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You’ve got one of the best channels pertaining to dirt bikes, on UA-cam! I’ve owned an XR250, 200, and 650L. They really are the every man’s bike. When I was in 2/75th Ranger BN, XR250s are what we used as tactical bikes. All blacked out with IR head lights and rifle mounts.
I just picked up a 2000 xr 250r for 800$ the guy said it didn’t run, cleaned the carb out and it started on the first few kicks. I absolutely love Honda’s
I rode Hermit's XR250R in Colorado and was shocked that it was so good. Seriously that bike is fantastic, and I wished they'd bring it (and the XR650R) back!
RCmen26 No, thats the XR650L. The XR650R was aluminum frame, liquid cooled, and kickstart only. It was twice as powerful as the XR650L, better chasis, and lighter. It was a Baja 1000 BEAST.
We watched this video 2 or 3 years ago. My son’s been looking for one since. Finally found one close enough and the timing was right. Hasn’t been a week yet but he’s loving it! Thanks for this.
I have a 1995 Honda XR250 Baja. Its a japanese version with electric starter without kickstarter. Everything you say is true about the comfort and realiability. I don't have starting issues sinds i got a electric starter. its starts right away with only one short crank. I really enjoy this bike. I never did any modifications. Its great ass it is. It has dual round headlights and turn signals. Thanks for the video!
Great vid, love it. My second bike as a kid was an XR80. Now getting back into dirt riding after 20+ years I've been riding an XR200R for mountain trails, now I'm adding an XR250R to my collection. People who frown at the XR like it's inferior to a fast 2-stroke probably haven't rode with a good rider on tough trails. The XR shines in those areas and you don't have to beat it into submission like a 2-stroke. I laugh at the guys who think "trail riding" is on a perfect midwest trail or a dirt road. Try some trails and mountains in the Pacific NW that aren't even fit for hiking.
Couldn't agree more, the honda is all the dirt bikes ive ever owned rolled into one and I race mx. Its just perfect and starting is really easy, the trick is to screw up the idle pre strart and let it run high idle until warm. Honda fitted the big knob on the idle adjustment for that purpose. Im sure the engineers realized this and that explains the huge knob. Ive never been stranded on this bike and have realed in and blown by modern bikes on some hairy trails with looks of astonishment from the dust eating KTM types. Usually about $1500 will get you a virtually new one as they were mostly purchased by non race types to go riding with their kids. Look for the garage queens and upscale neighborhoods for the real finds. Nuf said.
My buddy had one of these when we were teens. The oil plug fell out on a trail ride and managed to ride a long ways like that. Topped it back off with oil and it still ran! Smoked like a 2 stroke, but it ran for years more like that. You can't kill an XR250.
4:05 i grew up riding XR 250rs, been riding one for 13 years now, and before that had an XR 70 and 100 from childhood... As someone who grew up on the XR series, i think it literally defined my riding style. Because that's exactly how i ride dirtbikes. Exactly like you described. Just plowing through obstacles and having faith in the bike to take me up the line and choosing the easiest path to get there, avoiding deep ruts.. I've ridden hundreds of miles on XRs across the California desert and into the sequoia national forest. I rolled over the 100 mile trip odometer on my big bored 1994 XR 250r over a weekend once just from desert exploring. I trusted to take me miles across open desert and into complete wilderness (in a group of course). These bikes really do rule. For people that know, these are the best trail bikes ever. I tried riding MX bikes but I'm not that big of a fan of jumping. I like using the bike to explore and do some light enduro with. My whole family is the same way and we've all remained injury/broken bone free riding this way. Nothing to prove while doing it, just about the journey, the beautiful land, and the experience.
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GREAT review mate, Thank you. Really helped me out in the last couple of days. Ended up making my decision after watching this and didn't regret it. XR is a great bike!
So let me get this right... we are the same age, born a day apart , have an xr250r at the same time and a Royal Enfield at the same time a year or so later 😂
I raced mine in Hare and Hounds for 4 seasons. In my last season I eventually got it all sorted, valve clearances etc and it was so easy to ride with the right combination of power and torque. I fitted an Edelbrock pumper carb to mine, totally easy starting.
Complete and accurate review. I have personally owned (3) XR 250R over the years. This is the most versatile bike on the planet. I'm not sure why Honda doesn't bring this one back. Id go buy a brand new one. As far as the kick starter is concerned, I never had any problems roll starting these bikes when the engine was hot. many thanks for producing this video. brought back many fond memories!
This is by far the most comprehensive bike video that I have come across. The audio quality, the information provided, and the visuals. Simply awesome!!!!!
I take my 86 XR through the woods, what you're saying about letting the bike do its own thing is on point. A times it feels more like a horse than a bike. Just hold on and let it eat. In the lower gears nothing can stop you. I'm normally in 2nd/3rd cause its so tight where I ride but if you can get up to 4th+ the suspension really starts taking over and you can kinda just float over anything. Feels like a mountain bike with an engine.
I learnt to ride in one of these. For me the best thing is the balance and brakes, which make it so easy to maintain fast progress at any terrain. I took waited for ages for it to die, but I finally sold it to a young dude who also wanted to learn to ride dirt bikes. It holds a special place in my heart.
