IS THIS Honda XR250R THE WORLDS BEST TRAIL & PLAY BIKE EVER BUILT?

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[@spin4God]

I just bought an 89 XR250R a month ago, and I have to fully agree that this is one of the best all around bikes ever built! Very comfortable, light weight, good power, mountain goat capability, and virtually unbreakable. Plans for the winter are to rebuild the rear shock and upgrade the spring for my weight and same for the front forks. It already had a Supertrapp and Renthal bars when I got it. My first real bike was an SL70 (I was 12), and this bike takes me back every time I sit on it. Love it!

[@drexofficial1473]

100% True

[@_-gh0st-_]

Anyone here have an extra header for an 85 xr250r ? Havin a hard time finding one in decent shape

[@rabbitohsrule121]

I now have a 2004 XR 400R And yes I would have to say they are the best dual purpose bikes ever built. Oil and air cooled, no battery. Super reliable, bullet proof grunt. Just a beast of a bike.

[@TopRevs]

My Xr 400 is a pain in the ass to start

[@rabbitohsrule121]

@@TopRevs if all is OK with your engine, air filter, valve adjustment and compression, it should start fairly easily. Sometimes I find half choke or no choke is better for starting providing your air filter is well oiled and sealed properly. Hope this helps.

[@mikestowe6136]

one of the most reliable dirt bikes or enduros ever

[@Sanguine_Addiction]

The XR lineup are some of the most bullet proof engines out there.

[@seanbucktrout593]

Oh hell yeah that looks good reminds me of my old XR 200R I use to ran a muck on back in high school🤟🇦🇺

[@jimbo4203]

I had a 81 xr 200r , it was awesome

[@bullfrog1807]

Yeah man had one too...absolutely bulletproof

[@davidshell1738]

Sweet bike! 👍 I’ve had my 89 XR600 since 89! I actually think it’s the ultimate play bike. Still runs great! The air cooler XRs are rock solid from the 75 to the 600!

[@hankschrader149]

I've had 2 600's one I bought brand new 95' other was an 88' hardly any difference! Lol

[@carlatamanczyk3891]

Right on!

[@chrishart8548]

The 1997 xr600r is 146kg wet same as a crf250L and has at least 45hp

[@carlatamanczyk3891]

I ride modern iron like a Beta 300 and Husky 300. But my old 2003 XR250 with a 280 kit is still a keeper and ultimate trail bike to this day for riding the challenging mountain trails in Idaho.

[@carter.coleman]

How much of a difference does the 280 kit make

[@ronniebowling1485]

Let us not forget the 350's ,500's either. Just can't get enough of the old XR'S.

[@whitecompany18]

Yes sir..it's my survival bike of choice.. They always get you home 👍

[@ATCREVOLUTION]

I have a 97 XR250R with a 277cc big bore and high compression piston, I also have the intake and exhaust uncorked and jetting on point. The bike absolutely rips for an XR250 and has never left me stranded in the last 11-12 years so its reliable as hell. Definitely a wheelie machine and I feel that it is the best trail/play bike ever built. Probably the biggest reason why Ill never get rid of my XR, I mainly ride 3 wheelers but I really do enjoy busting out the 97 XR and ripping through the woods on some good trails! The 6 speed transmission along with the amount of power the engine puts out is perfect, the stock suspension works great and the bike feel lighter then what you would think. Long live the old Honda XR250R!

[@empiresrikesfat]

I had a 97 xr250 with white plastics and road legal here in Australia was awesome 👌

[@carlatamanczyk3891]

Forever...!!!

[@getdealtwithquick]

Do you have an oil temp gauge? My high comp piston XR284 runs hot on longer stretches at higher revvs, between 250F and 290F. Changing oil often because of it. I bought an oil cooler but that requires some fabrication work to install. Love the bike, especially since we got the flat slide carb dialed in, she rips.

[@martinpruckl8091]

An absolutely Enduro !!! Like it ,and the XR 400 is also cool !! iowned a XR600 From 1995 in original codition !!

[@CS_247]

Oh man that reminds me of my old '82 XR200r, boy did we have some fun on that thing. Loved that old bike.

[@timothysmith3311]

So cool. I had a couple XR250L. Wanted to do all the mods like XRR pipe and carb to make it a little more peppy. Only thing was that they sucked to get started after a drop or on a hill. Wish it had both e start and kick

[@mechanicalman4531]

XR250L all have estart every where in the world but usa

[@bush600r2]

Oh man the xr range is pretty hard to fault, I love riding mine. Would be so cool if Honda even just released a limited version of the whole XR range for a year or two just as a celebration of their perfect engineering.

