makes highway rides very doable
No prob bud! I just watched it again and its crazy how identical our situations are, as far as getting a wr. Maybe now that im older i should use a more serious name for youtube 😁 You outta know: i found out the factory stator on these bikes is bountiful for running accessories.
I too am thinking I'd like to head in the direction of having a smaller ADV touring bike. I've already had big stuff like GSA and it honestly isn't really all that fun off road. I'm leaning heavily toward getting the new CRF300 Rally....
Craig I am 55 and got a V Strom 650 a year ago. I am also thinking about a 250 dual sport in the near future. Are we crazy?😂 Just so much more I want to do that just stay on the pavement! Be Safe!
I bough my WR250R at about 60 years old after a lifetime of riding everything else.. Super mini-adventure bike with Tusk and Flatland racks and shields.
I am also in the process of doing the same thing to my WR250R to use as a supplement to my Super Tenere. When you are in your late 50's like me less is definitely more when it comes to off-road riding. Craig, try not to get caught up in any of the so-called performance mods that are popular with this bike. Leave the intake, exhaust, and fueling stock. They are fine as is. Focus more on a larger seat (needed), larger fuel tank (if desired) as well as a heavier rear shock spring, which is definitely needed if you are going to install luggage. Unless Yamaha has improved things, the rear shock compression and rebound damping is mediocre and MAY need to be taken care of. As I don't ride mine like a motorcross bike I have not had the rear shock internals reworked and I suspect that you won't need to as well.
Thanks for the input. I agree, I am not planning to do any performance mods. Just going to do the things you suggest to make it a bit more comfortable and able to carry a small amount of gear. We will see how the shock works and if needed I will upgrade that too, but not going to do it right away.
@@LivingOffTheSlab - I suggest you measure the rider sag (see YouTable vids) before you change out the shock. I'm 85 kg and was able to greatly improve my WR250R suspension by tightening up the shock (so sag was 30%) and experimenting with the clickers to suit my riding. It's all in the manual and makes a big difference (for free).
I'm 65 and I just ordered one. My wife thinks I'm crazy... Sold my BMW R-1200R and probably gonna sell the old 1998 VFR 800 too. Although the VFR will be difficult to let go. I've been riding since 1969, mostly road. Now it's time to go off road and explore...
I wonder how that Garmin compares to the Zumo 595 overall. I'm liking the portrait and landscape feature. You might want to consider a skid plate on that WR. Looking forward to seeing your build!
After I have had a chance to use the Garmin a while, I will do a review. I have a 390, so that will be my base. Yes, I will be getting a skid plate and other armor. Thanks!
lol trails are closed. because the government owns the wilderness too and we cant have it without them hahaha. im on my third stator with my wr250r. other than that it is indestructible so just make sure it doesnt leave you somewhere. I did well with the kenda trackmaster2 tires.
Hi all, have a look at Riding With Tom, Chronicals of Solid, RMATV WR Videos and MAD Adventure TV for the WR250R videos, lots of great information on making the WR a fantastic adventure bike, I have had mine for 2 years now, great little bike, no issues, but change the sprocket ratios as the 6th gear is too tall, go for the IMS tanks for the additional fuel capacity. Why old blokes ride WR's? they are so easy to ride and very forgiving in the rough stuff.
@@LivingOffTheSlab lol, you need to heal, funny how you mention that, I did hit pretty hard a few weeks back on a trail that had a no win situation lol, hip was swollen for a few weeks but didn’t stop my morning 2 mile walks with my dog. And I was doing so good on the Husky for 45 miles.
@@moparlover1968rr I went down on the MABDR and broke my foot and tore my rotator cuff. Had surgery and in the process of healing. Start PT at the end of next week.
Looking forward to your WR videos. Picked up new one in Feb. Still breaking it in. I noticed stock gearing was too tall for poking on dirt without having to work the clutch continuously. Replaced stock 43T sprocket with 49T. Yes it will affect highway speed but now its far more responsive around town and on trails. Did require a new chain. The Seat Concepts lowering seat improved things some too (and I'm six ft tall). Its going to be a fun project.
I actually got an offer of $1200 from Rumble On. Moms found someone down in Georgia who wanted it. I dont know what the sale price was. Hope they made a little money.
This 60 year old picked up a WR250R a year ago. So far I added 1 inch bar risers, a small tank bag and a 20 inch Madstad adjustable windshield. I do about 70% on road and 30% offroad. Must say windshield really help for the road part of dual sports.