This is a great channel. Every review is full of no-nonsense, to-the-point relative content, and more enjoyable to watch and informative than almost all other videos on the internet.
Great video!!!! I have owned a couple of XR's. I bought a new XR250R in 2002 and raced it for a few years with decent success in the B class. I picked up a 2017 300 XCW last year but in all honesty I enjoy riding the XR in some areas more than the KTM. I will never get rid of the XR, it is too fun to ride!
Excellent review, very well done and I actually learned a couple of things. I have a '99 model and love it!! I'll never get rid of it, XR250R is the best dirt bike I've ever owned, and I've had quite a few!
I have loved every XR (250 or otherwise) that I've ever owned,and I've owned several over the years from the early 80's on. Great review,really enjoyed it :-D
What an amazing bike. I owned 2 of these and this video makes me want to go out and get number 3! We used to call them the bog beasts because they will pull you through just about anything!
Thankyou so much for these XR videos, watching this made me look more into buying my first bike and after getting several xr200 running again at my uncles place I bought my own XR250l. She is a 2007 and has Eletric start so fires up nice and quickly with a little choke when cold. Looking forward to many trips out and about in the wild NT of Aus.
I had 3 XR bikes. first one is XR BAJA 250, Then XR250 2006 and after had and sold my 2003 XR250 a week ago. All of them were JDM electric start models.
Oh my goodness, best review I've seen. Thanks mate. Had an xr200 back in the day and on a wr450 now but want another older bike for a few vintage rides. Xr250 looks like it's the perfect bike.
great video man. im super pumped, just picked up an 86 that's been bored out to 277. I got it for $500. thanks for all the info! glad to know it was a good investment. ride safe.
Thanks man. I had an xr 125 and even that would (almost) go anywhere. Bought a cbr 600 after that and although it was fast it just wasn't as fun as exploring. Great review. Happy riding !
Just traded a 2003 honda 300ex that i got off a trade for a 96 xr250r and this bike truly is everything i thought it would be. I ride an older 94 cr125r for track and goofing off and picking this up for trails and off road is the best trade yet. Thanks for the great review.
I have an '82 model ... all stock. Still going strong. I am barely a trail rider ... nothing like you've demonstrated here, but converting fuel/air into power/torque and "rideability" is something we all enjoy. This bike is perfect for me. Nice vid.
My first xr250 was an 82 model i bought in 1993,I've owned several bikes since then and only had 2 favorites the 82 xr250r and a 97 suzuki rmx250 .The 82 xr was alot of fun at hare scrambles I would've bought another in a second if I had ever been able to find another one,I've had 7 different years of the xr250r and the 82 was just awesome
I have watched a lot of different reviews on hundreds of bikes your review is 1 of the best I have seen for actual real world accounts of what is happening with the bike well done thanks for sharing mate cheers Happy Trails
I was about to put mine on the market, as I have a plated Husky 350, and haven't started the little XR in a couple of years. So glad you posted this video and I watched it before I did something stupid.
Dude this video is so good. And how the hell did you get that for $650?!!! Im picking one up for 1300 here in a couple days...new chain sprockets, fresh tune up with new ring and hone-job. Thanks so much for the riding footage while you talk about the bike. Really nice to see someone who actually just mostly rides and enjoys it instead of upgrading it all the time.
Absolute brilliant review, I have an XR400 2003 had it from new & will never sell it. I changed my carb to a Mikuni Pumper best mod ever with a Revmax cdi also fitted an electric start kit, SRC fork brace, IMS wide pegs, baffle out, airbox snorkel out. I fully agree on the maintenance that’s all I do on mine. Renthals, 25mm bar risers Acerbis Multiplo handguards, Blackbird Racing graphics & gripper seat cover, Ministry Of Defence bashplate, lodas of other little bits but a perfect bike. Thanks for your excellent review.
Man i love my xr so much, they should launch it again with inverted forks and electronic start, man that would be the perfect bike and i wold buy it anywere anytime
seba1551 Make it look more modern and drop some weight is all it really needs. Inverted forks look cool, but don't really perform any better outside pro-SX. Bike doesn't really need e-start, but I know that's always welcome now.
I own a DRZ250 which I think is very similar. I find that it is exactly what I need and to be honest, I ride it a lot better than more powerful bikes that I have owned in the past. Thanks for your video.
I have 2 and just rebuild one of them and i am so happy, am love witht the ladies, they start on the first kick and am now honing on the redpig to see if i can get a new one. 🎉
Just found this one and it is spot on, I have had an electric start 2004 Baja for six months now and to be honest have been a little wary of it, not because of dirty habits but lack of them as you remarked. The thing just ploughs through while you sit back like a granny on a Goldwing. When standing up becomes necessary it is more a crouch just to relieve the suspension keeping your ass back, not over the tank like a modern bike, the front end feels like the old 1940's model British 500cc bikes we used to hacksaw the weight off and add knobby tyres to for trail riding when I was a kid, but it just seems to soak up ridiculous punishment as long as you keep the power on. I have had the suspension rebuilt front and back put in two new exhaust valves and am going to replace the piston and rings, a slow process where I live in Asia but never mind, I replaced the carby with one from a CR and I will replace the muffler as mine has an inbuilt cat converter and non removable spark arrestor I will leave it as is after that as it is quick enough for my old bones, then I am off touring SE Asia. Great review of a great bike.
