2022 Yamaha XT250 | First Bike Review

[@imagine3687]

I have the same bike except its a 2009. I had the same wobble, got better tires and have not had the wobble since. I run mine up to 72mph. It's a very capable bike! Keep riding and have fun!

[@mikem5361]

Thanks for the review, well done and comprehensive. The XT is a great bike with not a lot of bells and whistles to require attention (or $). I've experienced the wobble to some degree, most critically when on the highway headed camping, gear on the back. Occasionally I'll still feel it on the highway, but there were two things that seem to help: leaning forward on the bike when that happens (I don't know if that 21" wheel on the front affects the air current's tendency to lift the bike) and adding a windshield. I got mine from National Cycle, the Deflector style, and It helps with buffeting the wind, somewhat pushing it down as the wind travels over it (?), and whatever I have to clean off the windshield does not have to be cleaned off my jacket or helmet, bonus! Enjoy your bike and stay safe.

[@markn1618]

Good call. I have a 2016 Yamaha XT250 for five years and am keeping it. I put a lot of mods on it. It's 80% street driven. A good learner bike and keeper bike. Some mods I installed are a FMF hi performance slip on muffler, K&N Air Filter, Mobil One synthetic oil, Iridium spark plug, aftermarket mirrors, Wolfman tank and tail bag, headlamp rock guard, hand guards and a skid plate. Later, I may change to clear turn signals over the stock amber. I like the XT250 because it's a light 280 pounds after taking off the muffler and a five speed. I like five speeds on the street. I would only part with it if they make it a 300 in future. My other bike is a Yamaha YZF R3.

[@akshaymehmi4713]

The XT250 was also my first bike - Oct. 2021. Great choice and fun to ride as a beginner!

[@DoreenAngel]

It really is, one of the perfect beginner bikes(:

[@Matt-zn4zp]

My wife has the same bike and really likes it. WE HAD THE SAME DEATH WOBBLE! it’s not because you’re going too fast and not a tire thing. I’ve checked everything from tire pressure, suspension changes, balanced tires and even ended up changing to different tires and the death wobble was still there. Dealership ended up changing the steering column head bearings and now it’s a night and day difference! Maybe check them out. Ours were installed slightly crooked and ended up not seating correctly. Hope this helps anyone with a 2022 XT 250 with a death wobble.

[@DoreenAngel]

Wow, so glad to hear you got it resolved- definitely gonna check it out! Thanks for the tip(:

[@bultacowally]

All the dealership did was tighten the head bearing enough to put some drag on the steering head...sort of a cob job steering stabilizer. And charge you a shit ton of money for a problem that will come back. That crap about the bearing being crooked was just that...crap. The wobble you experience is common with lightweight dual sports with high front fenders. The fender acts like a sail at speed and lifts the front end of the motorcycle and makes it very light so it kind of sails around on the road. Riding into a strong head wind will really make things exciting...or scary. If it happens again take the front fender off(the high one) and feel the difference. I have had 3 of them that all did the same thing. You get use to it after a while.

[@mikem5361]

I just wanted to add this to my comment below on your review, in case I misunderstood your intent, it could cause some issues. In your video, around 4:27, you mentioned that the bike had an automatic chain tensioner, making maintenance easier. I believe the bike has an automatic cam chain tensioner, which is inside the engine itself, reducing the slack on the camshaft chain for improved, and longer engine life. On the rear wheel axle, visible in the video, is the drive chain adjuster. It's that metal disk on the left side (sitting on the bike) that looks like a snail. That does need to be adjusted regularly to reduce the slack in the chain that impacts the life of your transmission. It's not hard to do, but you do have to loosen the back wheel. I have a 2009 XT, and I'm in no way a mechanical whiz, but I see that "snail" on your rear axle, and unless a major change has been made to the XT, you do need to be aware of this adjustment. Happy riding!

[@DoreenAngel]

I really appreciate your informative comment! And yess, maintenance is still needed just not as much as track dirt bikes(: Still a great comment to mention more in depth about the chain tension. Glad you enjoyed my video and thank you for watching 🙌

[@rcg7157]

Im very happy with my 2023 xt250,got mine in February. I tried going on the freeway and same thing got wobbly. I do more street riding cus i take it to work but on my way home there are trails ido go on when i dont feel like going straight home 😁

[@dianelarson7886]

Thank you so much Doreen for getting back to me with all that info. We were concerned if the bike was able to handle the heated jacket and this put our fears to rest. Looking forward to watching your other videos! Happy riding! ❤

[@travelinben1966]

I like that I can put it on a hitch carrier and bring it to the mountains.Nice review,thank you.😊

[@stevepate3541]

It was my first bike too. I got one in college in 1988. I’m thinking of getting one for around town.

