I really liked the video, exactly what I was looking for. Have been looking at getting this bike for a year, and would be my first bike. Just want to see normal rides, people enjoying the bike. Continue making more! :D
It's a great first bike for sure! If I could give you advice for a first-bike owner - take your time to build offroad riding skills. When I rode offroad for the first time - I was too scared to have fun. I switched to XT250 from tiny Honda Trail 125 (amazing bike by the way) and a few times I questioned if I went too far... TW200 felt much easier and more stable. But I started to practice balance and offroad riding skills - and in a couple of weeks I was surprising myself with how far I could take my XT250. Now, 2 seasons later - I am unstoppable on it. It fits like a glove and I would take it absolutely anywhere. In summary: it's a great bike! I'm glad you liked the video - thank you for the comment!
Great video! I do a fair amount of stealth riding in the woods on my XT, but you're braver than me. I'm glad you turned back, I cringed when I saw that steep drop on the left. 🙏
@@miamipastel thank you, man! Safety first. Always. XT is good at bringing you to tougher places while making it feel easy... We have to stay cool and know when to turn back. Ride safely, brother!
@@Antoxas12 Thanks, man! I'm glad you liked it! And narration too 😁 I love this bike and this type of riding - so wanted to share that experience as it is.
The XT250 is written off as just a beginner bike by too many people. I think it has better range of capability than any bike made, even more than my DR650. Very user friendly and capable off road and still capable of highway travel. 3 best bikes still made in my opinion are the XT250, TW200 and DR650. I love screw adjustable valves and snail chain type adjusters. Very easy to own and maintain these bikes yourself and they are still made in Japan which has the highest level of quality control in the world. Even a set of Shinko 244's will be much better than those stock tires and they are inexpensive and pretty easy to change yourself and also give excellent grip on pavement and last a long time. Add some hand guards. They won't just protect your hands but the levers from breaking leaving you stuck somewhere.
Thank you for the recommendations! I added handguards to my list and plan to install new tires next season. I'll take a note of Shinko 244's - gradually I started to ride in places where the standard tires struggle a bit too much. Do you adjust valves yourself? I never thought of that, but I would want to try. As for the bikes - man, each one you mentioned is SO close to my heart! Old school, simple, reliable, full of character. Hard to justify having all three, but I would love that (I kind of have 2 of them now, just missing a DR). Thank you for the comment!
I want a dr650 cause it seems like my xt’s big brother! I luv my xt and don’t plan on selling it, what else compares? I do everything on it but it shines on single trails and enduro trails. May I ask do think the dr650 and xt250 share similar qualities?
@@flyovercounty1427 same for me actually... It's been on my list for a while. Often I wait until something bad happens and gives me urgency to do something. I want to avoid the bad thing in the first place this time and install handguards already. Lol Thank you for watching!
A set of good Knobby tires will make that trail so much easier, it doesn't really dawn on new riders just how important good tires are. Good video, always love to see new riders getting out on their bikes and going on adventures.
@@lancemartin7584 I bought Dunlop P606 for the rear - just hadn't had a chance to put it on. You are completely right - the stock tires are not good for these trails: they get clogged with mud and lose any traction. I'll post an update video on new tires soon. Thank you for watching and for comment! Also, if you have recommendations for tires for this bike - please let me know.
I think you found the worst place for the stock tires. As you said. Certain kinds of mud will totally clog the treads. Once that happens. It's like being on ice.
Man, I know it's well overdue... Sometimes we get stuff only after something bad happens. I already broke front break lever once and bended clutch lever too... Anyway, what handguards would you recommend? I heard Barkbusters are ok, but some models have terrible reviews. I can't seem to decide which ones to get. Thank you for the comment - I am now determined to buy them!
I have barkbusters on my cb500x and I love them. Heavy duty and not hard to install. Confidence inspiring in all riding conditions. I recommend them highly.
@@SquareHelmet I have some aftermarket Amazon ones on the XT, but I like the quality of plastic and metal of the barkbusters. That and a skid plate are essential mods for XT250, in my opinion.