I found an old 1996 Honda XR250R dirt bike in my area. It had a few cracks on the bottom of the resovoir and it needed TLC. I saw what you did to your bike and it worked great. Just a few mods on your bike and it'll run like hell. I tested it while I was on I-385. It went 90mph on 49.8 mpg.
Frickin good review! I've been woods racing the xr400 and have been surprising all the modern bike racers!!! Try a mikuni pumper carb you will be happy! BRAAAAAP!
My dad still has his 250XL, its not as wild as the 250XR but its been with us for 20years, and in those 2 decades it has drowned in flood water, seawater, idle for almost 5 years straight!
G'day Mate , I don't often watch review videos but watched yours all the way through , having owned XR Honda's & Honda's in general , at the moment I have 2 XR 100s & 2 XR 250s , one is a 97 model it was a basket case when I got it , motor in bits ,parts missing , I happens to have a Cbx 250 road bike in the garage doing nothing so I checked the mounting points they're exactly the same ,but you have to use the XR motor mount brackets and do some wiring to use the throttle & light switch controls, also move the shock canister around to fit carb & battery box , but once that's all done you have the best of both worlds ,electric start XR 250 that performs exactly the same as the kick start, no loss of power lower end or top end , I love it that much , my 15 year old now has that one. I recently found another Cbx to do it to my 2001 XR 250 I got off my neighbour a while back he thought it had blown a piston , he bought a new barrel and piston and never fitted it , I got it , it is a 266 , I pulled the thing down all that was wrong with it was a stuffed head gasket , but having the new barrel & piston , I put it together anyway ,it ran beautiful but it's a barstard to start ,& I'm 6'2" 150 kg , so not tiny but have a hell of a time starting it , I've checked the valve's they're fine gone through the wiring ,carb everything It all checks out , so I've decided to do the swap on this one too , I'd rather be riding it than kicking it at my age I can't be wasting time , I'm 56 ,but still young at heart and want to be able to ride with my son when ever I want , he started on the XR100s and is a pretty competent on those but loved the 97 XR so much I gave it to him , and the 11year old daughter got the XR 100s so if your lucky enough to get another XR 250 & find a cbx
Jim I have been kicking around the WR250 and the new CRF250 and you sold me on the air cooled and old school Honda bikes. I just chatted with a guy and I'm picking up a 2004 that still has the oem tires at 80% and is cherry clean with mods. So thumbs up thanks again!!! Round Seattle out
Jim I knew it was to good to be true. The guy sold it out from under me the night before I drove down to get it. So in stead I picked up a 2005 XR650R it BIG RED PIG and having it sent up from LA to Seattle.. OH well win some ya lose some!! Happy Trails
I have a ‘94 XR250RR (280 big fin) Ballards bike(Australian legend), suspension mods by Ballard as well. Had it since new. It is a lounge lizard now, doesn’t see much dirt any more. What a bike! You can ride it hard all day and be fresh as a daisy. Your right, why Honda went away from the XR is a complete mystery. It was the benchmark bike, the one all other manufacturers wished they had. Simple, reliable and bullet proof. Honda has lost it big time unfortunately. My only regret is that I didn’t buy a Ballards XR600 as well. I have an XR200 (‘90 model) that I still use as a mustering bike and it is a beauty. Tuff as nails, an all day bike as well and it has done about a million kilometres. Legendary machines. Jeff the Aussie.
Enjoy the review. I have a 1987 XR250R and ride with guys who have KTM 300 and KTM 200....there bikes have more, but never find my XR250 unable to keep up.
I had mine for 5 years and it loved to get thrown around the trails here in northern washington. Mud no problem, street no issues and fun with the friends was epic. Accidentally forgot to check the oil one day and siezed it. Got it to break loose again and rode it for like 4 more months until she finally died and lost all compression after she blew the bottom end out. Should have rebuilt it. Endless hours of fun.
that's awesome to here because my grandpa gave me a xr because he got too old for it and it's been sitting for 15 years and it's still in awesome condition nice vid
Great review! Honda actually did make an XR250 with electric start, but it was for the Japan market only. My 1996 XR250 Baja has both electric and kick start. Honda also made an XR400 Motard with electric start, again only for the Japan market. I hear both bikes were also exported to Australia in small numbers.
If you have starting troubles check the max drop on your float. I noticed if you have it around 18-20mm it is easier to start on trails and keeps the bowl from flooding as well as the engine.
Completely agree 100% ! Had an XR that would start first kick when cold however when fully warm would not start at all - Replaced CDI, Stator etc. Finally checked float level height and adjusted.....Starts hot or cold now first kick! GREAT VID :)
For any new owners of the XR 250R who struggle with kickstarting this beauty, rebuild your carb, replace your spark plugs, and make sure your valves are spot on. My brother struggled with the same issue on his bike - it would never want to kickstart, it was a total pain in the ass. When it ran, it ran GREAT! The trick was getting it to run. Towards the end it wouldn't start at all no matter what, but after sitting for about two months and having the carb rebuilt, a aftermarket fuel filter added, and the valves brought back to spec, it started on the first kick. Make sure you are kicking it from top dead center as well, and make sure you have the air/fuel set to the right setting if you have an aftermarket exhaust or intake. Cheers, I hope you all have a great time on your XRs. And I agree with TTM, after several wrecks, being run on low compression with the incorrect air/fuel, and being run with the factory carb and petcock, the bike still runs like a total top. You cannot kill these things.
