Should You Get A Yamaha XT250?

[@precipiceofgrind]

Like The Video(s)? Hit That SUBSCRIBE!! Really Helps The Channel!! Thanks For Watching!!

[@mikerichards3248]

Have klr650 and looked for 250/300 bikes to go lighter. Got a '10 XT250 for $2500. I'm 6'3" and the XT is my go to for skill building and back trail exploring. One day both my SUVs and my KLR were down and I used the XT for parts runs. I love that thing.

[@trevor8049]

I had a 2009? XT250. I lived in Arizona and I used to go all over the desert. I used it to commute across Phoenix for college. And I used it for my grocery shopping. I loved that bike. I will have another one some day. All the guys at college were always asking about it.

[@paulayala4816]

You convinced me! I am in the process of evacuating California and will probably move to Kingman, AZ. I currently own a 1980 Yamaha DT 175 Enduro which works well, but it is getting harder to find parts for it. The XT250 I think is the right size for exploring the trails or just grabbing a bite to eat somewhere and you are right it is a very reliable bike.

[@precipiceofgrind]

Good luck on your evacuation!

[@petescarperi3711]

Totally agree, just picked up slightly used 2022 XT 250. Had it for about a month , so far exceeding expectations!

[@johnstilljohn3181]

Yes, you should have one. I use mine for green lane riding and learning trials riding. The bike is better at both than I am...

[@john-hd5ny]

my forever bike at age 54 also have yz450f for mx and xr650L for open running love your videos and honestly i feel having ridden numerous 250cc bike she resonates with me in the most ways some are simply feelings of ease

[@RickRose]

Rock on brother! Just had my 57th.

[@CHUNKYNUGGET666]

If you ever question the ability of the xt250 go check out how the Japanese ride the Serow250 (same bike) just different lights.. it’s designed for technical riding in the mountains (thus the name) great for trials, single track and short range adventures 💪

[@dluxdlitz8494]

This bike is Yamaha's best kept secret! I bought a 2023 last April and could not be happier with my decision. Im just now learning how to ride in the dirt, and this bike is a real confidence builder. It's light and VERY maneuverable and easy to pick up if you drop it (ask me how I know!). I added the bash plate, brush guards, tail rack and tail bag, all LED lighting, and Parabellum windshield. All of these add to the usability and safety of the bike. Even with the stock tires, it's a great road bike and I'm surprised every time Im in the dirt at just how well it does. I could not find any used ones around here when I was looking and truthfully, I was doubtful thar a used one would be a good bike. Now I know that you really can't hurt these bikes unless you crash all the time. The engine and trans are bullet proof; it's got strong wheels and everything just works! If you're looking for an easy to ride dual sport that you can ride to and from the dirt, this is it!,

[@precipiceofgrind]

Well, I crashed mine at over 40 mph and I was the only thing that broke, my XT barely got a scratch. Indeed, a fantastic bike and I wouldn't hesitate on buying a used one. Ride on!

[@fredtracy3931]

Gotta love simplicity, and the fact that it has been around for a while. Look at the TW200, around since 1987!! cheers from a CB500X (2014) Canadian 🇨🇦

[@precipiceofgrind]

Heard that!!

[@SquareHelmet]

Great video as usual. It's it's a great little bike! I downsized to it last year and I love it. It's perfect for the most challenging of the trails... and it handles speed much better than I had expected just by looking at the weight and engine size: I went on a group ride for 8 hours (gravel, local twisties, and highway) - I could keep 110-120km/h on the road (70-75 miles/hour) easily. Didn't feel much vibration and wasn't tired at all. Of course bigger heavier bike would be better on the road part, but XT250 can hold its own there too.

[@TheXTLife]

I have a 2023 xt250 and its awesome. The best dualsport Adventure bike out there .I added bigger foot pegs, bar risers, bar weights and seat Concept. The seat Concept breaks in about 1,000 miles or so. Those upgrades make the bike very comfortable to ride. Thinking about putting on a 16th tooth Sprocket. Not sure, don't want to lose any low in Torque. But I have about 30 to 40 miles to get to my trails. That's where the 16th tooth Sprocket would help. Love the channel & xt250. P.s also added bark busters, skid plate, back rack, better gear shifter and a brake Master cylinder guard. 0:39 2:00

[@Vman72MCS]

I just got a 2024 XT250 in Oct. I have been watching your channel as I live in NM and have very similar terrain. I also installed the Tusk DSports and love them! Keep the videos coming!

