The Yamaha XT225 is Back ... Let's Ride!

The Yamaha XT225 is rebuilt and back on the road! Last year I started getting metal shavings in my oil filter and, after a complete teardown, it turns out that sixth gear was starting to fail. It took months to get the new parts in due to lengthy backorders but now, almost a year later, we're rolling again. Let's goooo!!!
If you’ve enjoyed this video I hope you’ll give it a “like” and will consider hitting that subscribe button! Have a comment or thought? Please leave it below…comments are always encouraged and appreciated. For more content you can also follow me on Instagram at / jimmytmoto and at my website, jimmytmoto.com .
This channel is for motorcycle riders, mechanics, and enthusiasts who enjoy the simple joys of motorcycling, from dual sport riding to fixing up old bikes on a budget. My videos also consider the perspective of short motorcycle riders (when it’s helpful and relevant) in choosing and modifying bikes and equipment.
I’ve been hooked on motorcycles since 1975 when, at the age of 11, my dad brought home a shiny new Suzuki TM75 for me and a Suzuki TC185 for himself so that we could trail ride together in the hills of West Virginia. Since then I’ve worked as a mechanic, owned countless bikes, and even worked in the motorcycle industry for a number of years as a photographer and journalist. Now I do mainly video production and enjoy nothing more than making and sharing these motorcycle videos on KZbin.
Thanks again for watching. Ride safe!
- jimmytmoto

[@WendellProudfoot]

I'm really happy you've got the XT together again. I've missed your excellent videos.

[@ChaoticDetour]

Glad to see he got it back together and on the road. Mine is still sitting in the garage waiting to reseal the engine, fix wiring, replace the carb and blown out suspension. Enjoy the spring weather

[@adz62]

Great to see you and there is less of you to see. I am a late subscriber so have been going through your videos over the winter along with TDubskid. I picked up a 2002 XT225 this spring, thanks to you, and have been working on it as it has not been used in 11 years. Baking the crankcase took me back to when I was 17 and had no tools to rebuild a Suzuki TC185 engine that was a basket case. Just wanted to let you know that you were missed and so glad you are back with your XT & many blessings from Nova Scotia Canada.

[@Adventure72Awaits]

Good to see the bike up and running. I've got the same bike. The xt225s are pretty special

[@hermit-1283]

Great to see you back on your bike I live in Southern California and I have a 2001 Yamaha XT 225 that I ride everywhere my brother has an XT 250 they are so fun to just ride around forever on glad to see you riding yours again

[@SNxr400r]

Glad you're back and great job rebuilding your bike, you are a very good mechanic. I'm still thinking about doing the front fork mod that you did. I used to have a DR350 as well...but I enjoy the 225 even more. Look forward to seeing more of your vids!

[@landonrbrady746]

Awesome to see that you posted again! So happy to see that everything is good with you and the bike. I have a 04 XT that is running and looking great, and your videos have inspired me to take it out of the garage and ride it more. I really missed your riding vids, and I look forward to seeing more!

[@geraldscott4302]