No idea why Honda got rid of this as well as the XR400R. My '98 250R is the most reliable bike I have ever owned to date. Even as my incredibly equipment-abusive brother does his best to kill my old XR, it keeps on chugging. Awesome review, and a build series on your XR would be awesome!
One principle of business is to create returning customers - getting money out of the same person over and over. The XR bikes just didn't do that for Honda. People bought them and then were happy for life! So... out the window they went! Too bad they have a responsibility to make money for their share holders, because the XR bikes were excellent. Your brother will probably hurt himself before he hurts the XR haha! I know from experience... that the XR bikes are more durable than the humans riding them!
Ah, that makes sense. Sure is too bad though that the XR's are dead...good thing the CRF230F carries on the legacy. And my brother HAS hurt himself a few times now lol.
The thing I don't understand about modern dirt bikes is how they've both raised the seat height while also thinning out the seat padding. I've recently dipped my toes into dirt riding with a Fantic Casa 250 and my main gripes are the seat height and comfort. This 20 year old bike even has 3 inches more suspension travel than most modern dirt bikes (something I could have used when I bent a rim and got a flat hitting a rock at 30mph).
Great video man! I have a 1992 xr100r and thinking about getting a 1993 xr250l. It looks like such a perfect bike for what I do. You got me really exited about this bike. Thanks!
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One of? No my friend. It's simply the best. Better than all the rest. The only one I actually pay for.
Kdx vs XR
Can you help me to find the rights type of piston rings
I really like the fact that you've actually owned these bikes for a while.
"I've been waiting for this to die for years" should be Honda's slogan
yup .
Why tho I'm new
They are by far the most reliable in every off road category even on road they are just tanks
You’ve got one of the best channels pertaining to dirt bikes, on UA-cam! I’ve owned an XR250, 200, and 650L. They really are the every man’s bike. When I was in 2/75th Ranger BN, XR250s are what we used as tactical bikes. All blacked out with IR head lights and rifle mounts.
and where might one obtain one of these "tactical bikes"
That’s cool to know. Thanks for sharing and for your service
The best XR250 review on youtube by far! Many thanks to you, sir!
+Wonky Lommiter hey thanks for watching!
This is still the best XR250R review on the internet.
Cause of this video, I am now planning to buy a second hand XR250R
I just picked up a 2000 xr 250r for 800$ the guy said it didn’t run, cleaned the carb out and it started on the first few kicks. I absolutely love Honda’s
I do to. Very easy to ride and good torque. I have an 03 XR400 and I think I enjoy the XR250 more.
Hi how much at cheapest could I get a working one
lee 123 probably 1.2k is average
I found one for 2k but it needed some work, it came out to 2400 with the new tires. Is that a good deal. It’s in mint condition
I'm looking at one for 2 and a half thousand and she got under 1000 miles and 1996 on original honda tires and sprockets?
I rode Hermit's XR250R in Colorado and was shocked that it was so good. Seriously that bike is fantastic, and I wished they'd bring it (and the XR650R) back!
Nice! I totally agree. They just need the cheater button.
I've got an '02 XR250R and it's great. Even without an electric start it is an awesome bike.
eveRide ADV the xr650 is still in production
RCmen26 No, thats the XR650L. The XR650R was aluminum frame, liquid cooled, and kickstart only. It was twice as powerful as the XR650L, better chasis, and lighter. It was a Baja 1000 BEAST.
@@sciencemilitia1853 I want 😃
We watched this video 2 or 3 years ago. My son’s been looking for one since. Finally found one close enough and the timing was right. Hasn’t been a week yet but he’s loving it! Thanks for this.
I get mine tomorrow, but 1987. Bun in a very good condition
Nice!!!
@@mathewhathon8835 great! I'm enjoying it every day as my main motorbike
These bikes are bomb proof.
Absolutely!
Built like a tank.
Yep the Abrams M1 of dirt bikes
I have a 1995 Honda XR250 Baja. Its a japanese version with electric starter without kickstarter. Everything you say is true about the comfort and realiability. I don't have starting issues sinds i got a electric starter. its starts right away with only one short crank. I really enjoy this bike. I never did any modifications. Its great ass it is. It has dual round headlights and turn signals.
Thanks for the video!
Great vid, love it. My second bike as a kid was an XR80. Now getting back into dirt riding after 20+ years I've been riding an XR200R for mountain trails, now I'm adding an XR250R to my collection. People who frown at the XR like it's inferior to a fast 2-stroke probably haven't rode with a good rider on tough trails. The XR shines in those areas and you don't have to beat it into submission like a 2-stroke. I laugh at the guys who think "trail riding" is on a perfect midwest trail or a dirt road. Try some trails and mountains in the Pacific NW that aren't even fit for hiking.
