Well done! I'm a 76 year old Vietnam Air Force veteran and found my DR650 to be to heavy and tall as I aged, I think that the Xt 250 will suit my needs riding in the Western Pennsylvania mountains!
I bought a 1985 Yamaha XT225 Serow back in '97. I loved that bike once I got the hang of it. I've always been more into dual purpose bikes but I've owned nothing but street bikes before that. To this day, if I could have one of my old bikes back, I would take that Serow hands down.
Great camera work and art! I like your slow pace of talking. At 4:00, that pipe you point out is not part of the fuel injection, rather the air injection pipe for emissions control! I have a 2019 model. For really hard trails, it's a bit heavy at 291 lb wet, but other than that, I love it. It's a versatile dual sport.
I also have a 2019 and yes, it's porky at 291 and there isn't too much you can do about it. By the time you strip it of passengers pegs and other non essential stuff, you put it right back on with a skid plate and hand guards. At 250 lbs or below this would be a much better bike right off the showroom floor. More perceived power, and better suspension simply because of the weight loss and the ability of the suspension to handle it. I've found that a $ 20 14 tooth front sprocket makes 2, 3, 4th much more usable in the dirt. Geared down that one tooth it will go almost anywhere and you can do it in second or third gear.. Still ok on the street, just stay off Interstates. Problem is some guys ( I'm looking in the mirror ) try to keep up with the five figure bikes over the toughest Enduro type terrain imaginable and then think the bike should keep up... It's 19 hp when the other guys have double and sometimes triple that amount. But that advantage disappears when you get in the tight stuff... and everyone thinks you're lying when you're at the top of a hillclimb that they balk at.. and you share that it's 19 hp at the end of the day..
David, I think we have a lot in common besides our first name! I am about your age and I am an Air Force veteran. I haven't rode a motorcycle since 1990, but I am itching to get back on one. Do you think I am too old?
Nice riding territory ! Love it 😍 I just ordered a 2022 XT250 from my dealer, should get it in March. How are the foot pegs on this ? I’m already thinking about the mods/upgrades that it will need . Bark busters , wider foot pegs , skid plate , FMF exhaust, tail tidy and certainly better tires than those death wings !
Except for the FMF and the Trail Wings you're right on the money. If you're mainly on tough loose dirt and mud yes, change the tires. If it's a nice mix of road/trail give them a try. They do suck in deep mud and the front tire wants to wash around a fast corner if you're pushing it. If you ride normal they perform like a dual sport tire which is what it is.. Unless you like noise, the FMF will look cool and save a few lbs of weight but will give you nothing else.. if you get the FMF make sure it has a spark arrestor for certain trails. I've never seen a dyno test that proves the exhaust does anything because of the way the FI system is set up.. you'd have to do more than that ( power commandeer and air intake ) for it to work properly. You'd probably have $ 500 in both, that's a guess on my part , suffice to say neither is cheap and that's if they still make the power commander. For a $ 20 dollar bill you can get a 14 tooth front sprocket which will do more for your riding pleasure than the mods you mentioned. Compared to stock , you'll be smiling ear to ear when you climb steep dirt hills with ease and no, it won't slow your top speed on the street appreciatively, in fact, up a slight incline you may notice an increase in your speed. Good luck with it.. This is based on 2 years of ownership and a lifetime of dirt riding experience starting with a 125 Harley Hummer to a full blown CZ 400 motocross bike and many in between.
@@ngzcaz I really appreciate your input ! It’s better to hear from someone like you who has the real experience instead of just listening to someone who only makes suggestions based on their opinions. No ..I’m not a noise junky ( just looking at any possibilities to reduce weight and improve performance) but I think there is an insert that comes with the FMF that keeps the noise db to an acceptable level without affecting its said performance gains and also acts as a spark arrestor as well , and I believe you’re right , from what I’ve read , the Power Commander is no longer in production. As far as the air intake, I wouldn’t do much else other than a standard K&N washable type air filter. I think dropping the drive sprocket one tooth is a brilliant way to go to get the most gain for a little performance, especially since the majority of my riding is on old country roads and two track logging roads , I would rarely even ride on pavement, and the speed limit where I am doesn’t even exceed 55 mph on these small rural highways. The other thing I am sure of is the seat will eventually get an upgrade ( every bike I’ve owned is hard like a brick ) and I had a Seat Concepts on my last bike that I really loved ( well except for the price , I didn’t love that part lol 😂 ) but it will definitely keep you out riding longer with the added comfort it provides. I don’t want to spend a whole lot of money , the bike is near perfect as it was intended to be , so there’s no need to try and make it something that isn’t supposed to be , I just like to tinker and give it attention, it’s all just part of the pride of ownership. Love the little Serow ! Thanks for sharing your input, and I look forward to future videos from you ( I’ll have to post one when mine comes in ) Safe riding !
