Bought my first bike, an XT250, a few days ago. Found your channel today and am loving it. I hop to use my 250 as much and as well as you use yours. Keep up the great work.
Congratulations! I think it's a great choice! Just take your time with it if you never rode offroad before and definitely consider doing offroad exercises to improve your skills. It's the 2nd season for me riding it - and as my skills improve I enjoy it even more. And I am not even close to its limits. Here's my recent adventure close to home - last year this would not be possible for me. ua-cam.com/video/k_bIiqIOZBI/v-deo.html Ride safely and enjoy your XT250! If you like the trails where I ride - you'll absolutely love XT I think.
I have been riding for over 50 years, In my early 70's now and still riding, I have road many streat machines from sport to cruisers, all are enjoyable. I have also grew up riding dirt bikes. I can not argue with you the XT250 is a good all around bike and a super off road bike. I bought one last fall a 2024 Yamaha XT250 and I was suprised how much pep it has, ease of operation, very light and so far reliable. Good video.
Thank you! It's not my only bike right now, but it's my favorite one for sure. I also rode it on a group ride on paved roads for 8 hours non-stop - it was actually good. Unexpectedly good - I thought I would be broken down, but I wasn't! Also great that you keep riding in 70's - ride safely!
I'm 5'10' 240 and 62yrs old, I find the T7 the sweet spot, suspension mod, ECF mapping, run the streets never stuck in traffic, Backroads in the Midwest, and state parks are great, I don't ride through the crops, I follow the farm equipment entrances and exits, Aug., Sept., you gotta watch out for the deer.
I am lured toward T7 - I love that bike! It's just every time I come close to making a decision to buy it, it's kind of hard to justify it for my type of riding - there are a few places where I absolutely love to ride and I know I am not strong or skilled enough to take a Tenere there... Still it's one of the bikes on my wish list! Thank you for watching - ride safely!
I bought my XT last May. I’m a novice off tarmac, but this little bike looks after me. What surprised me was just how spectacularly good it was on road despite its diminutive size and power. It’s actually relatively comfortable, smooth and peppy. It handles really well even with soft, long travel suspension. It starts first time, every time and gets 90 mpg. It has far surpassed every expectation I had and then some. Perfect bike for a beginner, an off road novice, or just someone who wants an easy bike to live with day to day. It’s the pocket knife of motorcycles, not the biggest, not the fastest, but the most often used.
This is exactly it! I downsized to it last year and it surpassed my expectations as well. It can do it all, really a 'pocket knife of motorcycles'. Something I did not expect is how good it can handle highways for a 250cc bike. If you stay at about 100kmh - it can comfortably go the whole day. I wish I could feature some of these comments somehow - they are from real riders and they add so much to the discussion. Thank you for the comment!
I'm glad you liked the video! XT250 is my favorite bike: I rode many in my life and I now have several motorcycles, but if I had to keep only one - it would be XT250. It does everything! I hope you buy it at some point - it's a blast to ride. Thank you for the comment!
I had a 1976 Yamaha yz250 2 stroke back in the 90's. It was among the most fun I've ever had. It would go any direction I pointed it, no matter what it had to ride over to get there. All the reviews I hear on the the xt250 bring back those memories.
I think that's pretty much the description of XT250 - I think it can go anywhere a motorcycle can go. Slower in some places, but it will go. Thank you for the comment!
Thank you! And agree on Yamaha - I would love to see a new Yamaha Tenere 400 for example... something to compete with Honda CRF300 Rally. I would still keep XT250 for the worst of the roads, but would love to have a Tenere 400/ XT400 as a 3rd bike.
I'm a spreadsheet nerd who compares bikes as a hobby always looking for the unicorn. The XT often wins my comparisons. Other plusses are larger fuel tank than the competition, screw adjustable valves, snail adjusters for chain, folding pedals, air cooled for less to go wrong, a place to carry luggage with solid tie downs onto grab bars and one more the CRF and KLX300 don't have is that sticker. The one that reads MADE IN JAPAN. One bike I would like to see an XT comparison with is the KLX230S. In some ways it is lacking to the XT but it does have some advantages over the XT.
All great points! And yes, that MADE IN JAPAN sticker is cool and nowadays rare! And I would love to see a comparison XT250 vs. KLX230S. From real usability point of view they are so close! Thank you for the comment!
Welcome to the channel! I never thought about comparing these two bikes until that group ride. Thank you for the comment - I'm glad you liked the video.
I don’t think it was ever sold in the US, but in Japan I had a Suzuki Djebel 250. It was basically a DR with a 17 litre tank, rear rack and headlight guard, and oil cooled. That was also a great go anywhere bike and I really did, right into the mountains of Japan. It had amazing fuel economy and I could get about 450km on a full tank. I’ll probably move back to Japan one day and the Serow, as the XT is called over there, will be high on my list.
Thank you for watching and the comment. I heard of Djebel trim - nice! Riding a motorcycle in Japan is a dream! I plan to move to Japan in a few years if things go as planned - maybe will buy a Serow or some other small bike and go on a food tasting trip around the whole country. If they still sell Serow - that would be a fun bike to have there...
@@SquareHelmet I lived in Japan for 3 years. One of the best driving countries with good roads and many signs in English. Only New Zealand tops it for road quality.
I've been riding 41 years. I've had my 2022 XT250 for a few months now and I think it is the best all-around bike I have ever owned. I am on stock tires and suspension, and it is crazy how easily I go from road to gravel to no-man's land and back to road again! PS. I am no MX guy. Most my previous riding was all street.
I switched from street riding as well. XT250 is unstoppable - I never felt this level of the 'freedom to go anywhere'. I also became a MUCH better rider while learning how to ride offroad. Thank you for the comment! Ride safely and enjoy your XT250!
I have one of these Yamaha XT and also a Honda CRF 300 Rally. They are both good bikes, but the Yamaha XT is so much better for trail riding on the worst trails hands down. The CRF 300 Rally is a little better for dirt roads and the highway, but the XT will keep up for the most part with a little less pulling power on hills and a less comfortable seat. I just wish they would make a 450 with all the things that the XT has, low seat height, 11 inches of ground clearance, good fuel milage and light weight. The only thing about these light bikes is that about 65 MPH they become a bit unstable as to the light weight.
Great summary about the two bikes! Without the need to go on the worst tails - CRF 300 Rally is better: better wind protection, more power, a bit more weight (better stability at higher speeds) and a higher seat height will be less of an issue. For the worst of the trails - Yamaha rules. I actually added a windshield to it - it became SO MUCH better at higher speeds. But still - it's very light - so highways is not the best place for it.
I've owned a lot of bikes in 50 years of riding. Four BMWs, and two got badges for going over 100K miles. Clocked over 600K miles on all the street bikes and I don't know how many miles on the dirt bikes. Covered all but two US states and all but 3 provinces/territories including an R100S ride from Los Angeles to Inuvik above the Arctic Circle. I even had the XT250's grandfather, a late 70's XT500. I sold my R1100R 5 years ago and gave up riding. Or so I thought. I got the itch again and decided a small dual sport bike would be just the ticket. All my research points to one bike for what I want. Some off road, milder than my younger years. Some street, maybe 3-500 miles. The XT250 came out the clear best choice for me. And I just found your channel with all the proof that it is the bike for my intended use. This video captures the important details, but also the emotions involved in making the decision. Now I just have to find one...they aren't easy to find right now. Will probably have to wait for the 2025 model year to come out.
Wow, what a great riding experience - the stories of those travels would probably support a few travel books! Traveling above the Arctic Circle is one of my dreams - I hope I'll find the time and courage to venture that far up North. Tuktoyaktuk is one place I would love to visit. As for XT250 - I meant every single word I used to describe it. Simple, reliable, fun bike. I call it an "honest" bike, as it does not try to look like something that it's not. One thing it will do - it will take you anywhere you point it and back. I love it! I hope you find one and I hope you continue your adventures! Thank you for your great comment! As for me, I hope one day I would be able to experience a similarly impressive travels.
So true! Also, quick-shifting (rev matching to be able to shift without clutch or no clutch) - this makes a bike so much faster! It's like adding horsepower to it. If I quickshift - I can easily hang with more powerful bikes.
Thank you! I state the criteria how I look at motorcycles (ability to go Any Road. Any Time. Anywhere) and pick the winner! Based on some other criteria, a different bike may win. In this case, though, XT250 is a clear winner. Thank you for watching and for the comment!
