It is wonderfully rigid, which translates into ultra-precise handling. Up front, an inverted, 46-mm fork offers 270 mm of travel, while a single, linkage-mounted shock takes care of business in the back.

Yamaha equipped its WR250X with a petal-shaped, 298-mm front disc and a 230-mm rear one.

Even if we would have preferred a firmer fork, the WR250X brakes well and is easy to turn, which allows us to set a very quick pace, especially in tight corners. We quickly gain confidence when cornering at high speeds, even with sand or gravel present, an indispensable quality for any supermoto-type steed. Thanks to its quality components and an ultra-sophisticated, and especially ultra-rigid, frame, the new WR250X is not simply a dual-purpose machine in disguise, but a serious supermotard bike. Despite its feather weight, it remains stable in all conditions, and its surprising agility makes it the perfect bike to cut your teeth in the sport.

An incredibly powerful braking system is a must for this type of motorcycle, that's why Yamaha equipped its WR250X with a petal-shaped, 298-mm front disc and a 230-mm rear one. The brakes are perfectly calibrated for the road. Easy to modulate, they offer the desired bite even after having been pushed to the limit several times.

As for comfort, let's just say that we don't suffer too much: the seat isn't too hard and is just wide enough to offer good support, the suspension isn't too firm, the engine doesn't vibrate too much for a one-cylinder, the radiator spoilers protect the knees from the elements and the driving position, similar to that of a motocross, doesn't tax any part of the body.

A dual-purpose machine?
Know that this motorcycle is offered in a dual-purpose version. The WR250R is almost identical to its supermoto sister except for the 21-inch wheel in front and 18-inch wheel in back, shod in all-terrain tires, for the less powerful but easier to measure out braking system, for the better ground clearance and for the more flexible suspension. It's better adapted to vigorous off-road driving while still offering interesting dynamics on the road.

We quickly gain confidence when cornering at high speeds.