[@paul-kayak]

2 friends got XT250 as their first bike and the wheels on both were so out of balance it was scary over 100km/h. We balanced the wheels and they can max the bike out on the highway now with no problem.

[@machupikachu1085]

Great point! Sierra Moto wheel balancer will take care of the problem for $30.

[@hectorohh]

I picked up a grom this summer as my first bike for work in the city and it’s been good but I want to this up to go up the mountains with some buddies!! Looks like fun!

[@bendingthetube]

If you haven’t yet solved the “wobble” problem, have the wheels balanced. Not strictly required for the dirt, but critical for pavement/highway speeds.

[@dianelarson7886]

I love your videos! I have an XT250 too here in Arizona! 🙂 In one of your videos (Sedona?) you had a heated jacket your dad connected. Wondering how that heated jacket has been working out? Do you happen to know the watts and amps on your jacket?... How long you run your jacket for? Has affected your battery at all? Most importantly ... are you still riding? It's been two years since you posted a riding video. I sure love watching them! Diane

[@DoreenAngel]

Hi Diane! Thank you so much and so happy to hear you enjoy my videos 😊 Thats awesome that you have an XT as well!! As for the jacket, I'm not sure on the specs but according to the cycle gear website its 74 Watts (6.2 Amps). Mine is just the liner so it goes under the jacket and just has one setting of on/off. It is the older version and I know now they make different temperature settings. It does get pretty toasty which is nice and as long as the bike is on, the jacket can run for however long I need it while riding(: I hope that helps give on insight on it! I am still riding, just not as much- although I do have a trip or two planned for this year! I have posted a few riding videos, just didn't get a chance to add them to my dirt bike adventures playlist which I'll definitely do. Here's one of my recent trips: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5KQXoyJgtFmbKMsi=HlKyLGrgY8jlp6NZ I hope you enjoy and thank you for the support 🙌💓

[@Porsche996driver]

Good for you for sticking with it! I guess you’re in SoCal somewhere so you’ve got some fun areas to ride and practice. I’ve got 3 BMW bikes including a big GS. But looking at an XT250 to mess around and pass on to my son. You seem like a future reporter or marketing manager so keep practicing your presentation skills and you’ll go far! 👌🏼✨🙏🏼

[@dawoiks63]

Thank you for this review. A female friend of mine wants to start riding. Street and dirt. This is the bike I recommend for her. 🙂

[@DoreenAngel]

So glad you enjoyed! I’m sure she’ll love the XT 🙌💓 perfect first bike

[@michaelmclarney1994]

Thanks for your review and thoughts, I'm thinking about getting one of these for off reading and itsa strong Contender

[@maxcactus7]

This was a very helpful review. I'm looking for a bike for my daughter who's 5'2" tall and finding a bike that fits her is very challenging, so I'm glad to hear the XT fits you with some small modifications. Not disagreeing with your list of "cons" but @ 290 lbs, the XT is one of the very latest motorcycles available. That doesn't mean it's easy to pick up for someone petite, however. There are definitely techniques to learn to help pick them up when they inevitably go down. I learned this the hard way. Enjoyed this video very much.

[@DoreenAngel]

I'm sure your daughter would love the XT! And very true, it's all about technique. It helped me to watch a few videos of girls picking up bikes much heavier and being successful at it, so its been great to try it out. I do still honestly struggle a bit with it at times, but it's been a great way to challenge myself to learn something new(: Thank you for watching and I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed my video 🙌

[@theconcernedcitizenusa]

I think I’m going to buy this bike for my 40 mile commute one way. I want to enjoy that 70 miles per gallon on top of snaking through traffic in rush hour and no searching for parking. I heard a lot of park police use these and easily get 20k miles before trading them in.

[@humbertohernandez2122]

Thanks for the review! I have the same bike happy with it

[@pappaclutch3266]

I got a 22 w/ 4.5k miles and I’ve beat the crap out mine and it still runs like the day I’ve got it.

[@DoreenAngel]

So awesome to hear, Yamaha make such great bikes! 🙌

[@Jim-ub9qy]

Great review Doreen! I've been looking at this bike and a couple of others. The XT250 is an excellent bike and very simple to operate a maintain.

[@DoreenAngel]

Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching😁

[@danielq1985]

Nice review, exactly what I was looking for. Keep up the good work!

[@DoreenAngel]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed!😊

[@bultacowally]

Hello cutie. A couple things you may already know by now. You can get a suspension lowering link for the XT 250 at Emig Racing. The seats on the XT's are quite hard and you cutting out some of the foam sure didn't help that situation. Might want to buy a Seat Concepts seat foam kit for your bike and go with the lowering link for a more comfy butt. And that death wobble you experienced is quite common on dual sports. I have had several and they all seem to do it. I would venture to say that the high front fenders on dual sports act like a sail at speed and lighten the already light bike in the front end and cause that to happen. It gets downright scary if it is windy out but that is the price you pay for riding light motorcycles. I hate big heavy tanks though....