[@1991enduro]

Yes I agree I own one my self

[@carlatamanczyk3891]

Just add estart.

[@santosalmendarez3678]

Saludos varón y estoy totalmente de acuerdo con su comentario seria lo más genial que pudiera hacer Honda aunque fuera de la xr250r lo único que pediría es que le pongan encendido electrónico y de kran también saludos

[@robrambo6968]

Great bikes. The XR line is awesome! I have a 2003 XR400R that is mint and original. 15 hours on it. Great bike. Tires are as hard as grandmas candies.

[@tankman319]

I own two 1986 xr250r's.... wicket trail bike,thats all i rode growing up was xr's

[@keos9388]

Xr's for life!! Love my 84 200r. 5th owner runs like a champ

[@charlesmullins3238]

Man this bike is sacred to me…still have dads 93 I hope someday I get the money and time to restore. Me him and my brother rode 80s and it growin up and I miss him so much. Ol Ky underground miner that worked like a dog…to have wizard restore it would be something I couldn’t imagine…got 1 pic of it new in 93 me settin on it if I could find it…

[@1246kenny]

I bought this bike new in 2000, best trail bike ever. The oil in the frame was a bit odd but it worked. Take the core out of the muffler and jet it they scream

[@jestronixhanderson9898]

Loved the XR, they have that very distinctive sound. You can tell its an XR just from that induction sound.

[@Xxbwachamp445xX]

I’ve had an 04 that my dad bought me when I was 15 for about 8 years. It’s street legal, and the deal was that I would go through a motorcycle course and get my motorcycle license once I was old enough. He’s now passed and I’ve always been so thankful for my bike. It’s great and still so fun

[@kennyrichard2971]

Wow Honda made the awesome choice when they came up with the XR’s XL’s 👍

[@DetroitFettyghost]

Millions sold ❤️ Honda does well in the design department. Sochiro Honda was an awesome guy. Watch the docs on KZbin on him if you never have. He was a bit of a perfectionist but there's no doubt his brilliance was baffling

[@novaguy383]

Nice! That’s a clean XR! I’ve got a 1996 XR250L with 4400 miles in great shape. Very fun bike to ride!

[@autocrow]

I still ride a '93 XR250L. Just plain fun to ride and puts a smile on your face like you said. They run forever. I bought mine used and abused, but it was all original which I liked. Put new piston and rings in it 8,000 miles ago and it still runs great. Beautiful XR there!

[@killacoiler1707]

I had quite a few friends that stood by the XR200 and XR250R But my 1985 XR350R that I put CR suspension under was IMO the Ultimate Hair-scramble machine it had a seriously torquey bottom end to it and just handled.

[@DetroitFettyghost]

Sounds like a helluva ride!

[@killacoiler1707]

@@DetroitFettyghost it was the one machine I should never have parted with. I put a lot of time and money in that bike over the years and with the engine mods that my uncle and I did we ended up having to put a decompression valve in it to make starting it easier. Starting my modded 560 KX was easier than my 350R. I am willing to bet that had I put a close ratio gear-set in the transmission like what comes in an MX bike I would have been able to hang with the earlier carberated 4 stroke 450s. The newer 400s that came out in the mid 90s were very mild mannered in comparison. I will stand on this sentiment some of the best years for offroad dirtbikes were the mid 1980s they had brute strength and dang near bullet proof engineering to their powerplants. I would gladly take a 1986 KX 250 engine and put it in a newer 450 frame and put it against most of the modern 2T bikes anticipating consistant podium finishes. There is something about mid 80s bikes that you cannot get out of any other generation.

[@scottmcbride4652]

Kaplan I think you probably have a smile on your face no matter what you’re riding as long as your riding!

[@TwistedTriggerEnduro]

That's my type of ride. 🔥🔥💪

[@andrewmcmanaman7372]

Bought one of these new in 2000. Owned it for five years or so, absolutely loved the bike. 23 years later and many bikes later I would have to agree probably one of the best bikes of all time

[@waiheke109]

You got it. Riding my 74 xl350 for 38 years. Love it

[@daveyt4802]

Who doesn't like a good wooliie in the morning? I had a XR350R for a few years.

[@danstevens2204]

Makes you realise how fast some of the other bikes are! Great trail bike all the same. Had an 84 model in my early teens.

[@easternyellowjacket276]

I can appreciate the sound of a 2 stroke on the pipe, but I can also appreciate how quiet this thing is. Love it. Wish it was mine.

[@mk3driftmotion]

I have this exact same bike. It's so nice to ride on the trails. The suspension works great, and it has just enough power to be fun to ride and keep you out of trouble.