Reminds me of when I got my start riding dirt on XT250 nearly 5 years ago. You’re progressing nicely and building your confidence on a right bike. I love my XT250 and added T7 over 2 years ago. T7 feels completely different on dirt and it took some nerve and more than a few drops to build up the skill to handle it, but it is rewarding. I wouldn’t recommend to take the T7 on some of the very technical trails like some of the ones you show in this video, but I’ve done a lot of fairly technical ones and it is satisfying to build your skills and confidence. I enjoy having both bikes and the variety of experiences each affords. Love the power, versatility and long distance prowess of the T7, and love the go anywhere ability and lightness of the XT.
Your comment is SO useful for me! I love Tenere and keep coming back to the idea of buying it, but I also know how big/tall/heavy it is for some of the places I absolutely love to ride... You have a dream garage! I hope I improve enough to be able to handle Tenere soon... Or maybe Yamaha would gift us an XT400/ Tenere 400. Thank you for the comment and for "riding" with me this time! Ride safely.
hey man, I usually don't comment, but having just moved from france to canada, almost exclusively for the nature, seeing your stuff warms my heart. I had to sold my Honda CMX500 before leaving, I deeply miss riding, your simple yet enjoyable journey is exactly what I'm looking for, thanks for making me discover that yamaha, I was previously looking at a bigger DR650 but will definitely settle for smaller, it's just wiser.
@@lokopixo2338 welcome to Canada! I'm glad you liked the video! As for the nature - there is SO much to discover here. Just outside of any city there are endless forests, trails, and fields. I will post another video with the detailed map of some trails where I ride - if you are in the area - you can try them. I think you'll love it! Regarding the bike, it all depends on where you want to ride. In my experience, the harder the trail - the lighter the bike should be. I love XT250 for my "motorhiking" purposes. Thank you for the comment! I hope you get a bike and enjoy Canadian nature!
You need Handguards ASAP. I broken the clutch lever 3 times before mounting a pair. Getting home was a nightmare each time. I Love the videos. I also have an XT. I can highly recommend the Shinko 244s for the type of riding you do. Almost as good as the Trailwings on road (after break in) and MUCH better off road. I climbed a hard endo trail this year full of "baby heads with them on. I also live in Canada. Where do you ride?
@@josephlacroix9493 I plan to get barkbusters. It's been suggested a few times here - I must buy them now. I have no idea why I haven't bought them yet. Thank you for the tire recommendation! I think I'll start a list for myself of all the improvements I can get. It's the best to get a suggestion from someone who rides the same bike on similar trails! I ride in Val-David, Saint Adele, Saint Donut, Mont Tremblant and everywhere in between and around there, going as far as Eastern Townships. This year I started more FQMHR riding. Some sections are amazing! Thank you for the comment and tire recommendation! By the way, what handguards do you have?
I wonder what you'd think about a 2-stroke trials bike for off roading? They're *very* misunderstood machines. Super quite, engines last a really long time, very gentle on terrain, *CHEAP* and extremely lightweight & maneuverable. Now that I think about it I really *really* pretty please want a video of you riding one!
@@carllinden533 wow, I think you just got an idea into my head that I can't seem to leave now. After your comment, I took some time to look into this... and I feel like it may be worth looking down to smaller lighter bikes instead of up to something like Tenere. I think I would be able to take a trials bike all the way up that mountain, where I had to turn back on xt250. The downside would be inability to go on highway, but for my forest trails - I love the idea! Do you have any bike in mind that I could look at?
I dont recommend you go on a heavier bike if you are going to do these type of trails. I started out on a cb500x(434 pounds)) ,,, took it off road and hated it. Then I switched to a dr650(366 pounds). Loved it and still love it however on slow technical stuff it is overwhelming. I have made the decision to switch to a klx300 for next year. I already know it will make a lot more trails accessible to me. Anyway what a lovely sport ! Great vid, good comments.
@@ericcournoyer1595 great comment! I think that's what has been stopping me from buying Tenere... It's like a loop: I look at Tenere and I want to buy it. Then I go on my trails and I'm scared to think of having a Tenere there... I haven't tried klx yet. I would love to - I heard the suspension is great there. Thank you for your comments!
I really liked the video, exactly what I was looking for. Have been looking at getting this bike for a year, and would be my first bike. Just want to see normal rides, people enjoying the bike. Continue making more! :D
It's a great first bike for sure! If I could give you advice for a first-bike owner - take your time to build offroad riding skills. When I rode offroad for the first time - I was too scared to have fun. I switched to XT250 from tiny Honda Trail 125 (amazing bike by the way) and a few times I questioned if I went too far... TW200 felt much easier and more stable.
