It has a 250 cc (15 cu in) liquid-cooled single nikasil coated cylinder engine.

First offered in 2001, it shared many components and design concepts with the YZ250F motocross model.

It is basically the YZ250F detuned slightly for more controllable power, with a headlight, lighting coil, softer suspension, a kickstand, better noise specifications, larger radiators, and lower emissions.

[3] The WR in the name indicates a wide-ratio gear box common to most enduro or trail bikes and stands in contrast to the close-ratio gearbox essential to a motocross racer.

Despite the similar name, it shares very few common components with the heavier, street-legal dual sport WR250R or its supermoto variant WR250X.