[@johnnybergen9516]

Absolutely awesome!! Very informative! I’ll be getting one soon! Can’t wait!!!

[@DoreenAngel]

So glad you enjoyed, its an excellent bike 🙌Thank you for watching!!

[@johnnybergen9516]

@@DoreenAngel I’m from Oak Ridge, Tennessee right outside Knoxville. That video was outstanding! The phone charger,battery charger! You left no stone unturned. You rock!!

[@bigbean78]

Great review! I love the XT and TW, the old school bikes are always cool. P.S…You have beautiful hair!

[@DoreenAngel]

Thank you so much! And thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed 😇

[@jawsber]

Thanks for the review! I’m about to purchase one this weekend. I am also going to shave my seat as I am also a short female rider. I’m in So Cal. Where do u recommend I get my seat done? I’m excited! This will be my 2nd purchase! My 1st was a CRF150F. 😊

[@DoreenAngel]

I took mine to a guy in Moorpark, CA. I believe his company was called "motorcycle seat upholstery", hope that helps! Great to see a fellow female rider 🙌

[@G-Man01]

I think it makes an excellent first bike and easy small town commuter. I've owned 6 bikes and usually ride litre supersports, but currently looking at a Kawasaki KLX230SM. Check them out, you might like them? Also yes as you have probably learned by now, it's an agricultural bike and not really made for freeways.

[@dirtroadjim5970]

keep posting your progress ... same here have a xt 250 ..keep riding .

[@DoreenAngel]

Thank you for the encouragement(: I have a few videos I'm editing now too- I appreciate the support🙌

[@sevenwonders1717]

Good Review! Hope you continue enjoying your Bike!

[@DoreenAngel]

Thank you! Loving my bike🙌😁

[@peiwenl]

Great video! Where did you get the seat done? I’d love to get my seat shaved too.

[@DoreenAngel]

I went to a guy in Moorpark and the company is called Motorcycle Upholstery(: Hope that helps!

[@ZPDSurvival]

2012 XT250. I don't notice wobble at 70mph. Stock Trail wings Tires. They are getting worn down after 3,000 miles. Looking for another set up. I think I am going with Kenda in front and Shinko in the back. Dialing it in. I don't like the trail wings in the sand. Cool Review.

[@DoreenAngel]

I'm thinking of getting dirt tires soon- glad you enjoyed my review(:

[@ZPDSurvival]

@@DoreenAngel Over the last 4 years I restored a 1974 Honda XL250 and put Kenda K270 tires on it. It handles way better than my Yamaha XL250 on the trails I ride. The Vintage Honda is lower and a little heavier. Been watching reviews to no end for two days on what I should try on the Yamaha. I want to get the right combination soon because of availability and price increases. Anyways, Have a good evening.

[@ZPDSurvival]

@@DoreenAngel I will do a review of my XT soon. I want to get more opinions about tires. One Long time rider swears the Bridgestone 301 and 302 tires that are trailwings stock are the best. They do last much longer than the tires they put on the 2015 Honda CRFL. We sold the old KTM 690 that had Dunlop 606's on it and my Client Bought the new 2021 KTM with Continental tires. He just got a recall notice in the mail from KTM. We already know those tire suck. LOL. So, It is crazy. I take care of and service 7 Bikes. It's fun and I get paid for it. I put a Parebellum windshild on my XT. Excellent for cutting that wind and does not effect riding. Cheers.

[@josephgeorgeejr7039]

I wonder how much u weigh..? Seems lots people who report this wobble are lighter weight..just wondering if little extra weight on front end ,possibly a heavy bar from one side fork to other would help

[@old_skool9877]

I had the same wobble. I got a chain/sprocket alignment tool from Amazon. 15 bucks. The wobble is gone. The rear wheel is not aligned with the front wheel, that is where the wobble comes from...

[@domineckyurchick6282]

I have 2018 XT 250 really like bike I put a bunch of Accessories on it to make more friendly

[@blueknyght923]

I think I just fell in-love 😍

[@DoreenAngel]

💓 Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching 😊

[@blueknyght923]

@@DoreenAngel Yes, I did. Only a true motorcycle enthusiast would. More power to you & am looking forward to watch more of your videos. I'm subscribing now....which I should have done earlier. Sorry.