Nice! Good to know there are more crazy old guys out there. I can't wait to get back on the road later this year.
Along those same lines I bought a ‘19 KLX 250. Dead reliable, way friendly and crazy long maintenance intervals. Just a few upgrades and it rocks. Got it with 78 miles on it for $4300.
Another great choice, have fun!
You'll love the WR250R mate. I bought mine 2 years ago and now have 10,000 km on it. It's such a fun bike and perfect for what you will be doing on it. My fav mods are D606 tyres, GYTR slip on pipe, 13/47 sprockets, usual bike protection, wider foot pegs, rear rack for Rotopak or tail bag. Enjoy.
Whats your chain lenght with 13/47 sprocket?
tony hagström, sorry can’t remember. I needed a new one as stock wasn’t long enough
Thanks, so far do live it. So much fun!
Living Off The Slab, A lot of ADV riders get the bigger ADV bikes, but don’t realise how much fun the smaller Dual Sport bikes are. You can do so much more on a 130 kg bike, compared to a 260 kg bike.
Yes indeed!
Hi, Craig. Just subscribed. I'm looking at the WR250R after about 20K miles of hwy touring and offroad with my DR650 throughout the western US and Mexico. I love the bush pig, but I'm challenging harder trails now and the DR takes at least one "nap" per ride as I'm testing the limits. My last tough ride had me off the bike 7 times! I was exhausted picking up the DR. I'm committed to attending an off-road school this year, as well as practicing specific skills like sand riding and steep, rocky downhills - my current two nemeses. I'm looking forward to your journey with the WR250R. I'm 61 with a DR650 & Super Tenere.
Dave in AZ
Thank you for sharing you experience. In a couple of weeks we head out for a two week trip. We shall see how this little bike does. Ride safe!
I'm hoping to do the TET (trans european trail) over the next couple of years when I retire. At present this little beauty ticks most of the boxes and hopeful I'll get one in about 3 or 4 years when I have some other bucket list trips under my belt in France and Scandinavia. You guys in the states are so lucky that you have so many options no matter what direction you go.
For sure we have a lot of beautiful places l, but I have seen a lot of great locations your way too.
This is going to be fun to follow your development of the WR. I also have a Super Tenere and the more I ride off road the more I’m drawn to the dirt. At 64 I’m a bit late to the off road game. Can’t wait to see your review on the New Garmin XT as well.
Thanks!
Hey Craig! After purchasing an '18 Super Tenere in '18, my wife and I (two up) took the Tenere on a 5k+ ride last summer. By the time we returned home we thought the Tenere did very well on the "on road" tour. So much so I didn't want to "mess it up" doing more aggressive off road riding. So last October, I also purchased a new Yamaha WR250R. It is a different animal for different riding and has been a "fun" bike on the trails. I also needed practice for "off road" riding since my experience was nil. It's like having a different "tool" for the task (dirt) at hand. Hope you enjoy yours. You mentioned being sixty. I turned sixty-two this past March. I had been watching UA-cam videos of these guys doing duel sport riding and having a ball! I figured if I'm going to ride on dirt, I better be at it before I come to the conclusion later, "Maybe I'm a little too old now." So, good choice, Craig! Happy Trails!
My thoughts too. Do it now before you can't
You are never to old to do anything, and would watch you ride this any time, love your videos
Thanks, I appreciate that!
I think you'll be VERY VERY happy with this bike, it's light, good power for trails, a little lacking on the freeway but 55mph is reasonable, low service intervals, no need to change oil all the time, light light light adventure bike, good move sir, you will be happy
Thank you! I go like it very much and it will easily to 70 on the highway.
Once again the needles of our "interest compass" swing in the same general direction. I've been checking out the MABDR (Forty Times Around just did some nice posts on his ride there last fall), but thinking of the Super Tenere for that... did you trade that as well? Did I miss something?
hi Richard - nope he still has the Tenere!
As Cathy says, I still have the Tenere. For the MABDR the Tenere will be fine as the MA is fairly tame, but some of the NEBDR is a bit more challenging, so I though a smaller bike would be more fun. That is the key thing...it is just fun!!
I love my WR250R. Can’t wait for my Sear Concepts seat to come in because the stock seat sucks lol. Also want to upgrade the tank size to 3 gallons soon.
I have a skid plate, hand guards, radiator guard, rear rack, wide foot pegs, and a 60/40 tire on the rear (Shinko 700). I’m really digging it.
You’re going to have a blast on that thing. It’s so smooth on the street but you can beat the hell out of it off-road and it takes it like it’s nothing.