@@NorthwoodsNomad I went to look at a 2022 at a dealer, with all the COVID fees and taxes total price ended up being $7600 from $5199. Went 10 miles away to another dealer and it was the same price. Hard to find a used one, but I did, picking it up in 4 more days, these bikes just seem to last!
Been going back and forth between this and the KLX300. Price and availability (used and new) aside, it's been hard to know which to go with. Leaning toward the KLX, but would be hard to pass up a good deal on a used XT if it popped up.
I was looking at the KLX too ( I ordered the XT250 , it suits my riding style perfectly) I also looked at the CRF300L , but I actually like the Kawasaki better ! The adjustable suspension in itself won me over in that department , and that digital camo looks great with the black rims . You can’t go wrong with any of these bikes , I just like the simplicity and low maintenance and dependability of the air cooled / fuel injected Yamaha XT250 ( and most importantly , the low seat height was the determining factor for my purchase) As far as new vs used .. I’d just go new , I just saw a 2015 XT 250 with 7,000 miles on it that is listed for $4,500 … that’s INSANE ! Used bikes are expensive these days , spend the extra $700 or $1,000 … you’ll have have a much more enjoyable ownership experience and peace of mind knowing that YOU are the one who took care of it and maintain it , you still get your warranty with purchase . But seriously, even if you decide you don’t like the bike for whatever reason, you’re not going to lose money or have a problem selling it . That used XT 250 will need new tires , brake pads , and who knows what else . It had some scratches on the plastic ( maybe dropped it a couple times) that bike is almost 7 years old and it’s listed for only $700 less than a new one !? Buy new ! The good ol days of buying a cheap used motorcycle are over ( unless you happen to stumble across a super good deal , I mean it’s possible, but highly unlikely in today’s market)
Good video. My XT250 is a 2019 model - not much dirt riding in South London, but it will get some next year. I doubt we will see a 500 again, but an all electric version should be out soon...
Great video. I'd suggest putting some guards on your handle bars. I found Yamaha's levers tend to break very easily if you happen to lay the bike down.
I used to have a 1984 Honda XL 600 and my buddy had a Yamaha XT 550. He could pass me and pull away all the time! He said the XT was Xtra tough and the XL was Xtra limp!
I got the same bike same color 2022. I haven’t been good to her with the bashing on rough back trails but she’s been o so good to me even when I throw her to the ground she gets me back to the truck.
The Yamaha xt and Yamaha Tricker are the same bike . The Tricker is a trials bike in Japan has same frame same motor. The plastics are different just look it up a you'll find the same bike when you start comparing.
Yes it would be fine. I'm 5'7" and with motorcycle boots I can almost flat-foot it now that it's broken in so the suspension has sagged a bit. Really depends on you inseam measurement; mine in 32".
@@Zx14rRider67 thank you for the the info, I'm going to go ahead and go to the dealer and check it out. It's a little far and I didn't want to waste my time going if it was definately not going to work
@@dojo3175 You bet, I went to two dealers and both added all these COVID fees so what started at $5199 turned into a $7600 sticker shock, they apologized, so going with a used one so I can fall a lot in the dirt and not ruin that beautiful machine!
What a funny quirky video! From the WWII era Japanese flag, for some reason 🤷🏼♂️, to pointing out the breather when you say it has fuel injection. And then walking up to the bike in full gear, putting on gloves, to starting the bike with no gear on. Then walking up to the bike again in full gear putting on gloves, then the rider's perspective showing no gloves or jacket apparently, to the headshot showing full gear, back to no gloves and jacket, then another headshot with the helmet not strapped, then no gloves and jacket again...😄😆
Well done! I'm a 76 year old Vietnam Air Force veteran and found my DR650 to be to heavy and tall as I aged, I think that the Xt 250 will suit my needs riding in the Western Pennsylvania mountains!
I bought a 1985 Yamaha XT225 Serow back in '97. I loved that bike once I got the hang of it. I've always been more into dual purpose bikes but I've owned nothing but street bikes before that. To this day, if I could have one of my old bikes back, I would take that Serow hands down.
thank you for putting us in the saddle and allowing us to ride this bike on the trails again.Its been so long. This was best video so far
Your story is my story! Picking up an xt250 so I can regress to 14 again. Rock on brother!!
Nice video David I really enjoyed I'm 58 and I want an xt 250 thanks
Great content, commentary, and editing. I really enjoyed the intro and the boxing announcer/rising sun bit.
Helluva bike. I've liked them for many years. Bullet proof. Great choice, David.