[@Jimmy_Watt]

I had one of these through my formative years. It wasn't a rocket ship in any way, but I rode it almost every day in high school, and it was never down due to malfunction. I loved it.

[@markreiber4457]

can't get mine to go really fast but I quess their not meant to

[@johnlazlo1908]

Love the XR200 one if my favorite bikes.

[@BP96]

I just bought a XR250 Tornado . 2009 model . Low mileage . Best decision I ever made . My first bike

[@Bobby8451]

My favorite trail bike I e ever owned is my 1980 kdx 175cc bored over to 200cc air cooled 2 cycle engine. Yeah baby!

[@nickmx3388]

My dad had a 86 xr 250, we use to call it the tractor because when ever someone broke a chain or blew up their bike. The good Ole xr would always tow them back from the sand pits. Great trail bike a little heavy and soft suspension for moto but a good all around dirt bike.

[@clayman4575]

I would buy that from you in a heartbeat but I’m sure you need to get top dollar for it. I’d sell my 2010 KTM 400xc-w with 12.5 hours to have that! I’ve looked for one like that for years, and owned 4 or 5 of them. I raced XR 600’s in the desert, woods and yes, even MX! Diehard XR and Scott Summers fan here! A 250 was hands down, at least for me, the best Honda ever made. If you still have it I’d love to hear if you’re selling it and what you’re asking. Congrats on an amazing machine and thanks for sharing!

[@makeaustraliagreatagain4204]

first bike was a 1996 xr250 , after owning 450s , I've never had so much fun then I did on the xr 250

[@neilw5198]

Great learner/first bike ...if your slightly heavier or more experienced get the 400. But not knocking the 250 , still a wonderful machine.

[@pauldorrian6608]

Had a few ken, invincible thumpers!

[@Nethter]

You guys should do a garbage can sponsorship for torture test magazine! Everything y’all throw away gets sent to gabe haha.

[@Duppavich]

I've had two of these and they're awesome

[@mind-numbingtasks1575]

Oh man, I had that bike and I wish I would not have sold it. What an awesome bike that was.

[@carlmontgomery1971]

Still one of the most reliable bikes shame we can't get them new anymore in Australia

[@halfhalf9006]

you look so big on it ... lots of fun those bikes

[@toddmills2407]

Hello Ken . You met my friend Jim when I bought the big grinder. He has a 2000 xr 250 it's registerd .only has 101 miles. Looks show room condition. He sold it to me 2 days later he wanted it back. He missed it so I have it back.

[@KaplanCycles]

Cool story

[@MattiasE]

Yes i hade one long time ago. A new 1993 back then. Same but white/red color. Nice bike!

[@dannymatts1883]

You know im gnna have t fire myself if i dont go t work cause im watchn th mad kapper n his world of happiness.. u fkrs r awsome

[@scottp1402]

Awesome bike. Honda dependability is second to none.

[@davelariviere682]

Oh my god that was my second bike…..🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤 That thing makes anyone a forever wheeeeely KING! With lots of oil changes….we’ll ahead of schedule the top-end is good for 400 hours. She’s a BEAUTY.

[@kirbyc1370]

Still have my 96 honda xr250r I got new when I was 14. Only thing I changed was the PURPLE seat and shock covers that came on it lol. I have a ktm I ride but I still love my xr and will never sell it.

[@icanseeyouallfromuphere]

The tickle perp perp of a sweetest, sweetest little heart.....😂❤️....it's red, got wheels, sounds like a sewing machine so sweet and quiet....sorry, trying my rap skills 😭😂🤣

[@hvalour1]

Id love to have that bike, the old xrs are kick ass! Cheers ken!

[@grantfurr580]

I had this same bike 2001 XR250R now i got 2021 650L best 4 stroke engines ever built IMO

[@willycochrane2173]

2002 I love it best bike I have ever had ❤

[@The95jeepmonsta]

It sure is, I'll never sell my 02 250r or my 04 400r!!best all around bikes ever built, hopefully have my 600 going soon

[@bobbyd4400]

Great bikes i own a 81 and a 95 xr 250 xrs only pipe k n air filter renthals bark busters and after market skid plate unstoppable trail bike

[@chevelleburke7252]

You said it i had 3 250s 2 79 xr 500s 5 xr 80s 250r four trax atcs minitrails Honda is THE BEST been on a honda since 1974 till now God Bless America Freedom TO ride .Lets Go Brandon

[@donniebaker5984]

I think it was around 1993 +- the XR600R was dirt bike magazine choice dirt bike of the year ..their test bike had log over 10,000 miles all off road in the California mountain trails and Forest and the California desert riding.... And afterwards the bike had never been serviced since the day it was uncrated . Having the same fork oil rear shock oil and engine oil ...they said the bike after 10k miles there was no loss of power , no oil leaks and no oil consumption !