Proud xt250 owner here. It's nuts what you can put this bike through. You can commute on the freeway everyday then hit the mountain on the weekends. I take her effortlessly down the worst roads Mexico has to offer. 2 foot deep mud puddle put your feet out and steer straight through the middle, fuggit! The road ran out but there's a trail.dow the canyon, fuggit let's go! The spring rains swole up the river over the road, fuggit (if it ain't to deep hit fast and have a blast). Unstoppable.
That's exactly my experience with XT250 too! I had no experience in offroad riding, and from day one I could take it anywhere I wanted to go. Or should I say "XT250 could take me anywhere I wanted to go"? I love the sense of discovery and exploration and often this is very spontaneous: I just ride somewhere, see a gnarly trail going into forest - and I just can't resist it. Yamaha XT250 took me to so many scary-difficult by amazing places! I love it. Thank you for watching and for the comment!
I didn’t read through all the comments, but you mentioned the windshield you used would be in your links. Would you please advise where you got it? Please don’t say the U.S.Shipping and border fees easily double the price.
Glad you found it! In case someone else may come here I'll post the link to this video. The windshield made a big positive difference for highway riding, without adding any inconveniences for the offroad riding. This last part is important. I had to get rid of some accessories because they were limiting the bike's abilities offroad (for example, I really loved Giant Loop Fandango tank back - the size was perfect until I went for my usual rough forest trails, where it was in the way for stand-up riding). The windshield I use is great! Ride safely and thank you for the comment!
Ive thought the same thing for a long time about my XT250. Its the Swiss Army Knife of motorcycles! How many bikes honestly can I literally ride to the top of a mountain via singletrack in the morning but in the afternoon hop on a local highway and go grab a loaf of bread as well? I also dont think you can minimize the fact that the bike is air cooled. No radiators to bend, break or crack in the middle of nowhere....leaving you stranded.
I feel I can just replace my entire video with your post - and it will pretty much say everything I wanted to say! Great comment! By the way, also great point on air cooled: a simpler setup has fewer things to break. I should have mentioned it. Two direct competitors CRF300 and KLX300 (both great bikes) are liquid cooled. Theoretically all else being equal this makes them less reliable. Thank you for the insightful comment!
Very measured comments. I had a bmw r700 gs..lowish hight with mitas semi off rd tyres..brilliant bike..but the more off roading you do the more difficult terrain you like to tackle. It was just too heavy for some areas. I dropped it once after i actually got through a wide-ish river here in the centre of the south island of New Zealand, its poisition was on its left side actually facing down slightly from a bank. I had to get my friend to help lift it..the radiator was moved a little on its lugs. It was a reminder of limitations, which a lighter smallr bike would not have had difficulty with. Great on gravel and aversge conditions otherwise.
I agree. For every road and every type of riding, there is a bike that fits well. It's just for offroad and trial riding, a lighter bike is always better. Next critical element - seat height. It's even more important than ground clearance. Talking about weight: Yamaha XT250 is pretty light (132 kg), and still I've had situations where it was too heavy (when it stuck in a swamp and when I had to reposition it on a super steep rocky hill, and it finally fell down similar to yours - the gas tank pointing downhill). I can't imagine what I would do if I had a bigger bike. Especially since I ride alone. I probably would not have gone there, and miss on such a beautiful ride. Thank you for the comment! My dream is to travel to New Zealand to ride motorcycle there!
I have the 2012 XT250. Year before fuel injected model. If I rode winter, or rode different altitudes. I would recommend injection. If my bike wasn't rode in a couple of weeks. And, it is cold outside. It becomes hard to start. Otherwise, there is nothing to break. No fuel pump, no radiator, no fans. Not sure. But, it might push start easier then the injected bikes. Disconnected the clutch switch, and kickstand switch. It is so reliable, and incredible gas mileage. Makes it hard to beat.
Yes, pretty simple and reliable bike! I think carbureted may be a bit more reliable. Overall, I prefer injection. But I think carbureted XT250 are great too - they have the 6th gear and lighter. Great bike!
Used to take my XT250 all over the Ouareau forest on the other side of the Government bridge. Lake du Pin Rouge and Paul were my favorite spots. Mine was the 1982 fitted with Cheng Shin tires. Been comparing dual sports lately and compared the old and new XT on paper. Turns out the current xt make a little less power in a 22 pound heavier package. You seem to do the same king of riding as I used to and yes, I've dragged my bike out of messes too. Now, other factors play a role too; center of mass, power delivery, reliability. The 1982 could climb anything in first gear but could climb nothing serious in second. Bikes have generally gotten fatter since the '80s. I'd be really interested in a comparison between these two if there is still an '82 out there.
Wow, I think I am now riding those same spots! I love the area! You are spot on about the bikes - in Dual Sport it looks like newer doesn't always mean better. Even the more recent example - XT225 vs XT250. XT225 is lighter while still great on highway (with 6th speed). I would love to try XT from 80's! Just taking it on exactly the same roads to see how it handles them. I mean, it's hard to go wrong with more power and less weight. If you have any other places around Ouareau Forest that you would recommend - please let me know! I'll be happy to check them out and maybe post a video on how they look now. Thank you for the comment!
Love your comment that a car is more comfortable than any motorcycle. I took it to heart and have a small utility trailer so my xt can do the long paved miles in comfort!
I am 64 years old. Have a 2010 xt 250, bought it new. It already has 18500 km on the clock. No problems at all. I enjoy long gravel roads with my light xt 250!
There is something about smaller bikes that big bikes just can't give you. Like it's ability to step back from the view and leave you alone with the nature. When I ride a small bike - I don't feel like I'm navigating a machine. I feel like hiking. Stay safe and enjoy your XT250! Thank you for the comment
Here in Europe this bike not available. Unfortunately there is almost nothing between 125ccm and 500ccm in DS/Adventure Category. But even the smaller adventure bikes are way too heavy. But surprisingly as I saw the data, being 250ccm instead of 125ccm didn't give significantly enough more power and definitely not better acceleration. (about +3-4 hp) The closest thing we got here for being a leightweight, go anywhere bike is the Fantic Caballero Rally. With the 125ccm engine it can make more than 350 miles per tank
I love the look of Fantic Caballero Rally! If it were sold in Canada - it would by high on my list. Though it's heavier than XT250 and has much higher seat height - still, it could work - I love its scrambler look! In my opinion, if both engines (250cc and 125cc) make similar horsepower - then the 250 cc would be less stressed and, as a result, more reliable. But the real drawback, at least here in Canada, is that 125cc are illegal on highways. And going on highways is important for me, otherwise the whole 'Any Road. Any Time. Anywhere' can't be possible. I wish they offered Yamaha Tenere 400 with as low weight and seat height as possible. That would be like XT250 that can cover more distance easier. Thank you for watching and for the comment!
@@SquareHelmet The Caballero's 125ccm engine also Yamaha as it is made by Minarelli (actually on Minarelli's website it has a Yamaha logo on it) Although as being Italian I would more worry about the electric wiring in case of reliability😅 But seriously. If the 250xt engine would be updated for the technical level of the present, which means more power/torque less fuel consumption it would be the perfect bike. Takeover cars with the 125 especially when its geared up for travel simply s#cks. So that's why I was looking for a leightweight 4 stroke 2-300ccm bike. Here in Europe its illegal to use the highways with every types of bikes. Although as distances are much smaller, and settlements are more even its not a big issue. You can still go for country roads where 70km the speed limit or main roads where 90-110km. Other problem is that in most places its illegal to use motorcycles offroad, in many places even bycicles.
DR is a great bike. I'm actually surprised how light it is for its size! It's a bit tall for me for technical terrain, but for adventure riding it seems great. I have to find one for a test ride. Thank you for the comment!
I have a CRF250l and a BMW R1250GSA, they're both great for entirely different reasons. On a trail, 250l all day, cross country while still having the ability to explore a little bit, GSA. Opposite ends of the spectrum for sure...
