The 2017 Yamaha WR250R and 2018 YFZ50 are off-road-capable Yamahas separated by wheel count, rider age and legal status. The WR250R is a full-size dual-sport motorcycle designed for licensed riders and public roads as well as trails. The YFZ50 is a youth ATV intended for supervised riders aged six and older.
This is not a direct purchasing comparison. It is a specification guide for identifying which machine belongs to which rider—and, importantly, which one does not.
WR250R and YFZ50 Specifications
| Specification | WR250R | YFZ50 |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle type | Road-legal dual-sport motorcycle | Youth off-road ATV |
| Engine | 249 cc liquid-cooled DOHC single | 49.4 cc air-cooled single |
| Output | 31 PS; 24 Nm in Japanese specification | Not officially published |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | Automatic CVT |
| Claimed weight | Approximately 132 kg | Approximately 100 kg |
| Seat height | 895 mm | Approximately 585 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 7.6 liters | 5.6 liters |
Adult Dual-Sport or Youth ATV?
The WR250R combines long-travel suspension, 21- and 18-inch wheels, fuel injection and a wide-ratio gearbox. It can commute during the week and explore unpaved routes on weekends, though its tall seat requires confidence at low speeds.
The YFZ50 includes a speed limiter and tether switch so an adult can control a beginner’s progression. Its automatic transmission removes shifting from the learning process. Yamaha specifies adult supervision and appropriate protective equipment; the ATV is not for paved roads.
Choose the WR250R for an adult rider needing a versatile street-and-trail motorcycle. Choose the YFZ50 only for an appropriately aged child in a controlled off-road environment. Matching the machine to the rider matters rather more here than matching the paint.
