DID YOU KNOW that, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average height of an Australian male is 175.6cm. A quick Google search reveals that that is actually not very impressive, especially among other predominantly Anglo-Saxon nations. Strange huh?! I always thought we were big blokes.

However, compared with Asian nations, we are giants, especially Japan (where our Yamaha WR250F long-termer was built) over whom we hold a 4cm advantage. That may explain why the 250F feels so short for my legs.

Other factors that contribute to the WR250F’s dwarf-like stature are the squashed subframe, scalloped seat and cramped, motocross-style ‘pegs-to-seat distance. All these attributes make the WR250F a compact trail machine but, at nearly 190cm, compact is not my thing.

WE RATE
READY TO GO This seat is a simple swap. The GYTR tall seat comes ready to go and all you have to do is unbolt the two hex head bolts in the sideplates, remove the old seat and bolt this one on.
GRIP AND PADDING The GYTR seat offers the same grip and comfort as the stocker does, which is excellent. The extra padding hasn’t broken down and turned into a lounge chair, it has kept its shape over six hard months.

NO BACK PAIN The taller perch allows me to sit more upright and stretch my arms further, meaning my shoulders and back are no longer in pain on long rides.
SITTING TO STANDING The transition from sitting to standing no longer requires the same effort. This might seem like a small issue, but making the transition all day can add to the back pain.

WE DON’T RATE
COLOUR How hard would it have been to make it the same colour as the stock seat? Now the seat doesn’t match the padded petrol-filler cover.
FITTING While the seat comes fully built, the annoying 10mm bolts that need to be removed to fit it could be replaced by a convenient latch at the back, but that’s Yamaha’s problem.

VERDICT
The GYTR tall seat has removed the pesky back pain issues I had running the stocker. While the GYTR unit only adds 2.5cm to the seat height, the change in riding position is significant. It has also meant my ankles are in a more relaxed position and no longer at a hard 90-degree angle, allowing me to lift my toes that little bit further to cover the brake pedal and gearchange lever. It has been incredibly durable, with no scratches or loss of grip, and the padding is just as firm but comfortable as the day we got it. Editor Mitch Lees

Bill: $260.95
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