[@precipiceofgrind]

Congrats on your XT! The D Sports will do you well. Thanks for watching!

[@chawnslopoke2619]

Yep got mine last May broke my leg on my first trail ride. Can't wait to get back out there I love it. I wrecked it 4 times that day and it's barely got scratches from it

[@QuasiMotard]

Yep, the little XT250 is a fantastic lightweight "adventure bike"! Just add a decent set of soft or hard panniers to haul your gear, a small emergency/reserve fuel bottle, and HIT THE ROAD! Prospective owners just need to understand its limitations for on-road performance and comfort. With the correct expectations and riding chores, everything else falls into place and it never disappoints. BTW... the Happy Trails SU pannier rack and matching rear rack are fantastic! I have the Teton aluminum panniers on mine, but they are a bit chunky for riding deep woods and single track work. Soft panniers from Giant Loop or Mosko Moto work better in those scenarios or when I'm not doing a cross-country trip where I need all that extra capacity. However, those aluminum panniers can do double duty as camp chairs or prep tables. Cheers! 😉👍 --QM

[@wgrangerjr1]

I had an XT250 but traded it in on a 23 KLR650S. Love the KLR, but I kick myself for trading the XT. So, I’m looking at XTs again. The KLR is a tank, but the XT is a mountain goat. Both have a place in my lineup .

[@precipiceofgrind]

Yeah, you don't realize how awesome the little XT is until it's gone. I almost did the same thing, glad I held on to my XT. Both bikes have their place.

[@wgrangerjr1]

@@precipiceofgrind I'm picking up a 2019 XT on Saturday! 3200 bucks. Pretty good deal. It already has all the farkles on it that I would have spent hundreds of dollars on anyway. Can't wait for spring now!

[@precipiceofgrind]

Awesome! Congrats on your XT!

[@travis4reels559]

100% agree! I went from a KLR650 and BMW650GS to an XT250. Yes, it has limitations, but for getting out and riding dirt roads it is great and confidence building. I’ve got Tusk Dsport tires on and love them. The only issue I have is that I often get sputters and or back fires on deceleration. Not sure if that is something with the fuel injection? Dealer said it is normal and Yamaha knows about it. I’m keeping mine, but looking for a bigger bike for longer trips, probably a Honda CB500X. Thanks for the vid!

[@thegreatoutthere]

I enjoy the LACK of electronics, etc. As a former WR250R owner, comfort is the main drawback. I rode the TAT/COBDR on the WR and needed a seat pad AND padded riding pants.

[@punisherlj9438]

Thanks for the great video! Your content is always to the point, good explanation of the benefits of the smaller bike. I had watched Dork in the Road do a break down on the best dual sorts and since you had several of them on the list wanted your opinion as well. Appreciate the feed back and keep up the great videos!

[@precipiceofgrind]

You're very welcome, thank you for watching!

[@jerrycollison3929]

Amen, sister. I love your “content” but I love your faith more. We lived in Alaska for 19 years…my wife and I can relate to you and Dave!

[@JackPeters-yk9wg]

I bought my 7th new klr (adventure model) last year..no matter what else I had, i typically had a klr in the next stall...at 69, I decided to buy a new 2024 yamaha xt last week to fill that void between my klr and my honda atv...I've already put a couple hundred on it and find it a perfect mount for the shorter haul and scrambling up the desert mountain roads..Light, nimble and no doubt bullet proof...yes...it's a great bike

[@thomasrichmond7017]

Not even a mention of the TW200? You and Jen should do a there-and-back trip and swap bikes at the turnaround point. And then when you get back compare and contrast the two. For a lot of the off-road riding you do it just seems to me the T-Dub would be preferable over the XT250.

[@precipiceofgrind]

That's an excellent idea, will do!

[@robertjones7792]

Before the plandemic I bought a 2004 Honda XR250r it has a magneto with running lights, I am going to convert the rear light into a brake light so I can take it out on paved roads without worry about getting rear ended, We have a ton of gravel roads and dirt roads to explore here in Texas. Great video Thanks.

