2011 Husqvarna WR 250 from Finland

Summary:

A tough, well-made cross bike

Faults:

The base plate is weak and can deform, causing the stator to fail.

Difficulty starting, often caused by dirty carburetion, clogged jets, or poor quality fuel (I recommend using good fuel and a suitable 2-stroke oil).

Malfunctions in the kill switch or the headlight control unit. This is often resolved by applying contact cleaner (such as WD-40) to remove rust and dirt.

The side tank covers can be annoying for tall riders when swinging their leg out in corners.

Being a high-performance motorcycle, it requires rigorous maintenance of the piston and rings to avoid compression loss.

General Comments:

The Husqvarna WR 250 (2-stroke) is a classic "racing" enduro, notable for its stable chrome-molybdenum frame, great agility in tight, twisty sections, and powerful engine. It's a lightweight motorcycle, ideal for time trials, although some users note its height; the riding position may require some getting used to.

The most important thing to highlight about the motorcycle, in my opinion:

It offers great stability on fast corners and challenging terrain (rocks/roots), maintaining a firm line. Its agility is remarkable on narrow trails.

As for the 250 2-stroke engine, it is characterized by its great acceleration, typical of engines like these, and also by its enormous responsiveness, designed for intense enduro use. An engine with strong low-end torque and plenty of power at the top end of the rev range, where the bike displays exuberant energy. It's undoubtedly a vigorous engine that will delight the most sporty riders, performing exceptionally well even at high revs.

Reliability so far has been absolute, no major mechanical problems, especially with the engine; it is a solid machine capable of keeping up with modern enduro bikes.

One factor to consider is that the position of the feet in relation to the brake and gear shift requires adaptation, as it can be very high for short drivers (not my case, I am almost 6'1").

The cable clutch offers good feel and performance, as does the operation of the five-speed gearbox. It's mounted on a black anodized Magura handlebar with a good overall riding position. Above it are black plastic handguards.

On rough, broken, or bumpy terrain, the suspension system, very well balanced for our weight and riding style, performs exceptionally well. If we need to replace them, as with any well-made suspension, there are multiple options available. It's more likely that with more mileage they will improve even further in terms of sensitivity, something every enduro rider will appreciate.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th April, 2026