250cc Enduro Comparo: Husqvarna FE250 vs Yamaha WR250F

If you want to make a compelling case for why more Aussie riders would be much better off buying a 250cc four-stroke enduro bike than the larger-capacity machines they currently gravitate toward, look no further than Husqvarna’s FE250 and Yamaha’s WR250F. For 2022, the Husky moved to Braktec brakes and clutch, and firmer fork settings, while the Yami came in for sweeping upgrades to engine, frame, suspension and brakes. And both bikes are now arguably the finest examples of quarter-litre enduro machinery on the planet.

But that’s not just because these flagship 250cc offerings from Europe and Yamaha have taken significant steps forward in power and handling in recent years; it’s also because Aussie riders tend to routinely overlook all the other things these punch-above-their-weight 250s have going for them. Namely...

They’re neutral-handling and agile. They don’t fatigue you. They no longer require special maintenance regimes. They’re cheaper than their larger-capacity brethren. And they’ve evolved to a point where they’re much more powerful and fun to ride than you remember they were.

But how do these two incredible little machines compare when it comes to personality and performance? What are the biggest differences between them? And what sort of rider is each bike most likely to suit, and why?

To answer those questions in detail, we teamed up with former Pro riders, Damian Smith and Scott Keegan, and spent a few days testing these 250cc weapons in a broad variety of trails and racy enduro loops.

Here’s a snapshot of the boys’ conversation in the wake of that extensive testing...

[fynn]

I went from a crf450x to a wr250f and that was a great decision. My ecu and exhaust are stock (US model) but I feel so much control and such little fatigue when flowing through the single track. Delighted to have this bike!

[goneridingparts]

Just wish the WR came with the CCU and ECU in the USA, like it does there, Great video !

[nickg]

I really like your relaxed and informative videos with plenty of knowledge and experience

[johnrenehan]

Whao first Aussie ive heard admit this 👏👏👏

[glennaltschwager]

It took me 20 odd years to work out I didn't need a 500 for trail riding 😛
Went back to a 350 2 years ago and more recently back to a 250 BETA 2T.
I reckon a 4t 250 might be worth a crack next bike.
Cheers Legends 🍻

[westsidehonda]

Thanks for sharing this video. I've had a few different dirt bikes over the years and am about to pick up 2022 FE250 Husky here in N.Z. for trail riding
looking forward to see how it goes after owning a Honda CRF250L for the past 4 years so expecting good things from the FE!! Cheers guys and ride safe.

[AdventureMotoEnduro]

I moved from 500s to 350f and yes much more fun to ride through the bush, ,just got to keep rowing through the gear box keep it singing

[Superdisco]

I feel like I know alot about how the WR works in sand now and very little about how either, esp the husky, works in regular trail and hard enduro conditions TBH.

[Booki]

Average trail rider who rides mostly singles - the WR or the FE?

[artvandelay]

Hey guys great video. Was the Yamaha "uncorked" ie - airbox snorkel / muffler restrictor / throttle restrictor ?
Apparently all Aussie WR's come that way to pass ADR's

[Mockle]

Bit late to the party, but how would the Sherco SEF300 Factory compare for general XC/woods style enduro. I’m in the Uk so no wide open desert stuff here. Just curious to see if the Sherco might be best of both worlds as it’s light and nimble but with extra grunt with the full KYB suspension.

[adzythepwcblokeinaustralia]

A YZ250F airbox, airbox lid air mod, muffler and Lithium battery and a good map and your cooking with gas ! 😅 Adzy knows 😊!

[davidhaviland]

Balls to the wall mate 😎 Yamaha before husky every day of the week🤙we be smash'n da Bush 😁👍

[maxpower]

The Wr250 is nearly non existant here in the US.
Lots of yzf and yzfxs but rare to see a Wr250 or wr450

[adzythepwcblokeinaustralia]

You don’t need to touch the clutch on the WR when you have a Rekluse Radius CX auto clutch 😊, rear brake on the left hand side and have fun ! Love my WR250F

[ildoc]

Yamaha is so much heavier think will get you tired faster

[dansteele]

You need to slow down in your talking, it’s difficult to understand what you are saying with your heavy accent.