You nailed it, dude! Nice work!
+Hermit DaVlog thanks!
Couldn't agree more, the honda is all the dirt bikes ive ever owned rolled into one and I race mx. Its just perfect and starting is really easy, the trick is to screw up the idle pre strart and let it run high idle until warm. Honda fitted the big knob on the idle adjustment for that purpose. Im sure the engineers realized this and that explains the huge knob. Ive never been stranded on this bike and have realed in and blown by modern bikes on some hairy trails with looks of astonishment from the dust eating KTM types. Usually about $1500 will get you a virtually new one as they were mostly purchased by non race types to go riding with their kids. Look for the garage queens and upscale neighborhoods for the real finds. Nuf said.
My buddy had one of these when we were teens. The oil plug fell out on a trail ride and managed to ride a long ways like that. Topped it back off with oil and it still ran! Smoked like a 2 stroke, but it ran for years more like that. You can't kill an XR250.
I just bought a XR 400 street legal kit installed bike has plenty of power comes right up!
I grew up on XR’a and the 400 just is a perfect bike
4:05 i grew up riding XR 250rs, been riding one for 13 years now, and before that had an XR 70 and 100 from childhood... As someone who grew up on the XR series, i think it literally defined my riding style. Because that's exactly how i ride dirtbikes. Exactly like you described. Just plowing through obstacles and having faith in the bike to take me up the line and choosing the easiest path to get there, avoiding deep ruts.. I've ridden hundreds of miles on XRs across the California desert and into the sequoia national forest. I rolled over the 100 mile trip odometer on my big bored 1994 XR 250r over a weekend once just from desert exploring. I trusted to take me miles across open desert and into complete wilderness (in a group of course). These bikes really do rule. For people that know, these are the best trail bikes ever. I tried riding MX bikes but I'm not that big of a fan of jumping. I like using the bike to explore and do some light enduro with. My whole family is the same way and we've all remained injury/broken bone free riding this way. Nothing to prove while doing it, just about the journey, the beautiful land, and the experience.
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im so glad this was my first bike i ever got and i still got it and plan on fixing it
GREAT review mate, Thank you. Really helped me out in the last couple of days. Ended up making my decision after watching this and didn't regret it. XR is a great bike!
+i Ride thanks! Glad I could help out!
So let me get this right... we are the same age, born a day apart , have an xr250r at the same time and a Royal Enfield at the same time a year or so later 😂
had loads of XRs growing up. My favorite was the 1985 xr350r what a bike!
I raced mine in Hare and Hounds for 4 seasons. In my last season I eventually got it all sorted, valve clearances etc and it was so easy to ride with the right combination of power and torque.
I fitted an Edelbrock pumper carb to mine, totally easy starting.
Complete and accurate review. I have personally owned (3) XR 250R over the years. This is the most versatile bike on the planet. I'm not sure why Honda doesn't bring this one back. Id go buy a brand new one. As far as the kick starter is concerned, I never had any problems roll starting these bikes when the engine was hot. many thanks for producing this video. brought back many fond memories!
This is by far the most comprehensive bike video that I have come across. The audio quality, the information provided, and the visuals. Simply awesome!!!!!
I take my 86 XR through the woods, what you're saying about letting the bike do its own thing is on point. A times it feels more like a horse than a bike. Just hold on and let it eat. In the lower gears nothing can stop you. I'm normally in 2nd/3rd cause its so tight where I ride but if you can get up to 4th+ the suspension really starts taking over and you can kinda just float over anything. Feels like a mountain bike with an engine.
I'm trying to think of any single review video, about anything, that's better than this one...and I can't. Great job.
I learnt to ride in one of these. For me the best thing is the balance and brakes, which make it so easy to maintain fast progress at any terrain. I took waited for ages for it to die, but I finally sold it to a young dude who also wanted to learn to ride dirt bikes. It holds a special place in my heart.
This is a great channel. Every review is full of no-nonsense, to-the-point relative content, and more enjoyable to watch and informative than almost all other videos on the internet.
Great video!!!! I have owned a couple of XR's. I bought a new XR250R in 2002 and raced it for a few years with decent success in the B class. I picked up a 2017 300 XCW last year but in all honesty I enjoy riding the XR in some areas more than the KTM. I will never get rid of the XR, it is too fun to ride!
Wow! That's the best moto review I've ever watched for any bike. Well done.
It's really a great woods bike, and incredibly capable in tight single track. Mine is a '99 that I've had since new, and still running strong!
👍👌
Excellent review, very well done and I actually learned a couple of things. I have a '99 model and love it!! I'll never get rid of it, XR250R is the best dirt bike I've ever owned, and I've had quite a few!
I have loved every XR (250 or otherwise) that I've ever owned,and I've owned several over the years from the early 80's on. Great review,really enjoyed it :-D
What an amazing bike. I owned 2 of these and this video makes me want to go out and get number 3! We used to call them the bog beasts because they will pull you through just about anything!
Nice!
best dirtbike review ive seen yet
Thanks for watching!
Thankyou so much for these XR videos, watching this made me look more into buying my first bike and after getting several xr200 running again at my uncles place I bought my own XR250l. She is a 2007 and has Eletric start so fires up nice and quickly with a little choke when cold. Looking forward to many trips out and about in the wild NT of Aus.