[@dw6752]

Great video, I'm looking at this as my first bike. Don't think I'll be too tall? 6'0, but I have a long torso

[@DoreenAngel]

I think you should be alright(: It will be pretty comfortable and it will be a perfect beginner's bike to start with

[@silkytx]

Love this bike so much

[@old_skool9877]

It is not a highway bike. I have the 21 and I like it a lot. I ride back roads all the time. Gravel when I can find them...

[@xordinarystudio9403]

Awesome!

[@findingneutral]

Thanks for showcasing this champion bike for us short folk. I'm trying to morph mine into a Super Moto and just installed Procycles 17" wheels.

[@kevinmallon8692]

Just picked up a "21 with mods

[@CHUNKYNUGGET666]

Oh my😍

[@DoreenAngel]

Glad you enjoyed, thanks for watching! 😊💛

[@beausbargarage6213]

Noice !

[@56Spookdog]

How did you successfully remove the tank sticker, also the high sped wobble can be caused by variable things including your grip being to tight just like in in sand or gravel a death grip can add to it. I haven’t had my XT up to 65 many times but when I did I haven’t experienced the wobble, I have had on other bikes.

[@DoreenAngel]

Very slowly haha, I also used goo gone for the residue that was left over. And that’s a pretty good tip, still trying to figure out how to fix that wobble(:

[@ericlietsch994]

Awesome bike!

[@bradleydavidgood]

How did you get your gas tank stickers off cleanly?

[@michaelsaenz5719]

You look so beautiful on that bike! I am so impressed by you taking on a challenging hobby all on your own initiative. You are a bad ass.

[@DoreenAngel]

Such a sweet comment, thank you so much! 😇💛

[@preppy890]

Have somebody check your tire alignment. I have a 2018 and it drives down the road up to 75 mph with no wobble. I just bought mine used with 282 miles on it a few months ago.

[@DoreenAngel]

That's a great tip, will do!(: It would be really awesome to hear that's the issue and can get it going that speed too

[@preppy890]

@@DoreenAngel I find if I drive mine 65 tops I get 71-2 mpg. It drops into the 67 mpg going 70+ mph. I usually drive 65 depending on traffic.

[@dileeshmayuranga6590]

My dream ❤❤❤❤

[@cdghostman]

Hey, I enjoyed your videos. I'm a motorcycle enthusiasts ever since I was a kid and I also have a Yamaha XT. I like Yamaha bikes and been a loyal fan of the brand since the first time I got my bike. Keep it up, I hope someday we'll have a chance to ride together, even though I'm from Philippines, I won't be losing hope about it. Haha! You're such a gorgeous woman also! Hope you'll notice me! ❤️

[@DoreenAngel]

Glad you enjoyed my video! Thank you for watching 😊💓 team Yamaha! 🙌

[@cdghostman]

@@DoreenAngel You replied! ❤️ Omg! I'm gonna melt!

[@goldfish8196]

It's a very light bike. One of the lightest dual sports out there.

[@DoreenAngel]

Okay and? Theres no shame in having some problems picking it up or calling it heavy when you're 5'1 and 110lbs. I'm just informing from my experience especially for other girls around my height and weight who want to get into riding or have been looking at this bike and want a different perspective. Thanks for watching though

[@ИванХахлин-с2н]

XT 225 лучший мотоцикл. Для лесных покатушки.

[@allans7281]

Yeah always Nice to see women enjoying the sport. I’m A veteran rider with Thousands of miles of experience.i reside in so Cal as well. Love to Ride with you ( and a friend) and show you how to be safe and enjoy the sport even more. Anyway I can reach you personally? Allan :)

[@petersymons7817]

I would call it the buss

[@ByTheSlice]

5'1" but what's your inseam? asking for a friend 👀

[@centralcal6604]

I've been wanting this bike. But I feel like it's too underpowered

[@DoreenAngel]

Honestly that’s a very solid reason- it can be especially when you’re riding on the street. I think the WR450 would be a good alternative(:

[@centralcal6604]

@DoreenAngel I'm going to look into those thanks for your review of the bike 👍

[@htboston]

Can you flat foot on both feet or do you still tip toe?

[@DoreenAngel]

Still on tippy toes haha

[@adriangomez-ne6ti]

Cute

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

I've had mine for 7 years and the price is the same.

[@frankieb9374]

300lbs is a super light bike

[@DoreenAngel]

Maybe for you lol!😂 I think the average weight of a dirtbike is around 215lbs so its definitely on the heavier side compared to most(:

[@goldfish8196]

The music.

[@DoreenAngel]

Dude, idk why you keep coming back and commenting about it- if you don't like it then just leave the video lol

[@goldfish8196]

@@DoreenAngel love?

[@wilsondiaz5839]

you are so beautiful motorist, nice video.

[@DoreenAngel]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed 🥰

[@ИванХахлин-с2н]

Американ бой ))))