The Seat Concepts is a big improvement. Got to do a couple of 200 mile days a couple of weekends ago.
I swear you're my spiritual doppelganger! You're doing exactly what I want to do soon. Looking forward to seeing the build.
It is a lot of fun. I love the small bike.
The bike looks great Craig. I’ve gone through the process of making my WR a quasi-adventure tourer as well. That said, it’s never been on the highway and a 300 mile day of pavement is borderline torture, even with a Seat Concepts seat. On the dirt though it’s a pure joy to ride. It will make you a much better dirt rider: you can take nearly any line, rather than having to choose the best line on the Tenere.
I’m looking forward to seeing what you do with it.
Thanks Keith. When we can, I will have to come your way and you can show me some good trails.
Hah!!! I literally just did the same thing for the same reason. Traded in my 2019 versys 650 for a 2020 wr250r and im in love with what its capable of. And stock gearing makes highway rides very doable
Great minds think alike. Good to hear the stock gearing works on the highway. Thanks!
No prob bud! I just watched it again and its crazy how identical our situations are, as far as getting a wr. Maybe now that im older i should use a more serious name for youtube 😁
You outta know: i found out the factory stator on these bikes is bountiful for running accessories.
I too am thinking I'd like to head in the direction of having a smaller ADV touring bike. I've already had big stuff like GSA and it honestly isn't really all that fun off road. I'm leaning heavily toward getting the new CRF300 Rally....
The small bike is a lot of fun. The Honda would get a great choice.
Road the TAT last summer on my WR250R and will be hitting up some BDRs this year. It is a fantastic bike for this type of riding.
Awesome, thanks!
Love it Craig! Small enough we can put down with out breaking anything, light enough we can pick up and ride on.
Yes indeed. Thanks!
Craig I am 55 and got a V Strom 650 a year ago. I am also thinking about a 250 dual sport in the near future. Are we crazy?😂 Just so much more I want to do that just stay on the pavement! Be Safe!
You got it. So much more to be done! Thanks!
NO! Not crazy. I’m 63 and have a vstrom and crf250l. Love them both for different reasons.
Not crazy at all. I own a Vstrom 650 and also a WR250R. Best of both worlds.
I’ve been dreaming of getting a dual sport again. Maybe when I pay off the Harley. Miss those Enduros and Turkey runs in NETRA. Have fun
Thanks!
Congrats on the new bike! Looking forward to the build videos.
Thanks 👍
I bough my WR250R at about 60 years old after a lifetime of riding everything else..
Super mini-adventure bike with Tusk and Flatland racks and shields.
Glad I am not the only one. Great little bike!
Nice. I got a 2019 looking to upgrade to mini adventure bike as well. Looking forward. I need to set up new handlebars and GPS.
Thanks! I just ordered another round of parts to try and finish it up.
I am also in the process of doing the same thing to my WR250R to use as a supplement to my Super Tenere. When you are in your late 50's like me less is definitely more when it comes to off-road riding.
Craig, try not to get caught up in any of the so-called performance mods that are popular with this bike. Leave the intake, exhaust, and fueling stock. They are fine as is. Focus more on a larger seat (needed), larger fuel tank (if desired) as well as a heavier rear shock spring, which is definitely needed if you are going to install luggage. Unless Yamaha has improved things, the rear shock compression and rebound damping is mediocre and MAY need to be taken care of. As I don't ride mine like a motorcross bike I have not had the rear shock internals reworked and I suspect that you won't need to as well.
Thanks for the input. I agree, I am not planning to do any performance mods. Just going to do the things you suggest to make it a bit more comfortable and able to carry a small amount of gear. We will see how the shock works and if needed I will upgrade that too, but not going to do it right away.
@@LivingOffTheSlab - I suggest you measure the rider sag (see YouTable vids) before you change out the shock. I'm 85 kg and was able to greatly improve my WR250R suspension by tightening up the shock (so sag was 30%) and experimenting with the clickers to suit my riding. It's all in the manual and makes a big difference (for free).
I've been looking at these little bikes. I so want one.
I say get it!
I have a friend that rides a KLX 250, he loves it. Just another option to consider in case you can't find a WR for sale.
I'm 65 and I just ordered one. My wife thinks I'm crazy... Sold my BMW R-1200R and probably gonna sell the old 1998 VFR 800 too. Although the VFR will be difficult to let go. I've been riding since 1969, mostly road. Now it's time to go off road and explore...
