250cc Enduro Comparo: FE250 vs 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…