Yamaha has a new WR250F for 2022. You might not be able to see that, because it looks SOOO much like the 2021 model, but underneath the skin there have been plenty of changes. As always with these things, there’s a hand-me-down from the motocross programme, so the changes we’re seeing here have come essentially from those effected to the YZ250F for 2021.
The big news is more power and refined handling. Yamaha has worked on the cylinder head, specifically the inlet porting to create more power from the mid to top-end. Meanwhile the frame and suspension have seen further refinement. There’s not too much detail in the press release so it’s not clear if every change made to the 2021 YZ250F came across to the WR250F or just selected ones (bear in mind the different gearboxes, 19” to 18” rear wheel). But the bike is nonetheless significantly changed.
Yamaha will start shipping the bikes to Europe in October (oh, that’s now!) and we should see a UK press launch before the end of the year, so we can tell you more then. But for now, here’s a slightly edited version of what Yamaha is telling us…
2022 MOTOR UPDATES
The 2022 WR250F is equipped with a revised engine that has been uprated by the adoption of many of the power-boosting features seen on the latest (AMA SX) championship-winning YZ250F.
A new YZ250F-type cylinder head is one of the key components that gives the 2022 WR250F much stronger mid to top-end performance. The engine’s front-facing inlet incorporates new ducting, and together with a wider YZ250F-type intake port this new design gives a superior intake flow rate for higher combustion efficiency and increased power across the rpm range.
The new head is also fitted with a redesigned exhaust camshaft for improved low to mid-range power. New ECU settings are designed to optimize the new engine’s useability at all speeds, and for all-day comfort there’s a redesigned balancer as well as a new shift cam that gives smoother and easier gear shifting. The wraparound header pipe features a new heat guard that prevents snagging – and there’s also a stronger bracket on the short muffler.
A key asset available to WR250F riders is the Power Tuner app (replacing the hand-held specialist unit previously used) that enables wireless engine tuning using a smartphone. As before, this makes it easy to adjust the engine power character to suit different terrains and changing surface conditions (without the expense of the previous unit) – while a handlebar-mounted switch makes it possible for the rider to select between two uploaded engine mappings for on-the-fly power adjustments.
2022 CHASSIS UPDATES
For the 2022 the WR250F’s lightweight aluminium bilateral beam frame also features the latest technology from the winning YZ250F. Manufactured using Yamaha’s CF die-casting technique that enables the use of walls of varying thicknesses, the frame features a revised balance of rigidity to match the higher performance of the new engine. By adjusting the flex of the frame in specific locations – and fitting new tuned-rigidity engine mounts – Yamaha’s engineers are able to create an incredibly strong chassis that also delivers excellent levels of feedback, giving the rider a more connected feeling with the track surface.
Yamaha’s excellent KYB front forks with speed sensitive damping system are further refined for 2022 with a range of modifications that give even better feeling handling and steering. New damping settings match the revised rigidity of the new chassis, and a redesigned top triple clamp, handlebar clamps, foot pegs and front axle further refine the ride quality. The link type rear end has also been uprated with revised damping settings on the KYB shock.
The 2022 WR250F is equipped with a lighter and more powerful front brake set up taken from the MX2 GP-winning YZ250F. This uses a 30% more rigid front caliper that’s equipped with larger diameter 25.4mm pistons and a new 270mm front disc. New brake pads have a 25% greater surface area than the previous system.
A new multi-meter keeps the rider informed with a range of information. In standard mode the meter displays the speedometer, clock, timer and two tripmeters – and in race mode the display shows average speed, timer and trip functionality. There’s also an accumulated fuel consumption meter indicator as well as fuel and engine warning lights.
New 2022 graphics reflect Yamaha’s VictorYZone racing pedigree, and incorporate Icon Blue and dark blue in-mould graphics that provide excellent durability and scratch resistance to keep them looking good.
WR250F New features
- New YZ250F type cylinder head
- New YZ250F specification exhaust camshaft
- New YZ250F shape intake port
- New YZ250F type intake joint
- Improved camchain tensioner design
- Redesigned engine balancer
- New gearbox shift cam
- New CF-die cast aluminium Deltabox frame
- New engine brackets with WR-specific rigidity levels
- Industry leading KYB speed sensitive forks with revised damping settings
- New top triple clamp with redesigned handlebar clamps
- New YZ250F type footrests, handlebars and front axle
- New multi-function meter
- Stronger chain guide bracket
- New 270mm front disc with 16% larger surface area
- New more rigid front brake caliper with larger pistons
- New front brake pads giving 25% more contact area with disc
- New exhaust heat guard
- New stronger muffler bracket