I had 3 XR bikes. first one is XR BAJA 250, Then XR250 2006 and after had and sold my 2003 XR250 a week ago. All of them were JDM electric start models.
Very good, comprehensive and a longing-for-a-XR250-appetizer! Great job. Thank you.
Oh my goodness, best review I've seen. Thanks mate. Had an xr200 back in the day and on a wr450 now but want another older bike for a few vintage rides. Xr250 looks like it's the perfect bike.
WR. TTR. тоже отличный байк но XR с хоризмой😃
I have a XR250cc 1997 and it's a beast love that bike , Honda needs do do more of these bikes .
great video man. im super pumped, just picked up an 86 that's been bored out to 277. I got it for $500. thanks for all the info! glad to know it was a good investment. ride safe.
Thanks man. I had an xr 125 and even that would (almost) go anywhere. Bought a cbr 600 after that and although it was fast it just wasn't as fun as exploring.
Great review. Happy riding !
Mine is 20yrs old now, runs great what a bike so reliable.
Just traded a 2003 honda 300ex that i got off a trade for a 96 xr250r and this bike truly is everything i thought it would be. I ride an older 94 cr125r for track and goofing off and picking this up for trails and off road is the best trade yet. Thanks for the great review.
I have an '82 model ... all stock. Still going strong. I am barely a trail rider ... nothing like you've demonstrated here, but converting fuel/air into power/torque and "rideability" is something we all enjoy. This bike is perfect for me.
Nice vid.
My first xr250 was an 82 model i bought in 1993,I've owned several bikes since then and only had 2 favorites the 82 xr250r and a 97 suzuki rmx250 .The 82 xr was alot of fun at hare scrambles I would've bought another in a second if I had ever been able to find another one,I've had 7 different years of the xr250r and the 82 was just awesome
I have watched a lot of different reviews on hundreds of bikes your review is 1 of the best I have seen for actual real world accounts of what is happening with the bike well done thanks for sharing mate cheers Happy Trails
I was about to put mine on the market, as I have a plated Husky 350, and haven't started the little XR in a couple of years. So glad you posted this video and I watched it before I did something stupid.
It's a classic now. The value just keeps going up. Can't get rid of it!
Great video! Good to hear a review from someone who has had the bike for so long and used it in so many different ways.
I have xr250 1988 road illegal. Had it for 3 years. Still love her very much.
Dude this video is so good. And how the hell did you get that for $650?!!! Im picking one up for 1300 here in a couple days...new chain sprockets, fresh tune up with new ring and hone-job. Thanks so much for the riding footage while you talk about the bike. Really nice to see someone who actually just mostly rides and enjoys it instead of upgrading it all the time.
Thanks for watching! I got mine for cheap because it wasn't running. All it really needed was a carb cleaning, and then it ran!
I was already planning on one of these for my first dual sport, now I'm convinced I'll get one. Thanks for all the info.
Great! You'll love it.
I've got an 87 that's been in my family's possession since brand new. Can confirm, will not die. Good review buddy
Hahah wow! Amazing
This is the beat dirtbike review I have ever watched and I am buying one today
Absolute brilliant review, I have an XR400 2003 had it from new & will never sell it. I changed my carb to a Mikuni Pumper best mod ever with a Revmax cdi also fitted an electric start kit, SRC fork brace, IMS wide pegs, baffle out, airbox snorkel out. I fully agree on the maintenance that’s all I do on mine. Renthals, 25mm bar risers Acerbis Multiplo handguards, Blackbird Racing graphics & gripper seat cover, Ministry Of Defence bashplate, lodas of other little bits but a perfect bike. Thanks for your excellent review.
tee pee,where did u get the electric start kit,the brand and price please,thanks
I ride the 86 Xr250r, just rebuilt the engine for its first time since rolling off the lot, running like a champ for another 34 years 🤣🤣
I will buy my xr250r 1987 tomorrow :)
Man i love my xr so much, they should launch it again with inverted forks and electronic start, man that would be the perfect bike and i wold buy it anywere anytime
+seba1551 i agree!
seba1551 Make it look more modern and drop some weight is all it really needs. Inverted forks look cool, but don't really perform any better outside pro-SX. Bike doesn't really need e-start, but I know that's always welcome now.
I own a DRZ250 which I think is very similar. I find that it is exactly what I need and to be honest, I ride it a lot better than more powerful bikes that I have owned in the past. Thanks for your video.
I have 2 and just rebuild one of them and i am so happy, am love witht the ladies, they start on the first kick and am now honing on the redpig to see if i can get a new one. 🎉
This is an awesome review of this wonderful bike! I’ve owned two of them and both are super bikes! Well done!!
