2008 Yamaha WR250X Intro Photo Gallery

Yamaha is looking to corner the market for small-displacement performance dual-sport motorcycles. We test rode Yamaha's two new motorcycles in the high deserts of So Cal. Check out our 2008 Yamaha WR250X First Ride

Cruising through town on a commute or jogging outside city boundaries for a weekend escape won't tax the small motor like we did at Grange.

We think that for riders who are getting back into motorcycling these bikes will be fun, economical and practical, and the X is a particularly good way to get into the casual supermoto scene.

All things considered equal, the 250R will do more off-road and manage street duty better than the X will master dirt.

A high/low beam halogen headlight also increases the safety factor.

The seats and rider layout are comfortable on both machines for lengthy stints on your rear and the standing position is agreeable as well.

Because the bike doesn't have a monster motor, riders are able to focus on other aspects of riding supermoto like corner speed, body positioning, line selection and braking.

Clamping down on the oversized front brake gave excellent stopping power and we were still braking deeper into the corners by the time our day was finished.

The real highlight for us was the oversized front brake.

Those new to supermoto will appreciate how the WR250X makes a rider focus on technique in order to go fast.

Handling on the 250X is light and nimble, despite its claimed weight.

Top speed isn't the 250X's forte, but that's part of what makes it so fun on a track.

Spring rates are identical to the R front and rear in the suspension department, and steering geometry is slightly sharper with the X as a result of the smaller wheels.