We bikers get all excited about HP numbers and engine sizes, but a small bike is just so much fun. Especially one that can go almost anywhere. Enjoy!
I wonder how that Garmin compares to the Zumo 595 overall. I'm liking the portrait and landscape feature. You might want to consider a skid plate on that WR. Looking forward to seeing your build!
After I have had a chance to use the Garmin a while, I will do a review. I have a 390, so that will be my base. Yes, I will be getting a skid plate and other armor. Thanks!
Great ! I excited to follow along on the build ! I could see myself doing the same thing.
Thanks!
Got this one in my crosshairs Craig.It’s just about perfect.As always, thanks for the great videos!👍
Thanks!
Looking forward to this build!
Thanks, it should be fun!
Sweet! I've done a lot of the BDR's and GCDR on a DR650 but I want to get a lighter bike like that and re-do them.
So far I really like this bike. It is not powerful, but a lot of fun. Thanks!
@@LivingOffTheSlab Should be the perfect bike for what you want to do!
What is a BDR? I heard him say it, and then I went looking for comments that might give me a clue.
Love a bike build! Looking forward to more, and to see where you ride the little beast!
Thanks!
Good for you Greg. Keep it Goin have fun.😎🇺🇸
Thanks!
Thanks for the tips! Looking forward to more!
Thanks Eric!
Kinda wild watching a vid from April 2020. "Normalcy" didn't really come around until mid-late 2021.
What is the maintenance schedule?
Oil every 3000 and valves every 26600 miles.
Living Off The Slab Wow that’s good.
Nice, now you can slowly start chipping away at the Trans America Trail ...
It is on the list, thanks!
lol trails are closed. because the government owns the wilderness too and we cant have it without them hahaha. im on my third stator with my wr250r. other than that it is indestructible so just make sure it doesnt leave you somewhere. I did well with the kenda trackmaster2 tires.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Great video buddy... really enjoying my WR250R as well 💯... New Subscriber for sure
Thanks for the sub!
What happened to the Tenere?
Still have it. Took it camping this weekend.
Hi all, have a look at Riding With Tom, Chronicals of Solid, RMATV WR Videos and MAD Adventure TV for the WR250R videos, lots of great information on making the WR a fantastic adventure bike,
I have had mine for 2 years now, great little bike, no issues, but change the sprocket ratios as the 6th gear is too tall, go for the IMS tanks for the additional fuel capacity. Why old blokes ride WR's? they are so easy to ride and very forgiving in the rough stuff.
Thanks for the info!
Does the garmin map off road trails?
I have not had a chance to test it yet, but yes it is supposed to do both on and off road.
It's all about the background maps, if you have the maps with the dirt roads and trails it will do just fine.
I'm not an adv rider, but this sounds like fun and different.
Thanks!
Great bike, great suspension, but can't handle a west Texas headwind.
Not much can...
Great bike choice.
Thanks!
By the way your not too old for a dirt bike lol, I’m soon to be 60 and just picked up a 2019 WR and been riding my Husky TE310
Thanks, appreciate that. I don't plan on stopping. Just need to heal.
@@LivingOffTheSlab lol, you need to heal, funny how you mention that, I did hit pretty hard a few weeks back on a trail that had a no win situation lol, hip was swollen for a few weeks but didn’t stop my morning 2 mile walks with my dog. And I was doing so good on the Husky for 45 miles.
@@moparlover1968rr I went down on the MABDR and broke my foot and tore my rotator cuff. Had surgery and in the process of healing. Start PT at the end of next week.
Looking forward to your WR videos. Picked up new one in Feb. Still breaking it in. I noticed stock gearing was too tall for poking on dirt without having to work the clutch continuously. Replaced stock 43T sprocket with 49T. Yes it will affect highway speed but now its far more responsive around town and on trails. Did require a new chain. The Seat Concepts lowering seat improved things some too (and I'm six ft tall). Its going to be a fun project.
Thank you for the input, really appreciate it!
Nice job buddy!!
Thanks!
Holler when your in the city I own the 2020 wr
Cool!
Get a skid plate for that baby! Protect those cases in the rocks....
Just getting started...
wow I would have thought your vision would have been worth a lot more then that.
I actually got an offer of $1200 from Rumble On. Moms found someone down in Georgia who wanted it. I dont know what the sale price was. Hope they made a little money.
@@LivingOffTheSlab seems like they offer a lot of bargain for someone looking for a 2up ride. Enjoy the new bike!
Should have purchased the 450 instead
Thanks for the input!
Anytime 👍