Just found this one and it is spot on, I have had an electric start 2004 Baja for six months now and to be honest have been a little wary of it, not because of dirty habits but lack of them as you remarked. The thing just ploughs through while you sit back like a granny on a Goldwing. When standing up becomes necessary it is more a crouch just to relieve the suspension keeping your ass back, not over the tank like a modern bike, the front end feels like the old 1940's model British 500cc bikes we used to hacksaw the weight off and add knobby tyres to for trail riding when I was a kid, but it just seems to soak up ridiculous punishment as long as you keep the power on. I have had the suspension rebuilt front and back put in two new exhaust valves and am going to replace the piston and rings, a slow process where I live in Asia but never mind, I replaced the carby with one from a CR and I will replace the muffler as mine has an inbuilt cat converter and non removable spark arrestor I will leave it as is after that as it is quick enough for my old bones, then I am off touring SE Asia. Great review of a great bike.
After watching this review i went and bought one it's a great little bike!
I just bought a 1988 ex army xr250r I have buggered my knee but cannot wait to get on it .....thank's for the video
I am a new owner of this bike! Thank you so much for so much valuble information...
You're welcome
My 86 xr250R was one the best bikes I've ever had, just gear it right for desert or trail, fantastic , unbreakable fun.
Thanks Jim. Missing the fat saddle of my old xr200. I'll join the ranks of the 250 soon enough. Cheers.
I’d like for you to run an in depth review on an RMX450Z. Your reviews are by far more detailed than any other found on UA-cam. Nice job...👍🏼
Good review!!../ I miss my 1996 xr 250, but have lots of memories and miles from it....
I found an old 1996 Honda XR250R dirt bike in my area. It had a few cracks on the bottom of the resovoir and it needed TLC. I saw what you did to your bike and it worked great. Just a few mods on your bike and it'll run like hell. I tested it while I was on I-385. It went 90mph on 49.8 mpg.
seems like i found the best beginner bike! thank you for this review, very well made 👍
Excellent review of an “every man” bike. We don’t need another KTM 690 Enduro R or Triumph Tiger review. (Big motorcycle channels, take note).
Agree 💯
You got it spot on with the rituals for starting an XR. These things a mules when it comes to clod starts or tip overs.
Frickin good review!
I've been woods racing the xr400 and have been surprising all the modern bike racers!!!
Try a mikuni pumper carb you will be happy!
BRAAAAAP!
Nice haha! Keep it up
haha i have a pumper on a 400 and it rips, also think about getting an new muffler
Does it overheat I'm looking at an XR 400
I so enjoyed your video I'm on my 2nd xr250r sold the 96 and bought a 03 still ride everyday I can
So I have a 1991 and it is absolutely amazing everything you say about yours is spot on with mine. Honda life
My dad still has his 250XL, its not as wild as the 250XR but its been with us for 20years, and in those 2 decades it has drowned in flood water, seawater, idle for almost 5 years straight!
you have some of the best reviews! keep it up man. your up there is the best, and i watch A LOT!!!!! of vlogs
G'day Mate , I don't often watch review videos but watched yours all the way through , having owned XR Honda's & Honda's in general , at the moment I have 2 XR 100s & 2 XR 250s , one is a 97 model it was a basket case when I got it , motor in bits ,parts missing , I happens to have a Cbx 250 road bike in the garage doing nothing so I checked the mounting points they're exactly the same ,but you have to use the XR motor mount brackets and do some wiring to use the throttle & light switch controls, also move the shock canister around to fit carb & battery box , but once that's all done you have the best of both worlds ,electric start XR 250 that performs exactly the same as the kick start, no loss of power lower end or top end , I love it that much , my 15 year old now has that one.
I recently found another Cbx to do it to my 2001 XR 250 I got off my neighbour a while back he thought it had blown a piston , he bought a new barrel and piston and never fitted it , I got it , it is a 266 , I pulled the thing down all that was wrong with it was a stuffed head gasket , but having the new barrel & piston , I put it together anyway ,it ran beautiful but it's a barstard to start ,& I'm 6'2" 150 kg , so not tiny but have a hell of a time starting it , I've checked the valve's they're fine gone through the wiring ,carb everything It all checks out , so I've decided to do the swap on this one too , I'd rather be riding it than kicking it at my age I can't be wasting time , I'm 56 ,but still young at heart and want to be able to ride with my son when ever I want , he started on the XR100s and is a pretty competent on those but loved the 97 XR so much I gave it to him , and the 11year old daughter got the XR 100s so if your lucky enough to get another XR 250 & find a cbx
I fitted an Edelbrock pumper carb to my 250r. It transformed the starting and tick over adjustment.
I love this machine.
Had my 01' XR250R out the other day. 20 years old and still starts and runs great.
Dude, killer review. I discovered your channel at the beginning of the week and been hooked to your vids. Keep it up.
Jim
I have been kicking around the WR250 and the new CRF250 and you sold me on the air cooled and old school Honda bikes. I just chatted with a guy and I'm picking up a 2004 that still has the oem tires at 80% and is cherry clean with mods. So thumbs up thanks again!!! Round Seattle out
Wow! That's an incredible find! Have fun
Jim
I knew it was to good to be true. The guy sold it out from under me the night before I drove down to get it. So in stead I picked up a 2005 XR650R it BIG RED PIG and having it sent up from LA to Seattle.. OH well win some ya lose some!! Happy Trails
A 650 is even better! Great!