Yes! I would love to have both too. If I can only keep one bike - it would be a small dual sport, like XT250 or CRF300 or KLX or DR (though I'm not too fond of carburetors). But if tomorrow I have to go from Montreal to Alaska or all the way to Mexico - and I can pick any bike for that adventure without worrying about cost - I would pick a GS. I mean, it's made for that! For any specific use there is the best bike, and long term travel in the ultimate comfort - GS is pretty much up there with the top bikes (still, XT250 can absolutely do those trips, even with luggage. But not as fat or comfortable as GS of course). Still, me personally - I have a better connection with smaller bikes. I feel like the bike disappears - and it's just me moving through time and space, enjoying the nature and the views. On a big bike I feel like I navigate a machine - like driving a car. On a small bike - it's just me. I rode GS in the past and then I rode a tiny Honda Trail 125 along the ocean from Odawara to Manazuru in Japan... It wasn't even a rough terrain - it was a fast paved road. And, man, I had SO much more fun riding it - it just felt better than any big bike before that (1L+ bikes). Any GS or pretty much any bike would easily kick my ass and leave me in the dust - but I just did not care. I was flying through the mountains, enjoying stunning ocean views and I wanted that journey to never end. Anyway, with CRF and 1250GSA - you are in a lucky place, man. With those two bikes you can cover every possible road. Thank you for the comment!
@@SquareHelmet Yeah, small bikes rule! I'm waiting to see if KTM does that 390 Adventure in more of an Enduro model like the spy photos suggest. 45hp, some electronics and FI on a sub 335lbs Dual Sport - type bike would be perfect.
Thank you! I'm glad you like it. I am in a great position where I can just share my experience without worrying about sponsors or offending any manufacturers. Freedom! I'll be posting more. Thank you for the comment!
I am now a subscriber and love your video content! Thank you. I have been wanting to get this specific Yamaha for the same reasons you have outlined, however I would love your comment or advice please. I currently own a 2013 BMW 1200 GS, 2023 BMW 750 GS and a beautiful 2023 red Honda Trail 125. I love them all but which one would you personally trade in order to get the Yamaha 250XT?
Wow, you have a great motorcycle collection! In my opinion, one of the BMWs will have to go. There is a big ideological overlap between Trail 125 and XT250, but I just can't recommend getting rid of Trail 125. That's the bike I want to add to my garage as well, regardless of what bikes I own. I love it, whether it's rational or not. So, get rid of one of the BMWs and you will have a perfect setup: 1. BMW for any longer rides or when you need to carry luggage/passenger 2. Honda Trail 125 for easy strolls and 'motohiking' 3. And Yamaha for everything. Personally, I use it the most. Also, it's even way better on paved roads that most people think. I'll post a video on this a bit later. Which BMW to get rid of? Probably the larger one. There is nothing that 1200 can do that a 750 can't, but 750 is a bit lighter and newer. I hope this helps! Thank you for subscribing!
Great video. I almost agree except I’m on the better yet XT225. Simple carb over fuel injection and 13 lbs lighter. Three years ago I got my xt225 after finding a KLR 650 too much weight on trails for a beginner. Sold the KLR and replaced with BMW F650GS. Lighter than the KLR but terrible ground clearance. Figured I’d sell the xt225 after getting more confidence on F650GS. Ended up selling the BMW and the xt225 is becoming my main bike. Just need a windshield to better tolerate the highway.
You are right, man! Based on what I expect from my main motorcycle (ability to go on Any Road. Any Time. Anywhere) - XT225 is better than XT250! It also has high ground clearance and low seat, but it's also lighter and more reliable (I do think carburetor is more reliable all else being equal). These two bikes are super close though. I did not buy it mostly because it's discontinued (I wanted a new bike)... And for me personally, injection would be a bit of a plus from the usability point of view. But yes, XT225 is great!
Well said, now many are just paid review for expensive stuff and lure people to buy a bike that they can't buy spare parts to backup. Wish there are more content liie this.
Thank you for this! Manufacturers make a lot of money on the expensive bikes and gear, so they "sponsor" (bribe?) youtubers to review their expensive items more... and we end up with a ton of reviews for ultra expensive BMWs, KTMs, etc. Imagine a guy who is reviewed cheaper, low-capacity, used bikes and showing how much fun on two wheels is possible even on a tiniest of the bikes. Would BMW "sponsor" that channel? Nah. Anyway, I am in a great position to share how I really feel about a bike. I don't have "unti-big-bike" bias - I love them all, so if a bike is good - I'll say that it's good. From where I am (starting with massive expensive bikes) I really feel smaller bikes are neglected and under looked. But they are SO much fun! For me, way more fun than bigger bikes. In fact, after a certain displacement size it's hard to really justify a bigger bike. What extra does it give? More weight, higher price, higher maintenance cost, more fear of dropping it (so staying away from the fun places)... all for having a few more horsepower? Is it worth it? It's definitely worth it for the manufacturers and marketers to have more people pay more money for something they don't really need to enjoy freedom on two wheels! Thank you for the comment!
@@SquareHelmet YEAH, one thing I like about cost/effective is that you could make the most out of them (without worry of putting some scratchs on it, or expensive spare parts that took months to received upon order) and they are still easy to fix when it come to spare parts. That mean more true freedom on roadtrip.
DR650 is another bike I am seriously looking at. I really love simple, honest, low-tech, ultra-reliable bikes - they just make me feel more connected to them and the process of riding. The only thing that gives me a pause is that DR is very tall and carbureted (I had carburetor bikes in the past, I feel injection gives more precise crisper throttle control). Still, I plan to try it this summer - may be a good addition to my bikes. Thank you for the comment!
I ride different bikes, and when I switch back to XT250, it feels light like a mountain bike and super-strong. Like it's built to take the abuse of the hard offroad riding. Great bike! Ride safely and thank you for the comment!
'91 Africa Twin looks like a great bike! And as I said, every riding niche has motorcycles that are way better than XT250 at their main thing. Africa Twin can work well on most roads, but with about 440 lbs and 35" seat height it just a bit too heavy and tall for the roughest of the trails. I see it as the Adventure Motorcycle, in the same group as Yamaha T7. Actually, one of the motorcycles I plan to add this year (Yamaha T7 or Suzuki V-Strom 800DE). By the way, on my last adventure I got into a swamp (which I did not see at all) and got stuck so deep - I could barely pull 290 lbs Yamaha out. If the bike were any bigger/heavier - I'm not sure if I would get out.
@@SquareHelmet Thanks. I've seen that, but I have the RD04 750 version. The tanks were made by Boano in Italy (near Torino). I use the rear tank for water only. I live near Marocco.
For this purpose, I agree. For every niche of riding there is a purpose built bike that would be better than others. Take heavy load and add time constraint - and XT shouldn't be your first choice. Just like GS shouldn't be your first choice if you go on a race track. But if I have to pick only one bike for the rest of my life, my criteria is simple: it should be able to go on Any Road. Any Time. Anywhere. There is nothing here about speed or luggage. Just the ability to go - as for me this is the ultimate freedom and the reason I ride. From this criteria, XT250 beats GS1250 easily: it can go everywhere a GS can go, but GS can't go everywhere an XT can. Again, I don't talk about speed or comfort as GS is specifically built for speed and comfort. I don't have anything against GS or any other big bike. I am not just starting up with riding - I've been riding them for years, I love them - and I am looking to buy one this year... But it will be my 3rd or 4th bike. As the only do-it-all bike - I would still keep XT250... It can do it all.
@@SquareHelmet I do agree with you here. And if I were 30 years younger, I’d have bought the XT. But I’m not into trail riding much anymore. I used to have a Bull Taco 250 two stroke and that bike was stronger than anyone ever needed! Almost pulled my arms off! 🤣 Thanks for the video and I apologize if my previous comment might have sounded mean. I didn’t write it to be mean but after reading again, it kind of sounds that way. Keep the shiny side up!
@@Kornholeeoo thank you for the comments and clarification! Your comment was good - no problems there. Honestly, I really enjoy the discussions here - I feel like I'm talking to my riding buddies👍. When I started this channel - I didn't even expect this. I'm having so much fun hanging out in the comments section! As for the bikes, for longer hauls and more comfort, I'm thinking of adding a 3rd bike this year - Suzuki V-Strom 800DE. This would be my "big adventure" bike for comparisons (I wanted this to be a GS, but I wouldn't be able to force myself to take a $30K bike to rough trails). One thing I plan to do: I want to take it to the same exact roads I go on XT (progressively more difficult) to see how far I can take it... I hope it will help my highlight the differences in riding philosophies between a big and small bike. Again, thank you for watching and commenting! If ever in Montreal - send me a note, I'll show you a few amazing places to ride around here.