[@donniebaker5984]

"Al Baker XR's only" is your Honda XR guru period. I was invited one day to a big shoot out at my buddy's brothers cabin lake resort in the middle of the Hoosier national Forest right next door to Crane naval Base Brother Steve-O as we call him had bought this property and a whole bunch of equipment to turn it into a hare scramble race track around two hundred acres around a lake was very steep hills and deep hollers...my XR500R at the time was still under reconstruction so steve-O says " take my bike cuz I'm on call this week-end and can't make it ! Steve-O is a brain surgeon of only three in the Indianapolis area that can do what he does for e.r. patience..so I'm on this 1996 XL250 RFVC that's been well massage with XR250R engine and chassis parts... handles off road great and feels a ton lightweight than my old 1984 XR500R ...And on a high speed 3rd gear roll on will left the front wheel in the air ..and humm I'm impressed ...but not nearly as impressed as later that day we are all in a pack charging in the upper levels of switch backs headed down around the trails to the lake ...so it's twisted throttle wfo time as I was able to pass a YZF450 with a seasoned rider on board the Yamaha who became very surprised as I took him on the outside headed for tight 90 degree right hand berm that you have to make this one or it's Wile E. Coyote style short cut all the way to the bottom ..I'll bet you'll beat the paramedics there that way by at least 20 minutes ...but not this time as I roosted the YZ on the back wheel with the front wheel crossed up in the air coming off the berm with both feet on the pegs wfo slinging wet fallen tree leaves and clods of forest mud ....the XL250 street legal with a tune are nothing to shake sticks at , cuz it can throw big sticks back

[@vehiclespotter7431]

Name a more rock solid bike than an old XR. I'll wait. 🤘

[@tenmil1]

I've got a 2002 xr250r as well and I'm absolutely in love! I've got it uncorked and I have the xrs only supertrapp on it. Thing rips and is super nimble in the woods. Anyone else have hard start issues when the bikes not or warm?

[@DetroitFettyghost]

Put in a new properly gapped plug, clean out the carb jets n all , might help. Could be the modern gas too tho. There's garbage in it that wasn't around when these engines were designed.

[@charlesatwell6658]

My 01 does not like any throttle when starting hot. When cold it helps to give it some priming kicks holding the kill button, then use full choke till it starts and then go to half choke but don't give it any throttle till it has run a minute or so! They are jetted so lean from the factory!

[@tenmil1]

@@DetroitFettyghost unfortunately a new properly gapped plug didn't help. I've also adjusted the valves, and upped the pilot jet to a 48 (135 main and other mods accordingly) unfortunately none of it really helped.

[@tenmil1]

@@charlesatwell6658 mines almost the opposite there's times it seems it needs to be held wide open or it won't start. They are jetted awful lean stock. I've uncorked mine, have a 135 main and 48 pilot. I've got a 50 pilot too and I'm tempted to try it out I just think thats too much.

[@tenmil1]

TfromtheD(etroit) realized I always run the same fuel and switched to chevron 92 today after draining the tank completely. Didn't have one single hot start problem the entire day, bike started up just fine with the decomp procedure.

[@alex-rx2vu]

i have one, by far not the best, not enough power, a bit heavy too...but very reliable & easy to live with, also not noisy, good bike for cool trail riding without racing in mind

[@tymorgan952]

Picked up a clean 04 for $700 and I’ve put it to the test I’m 6’3 250lbs and and it’s have gotten me places my friends 2020 bike struggle to get up

[@calvindirkmaat]

I like the torqued down trail bikes

[@JamesBrown-lf4dl]

Had a Al Baker 280 when I was a kid in Hesperia, CA. That one was a rippa!

[@seattleboatdetailingmobile1926]

Miss my 02 250. Still have the 650 so I’ll be alright😊

[@andrewmcmanaman7372]

Kinda cool how they pumped the oil through the frame as well.

[@KingFriday274]

This was the pinnacle of trail bikes. And I still get mad when I think about Honda discontinuing these. There is nothing on the market as good as this bike riding in the trails.

[@travisbarr5367]

Honda needs to bring these bikes back ASAP

[@wca8426]

Love all your videos 🇬🇧

[@Dany_Enduro]

Great motorcycle👍I started with the XR. I like Honda enduro bikes❤

[@ryan_400x4]

My answer to the title: Hell Yes!!!!