Glad to see the XT225 back. I'm getting ready to put mine away for the summer (here in the Phoenix, AZ area, winter is the riding season. Temperatures around 120 degrees are not uncommon in central AZ summers. Not only is that downright miserable, and no fun at all, but can be downright dangerous. Many people die from the heat here every year. Having your bike break down out in the middle of the desert with no shade and very little water is probably not survivable. I have a Clarke 4 gallon tank on mine. For the summer months, I remove the tank, turn it upside down and drain all the gas out of it, drain the carburetor, put everything back, and put a gallon of TruFuel in the tank. It lasts for 2 years, has no ethanol, will not harm the fuel system, and allows me to start the bike up and ride it around the block once in a while. My bike is actually built out of 3 XT225s and a bunch of aftermarket parts. The engine is a '94, and has just over 22K trouble free miles on it. I bought it in 2008, with 1800 miles on it. I have a spare 2001 engine with only 3K miles on it, along with extra wheels, a 2001 titled frame, and MANY other parts, so I expect it to last me for the rest of my off road riding life. The XT225 is a wonderful bike that is easy to work on (unlike liquid cooled EFI bikes) is less likely to break down that those bikes are, and can be kept going forever as long as parts are available. I quickly realized just how wonderful the XT225 was back in 2008, and have been hoarding parts ever since. When I am no longer able to ride it safely (I'm 63 with some disabilities) I will sell the bike and all the extra parts together. Lugging the engine can damage pretty much anything and everything, though it usually destroys the crank and con rod bearings first. For some reason, people have a problem with the higher rpms that these engines are built for, and do things like upgearing them and lugging the engine to try and lower the engine rpms, not realizing that they are doing far more damage than just letting the engine rev. I have seriously considered getting a TW200. I have gotten the XT stuck in the sand a few times, the TW should handle sand a lot better with those huge tires. One of the things that was holding me back was that I couldn't find a centerstand for it (my XT225 has a centerstand, fabricated by a former member of xt225.com, who no longer makes them) I will not ride a bike with tube type tires and no centerstand. I finally found a place that does make a centerstand for the TW200. I'm still not sure I could fix a flat tire by myself out in the middle of nowhere with those huge tires.

[@mattkhachadoorian9261]

So stoked to see you again! Best XT content 100%. Happy you’re doing well and on your terms. My 98 XT is running primo right now and I can thank your videos for a lot of that. Hope to see more videos soon!

[@Roamthesouth]

We all need a break ever once in a while! Glad you're back.

[@UncleRobsGarage]

You are the man! Which our paths crossed.

[@paul-kayak]

Good to see you back and healthy.

[@williamchapman9288]

Welcome back. Nice to hear the update.

[@gorrdd]

Jimmy! You and your moto are BACK. Really glad to see you posting again. Allot of folks here missed you buddy. Great video too. I always loved your thoughts and narrations as you road along beautiful southern Ohio and Indiana country roads. Gord

[@mikeydoca3666]

I thought I was going to be one of the only people to miss you. Glad to see I was wrong. Welcome back!

[@spartanchirho]

Glad you're back at it!

[@Mr.Plaidman]

great to see you back Jimmy! Kelly

[@PlayingWithFireOutdoors]

Good to see you're back!

[@kennypool]

Good to see you back on the bike. I'm still riding my helix and Reflex, added an 05 shadow 750.

[@xaxabat1]

Another great video. Thank you!

[@jimo8119]

Jimmy T is back ! great video , see you on the trail

[@marloduran9743]

Really love your content about all Enduro bike..hope I can have one..new subscriber here 🙂👋 from the Philippines 🇵🇭

[@carmelotansengco4605]

Great video. Makes me miss my old Japanese model Serow 225. That was the very first version. Kickstart only.

[@pewpewmoto]

Yaaaaay! I just got a KLX this week. We should meet up sometime! (I'm in Cincy (Reading))

[@jimmytmoto]

Right on! Look me up on Instagram, hopefully we can connect for a ride.

[@pewpewmoto]

@@jimmytmoto Sounds good bud!

[@magnussvensson5304]

Thanks for a good upload, both some mechanical and some driving and even yourself fixed. Greetings from sweden

[@bronsonbarker9697]

Nice job ole buddy 👍

[@barberchannel]

Great to see you back doing what you do so well, talking motorcycles and creating videos. I'm up in Darke County. I ride an XT250. I am a retired history teacher and would enjoy meeting up for a ride some time. Do you ever organize day rides with folks in the midwest?

[@IRQ1Conflict]

This is freaking awesome 👌

[@crestiesmb75]

I'm just dusting one off that's been sitting a few years , 2006 w/emissions, the carb is ready to go back on after a refresh and I just got my YZ fender in.

[@dillonslaughter7158]

Glad you’re back at it friend! Love my XT to death! Going to North West Arkansas soon to ride in the Ozarks! Woo! Thanks for the information always!

