Whether you are a new or seasoned rider, you’ve probably come around the Yamaha and Honda 250cc bikes. They are dual sport motorcycles designed for off-road and on-road use.
But how does Yamaha WR250R vs Honda CRF250L compare? Despite sharing almost the same engine displacement, the two bikes have differences. The Honda offers more comfort and stability, while the Yamahas is better in power and performance, among others.
The article compares these two popular off-road motorcycles and helps determine the better option for riders. Read on for a more detailed overview of the two motorcycles.
Yamaha WR250R and Honda CRF250L Overview
Yamaha WR250R and Honda CRF250L are top choice bikes for riders seeking an on or off-road adventure. As dual-sport bikes, they are both capable of providing the needed highway speed as well as agility for off-road.
Something to note in the features WR250R Vs CRF250L comparison is the quality stork features in the two bikes. They both come with quality stork tires, which can cover over 3000 miles. The bikes are also highly customizable and have many great aftermarket features to improve the riding experience.
The key features differentiating the two motorbikes include performance, comfort, stability, power, and others. However, with the bikes splitting the qualities almost equally, you can include other features, like price and top speed.
Likewise,e the Yamaha WR250R arrived on the market earlier than the Honda, as it was released in 2008. Its higher engine power allows it to accelerate faster and achieve a higher top speed.
This motorbike’s suspensions are also fully adjustable in both rear and front wheels, improving the off-road driving experience. The Honda CRF250L, on the other hand, has been in the market since 2012 and is among the top beginner-friendly motorbikes.
Its seat height allows the rider to have a better stance regardless of their height. The CRF250L also supports an anti-lock braking system, reducing skid, especially on a wet surface.
Yamaha WR250R Vs Honda CRF250L Key Specification
The WR250R vs CRF250L comparison can be based on various factors. However, some of these factors are from studying their key specifications and features. The following table covers some of these motorbikes’ key features to help provide a side-by-side comparison.
| Factor | Honda CRF250L | Yamaha WR250R |
| Engine | Single cylinder 249.6cc | Single cylinder 250cc |
| Cooling system | Liquid | Liquid |
| Power | 24.4 Horsepower | 29.5 Horsepower |
| Torque | 22nm | 24nm |
| Transmission | Six speeds | Six speeds |
| Acceleration | 0 to 60 mph in 8 seconds | 0 to 62mph in 7 seconds |
| Top Speed | 80 Mph | 87 Mph |
| Seat height | 87cm (about 34.4 inches) | 93cm (about 36.6 inches) |
| Suspension | Front: 9.8 inches travel Rear: 9.4 inches travel | Front: 10.6” travel Rear: 10.6” travel |
| Weight | 321.9 lbs. | 295 lbs. |
| Tyre Type | Front: IRC Trails GP-21 F Rear: IRC Trails GP-22R | Front: Bridgestone Trail wing TW-301 Rear: Bridgestone Trail wing TW-302 |
| Tyre | Front: 3.00 x 21 Rear: 120/80 x 18 | Front: 80/100 x 21 Rear: 120/80 x 18 |
| Wheelbase Size | 56.9” | 55.9” |
| Brake | Front:256 mm disc Rear: 220mm disc | Front: 250mm disc Rear: 230mm disc |
| Clearance | 10” | 11.8” |
| Fuel Capacity | 7.7litres (up to 13L aftermarket) | 7.5litres (up to 18L aftermarket) |
| Price | $5199 – $6249 | $6699 – $6800 |
| Caster Angle | 27.6° | 26.7° |
Yamaha WR250R Vs Honda CRF250L Comparison
Looking at the table above, it’s harder to separate the two unless basing your choice on specific qualities. However, several things catch the eye, like the obvious higher torque and power of the Yamaha WR250R. Also, the price of the two differ, and if you’re on a budget, the Honda can save you some money.
Honda CRF250L
If comparing the two in terms of handling, the Honda CRF250L is most times regarded as the better option because it’s stabler. Despite being heavier, its shorter height lowers its center of gravity and makes the bike stabler.
Its stability is better, especially off-road, compared to the taller and top-heavy Yamaha WR250R.
The Honda is also the better option in comfort, especially for beginner riders. Its engine is less likely to stall, making it more user-friendly for riders practicing off-roading.
Furthermore, with the lower seat height, you don’t have to stand on your toes to keep balance, which most people do on the taller Yamaha.
Yamaha WR250R
Yamaha, on the other hand, has the better performer of the two bikes. The stronger engine and the higher clearance allow the rider to access rougher terrain. Also, it has less weight than the Honda, meaning it’s swifter.
The Yamaha is also more convenient when compared to Honda. Its obviously bigger aftermarket tank allows a seasoned rider more riding time. Thus, its adjustable suspensions keep the rider in control on rough terrains.
However, the Yamaha suspensions are not all perfect, as they require a re-valve to adjust the rebound damping rate. The effects are often noticeable after the first few rides, but most riders prefer getting them adjusted at purchase.
On the other hand, the Honda stork seats are also too hard for some riders, especially new ones. Riders often have to replace them with aftermarket choices, which are sometimes less durable than the stork.
FAQs
Following are some frequently asked questions related to this topic.
Q: Which Should I Buy, Between Yamaha WR250R and Honda CRF250L?
If you’re used to bikes and comfortable with the Yamaha’s height, you can go with the WR250R. Otherwise, consider buying the Honda for better comfort and handling.
Q: Are Yamaha WR250R and Honda CRF250L Still Manufactured?
Both WR250R and CRF250L were discontinued in the last two years by their respective manufacturers. However, they have better successors in WR300R for Yamaha and CRF300L for Honda
Q: Are Yamaha WR250R and Honda CRF250L Engine the Same?
No. They are not the same. Despite having the same engine displacement of 250cc, their engine horsepower is not the same. Yamaha has a higher horsepower of 29.5, while Honda has 24.4.
Conclusion
Comfort, reliability, and handling are among the things to observe when determining your suitable bike between the two. The Yamaha is often the more reliable of the two, while the Honda is more comfortable and better to handle.
The preferable choice between the two depends on the type of rider you are. If you’re a beginner, you can opt for the Honda CRF250L, which is less intimidating and user-friendly. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a performance bike for ultimate adventures, you can go with the Yamaha WR250R.