[@lawrencefranck9417]

I want that motor 250-400 in a better/ modern chassis

[@PhoenixPotato]

I have an 02 xr250. Best bike ever. Everyone else is having bike problems and mine keeps truckin

[@jnljnl8485]

I rode my buddies and his brothers 400. They lacked the top speed i required in my young days. My old dual carb xr 600r was my dust maker of choice. A 250 would probably be more my speed now.😂

[@ericwheat9540]

I have always wanted an XR250

[@thatfast3002]

I race a 300XC in new England harescrambles but I think I'd like one of these in the ol garage

[@superzuki5831]

I can see myself having a lot of fun on that one!!!

[@brianrushing6246]

As my Dad would say, death, air cooled, single cylinder Honda's and taxes. Reliability in that order.

[@hectormontoya5025]

Hello Kaplan family.

[@brokewheels5]

I have a 2001 xr250r. We call it the tractor. It just digs and goes.

[@willycochrane2173]

I have 2002…250r I'm in love with it kill bike

[@DStabs720]

I’d love to have this next to my 2020 CRF250L

[@haydo5l292]

I can tell you they are the tuff of tuff i was riding my 1996 xr250r fell off it ended up the valve adjustment nut came lost fell down in the timing chain I rode it all weekend like that got home pulled top cover off found the nut put it back on off I wet

[@markparker5451]

I just ordered a 2021 CRL300...I wish I could have bought this instead!

[@teedun9413]

Yes it is along with the xr100 of that model

[@chrisiollich4890]

U know Y because XR'S RULE. THANK'S from NOR-CAL!!!!!

[@cowboy4299]

Can’t wait to you come across a couple of 400s in the same condition I’ll be there with cash in hand

[@gamer2350]

Y’all ever seen a cre250 the enduro version cr?

[@normanrossall3898]

What a delicious machine.

[@Grafdesgn]

I have a 2004 XR250R for Sale in Northern California. I purchased my XR new almost 20 years ago. It has been well cared for and Garage kept. I wish I could say I rode it more but unexpected things happen in life and I was needed elsewhere. My Xr250r looks almost identical to that beauty. I don't think I rode it more than 500 hours over all those years. Now I am grateful that its almost in new condition. Everything is stock except at 12T front sprocket. I mostly rode tight mountain trails so I wanted it to be able to manage the slow sharp turns with ease. Sadly it's time to rebuild the brake system and add a new chain before selling it. Please if you don't mind helping a old Vet out. Do you have any recommendations?

[@justinlloyd9342]

Just depending on if you like 2 stroke or 4 as far as being the best off road trail bike it’s got to be between this the xr400 or a kdx200

[@carleynorthcoast1915]

Surprising it's good at wheelies cause Yamaha's version the ttr-250 doesn't like to wheelie

[@owensbama1923]

Yes. Yes it is. Along with all the other XR's.

[@DetroitFettyghost]

I like the stature of them alot. The 400's really ripped they just are Fatty's (heavy). So bulletproof tho.

[@ButtSnorkler9000]

Air cooled 400s actually feel pretty light and agile with enough power to get up rocks and hill climbs.

[@DetroitFettyghost]

@@ButtSnorkler9000 I'm not dissing em. Great bikes. And they feel light till your landing one from 10' in the air....which is fine cuz there not motocross bikes. But when your used to a 250 2st. the 400 def feels heavy...

[@ButtSnorkler9000]

@@DetroitFettyghost agreed. Compared to my exc300 it feels like it just doesn’t want to do jumps. I was just surprised at how much heavier and clunkier a 2021 crf450 felt when I rode it. Definitely more snappy and has awesome suspension but if I had a choice I would go with the old air cooled xr for trails

[@1991enduro]

Mines a 96 so white and purple I love the 2000 model model red how its ment to look being a Honda yes parts r getting hard to find but il never part with my xr 250r

[@brunosousa1977]

Love all xr

[@paulhord1099]

Hey ken i had a 1997 wr 250 yamaha 2 stroke havent seen one. Hope you run into one id love. To see another those bikes ripped

[@charlesatwell6658]

My 01 has an all red seat and no tool bag unfortunately. They really are a great all around trail machine! Anyone got one with a big bore kit? I think I would like to do that if it doesn't affect reliability? How much power increase?

[@DetroitFettyghost]

Sell it and buy the 400. More economical and way better results. It's almost never worth a ton of upgrades when u can get a better bike for slightly more. The 400 is WAY more powerful, it'll give u what your looking for.

[@dirtbikeheaven1129]

I’ve had a 96 and a 04 with the 277cc big bore kit. It’s like a different bike with that mod. It’s so much quicker off the bottom and a perfect trail bike.