I get a lot of comments that some bike 'X' is better than XT250 at doing 'Y'. Yes, depending on your usage and needs there are bikes WAY better. Every riding niche may have a bike that is way better than XT250 for a particular rider. But think of it this way: there is a huge roulette with all the possible roads. For the next 10 years the roulette will be turning once a week and whatever road is selected - you will have to go on that road. Paved roads, dirt roads, ultra-hard single track, swamps, steep rocky climbs, extremely remote routes without any garage or mechanic available, etc. You will not be judged by how fast you can complete that route, but if you can complete it at all. Which motorcycle would you pick if you could pick only one and keep it for 10 years? Basically, my key point in the video is that for an average-sized (!) person with average motorcycle skills (!) - Yamaha XT250 is a great motorcycle. Light, ultra-reliable and the ratio of Ground Clearance to Seat Height is the best in class. If you know your hypothetical "roulette" will not have the hardest roads (the roads all the way to the right on my chart) - then there are much better bikes, where extra power become more important than weight/seat height/ground clearance. Ride safely and please share your thought - I LOVE this topic and the discussions below!
Yes, low weight + low seat height = that's what make a bike more agile and easier to handle in the roughest trails. Yamaha has both. I really love this bike!
DR200 is a great bike! I think it's super close to the XT250 (XT still has greater ground clearance I think and DR200 is carbureted, though it doesn't matter that much). They are discontinued in the US/Canada unfortunately. As for DR400 and DR650 - seat height is too high there. But for taller riders - all great bikes!
If they don't sell it, there are probably good alternatives in your area. Small, light dual sport bikes from Honda, Kawasaki or Suzuki would all work well! Thank you for watching and for the comment!
@@Antivir123 it's a great bike, but... depending on your size and skill level it may be too big. In my opinion. I am 178 cm and I first went offroad on a CRF 250l. It wasn't fun at all. I was a bit scared of the bike. I know if I bought it then, I would stay away from the most fun places and eventually determined that offroad riding was not for me and sold it. I am working on a video explaining that experience and the importance of picking the right bike for offroad beginner. Key: pick something smaller and lighter to start. Now I can easily handle any dual sport, even large bike like Tenere. But I started on XT250 and Suzuki VanVan. I hope this is helpful for you.
@@SquareHelmet thanks for the info . I have started also on vanvan (125) as my on road bike then I brought xt 600e (160 kg bike ) and after fifteen years with it while trying enduro bikes ( beta X trainer etc ) I get the impression dual sports are right bikes for me but I want an upgrade from 80's tech to a bit newer bike . As you wrote when you learn on a smaller bike you get to use to ride and then one can ride two cylinder bikes on trails. Personally it's ideal to have light dual sport and bigger *adventure* bike and choose the right bike for planned trips .
@@Antivir123 makes perfect sense! As for Tenere on trails - just because I can take it there, doesn't mean I'm going to have as much fun as on a light dual sport. You already have experience. I think CRF will work well for your purposes. Ride safely!
DR650 is a great bike for sure! Too tall and heavy for me for the hardest trails though... And I love going everywhere, so often I get into very gnarly places where lightest bike with lowest seat wins for me. I was looking at Honda CRF300 and KLX300, but I can take XT250 much further offroad, mostly because of low seat height and weight. But for a versatile adventure bike - DR650 is amazing, especially because it can take a load and still cover highway distances with ease. In my books, DR650 beats GS. Everywhere. Thank you for the comment!
Another great choice! Small, light, reliable and can go anywhere. The only downside is that the ground clearance is lower, but most of the time if you stay away from the roughest parts this does not matter that much. Seat height and weight are way more important. Thank you for the comment!
I would take Husqvarna/KTM 450 or 700 all day compared to this tiny Yamaha. Let's face it. 80% of any journey is paved roads. And Yamaha is just too weak and uncomfortable for that. Husky on the other hand, can do it all.
I love KTM and I LOVE Husqvarans. For 80% paved roads - for sure Yamaha XT250 is not the right choice. Moreover, if you stay away from the right-most section of the chart in the video - then weight, seat height, ground clearance and even reliability become less important. Just a nice-to-have. KTM/Husqvarnas tick the box for weight, ground clearance and LOTS of power. For most average-sized non-skilled people their seat height is a bit too high if you really go to extremely challenging terrain. If you don't go there - then no problem. Great bikes! I want to add a Husky FE350 to my garage - love that bike!
Lol. Good one! Honestly, they are great bikes, but just for a very narrow use case. Yes, they can handle light offroad, and NO they shouldn't be taken offroad. Even if you are really skilled. Why would anyone do it? There are so many better offroad options. BMW GSs are comfortable big tourers that make their riders look cool and off-roady. Almost like if you take a great minivan, add 4x drive and offroad styling... and shoot a few staged commercials how it goes through 'computer designed dirt'. People would never take them offroad, but they would be driving the minivans truly believing than "when time comes, I'll handle offroad easily".
DRZ400 is a great bike and in some scenarios it would eat XT250, but there are plenty scenarios where XT250 eats DRZ400. Imagine you have a guy who never rode offroad in his life. Let's take average height of 176cm to 180 cm. And this has has to go through some of the most challenging terrain possible: swamps, hard slow-speed technical single-track (like really hard one, not the one you see in 95% of youtube "offroad" videos), extra-steep rocky hills with major curves... Would you recommend that novice person a DRZ400 or an XT250? Again, the goal is not to go fast (for some reason, everybody always must go FAST offroad here on youtube). The goal is not to jump. Just to be able to complete that extremely challenging rout. If you do recommend DRZ400 - I would love to know your thoughts there. Last year I started to ride offroad for the first time, and I went to some horribly tough non-beginner places. For example, real swamp where the bike got stuck so deep - I could barely pull it out. Or rocky non-straight hill climb - it was like doing wheelie uphill - the front wheel was balancing above the surface almost the whole way. When I stopped, I could barely stand there - I was sliding down on fist-sized rocks. Super low Yamaha XT250 felt way too high and way too heavy there. But I could position sideways, restart and finish the climb! I tried DRZ - the power and suspension is there. But I just can't imagine going up that hill climb on anything higher than Yamaha. Maybe a trials bike would be ideal for that. I know I personally would not be able to ride a DRZ in all the places where I can ride XT250. Seat height matters more than power, suspension or even ground clearance there. DRZ is just too tall for the hardest slowest-speed trails. If I traded XT, I would downsize more to something even smaller and lighter. In my opinion. Let me know if you would recommend a DRZ to an average-sized offroad novice who needs to be able to handle the hardest technical trails. Thank you for the comment - it made me think. I love the discussions here
I have a 2023 Yamaha XT250. Your take on this bike is spot on. Greetings from Florida, USA.
got the same bike and year. Agreed spot on. Greetings from Utah, USA.
Bought my first bike, an XT250, a few days ago. Found your channel today and am loving it. I hop to use my 250 as much and as well as you use yours. Keep up the great work.
Congratulations! I think it's a great choice!
Just take your time with it if you never rode offroad before and definitely consider doing offroad exercises to improve your skills. It's the 2nd season for me riding it - and as my skills improve I enjoy it even more. And I am not even close to its limits. Here's my recent adventure close to home - last year this would not be possible for me. ua-cam.com/video/k_bIiqIOZBI/v-deo.html
Ride safely and enjoy your XT250! If you like the trails where I ride - you'll absolutely love XT I think.
I have been riding for over 50 years, In my early 70's now and still riding, I have road many streat machines from sport to cruisers, all are enjoyable. I have also grew up riding dirt bikes. I can not argue with you the XT250 is a good all around bike and a super off road bike. I bought one last fall a 2024 Yamaha XT250 and I was suprised how much pep it has, ease of operation, very light and so far reliable. Good video.
Thank you! It's not my only bike right now, but it's my favorite one for sure. I also rode it on a group ride on paved roads for 8 hours non-stop - it was actually good. Unexpectedly good - I thought I would be broken down, but I wasn't! Also great that you keep riding in 70's - ride safely!
I'm 5'10' 240 and 62yrs old, I find the T7 the sweet spot, suspension mod, ECF mapping, run the streets never stuck in traffic, Backroads in the Midwest, and state parks are great, I don't ride through the crops, I follow the farm equipment entrances and exits, Aug., Sept., you gotta watch out for the deer.
I am lured toward T7 - I love that bike! It's just every time I come close to making a decision to buy it, it's kind of hard to justify it for my type of riding - there are a few places where I absolutely love to ride and I know I am not strong or skilled enough to take a Tenere there... Still it's one of the bikes on my wish list!