[@retiredwaterdoctor]

just as tough as the klr.....and also missing the illusive 6 gear, that the other 250 had...It is a great bike

[@John_Caravella]

XT250 excellent bike -- light, nimble, tough, low maintenance, reliable, great mpg. If you plan to do a lot of offroading, replace stock tires, install handguards and a skidplate.

[@RickRose]

I picked up a 2022 with only 500 miles on it, 4yr extended warranty that transferred, for $4K. I have really enjoyed learning about offroad riding with the bike. As you suggest here, the only time I was really uncomfortable was after a 100-mile day that was mostly seated b/c it was all asphalt and gravel. On the trail, standing up, not so bad at all. It is more of an effort to stand on the XT than on a taller bike b/c you are starting from such a low position, but everything is a trade-off. On the XT, I've had the confidence to climb some hills that might have intimidated me on a taller bike. I hope to enjoy the bike for years to come. Unfortunately, where I live, it is quite a hike to get offroad, so I only go on the occasional weekend, and I trailer the bike. When I get off work and want to go for a ride around town, the XT does not appeal nearly so much as my street bike, so it sits a lot. That's okay.

[@precipiceofgrind]

Very nice!

[@chawnslopoke2619]

Yes, yes you should 😊

[@matthatter93]

I just really wish there were aftermarket larger fuel tanks available

[@precipiceofgrind]

Surprisingly there isn't considering the popularity of the bike, I ,as well, wish there were some choices for tanks.

[@followingflinn8311]

After doing most of the AZBDR on my Vstrom, I’m very much considering a bike like this for my next trip out west.

[@precipiceofgrind]

Can't go wrong with a XT250, it's an incredible bike far more capable than it looks. It's name in Japan is Serow which means mountain goat.

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

I may have to downsize here soon as my back is really out of whack . Hopefully it doesn't make me stop riding entirely but that being said I can't decide between this or the TW200 for a stash in the truck and take to the mountains bike . Or deserts or coastal ranges or anywhere in between . There's also the short version CRF300LS that is intriguing . I have a Tenere 700 and for many reasons it dat for 14 months with just the occasional start up to keep the battery happy . Rode it recently a couple times but I think a smaller bike would be a good addition . Thanks for the video and enjoy the close by beautiful outdoors you have .

[@precipiceofgrind]

You can't go wrong wrong with either the TW200 or XT. Adding a smaller bike just gives you more options. Appreciate you watching!

[@johnn8414]

The ease and simplicity of the CARBED TW 200 is a better bet. They been around in motor/trans/carb form for years and parts swap easily from wayyyy back. Short seat and stability is really nice if you want to teach others. TW200 is better bet for your descriptiption.

[@G-Man01]

Would also recommend a 2025 KLX230 (modified seat). Not great fuel range though.

[@Xt1000]

If your less than 200lbs and less than 6' tall its a great bike.

[@ET_Videos]

Thanks for the info!

[@precipiceofgrind]

You're welcome!

[@toltod]

My XT250 is flawless in every situation...until i get to deep sand. That's when I wish I'd brought the Husky501 instead. Power. If they could just add another 20hp to that bike, it would be unstoppable in anything.

[@Stagmuffins]

At first I was set on the XT, then the CRF300, and now the DR650. I think my main issue with the XT is that I'll be riding anywhere from 15 to 120 minutes at 60-70mph to get to the trails and the XT seems more comfortable at 40-55mph. Thoughts?

[@precipiceofgrind]

Well, you're not wrong. It's a trade off either way. You're going to sacrifice one thing to get the other.

[@finerbiner]

I have an XT with 10,000 miles and it is a pretty good trail bike. Will not go 70 in any headwind or up hill. Feels like you are risking your life on hwy in traffic. Will not fit your purpose.

[@RickRose]

15 minutes on a 55mph highway I would do. I did it today, in fact, with a very brief period on a 65mph stretch. Where I normally live, I'm three hours from the trails, so I throw the bike on a trailer to get out there. It's small enough that you could easily use a hitch carrier, and I'm thinking of getting one of those. All that said, I also have a 300L Rally on order, so that shows I'm looking for some better highway performance. I'll keep both bikes, at least for a while. Good luck with your dilemma--It's the same one we all have!