Great video David. Thanks for the info. and entertainment. Im 48 and an ex racer but still considering this model as just pure riding enjoyment.
Great camera work and art! I like your slow pace of talking. At 4:00, that pipe you point out is not part of the fuel injection, rather the air injection pipe for emissions control! I have a 2019 model. For really hard trails, it's a bit heavy at 291 lb wet, but other than that, I love it. It's a versatile dual sport.
I also have a 2019 and yes, it's porky at 291 and there isn't too much you can do about it. By the time you strip it of passengers pegs and other non essential stuff, you put it right back on with a skid plate and hand guards. At 250 lbs or below this would be a much better bike right off the showroom floor. More perceived power, and better suspension simply because of the weight loss and the ability of the suspension to handle it. I've found that a $ 20 14 tooth front sprocket makes 2, 3, 4th much more usable in the dirt. Geared down that one tooth it will go almost anywhere and you can do it in second or third gear.. Still ok on the street, just stay off Interstates. Problem is some guys ( I'm looking in the mirror ) try to keep up with the five figure bikes over the toughest Enduro type terrain imaginable and then think the bike should keep up... It's 19 hp when the other guys have double and sometimes triple that amount. But that advantage disappears when you get in the tight stuff... and everyone thinks you're lying when you're at the top of a hillclimb that they balk at.. and you share that it's 19 hp at the end of the day..
thx for the info and I strongly agree about its ability on hard trails
David, I think we have a lot in common besides our first name! I am about your age and I am an Air Force veteran. I haven't rode a motorcycle since 1990, but I am itching to get back on one. Do you think I am too old?
Word to the wise- Do up your helmet
From a `73 yr. old XT250 Dude, I enjoyed every single bit of your bullshit.
Nice riding territory ! Love it 😍 I just ordered a 2022 XT250 from my dealer, should get it in March.
How are the foot pegs on this ? I’m already thinking about the mods/upgrades that it will need . Bark busters , wider foot pegs , skid plate , FMF exhaust, tail tidy and certainly better tires than those death wings !
Except for the FMF and the Trail Wings you're right on the money. If you're mainly on tough loose dirt and mud yes, change the tires. If it's a nice mix of road/trail give them a try. They do suck in deep mud and the front tire wants to wash around a fast corner if you're pushing it. If you ride normal they perform like a dual sport tire which is what it is.. Unless you like noise, the FMF will look cool and save a few lbs of weight but will give you nothing else.. if you get the FMF make sure it has a spark arrestor for certain trails. I've never seen a dyno test that proves the exhaust does anything because of the way the FI system is set up.. you'd have to do more than that ( power commandeer and air intake ) for it to work properly. You'd probably have $ 500 in both, that's a guess on my part , suffice to say neither is cheap and that's if they still make the power commander. For a $ 20 dollar bill you can get a 14 tooth front sprocket which will do more for your riding pleasure than the mods you mentioned. Compared to stock , you'll be smiling ear to ear when you climb steep dirt hills with ease and no, it won't slow your top speed on the street appreciatively, in fact, up a slight incline you may notice an increase in your speed. Good luck with it.. This is based on 2 years of ownership and a lifetime of dirt riding experience starting with a 125 Harley Hummer to a full blown CZ 400 motocross bike and many in between.
@@ngzcaz I really appreciate your input ! It’s better to hear from someone like you who has the real experience instead of just listening to someone who only makes suggestions based on their opinions. No ..I’m not a noise junky ( just looking at any possibilities to reduce weight and improve performance) but I think there is an insert that comes with the FMF that keeps the noise db to an acceptable level without affecting its said performance gains and also acts as a spark arrestor as well , and I believe you’re right , from what I’ve read , the Power Commander is no longer in production. As far as the air intake, I wouldn’t do much else other than a standard K&N washable type air filter. I think dropping the drive sprocket one tooth is a brilliant way to go to get the most gain for a little performance, especially since the majority of my riding is on old country roads and two track logging roads , I would rarely even ride on pavement, and the speed limit where I am doesn’t even exceed 55 mph on these small rural highways.
The other thing I am sure of is the seat will eventually get an upgrade ( every bike I’ve owned is hard like a brick ) and I had a Seat Concepts on my last bike that I really loved ( well except for the price , I didn’t love that part lol 😂 ) but it will definitely keep you out riding longer with the added comfort it provides. I don’t want to spend a whole lot of money , the bike is near perfect as it was intended to be , so there’s no need to try and make it something that isn’t supposed to be , I just like to tinker and give it attention, it’s all just part of the pride of ownership. Love the little Serow !
Thanks for sharing your input, and I look forward to future videos from you ( I’ll have to post one when mine comes in ) Safe riding !
2022 is a damn fine looking bike congrats!