Thank you for watching - ride safely!
I bought my XT last May. I’m a novice off tarmac, but this little bike looks after me. What surprised me was just how spectacularly good it was on road despite its diminutive size and power. It’s actually relatively comfortable, smooth and peppy. It handles really well even with soft, long travel suspension. It starts first time, every time and gets 90 mpg. It has far surpassed every expectation I had and then some. Perfect bike for a beginner, an off road novice, or just someone who wants an easy bike to live with day to day. It’s the pocket knife of motorcycles, not the biggest, not the fastest, but the most often used.
This is exactly it! I downsized to it last year and it surpassed my expectations as well. It can do it all, really a 'pocket knife of motorcycles'. Something I did not expect is how good it can handle highways for a 250cc bike. If you stay at about 100kmh - it can comfortably go the whole day.
I wish I could feature some of these comments somehow - they are from real riders and they add so much to the discussion. Thank you for the comment!
Thank you for your great video! I learned to ride on an XT250 and I’ve been wanting to purchase one since then.
I'm glad you liked the video!
XT250 is my favorite bike: I rode many in my life and I now have several motorcycles, but if I had to keep only one - it would be XT250. It does everything!
I hope you buy it at some point - it's a blast to ride.
Thank you for the comment!
I had a 1976 Yamaha yz250 2 stroke back in the 90's. It was among the most fun I've ever had. It would go any direction I pointed it, no matter what it had to ride over to get there. All the reviews I hear on the the xt250 bring back those memories.
I think that's pretty much the description of XT250 - I think it can go anywhere a motorcycle can go. Slower in some places, but it will go.
Thank you for the comment!
Well presented. I hope Yamaha takes the wonderful XT to the next level someday.
Thank you! And agree on Yamaha - I would love to see a new Yamaha Tenere 400 for example... something to compete with Honda CRF300 Rally. I would still keep XT250 for the worst of the roads, but would love to have a Tenere 400/ XT400 as a 3rd bike.
I'm a spreadsheet nerd who compares bikes as a hobby always looking for the unicorn. The XT often wins my comparisons. Other plusses are larger fuel tank than the competition, screw adjustable valves, snail adjusters for chain, folding pedals, air cooled for less to go wrong, a place to carry luggage with solid tie downs onto grab bars and one more the CRF and KLX300 don't have is that sticker. The one that reads MADE IN JAPAN. One bike I would like to see an XT comparison with is the KLX230S. In some ways it is lacking to the XT but it does have some advantages over the XT.
All great points! And yes, that MADE IN JAPAN sticker is cool and nowadays rare!
And I would love to see a comparison XT250 vs. KLX230S. From real usability point of view they are so close!
Thank you for the comment!
Have you seen the Kove 450?
You get a sub for such a clear unbiased comparison.
Thank you! I'm glad you liked it - and I hope your subscription works well and you like my other videos too!
Hey. New to your channel. I thought this was a really good, well reasoned argument in favour of the XT. Cheers.
Welcome to the channel!
I never thought about comparing these two bikes until that group ride.
Thank you for the comment - I'm glad you liked the video.
I don’t think it was ever sold in the US, but in Japan I had a Suzuki Djebel 250. It was basically a DR with a 17 litre tank, rear rack and headlight guard, and oil cooled. That was also a great go anywhere bike and I really did, right into the mountains of Japan. It had amazing fuel economy and I could get about 450km on a full tank. I’ll probably move back to Japan one day and the Serow, as the XT is called over there, will be high on my list.
Thank you for watching and the comment. I heard of Djebel trim - nice!
Riding a motorcycle in Japan is a dream! I plan to move to Japan in a few years if things go as planned - maybe will buy a Serow or some other small bike and go on a food tasting trip around the whole country. If they still sell Serow - that would be a fun bike to have there...
The Serow is underappreciated but a stalwart plodder.
@@SquareHelmet I lived in Japan for 3 years. One of the best driving countries with good roads and many signs in English. Only New Zealand tops it for road quality.
@@SquareHelmet Get a good roadbike for Japan. Off road not really a thing there.
@@SquareHelmet Eu acho que você é Português, diga?!
For some reason I thought this would just be a comedic video, not so! You've confirmed my XT250 is all I *need*
I've been riding 41 years. I've had my 2022 XT250 for a few months now and I think it is the best all-around bike I have ever owned. I am on stock tires and suspension, and it is crazy how easily I go from road to gravel to no-man's land and back to road again! PS. I am no MX guy. Most my previous riding was all street.
I switched from street riding as well. XT250 is unstoppable - I never felt this level of the 'freedom to go anywhere'. I also became a MUCH better rider while learning how to ride offroad.
Thank you for the comment! Ride safely and enjoy your XT250!
I have one of these Yamaha XT and also a Honda CRF 300 Rally. They are both good bikes, but the Yamaha XT is so much better for trail riding on the worst trails hands down. The CRF 300 Rally is a little better for dirt roads and the highway, but the XT will keep up for the most part with a little less pulling power on hills and a less comfortable seat. I just wish they would make a 450 with all the things that the XT has, low seat height, 11 inches of ground clearance, good fuel milage and light weight. The only thing about these light bikes is that about 65 MPH they become a bit unstable as to the light weight.
Great summary about the two bikes! Without the need to go on the worst tails - CRF 300 Rally is better: better wind protection, more power, a bit more weight (better stability at higher speeds) and a higher seat height will be less of an issue. For the worst of the trails - Yamaha rules. I actually added a windshield to it - it became SO MUCH better at higher speeds. But still - it's very light - so highways is not the best place for it.
I've owned a lot of bikes in 50 years of riding. Four BMWs, and two got badges for going over 100K miles. Clocked over 600K miles on all the street bikes and I don't know how many miles on the dirt bikes. Covered all but two US states and all but 3 provinces/territories including an R100S ride from Los Angeles to Inuvik above the Arctic Circle. I even had the XT250's grandfather, a late 70's XT500. I sold my R1100R 5 years ago and gave up riding. Or so I thought. I got the itch again and decided a small dual sport bike would be just the ticket. All my research points to one bike for what I want. Some off road, milder than my younger years. Some street, maybe 3-500 miles. The XT250 came out the clear best choice for me. And I just found your channel with all the proof that it is the bike for my intended use. This video captures the important details, but also the emotions involved in making the decision. Now I just have to find one...they aren't easy to find right now. Will probably have to wait for the 2025 model year to come out.
Wow, what a great riding experience - the stories of those travels would probably support a few travel books! Traveling above the Arctic Circle is one of my dreams - I hope I'll find the time and courage to venture that far up North. Tuktoyaktuk is one place I would love to visit.
As for XT250 - I meant every single word I used to describe it. Simple, reliable, fun bike. I call it an "honest" bike, as it does not try to look like something that it's not. One thing it will do - it will take you anywhere you point it and back. I love it!
I hope you find one and I hope you continue your adventures!
Thank you for your great comment!
As for me, I hope one day I would be able to experience a similarly impressive travels.
Very good analysis. Using your left ankle often by keeping the bike in the right gear is the only other thing you need once you have a light bike
So true! Also, quick-shifting (rev matching to be able to shift without clutch or no clutch) - this makes a bike so much faster! It's like adding horsepower to it. If I quickshift - I can easily hang with more powerful bikes.
I like the idea and method of presentation! It’s boring to watch comparison videos where in the end “it depends”.
Thank you! I state the criteria how I look at motorcycles (ability to go Any Road. Any Time. Anywhere) and pick the winner! Based on some other criteria, a different bike may win. In this case, though, XT250 is a clear winner.
Thank you for watching and for the comment!
Proud xt250 owner here. It's nuts what you can put this bike through. You can commute on the freeway everyday then hit the mountain on the weekends. I take her effortlessly down the worst roads Mexico has to offer. 2 foot deep mud puddle put your feet out and steer straight through the middle, fuggit! The road ran out but there's a trail.dow the canyon, fuggit let's go! The spring rains swole up the river over the road, fuggit (if it ain't to deep hit fast and have a blast). Unstoppable.
That's exactly my experience with XT250 too! I had no experience in offroad riding, and from day one I could take it anywhere I wanted to go. Or should I say "XT250 could take me anywhere I wanted to go"? I love the sense of discovery and exploration and often this is very spontaneous: I just ride somewhere, see a gnarly trail going into forest - and I just can't resist it. Yamaha XT250 took me to so many scary-difficult by amazing places! I love it.