But I started to practice balance and offroad riding skills - and in a couple of weeks I was surprising myself with how far I could take my XT250. Now, 2 seasons later - I am unstoppable on it. It fits like a glove and I would take it absolutely anywhere.
In summary: it's a great bike!
I'm glad you liked the video - thank you for the comment!
Great video! I do a fair amount of stealth riding in the woods on my XT, but you're braver than me. I'm glad you turned back, I cringed when I saw that steep drop on the left. 🙏
@@miamipastel thank you, man! Safety first. Always. XT is good at bringing you to tougher places while making it feel easy... We have to stay cool and know when to turn back.
Ride safely, brother!
Cool video XT brother👊
Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. Enjoy your XT and ride safely!
Nice video and naration. Keep going! :)
@@Antoxas12 Thanks, man! I'm glad you liked it! And narration too 😁
I love this bike and this type of riding - so wanted to share that experience as it is.
The XT250 is written off as just a beginner bike by too many people. I think it has better range of capability than any bike made, even more than my DR650. Very user friendly and capable off road and still capable of highway travel. 3 best bikes still made in my opinion are the XT250, TW200 and DR650. I love screw adjustable valves and snail chain type adjusters. Very easy to own and maintain these bikes yourself and they are still made in Japan which has the highest level of quality control in the world. Even a set of Shinko 244's will be much better than those stock tires and they are inexpensive and pretty easy to change yourself and also give excellent grip on pavement and last a long time. Add some hand guards. They won't just protect your hands but the levers from breaking leaving you stuck somewhere.
Thank you for the recommendations! I added handguards to my list and plan to install new tires next season. I'll take a note of Shinko 244's - gradually I started to ride in places where the standard tires struggle a bit too much.
Do you adjust valves yourself? I never thought of that, but I would want to try.
As for the bikes - man, each one you mentioned is SO close to my heart! Old school, simple, reliable, full of character. Hard to justify having all three, but I would love that (I kind of have 2 of them now, just missing a DR).
Thank you for the comment!
I want a dr650 cause it seems like my xt’s big brother! I luv my xt and don’t plan on selling it, what else compares? I do everything on it but it shines on single trails and enduro trails.
May I ask do think the dr650 and xt250 share similar qualities?
I need to get busy and install hand guards on my XT250.
Thank you for the video
@@flyovercounty1427 same for me actually... It's been on my list for a while. Often I wait until something bad happens and gives me urgency to do something. I want to avoid the bad thing in the first place this time and install handguards already. Lol
Thank you for watching!
A set of good Knobby tires will make that trail so much easier, it doesn't really dawn on new riders just how important good tires are. Good video, always love to see new riders getting out on their bikes and going on adventures.
@@lancemartin7584 I bought Dunlop P606 for the rear - just hadn't had a chance to put it on. You are completely right - the stock tires are not good for these trails: they get clogged with mud and lose any traction.
I'll post an update video on new tires soon.
Thank you for watching and for comment!
Also, if you have recommendations for tires for this bike - please let me know.
I think you found the worst place for the stock tires. As you said. Certain kinds of mud will totally clog the treads. Once that happens. It's like being on ice.
I like the video i just bought an xt 250 ans i love it
@@nicolasalary7372 congratulations on your purchase! I think you'll love it even more with time.
I'm glad you liked the video!
Ride safely
You're a brave man riding this terrain without handguards haha. Thanks for your video.
Man, I know it's well overdue... Sometimes we get stuff only after something bad happens. I already broke front break lever once and bended clutch lever too...
Anyway, what handguards would you recommend? I heard Barkbusters are ok, but some models have terrible reviews. I can't seem to decide which ones to get.
Thank you for the comment - I am now determined to buy them!
I have barkbusters on my cb500x and I love them. Heavy duty and not hard to install. Confidence inspiring in all riding conditions. I recommend them highly.
@@SquareHelmet I have some aftermarket Amazon ones on the XT, but I like the quality of plastic and metal of the barkbusters. That and a skid plate are essential mods for XT250, in my opinion.