I have a ‘94 XR250RR (280 big fin) Ballards bike(Australian legend), suspension mods by Ballard as well. Had it since new. It is a lounge lizard now, doesn’t see much dirt any more. What a bike! You can ride it hard all day and be fresh as a daisy. Your right, why Honda went away from the XR is a complete mystery. It was the benchmark bike, the one all other manufacturers wished they had. Simple, reliable and bullet proof. Honda has lost it big time unfortunately. My only regret is that I didn’t buy a Ballards XR600 as well. I have an XR200 (‘90 model) that I still use as a mustering bike and it is a beauty. Tuff as nails, an all day bike as well and it has done about a million kilometres. Legendary machines. Jeff the Aussie.
suzy made same sh*** ! ...why did they cancelled the old aircooled 350DR ? ... UNBRAKABLE & torquy motor !
i got a '98 kicker model for my son
Love it man, one of the best woods bikes ever made...👍
Enjoy the review. I have a 1987 XR250R and ride with guys who have KTM 300 and KTM 200....there bikes have more, but never find my XR250 unable to keep up.
I'm fixing up my dad's 1996 xr250r cant wait to ride it
I had mine for 5 years and it loved to get thrown around the trails here in northern washington. Mud no problem, street no issues and fun with the friends was epic. Accidentally forgot to check the oil one day and siezed it. Got it to break loose again and rode it for like 4 more months until she finally died and lost all compression after she blew the bottom end out. Should have rebuilt it. Endless hours of fun.
This is amazingly acurate. Brilliant job!
that's awesome to here because my grandpa gave me a xr because he got too old for it and it's been sitting for 15 years and it's still in awesome condition nice vid
+Triix nice!
Great review! Honda actually did make an XR250 with electric start, but it was for the Japan market only. My 1996 XR250 Baja has both electric and kick start. Honda also made an XR400 Motard with electric start, again only for the Japan market. I hear both bikes were also exported to Australia in small numbers.
I"ve ridden xr200 xr250r, xr400 and xr650r. They are all so fun
Just bought an 87 XR250R for $500 based on your review of it vs the modern bikes! Should be a good step up from my CRF150
That's quite a steal. Old XRs have skyrocketed in price. I've not seen a deal like that in a long time. You hit the jackpot. Enjoy!
If you have starting troubles check the max drop on your float. I noticed if you have it around 18-20mm it is easier to start on trails and keeps the bowl from flooding as well as the engine.
Thanks for mentioning that!
Completely agree 100% ! Had an XR that would start first kick when cold however when fully warm would not start at all - Replaced CDI, Stator etc. Finally checked float level height and adjusted.....Starts hot or cold now first kick!
GREAT VID :)
For any new owners of the XR 250R who struggle with kickstarting this beauty, rebuild your carb, replace your spark plugs, and make sure your valves are spot on. My brother struggled with the same issue on his bike - it would never want to kickstart, it was a total pain in the ass. When it ran, it ran GREAT! The trick was getting it to run. Towards the end it wouldn't start at all no matter what, but after sitting for about two months and having the carb rebuilt, a aftermarket fuel filter added, and the valves brought back to spec, it started on the first kick.
Make sure you are kicking it from top dead center as well, and make sure you have the air/fuel set to the right setting if you have an aftermarket exhaust or intake. Cheers, I hope you all have a great time on your XRs. And I agree with TTM, after several wrecks, being run on low compression with the incorrect air/fuel, and being run with the factory carb and petcock, the bike still runs like a total top. You cannot kill these things.
Jim, congratulations...! Is the best motorcycle review I ever seen...really.. Every word you said was usefull. Thanks!
+Gerardo Paz thanks!
No idea why Honda got rid of this as well as the XR400R. My '98 250R is the most reliable bike I have ever owned to date. Even as my incredibly equipment-abusive brother does his best to kill my old XR, it keeps on chugging. Awesome review, and a build series on your XR would be awesome!
One principle of business is to create returning customers - getting money out of the same person over and over. The XR bikes just didn't do that for Honda. People bought them and then were happy for life! So... out the window they went! Too bad they have a responsibility to make money for their share holders, because the XR bikes were excellent. Your brother will probably hurt himself before he hurts the XR haha! I know from experience... that the XR bikes are more durable than the humans riding them!
Ah, that makes sense. Sure is too bad though that the XR's are dead...good thing the CRF230F carries on the legacy. And my brother HAS hurt himself a few times now lol.
Regret selling my XR400, such an awesome bike, it was my daily for close to a year. Off road and on road. I miss it
I run a 1983 at our cottage. It is the Best cottage trail bike ever.🇨🇦
Good review, I have 2 1984 Xl's a 250 & 350, great bikes.
i’ve got a 1981 xr100. top end only rebuilt once and has taught eight kids how to ride. don’t know how it keeps running but it does no matter what.
The thing I don't understand about modern dirt bikes is how they've both raised the seat height while also thinning out the seat padding. I've recently dipped my toes into dirt riding with a Fantic Casa 250 and my main gripes are the seat height and comfort. This 20 year old bike even has 3 inches more suspension travel than most modern dirt bikes (something I could have used when I bent a rim and got a flat hitting a rock at 30mph).
Great video man! I have a 1992 xr100r and thinking about getting a 1993 xr250l. It looks like such a perfect bike for what I do. You got me really exited about this bike. Thanks!
Thanks for watching man!