Thank you for watching and for the comment!
I didn’t read through all the comments, but you mentioned the windshield you used would be in your links. Would you please advise where you got it? Please don’t say the U.S.Shipping and border fees easily double the price.
Oh, bugger. It was in your other videos. Sorry.
Glad you found it! In case someone else may come here I'll post the link to this video.
The windshield made a big positive difference for highway riding, without adding any inconveniences for the offroad riding. This last part is important. I had to get rid of some accessories because they were limiting the bike's abilities offroad (for example, I really loved Giant Loop Fandango tank back - the size was perfect until I went for my usual rough forest trails, where it was in the way for stand-up riding). The windshield I use is great!
Ride safely and thank you for the comment!
What most surprises me is the ground clearance of the XT. Hope Yamaha upgrade the forks and maybe put a 300c on it.
300cc and if they could keep the weight the same - that would be amazing for sure!
Ive thought the same thing for a long time about my XT250. Its the Swiss Army Knife of motorcycles! How many bikes honestly can I literally ride to the top of a mountain via singletrack in the morning but in the afternoon hop on a local highway and go grab a loaf of bread as well? I also dont think you can minimize the fact that the bike is air cooled. No radiators to bend, break or crack in the middle of nowhere....leaving you stranded.
I feel I can just replace my entire video with your post - and it will pretty much say everything I wanted to say! Great comment! By the way, also great point on air cooled: a simpler setup has fewer things to break. I should have mentioned it. Two direct competitors CRF300 and KLX300 (both great bikes) are liquid cooled. Theoretically all else being equal this makes them less reliable.
Thank you for the insightful comment!
What kind of tires are you running on the XT250?
Very measured comments.
I had a bmw r700 gs..lowish hight with mitas semi off rd tyres..brilliant bike..but the more off roading you do the more difficult terrain you like to tackle.
It was just too heavy for some areas.
I dropped it once after i actually got through a wide-ish river here in the centre of the south island of New Zealand, its poisition was on its left side actually facing down slightly from a bank.
I had to get my friend to help lift it..the radiator was moved a little on its lugs.
It was a reminder of limitations, which a lighter smallr bike would not have had difficulty with.
Great on gravel and aversge conditions otherwise.
I agree. For every road and every type of riding, there is a bike that fits well. It's just for offroad and trial riding, a lighter bike is always better. Next critical element - seat height. It's even more important than ground clearance.
Talking about weight: Yamaha XT250 is pretty light (132 kg), and still I've had situations where it was too heavy (when it stuck in a swamp and when I had to reposition it on a super steep rocky hill, and it finally fell down similar to yours - the gas tank pointing downhill). I can't imagine what I would do if I had a bigger bike. Especially since I ride alone. I probably would not have gone there, and miss on such a beautiful ride.
Thank you for the comment! My dream is to travel to New Zealand to ride motorcycle there!
I have the 2012 XT250. Year before fuel injected model. If I rode winter, or rode different altitudes. I would recommend injection. If my bike wasn't rode in a couple of weeks. And, it is cold outside. It becomes hard to start. Otherwise, there is nothing to break. No fuel pump, no radiator, no fans. Not sure. But, it might push start easier then the injected bikes. Disconnected the clutch switch, and kickstand switch. It is so reliable, and incredible gas mileage. Makes it hard to beat.
Yes, pretty simple and reliable bike! I think carbureted may be a bit more reliable. Overall, I prefer injection. But I think carbureted XT250 are great too - they have the 6th gear and lighter. Great bike!
@@SquareHelmet No sixth gear. I think the XT225 had a sixth gear. Haven't seen one in person yet.
@@bellyacre1 yes, you are right! I thought they switched from carbureted XT225 to injection XT250, but yes there was an XT250 with carburetor.
Great video. It would have been the perfect video If they want to show the price comparison of the cost of the motorcycles
Excellent point! You can buy several XT250s for the price of one GS.
Thank you for the comment!
Used to take my XT250 all over the Ouareau forest on the other side of the Government bridge. Lake du Pin Rouge and Paul were my favorite spots. Mine was the 1982 fitted with Cheng Shin tires. Been comparing dual sports lately and compared the old and new XT on paper. Turns out the current xt make a little less power in a 22 pound heavier package. You seem to do the same king of riding as I used to and yes, I've dragged my bike out of messes too. Now, other factors play a role too; center of mass, power delivery, reliability. The 1982 could climb anything in first gear but could climb nothing serious in second. Bikes have generally gotten fatter since the '80s. I'd be really interested in a comparison between these two if there is still an '82 out there.
Wow, I think I am now riding those same spots! I love the area!
You are spot on about the bikes - in Dual Sport it looks like newer doesn't always mean better. Even the more recent example - XT225 vs XT250. XT225 is lighter while still great on highway (with 6th speed). I would love to try XT from 80's! Just taking it on exactly the same roads to see how it handles them. I mean, it's hard to go wrong with more power and less weight.
If you have any other places around Ouareau Forest that you would recommend - please let me know! I'll be happy to check them out and maybe post a video on how they look now.
Thank you for the comment!
Love your comment that a car is more comfortable than any motorcycle. I took it to heart and have a small utility trailer so my xt can do the long paved miles in comfort!
Great option!
Great video and I agree. Well done.
I'm glad you liked it! Thank you for watching and for the comment!
I am 64 years old. Have a 2010 xt 250, bought it new. It already has 18500 km on the clock. No problems at all. I enjoy long gravel roads with my light xt 250!
There is something about smaller bikes that big bikes just can't give you. Like it's ability to step back from the view and leave you alone with the nature. When I ride a small bike - I don't feel like I'm navigating a machine. I feel like hiking.
Stay safe and enjoy your XT250! Thank you for the comment
Here in Europe this bike not available. Unfortunately there is almost nothing between 125ccm and 500ccm in DS/Adventure Category. But even the smaller adventure bikes are way too heavy. But surprisingly as I saw the data, being 250ccm instead of 125ccm didn't give significantly enough more power and definitely not better acceleration. (about +3-4 hp) The closest thing we got here for being a leightweight, go anywhere bike is the Fantic Caballero Rally. With the 125ccm engine it can make more than 350 miles per tank
I love the look of Fantic Caballero Rally! If it were sold in Canada - it would by high on my list. Though it's heavier than XT250 and has much higher seat height - still, it could work - I love its scrambler look!
In my opinion, if both engines (250cc and 125cc) make similar horsepower - then the 250 cc would be less stressed and, as a result, more reliable. But the real drawback, at least here in Canada, is that 125cc are illegal on highways. And going on highways is important for me, otherwise the whole 'Any Road. Any Time. Anywhere' can't be possible.
I wish they offered Yamaha Tenere 400 with as low weight and seat height as possible. That would be like XT250 that can cover more distance easier.
Thank you for watching and for the comment!
@@SquareHelmet The Caballero's 125ccm engine also Yamaha as it is made by Minarelli (actually on Minarelli's website it has a Yamaha logo on it) Although as being Italian I would more worry about the electric wiring in case of reliability😅 But seriously. If the 250xt engine would be updated for the technical level of the present, which means more power/torque less fuel consumption it would be the perfect bike. Takeover cars with the 125 especially when its geared up for travel simply s#cks. So that's why I was looking for a leightweight 4 stroke 2-300ccm bike.
Here in Europe its illegal to use the highways with every types of bikes. Although as distances are much smaller, and settlements are more even its not a big issue. You can still go for country roads where 70km the speed limit or main roads where 90-110km. Other problem is that in most places its illegal to use motorcycles offroad, in many places even bycicles.
Xt allday adventure dr350 is my choice
DR is a great bike. I'm actually surprised how light it is for its size! It's a bit tall for me for technical terrain, but for adventure riding it seems great. I have to find one for a test ride. Thank you for the comment!
I have a CRF250l and a BMW R1250GSA, they're both great for entirely different reasons. On a trail, 250l all day, cross country while still having the ability to explore a little bit, GSA. Opposite ends of the spectrum for sure...
Yes! I would love to have both too. If I can only keep one bike - it would be a small dual sport, like XT250 or CRF300 or KLX or DR (though I'm not too fond of carburetors). But if tomorrow I have to go from Montreal to Alaska or all the way to Mexico - and I can pick any bike for that adventure without worrying about cost - I would pick a GS. I mean, it's made for that! For any specific use there is the best bike, and long term travel in the ultimate comfort - GS is pretty much up there with the top bikes (still, XT250 can absolutely do those trips, even with luggage. But not as fat or comfortable as GS of course).