@@anarsamedi7358 I'm getting barkbusters! Thank you for the recommendation guys
Reminds me of when I got my start riding dirt on XT250 nearly 5 years ago. You’re progressing nicely and building your confidence on a right bike. I love my XT250 and added T7 over 2 years ago. T7 feels completely different on dirt and it took some nerve and more than a few drops to build up the skill to handle it, but it is rewarding. I wouldn’t recommend to take the T7 on some of the very technical trails like some of the ones you show in this video, but I’ve done a lot of fairly technical ones and it is satisfying to build your skills and confidence. I enjoy having both bikes and the variety of experiences each affords. Love the power, versatility and long distance prowess of the T7, and love the go anywhere ability and lightness of the XT.
Your comment is SO useful for me! I love Tenere and keep coming back to the idea of buying it, but I also know how big/tall/heavy it is for some of the places I absolutely love to ride...
You have a dream garage! I hope I improve enough to be able to handle Tenere soon... Or maybe Yamaha would gift us an XT400/ Tenere 400.
Thank you for the comment and for "riding" with me this time!
Ride safely.
hey man, I usually don't comment, but having just moved from france to canada, almost exclusively for the nature, seeing your stuff warms my heart.
I had to sold my Honda CMX500 before leaving, I deeply miss riding, your simple yet enjoyable journey is exactly what I'm looking for, thanks for making me discover that yamaha, I was previously looking at a bigger DR650 but will definitely settle for smaller, it's just wiser.
@@lokopixo2338 welcome to Canada! I'm glad you liked the video!
As for the nature - there is SO much to discover here. Just outside of any city there are endless forests, trails, and fields.
I will post another video with the detailed map of some trails where I ride - if you are in the area - you can try them. I think you'll love it!
Regarding the bike, it all depends on where you want to ride. In my experience, the harder the trail - the lighter the bike should be. I love XT250 for my "motorhiking" purposes.
Thank you for the comment! I hope you get a bike and enjoy Canadian nature!
You need Handguards ASAP. I broken the clutch lever 3 times before mounting a pair. Getting home was a nightmare each time. I Love the videos. I also have an XT. I can highly recommend the Shinko 244s for the type of riding you do. Almost as good as the Trailwings on road (after break in) and MUCH better off road. I climbed a hard endo trail this year full of "baby heads with them on. I also live in Canada. Where do you ride?
@@josephlacroix9493 I plan to get barkbusters. It's been suggested a few times here - I must buy them now. I have no idea why I haven't bought them yet.
Thank you for the tire recommendation! I think I'll start a list for myself of all the improvements I can get. It's the best to get a suggestion from someone who rides the same bike on similar trails!
I ride in Val-David, Saint Adele, Saint Donut, Mont Tremblant and everywhere in between and around there, going as far as Eastern Townships. This year I started more FQMHR riding. Some sections are amazing!
Thank you for the comment and tire recommendation! By the way, what handguards do you have?
UA-cam compression hates trees, leaves and confetti. All the more reason to get out there!
@@carllinden533 😂. Exactly!
Get some bark busters. You will not regret it
On my list for the next season! I know I need them.
Thank you for watching and the suggestion!
I wonder what you'd think about a 2-stroke trials bike for off roading? They're *very* misunderstood machines. Super quite, engines last a really long time, very gentle on terrain, *CHEAP* and extremely lightweight & maneuverable. Now that I think about it I really *really* pretty please want a video of you riding one!
@@carllinden533 wow, I think you just got an idea into my head that I can't seem to leave now. After your comment, I took some time to look into this... and I feel like it may be worth looking down to smaller lighter bikes instead of up to something like Tenere. I think I would be able to take a trials bike all the way up that mountain, where I had to turn back on xt250.
The downside would be inability to go on highway, but for my forest trails - I love the idea!
Do you have any bike in mind that I could look at?
I dont recommend you go on a heavier bike if you are going to do these type of trails. I started out on a cb500x(434 pounds)) ,,, took it off road and hated it. Then I switched to a dr650(366 pounds). Loved it and still love it however on slow technical stuff it is overwhelming. I have made the decision to switch to a klx300 for next year. I already know it will make a lot more trails accessible to me. Anyway what a lovely sport ! Great vid, good comments.
@@ericcournoyer1595 great comment! I think that's what has been stopping me from buying Tenere... It's like a loop: I look at Tenere and I want to buy it. Then I go on my trails and I'm scared to think of having a Tenere there...
I haven't tried klx yet. I would love to - I heard the suspension is great there.
Thank you for your comments!