@@Zx14rRider67 thanks ! I’m anxiously waiting for delivery.
@@NorthwoodsNomad I went to look at a 2022 at a dealer, with all the COVID fees and taxes total price ended up being $7600 from $5199. Went 10 miles away to another dealer and it was the same price. Hard to find a used one, but I did, picking it up in 4 more days, these bikes just seem to last!
Been going back and forth between this and the KLX300. Price and availability (used and new) aside, it's been hard to know which to go with. Leaning toward the KLX, but would be hard to pass up a good deal on a used XT if it popped up.
I was looking at the KLX too ( I ordered the XT250 , it suits my riding style perfectly)
I also looked at the CRF300L , but I actually like the Kawasaki better ! The adjustable suspension in itself won me over in that department , and that digital camo looks great with the black rims . You can’t go wrong with any of these bikes , I just like the simplicity and low maintenance and dependability of the air cooled / fuel injected Yamaha XT250 ( and most importantly , the low seat height was the determining factor for my purchase)
As far as new vs used .. I’d just go new , I just saw a 2015 XT 250 with 7,000 miles on it that is listed for $4,500 … that’s INSANE ! Used bikes are expensive these days , spend the extra $700 or $1,000 … you’ll have have a much more enjoyable ownership experience and peace of mind knowing that YOU are the one who took care of it and maintain it , you still get your warranty with purchase . But seriously, even if you decide you don’t like the bike for whatever reason, you’re not going to lose money or have a problem selling it .
That used XT 250 will need new tires , brake pads , and who knows what else . It had some scratches on the plastic ( maybe dropped it a couple times) that bike is almost 7 years old and it’s listed for only $700 less than a new one !? Buy new ! The good ol days of buying a cheap used motorcycle are over ( unless you happen to stumble across a super good deal , I mean it’s possible, but highly unlikely in today’s market)
I have a very nice 08' that I will let go for 4k
Good video. My XT250 is a 2019 model - not much dirt riding in South London, but it will get some next year. I doubt we will see a 500 again, but an all electric version should be out soon...
31” set high. For real.excellent video editing.
What area is this? Looks so familiar for some reason.
Great video. I'd suggest putting some guards on your handle bars. I found Yamaha's levers tend to break very easily if you happen to lay the bike down.
Great video. I was worried you didn’t have gloves on and a full helmet. That looks like Eastern Washington.
I used to have a 1984 Honda XL 600 and my buddy had a Yamaha XT 550. He could pass me and pull away all the time! He said the XT was Xtra tough and the XL was Xtra limp!
I got the same bike same color 2022. I haven’t been good to her with the bashing on rough back trails but she’s been o so good to me even when I throw her to the ground she gets me back to the truck.
Thanks Buddy!!!
The Yamaha xt and Yamaha Tricker are the same bike . The Tricker is a trials bike in Japan has same frame same motor. The plastics are different just look it up a you'll find the same bike when you start comparing.
Good...
I really want one but can anybody tell me if somebody 5'10 would be comfortable riding it? It would be my first bike
I’m picking one up used from a guy who is 6ft 230 lbs and he has had it for 8 years, commuting on roads, trails if that helps.
Yes it would be fine. I'm 5'7" and with motorcycle boots I can almost flat-foot it now that it's broken in so the suspension has sagged a bit. Really depends on you inseam measurement; mine in 32".
@@Zx14rRider67 thank you for the the info, I'm going to go ahead and go to the dealer and check it out. It's a little far and I didn't want to waste my time going if it was definately not going to work
@@namdarbolour9890 thank you for answering. I'll measure my inseam
@@dojo3175 You bet, I went to two dealers and both added all these COVID fees so what started at $5199 turned into a $7600 sticker shock, they apologized, so going with a used one so I can fall a lot in the dirt and not ruin that beautiful machine!
What a funny quirky video! From the WWII era Japanese flag, for some reason 🤷🏼♂️, to pointing out the breather when you say it has fuel injection. And then walking up to the bike in full gear, putting on gloves, to starting the bike with no gear on. Then walking up to the bike again in full gear putting on gloves, then the rider's perspective showing no gloves or jacket apparently, to the headshot showing full gear, back to no gloves and jacket, then another headshot with the helmet not strapped, then no gloves and jacket again...😄😆
Why no gloves
Funny, he was in full gear when he got on the bike.
I enjoyed this. domo arigato
You own a lawnmower??!
THIS OL FART SHEEEEEEEEEEEEES
Go for Wheelies, Well, One is alright 👍
Great bike and video, but do me a favor, get a proper helmet and fasten the chinstrap, 👏🇳🇱 NL Transalp with many mods.
Like you, never ever buckle your helmet, who needs a sked lid anyway?