Still, me personally - I have a better connection with smaller bikes. I feel like the bike disappears - and it's just me moving through time and space, enjoying the nature and the views. On a big bike I feel like I navigate a machine - like driving a car. On a small bike - it's just me. I rode GS in the past and then I rode a tiny Honda Trail 125 along the ocean from Odawara to Manazuru in Japan... It wasn't even a rough terrain - it was a fast paved road. And, man, I had SO much more fun riding it - it just felt better than any big bike before that (1L+ bikes). Any GS or pretty much any bike would easily kick my ass and leave me in the dust - but I just did not care. I was flying through the mountains, enjoying stunning ocean views and I wanted that journey to never end.
Anyway, with CRF and 1250GSA - you are in a lucky place, man. With those two bikes you can cover every possible road. Thank you for the comment!
@@SquareHelmet Yeah, small bikes rule! I'm waiting to see if KTM does that 390 Adventure in more of an Enduro model like the spy photos suggest. 45hp, some electronics and FI on a sub 335lbs Dual Sport - type bike would be perfect.
Nice content, it really good, thank you
Thank you! I'm glad you like it. I am in a great position where I can just share my experience without worrying about sponsors or offending any manufacturers. Freedom!
I'll be posting more. Thank you for the comment!
Looking forward to more videos on the XT250. 👍
I'll be posting more!
I am now a subscriber and love your video content! Thank you. I have been wanting to get this specific Yamaha for the same reasons you have outlined, however I would love your comment or advice please. I currently own a 2013 BMW 1200 GS, 2023 BMW 750 GS and a beautiful 2023 red Honda Trail 125. I love them all but which one would you personally trade in order to get the Yamaha 250XT?
Wow, you have a great motorcycle collection! In my opinion, one of the BMWs will have to go. There is a big ideological overlap between Trail 125 and XT250, but I just can't recommend getting rid of Trail 125. That's the bike I want to add to my garage as well, regardless of what bikes I own. I love it, whether it's rational or not. So, get rid of one of the BMWs and you will have a perfect setup:
1. BMW for any longer rides or when you need to carry luggage/passenger
2. Honda Trail 125 for easy strolls and 'motohiking'
3. And Yamaha for everything. Personally, I use it the most. Also, it's even way better on paved roads that most people think. I'll post a video on this a bit later.
Which BMW to get rid of? Probably the larger one. There is nothing that 1200 can do that a 750 can't, but 750 is a bit lighter and newer.
I hope this helps! Thank you for subscribing!
Thanks so much for the advice. I look forward to more of your video content
Great video. I almost agree except I’m on the better yet XT225. Simple carb over fuel injection and 13 lbs lighter. Three years ago I got my xt225 after finding a KLR 650 too much weight on trails for a beginner. Sold the KLR and replaced with BMW F650GS. Lighter than the KLR but terrible ground clearance. Figured I’d sell the xt225 after getting more confidence on F650GS. Ended up selling the BMW and the xt225 is becoming my main bike. Just need a windshield to better tolerate the highway.
You are right, man! Based on what I expect from my main motorcycle (ability to go on Any Road. Any Time. Anywhere) - XT225 is better than XT250! It also has high ground clearance and low seat, but it's also lighter and more reliable (I do think carburetor is more reliable all else being equal). These two bikes are super close though.
I did not buy it mostly because it's discontinued (I wanted a new bike)... And for me personally, injection would be a bit of a plus from the usability point of view. But yes, XT225 is great!
I'd like a newer bike too so would be happy with xt250. For now the best bike I can ride is the bike I have have, xt225!
Happy trails @squarehelmet!
Well said, now many are just paid review for expensive stuff and lure people to buy a bike that they can't buy spare parts to backup. Wish there are more content liie this.
Thank you for this! Manufacturers make a lot of money on the expensive bikes and gear, so they "sponsor" (bribe?) youtubers to review their expensive items more... and we end up with a ton of reviews for ultra expensive BMWs, KTMs, etc. Imagine a guy who is reviewed cheaper, low-capacity, used bikes and showing how much fun on two wheels is possible even on a tiniest of the bikes. Would BMW "sponsor" that channel? Nah.
Anyway, I am in a great position to share how I really feel about a bike. I don't have "unti-big-bike" bias - I love them all, so if a bike is good - I'll say that it's good. From where I am (starting with massive expensive bikes) I really feel smaller bikes are neglected and under looked. But they are SO much fun! For me, way more fun than bigger bikes. In fact, after a certain displacement size it's hard to really justify a bigger bike. What extra does it give? More weight, higher price, higher maintenance cost, more fear of dropping it (so staying away from the fun places)... all for having a few more horsepower? Is it worth it? It's definitely worth it for the manufacturers and marketers to have more people pay more money for something they don't really need to enjoy freedom on two wheels!
Thank you for the comment!
@@SquareHelmet YEAH, one thing I like about cost/effective is that you could make the most out of them (without worry of putting some scratchs on it, or expensive spare parts that took months to received upon order) and they are still easy to fix when it come to spare parts. That mean more true freedom on roadtrip.
Yes, maybe In 250cc class yamaha xt it's way to go. Give a shot for suzuki dr650... you will be surprised. Thanks for video
DR650 is another bike I am seriously looking at. I really love simple, honest, low-tech, ultra-reliable bikes - they just make me feel more connected to them and the process of riding. The only thing that gives me a pause is that DR is very tall and carbureted (I had carburetor bikes in the past, I feel injection gives more precise crisper throttle control). Still, I plan to try it this summer - may be a good addition to my bikes.
Thank you for the comment!
First time I jumped on a XT250 I thought I was on my mountain bike. Never went back to my mountain bike :)
I ride different bikes, and when I switch back to XT250, it feels light like a mountain bike and super-strong. Like it's built to take the abuse of the hard offroad riding. Great bike!
Ride safely and thank you for the comment!
I'd agree with you if you gave me a van to cart the 250 to the places I want to go. Failing that I'll stick to my '91 Africa Twin marathon.😊
'91 Africa Twin looks like a great bike! And as I said, every riding niche has motorcycles that are way better than XT250 at their main thing. Africa Twin can work well on most roads, but with about 440 lbs and 35" seat height it just a bit too heavy and tall for the roughest of the trails. I see it as the Adventure Motorcycle, in the same group as Yamaha T7. Actually, one of the motorcycles I plan to add this year (Yamaha T7 or Suzuki V-Strom 800DE).
By the way, on my last adventure I got into a swamp (which I did not see at all) and got stuck so deep - I could barely pull 290 lbs Yamaha out. If the bike were any bigger/heavier - I'm not sure if I would get out.
Just watched a full video on '91 Africa Twin Marathon - what a great bike! Would love to have that in my garage. Great choice!
@@SquareHelmet Hey! Could you post the link?
@@Ali1961-b9s sure, here it is ua-cam.com/video/4GNXVQV2VKA/v-deo.htmlsi=DB4IMg-ZiJjMU3ET
@@SquareHelmet Thanks. I've seen that, but I have the RD04 750 version. The tanks were made by Boano in Italy (near Torino). I use the rear tank for water only. I live near Marocco.
Let’s see you load it up and drive from LA to NYC in a week. I’ll give it the back roads. But not the interstate.
For this purpose, I agree. For every niche of riding there is a purpose built bike that would be better than others. Take heavy load and add time constraint - and XT shouldn't be your first choice. Just like GS shouldn't be your first choice if you go on a race track.
But if I have to pick only one bike for the rest of my life, my criteria is simple: it should be able to go on Any Road. Any Time. Anywhere. There is nothing here about speed or luggage. Just the ability to go - as for me this is the ultimate freedom and the reason I ride. From this criteria, XT250 beats GS1250 easily: it can go everywhere a GS can go, but GS can't go everywhere an XT can. Again, I don't talk about speed or comfort as GS is specifically built for speed and comfort.
I don't have anything against GS or any other big bike. I am not just starting up with riding - I've been riding them for years, I love them - and I am looking to buy one this year... But it will be my 3rd or 4th bike. As the only do-it-all bike - I would still keep XT250... It can do it all.
@@SquareHelmet I do agree with you here. And if I were 30 years younger, I’d have bought the XT. But I’m not into trail riding much anymore. I used to have a Bull Taco 250 two stroke and that bike was stronger than anyone ever needed! Almost pulled my arms off! 🤣 Thanks for the video and I apologize if my previous comment might have sounded mean. I didn’t write it to be mean but after reading again, it kind of sounds that way. Keep the shiny side up!