[@jt3366]

Love my KLX 230. I believe it falls in the same niche as the xt250. I briefly considered trading it for a DR650, but I believe that would limit me more on where I can go comfortably off-road.

[@precipiceofgrind]

I recently looked at a KLX 230, bet it handles just like the XT and I'm sure is a hoot in the backcountry. I'm really thinking hard at going even smaller to one of the Honda 150s for real deep backcountry travel.

[@timjk32]

i just bought one a month ago i love the bike it is great. what beefy off road tires do u have on yours??

[@precipiceofgrind]

Tusk D Sports

[@bellyacre1]

No risers on the handlebars? I didn't have a problem with the foot pegs. Until everyone else complained about. If it makes it more comfortable to stand I may do. But, my feet have never left the pegs.

[@precipiceofgrind]

Not yet but I intend to. Did you have to get a longer clutch cable for the risers?

[@bellyacre1]

@@precipiceofgrind I didn't do risers. I asked you because you are a little taller than me. I am almost 5'9. I have seen others do with the same cables. I just ordered the bigger pegs. I don't stand as much as I should. And, decided to try.

[@StubProductions]

Do you like XT250 or TW200 better? Thank you for video!

[@precipiceofgrind]

Well, I can't say for certain since I don't have the experience on the TW like I do on the XT. However, I am intending on doing a comparison video of the two bikes soon. My wife will be sharing her experience with the TW (her first bike) on the video while I talk about the XT. Personally, I think I'd like the slight jump in power with the XT over the TW but both bikes are awesome!

[@StubProductions]

@@precipiceofgrind Thank you! Looking for to your review!

[@Dastardly_X]

🤘🏻 🌟 🤘

[@Kevin_Ho70]

Are you running stock suspension too? XT250 is eating up all those bumps and rocks without breaking a sweat!

[@precipiceofgrind]

Yes, still stock suspension.

[@edhughes1591]

Can I ask how big you are? I’m about to buy one, but I’m really concerned that it might be too small, frame wise. Not so worried about power. I’m 5”11 200lbs. Mainly worried about being able to stand on trails

[@precipiceofgrind]

I'm 5'10" - 170 lbs. I'm intending on adding bar risers at some point, that would certainly help while standing.

[@Kevin_Ho70]

What tires and psi are you running front and rear? How often do you do oil changes? How much do u weigh because you are flying across the dirt road effortlessly! 😂

[@precipiceofgrind]

Tusk D Sports and the psi depends but lately I've been riding around 21 front/20 rear or so. I weigh 175 lbs. Great little bike!

[@Kevin_Ho70]

@@precipiceofgrind TY for the prompt reply!

[@gangterspardise]

hey man can I ask how tall you are and if you think that plays a factor?

[@gangterspardise]

in terms of long distance on road

[@precipiceofgrind]

I'm 5'10". Well the XT is a smaller bike and I do feel a bit scrunched up (knees to chest) when I do longer rides and am not standing much. A person 6ft or taller will only feel even more so with this bike in the same circumstances. The best way to deal with that is to stop more frequently and walk around/stretch the legs. Might be lower foot pegs available as well.

[@MikesProjectsandHobbiesMC]

Got any used DR650s over there? Folks over here still asking MSRP for their 15 year old DRs. LOL

[@precipiceofgrind]

Same here, that's why I just went ahead and got a new one.

[@codywy5579]

Can I ask roughly where this is in Utah?

[@precipiceofgrind]

Southwestern Utah desert

[@Kevin_Ho70]

More fun on the XT250 than the Honda 300L?

[@precipiceofgrind]

It depends really. I get in more trouble on the XT.

[@Kevin_Ho70]

@@precipiceofgrind lol. I sold my Honda BRP 650XL for the XT250! More confidence and fun on the smaller bike!

[@uncletom1971]

Would this bike compare to the Kawasaki KLX230 then?

[@precipiceofgrind]

Can't say, I have no experience with the KLX230. I have seen only one of those at a dealership and I recalled thinking it looked almost exactly like the XT250.

[@PInk77W1]

Is there any after market big gas tanks? Thx

[@precipiceofgrind]

Not that I'm aware of.

[@PInk77W1]

@@precipiceofgrind Yes. I’m leaning towards the XR650L