WR250R Simpson Desert Crossing

Yamaha’s super reliable WR250R is rapidly becoming the bike of choice for canny Australian adventure riders.

“These bikes are incredible,” says Greg Yager, head of Ride ADV. “A bulletproof engine that can sit at high speeds all day long combined with lightweight, agile handling? Seriously, they are the best adventure bike out there.”

Yager and his good buddy, Pete Marshall, recently rode non-stop and unsupported across the Simpson Desert in nine hours, passing many larger capacity bikes on the way. The next day, they turned around and rode back in another ten hours straight, fully loaded – and with over 120kg of rider in gear. Most riders take two to three days to cross the Simpson, and most would run a support vehicle for fear of breakdown or getting bogged in the deep red sand.

“This bike has done 10,000 kilometres now and I’ve hardly laid a spanner on it,” continues Yager. “I would have no hesitation in using this model for a round-the-world ride. In fact, it would be my bike of choice.”

Yager hires his WR250R ‘trail finder’ to Ride ADV customers and sets them up to handle the harshest of Aussie conditions. First stop is Teknik Motorsports for a suspension tweak. Then, a large IMS tank, Barkbusters, raised bars, bashplate and racks are next. Gearing is up a few teeth at the back but the engine is not touched.

Yager’s antics with the WR250R follow Aussie adventure rider Steve Crombie’s unsupported ride from Darwin to Sydney a few years ago. With a 10,000rpm redline and 40,000km recommended intervals for valve checks, the WR250R is no ordinary trail bike. It has carved an extraordinary reputation for itself as the model of choice for Aussie ADV riders.

Visit www.rideadv.com.au to experience a WR250R and your own Yager-led adventure.

View Yager’s Simpson Desert crossing footage below.