@@Kornholeeoo thank you for the comments and clarification! Your comment was good - no problems there. Honestly, I really enjoy the discussions here - I feel like I'm talking to my riding buddies👍. When I started this channel - I didn't even expect this. I'm having so much fun hanging out in the comments section!
As for the bikes, for longer hauls and more comfort, I'm thinking of adding a 3rd bike this year - Suzuki V-Strom 800DE. This would be my "big adventure" bike for comparisons (I wanted this to be a GS, but I wouldn't be able to force myself to take a $30K bike to rough trails). One thing I plan to do: I want to take it to the same exact roads I go on XT (progressively more difficult) to see how far I can take it... I hope it will help my highlight the differences in riding philosophies between a big and small bike.
Again, thank you for watching and commenting! If ever in Montreal - send me a note, I'll show you a few amazing places to ride around here.
I get a lot of comments that some bike 'X' is better than XT250 at doing 'Y'. Yes, depending on your usage and needs there are bikes WAY better. Every riding niche may have a bike that is way better than XT250 for a particular rider. But think of it this way: there is a huge roulette with all the possible roads. For the next 10 years the roulette will be turning once a week and whatever road is selected - you will have to go on that road. Paved roads, dirt roads, ultra-hard single track, swamps, steep rocky climbs, extremely remote routes without any garage or mechanic available, etc. You will not be judged by how fast you can complete that route, but if you can complete it at all. Which motorcycle would you pick if you could pick only one and keep it for 10 years?
Basically, my key point in the video is that for an average-sized (!) person with average motorcycle skills (!) - Yamaha XT250 is a great motorcycle. Light, ultra-reliable and the ratio of Ground Clearance to Seat Height is the best in class.
If you know your hypothetical "roulette" will not have the hardest roads (the roads all the way to the right on my chart) - then there are much better bikes, where extra power become more important than weight/seat height/ground clearance.
Ride safely and please share your thought - I LOVE this topic and the discussions below!
"Yamaha XT250 can go anywhere where a BMW GS 1250 can. But GS 1250 can't go everywhere where Yamaha XT250 can." - Gene aka @SquareHelmet
You should ride a bike adventure wise you are not afraid of getting into difficulties with lightness being the key
Yes, low weight + low seat height = that's what make a bike more agile and easier to handle in the roughest trails. Yamaha has both. I really love this bike!
Suzuki DR probably the best all round bike in the world.
DR200 is a great bike! I think it's super close to the XT250 (XT still has greater ground clearance I think and DR200 is carbureted, though it doesn't matter that much). They are discontinued in the US/Canada unfortunately. As for DR400 and DR650 - seat height is too high there. But for taller riders - all great bikes!
I agree 💯
The dr 650 seat height can be lowered to 33 inches. This is a factory designed option.
I would love to buy it in Europe...I mean the XT
If they don't sell it, there are probably good alternatives in your area. Small, light dual sport bikes from Honda, Kawasaki or Suzuki would all work well!
Thank you for watching and for the comment!
@@SquareHelmet just CRF 300l is sold here
@@Antivir123 it's a great bike, but... depending on your size and skill level it may be too big. In my opinion. I am 178 cm and I first went offroad on a CRF 250l. It wasn't fun at all. I was a bit scared of the bike. I know if I bought it then, I would stay away from the most fun places and eventually determined that offroad riding was not for me and sold it.
I am working on a video explaining that experience and the importance of picking the right bike for offroad beginner. Key: pick something smaller and lighter to start.
Now I can easily handle any dual sport, even large bike like Tenere. But I started on XT250 and Suzuki VanVan.
I hope this is helpful for you.
@@SquareHelmet thanks for the info . I have started also on vanvan (125) as my on road bike then I brought xt 600e (160 kg bike ) and after fifteen years with it while trying enduro bikes ( beta X trainer etc ) I get the impression dual sports are right bikes for me but I want an upgrade from 80's tech to a bit newer bike . As you wrote when you learn on a smaller bike you get to use to ride and then one can ride two cylinder bikes on trails. Personally it's ideal to have light dual sport and bigger *adventure* bike and choose the right bike for planned trips .
@@Antivir123 makes perfect sense! As for Tenere on trails - just because I can take it there, doesn't mean I'm going to have as much fun as on a light dual sport.
You already have experience. I think CRF will work well for your purposes.
Ride safely!
The Susuki DR650 can do all that and maintain highway speeds of over 85 miles per hour.
DR650 is a great bike for sure! Too tall and heavy for me for the hardest trails though... And I love going everywhere, so often I get into very gnarly places where lightest bike with lowest seat wins for me. I was looking at Honda CRF300 and KLX300, but I can take XT250 much further offroad, mostly because of low seat height and weight.
But for a versatile adventure bike - DR650 is amazing, especially because it can take a load and still cover highway distances with ease. In my books, DR650 beats GS. Everywhere.
Thank you for the comment!
Kawasaki klx230
Another great choice! Small, light, reliable and can go anywhere.
The only downside is that the ground clearance is lower, but most of the time if you stay away from the roughest parts this does not matter that much. Seat height and weight are way more important.
Thank you for the comment!
I would take Husqvarna/KTM 450 or 700 all day compared to this tiny Yamaha. Let's face it. 80% of any journey is paved roads. And Yamaha is just too weak and uncomfortable for that. Husky on the other hand, can do it all.
I love KTM and I LOVE Husqvarans. For 80% paved roads - for sure Yamaha XT250 is not the right choice. Moreover, if you stay away from the right-most section of the chart in the video - then weight, seat height, ground clearance and even reliability become less important. Just a nice-to-have. KTM/Husqvarnas tick the box for weight, ground clearance and LOTS of power. For most average-sized non-skilled people their seat height is a bit too high if you really go to extremely challenging terrain. If you don't go there - then no problem. Great bikes! I want to add a Husky FE350 to my garage - love that bike!
@@SquareHelmet good point.
BMW...Break My Wallet
Lol. Good one!
Honestly, they are great bikes, but just for a very narrow use case. Yes, they can handle light offroad, and NO they shouldn't be taken offroad. Even if you are really skilled. Why would anyone do it? There are so many better offroad options. BMW GSs are comfortable big tourers that make their riders look cool and off-roady. Almost like if you take a great minivan, add 4x drive and offroad styling... and shoot a few staged commercials how it goes through 'computer designed dirt'. People would never take them offroad, but they would be driving the minivans truly believing than "when time comes, I'll handle offroad easily".
The DRZ400 eats XT250's for lunch and craps out CRF300L's.
DRZ400 is a great bike and in some scenarios it would eat XT250, but there are plenty scenarios where XT250 eats DRZ400. Imagine you have a guy who never rode offroad in his life. Let's take average height of 176cm to 180 cm. And this has has to go through some of the most challenging terrain possible: swamps, hard slow-speed technical single-track (like really hard one, not the one you see in 95% of youtube "offroad" videos), extra-steep rocky hills with major curves...
Would you recommend that novice person a DRZ400 or an XT250? Again, the goal is not to go fast (for some reason, everybody always must go FAST offroad here on youtube). The goal is not to jump. Just to be able to complete that extremely challenging rout. If you do recommend DRZ400 - I would love to know your thoughts there.
Last year I started to ride offroad for the first time, and I went to some horribly tough non-beginner places. For example, real swamp where the bike got stuck so deep - I could barely pull it out. Or rocky non-straight hill climb - it was like doing wheelie uphill - the front wheel was balancing above the surface almost the whole way. When I stopped, I could barely stand there - I was sliding down on fist-sized rocks. Super low Yamaha XT250 felt way too high and way too heavy there.
But I could position sideways, restart and finish the climb! I tried DRZ - the power and suspension is there. But I just can't imagine going up that hill climb on anything higher than Yamaha. Maybe a trials bike would be ideal for that.
I know I personally would not be able to ride a DRZ in all the places where I can ride XT250. Seat height matters more than power, suspension or even ground clearance there. DRZ is just too tall for the hardest slowest-speed trails. If I traded XT, I would downsize more to something even smaller and lighter. In my opinion.
Let me know if you would recommend a DRZ to an average-sized offroad novice who needs to be able to handle the hardest technical trails.
Thank you for the comment - it made me think. I love the discussions here