[@imbetteratshootingthanleafy]

you use the oven, that's funny. my dad would use the barbeque.

[@adz62]

I was telling your 6th gear story to a work colleague who was a 25 year Honda mechanic and over 30 years wrenching and he said that there was a Honda that would always lose its 5th gear because of low oil. The 5th gear being the smallest and with low oil in the sump it would not get lubricated. He said that this was very common and the 5th gear would grind away until it wouldn't work. Could your engine had low oil at some point in its life especially if it had multiple owners. One episode of low oil and 6th gear driving could heat up the gear to damage the metal. What do people think of this hypothesis?

[@johnreed1580]

I have thought of you many times while out riding. Wondering what happened with your xt. Delighted that it is running and that you did such a good job on it.

[@tonyhaddon2582]

Just MAKE SURE YOU GREASE THE SUSPENSION

[@timhudson1846]

Why can't you live next door to me ? I still can't get my TW to run right.. it's the carburetor... Maybe I'll mail it to you 👍😁

[@dennispataki5083]

Hi Jimmy, glad to see you back. Just curious, did you change the main bearings too? I only see you changing the transmission bearings.

[@localforearm1627]

rode mine today, didnt really find any trails and ended up ripping a hole in my brand new dunlop next to some railroad tracks:(

[@xt225]

Jimmy where you been? You ok?

[@spartanchirho]

I didn't know those 225s had a 6th gear..

[@danbarefoot9133]

Do you have a link to what bearing puller set you purchased? Thank you and love watching your videos

[@xt225]

Glad you're back in the saddle. Need to stiffen up the front of mine and hoping my Motorcycle Man will do it. What diameter/size piping did you use? If he won't cut the springs will get him to put thicker oil in. What number would you suggest? Also what setting have you got the rear rebound on? Thanks Jimmy. Really enjoy your vids and must have missed the TW one.

[@nicr3582]

I'm curious what area you live in? I'm in Frankfort, KY area. I ride in KY, IN and OH often. I have a Yamaha WR250R, but have owned several XT225's and looking for another currently. Always looking for other enthusiasts to ride and wrench with.

[@ngzcaz]

Any dirt/gravel riding near my son's house off rt 608 near Chardon, Ohio ? I can take it on my carrier from Ne Pa.. I've heard of Wayne Forest but that's a bit of a ride just to get there from his house.. Probably get 4 to 6 hrs max on a one day.

[@joebrown7831]

Hey I love your channel I have a 2006 xt225 are there any overheating problems with the bike because I noticed there’s no radiator for fan or anything

[@muriuwangai3617]

HI Jimmy, i have a serow 225 with gold rimms that I want to paint Black but the paint keeps coming out. Kindly advice me on how to paint these Rimms. kindly advice. paul, Kenya

[@terrywayland1222]

Strange 6th gear would do that…

[@Pablo-hj8hv]

Hey so I know this is a long shot but I had just gotten my 95’ xt225 back from being stolen for 2 years was wondering if anyone knows where I can plastics for it like the side plastics that cover the the air box side and battery side. If there is anyone that could help would be much appreciated!!

[@chrispeters8785]

Where did you go?

[@wierpkevin]

My XT225 has a little over 9k miles. How many were on your bike when you found the metal shavings in the filter ?

[@hermit-1283]

I have a 2001 Yamaha XT 225 that I ride the wheels off of I live in Southern California and there’s just trails everywhere where I live my motorcycle has about 7000 miles on it and throughout its life there has been tiny little metal shavings in it a lot of people say that it’s clutch material and that it’s normal and so far I haven’t had any issues with my bike not running Watch T dubs kid and watch his oil change videos on his TW 200 and it gives you an idea on why there could be metal shavings

[@hermit-1283]

Metal shaving in the oil filter

[@canamdennis6829]

What year is your xt

[@clvrswine]

2006.

[@jimmytmoto]

It's a 2006, Can Am Dennis 68.