Yamaha XT250, Good Beginner/First Motorcycle?..And Bump Start

[@precipiceofgrind]

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

[@KeithMayer]

My africa twin been angry at me since I re-awakened my 2009 xt250 from the barn. Just to fun. My first bike also

[@ngzcaz]

Folks under 5'10" should love this... seat is hard agreed /useable power is excellent. All the way from idle to wound tight. No explosion, just a nice predictable pull which lends it to be a great trail bike.. All bikes have negatives. This has less than most. Stay off the interstates and enjoy the off road dirt and old blacktop 2 lanes, forest roads etc..

[@dstubby82]

Gave my TW and XT away to a couple as a 50th birthday gift to each of them. Most regretful decision of my life but they LOVE the bikes. 😂

[@mikecarr1484]

I rebuilt a 2001 Yamaha xt225 and put a clarke tank on it. 4 gallons of gas. 320 miles per tank now. I barely ever have to fuel up.

[@Guitarooster52]

If you’re a tall person get a fatter seat. There are plenty of other bikes for you. For us short people…you’re going to like this bulletproof little bike. It’s very well built.

[@andriilebid8137]

which ones would you recommend I wonder? (bikes I mean, in the price range preferably, I'm 6ft 1, and the tallest SC seat is only 1 inch higher btw.. It also seems there are no pegs lowering possibilities for xt250). Would really prefer a lighter bike as I have a rather skinny stature and been 43 already, just a beginner and definitely not an adrenaline junky, but like DR650 is heavy, drz400 seem rare in good condition (haven't seen any locally so far), crf300l is IMO kind of pricey for what it is new and the used prices aren't any lower.

[@chazlyle41]

Best bike out there, for anyone! I own a 1900cc 670lb bike and I still keep my eye open for an XT250 because I regret selling the old one and miss it more than any bike I’ve owned! Perfect commuter/explorer!

[@precipiceofgrind]

I agree, love the XT250! We have no intention of letting ours go! Appreciate you watching!

[@seansteede]

Agree - my ST1300 for touring the paved world, and my XT250 for touring the off paved world. I have a bad habit of going down single track - it cost me with my Africa Twin, but I've been able to turn my little XT250 around on anything that got too hairy...been riding for 35 years and its the most smiles for the miles.

[@runrun8239]

One of the greatest reviews of the XT250! Only 90 likes!? Why is KZbin hiding the other 7000s

[@ericweber1969]

Your bump start illustrated exactly why I’m thinking about one of these. I’m 6’-2”, so taller than the typical XT rider, but perhaps it would be ok with a seat concepts tall seat. I’m about a 90% street rider, and don’t want to get myself stuck in the middle of nowhere, so lighter and simpler is better.

[@seansteede]

I got 280km (168miles) on a tank in death valley. The low fuel was flashing for the last 60km, but we got to Panamint Springs before it ran out of gas. I was packing extra fuel and wanted to see how far I could go, I'm sure I was a click or two away from sputtering out. Great little machine indeed!

[@lucasjillson236]

I just bought a 2023 XT250, it is my first bike ever, and I'm learning as I go. So far I've just gone up and down my driveway a few times but I've got to say this bike was super easy to learn how to shift on and all that. I'm 5'10 or so, but I also lost my toes from frostbite years ago, I was easily able to stand flatfooted with this bike. For where I live in Maine this bike seems perfect! I was looking at the crf300l but once I sat on it realized it was too tall for me. I feel like I got lucky also because I wasn't able to find a crf300 anywhere, and the dealership I got this at only had two of these and neither place was getting anymore anytime soon it seemed. Great video man! I gotta say I'm hooked on riding already!

[@precipiceofgrind]

You got a fantastic bike and it will more than likely outlast you (granted you take care of it)! I love my XT250. Check out DMO Specialties for some proper foot pegs, it will make a world of difference while standing. Enjoy and stay safe out there!

[@souhailshamaissem7564]

I love the yamaha xt250 and totally agree with you. I sold my 2017 early this year because I needed money but I am looking for another one

[@johncrowley3833]

I am headed out to pick up a 650 KLR today. Keep up the great work.

[@chubbrock659]

My son just bought a 1700 cc Victory High Ball for his first bike, I told him he’s crazy to start there, but it is a dang sweet ride.

[@ZPDSurvival]

Wow. I have the same windshield and Rack. I have the clear parabellum windshield. Figuring a way to install the passenger hand holds to the rack system since they said they needed to be removed for installation. I learned how to ride on the Yamaha XT250 that I own. Cool Video. Next are New Tires.

[@ngzcaz]

Another item I forgot to mention is the quietness of the bike... especially while riding alone. just relax and take in the sights.. .plush suspension a bonus for slower riders..

[@ride_r2]

got the japan spec 250...extremely reliable indeed even @ 45K miles

[@Pablo-pb2xg]

Best xt250 review I watched. Thank you!

[@TH-ox5ig]

Awesome review. I’ve been intrigued by this bike for about 8 years but never got around to riding one. You’ve just convinced me to finally pull the trigger. Should be a fun bike for local commutes and light off-roading, as you described.

[@precipiceofgrind]

Enjoy your XT250, awesome bike! Thanks for watching!!

[@johnnycountee644]

Best xt 250 video ever. I'm 5ft 6 inches and have been on the fence about by one. This is the most informative video on the xt250. The bump start sealed the deal. Got to have one.

[@precipiceofgrind]

Thank you very much for watching, glad you found it helpful!

[@lilredwagon5311]

The XT250 is a great bike for runnin around town. My only gripe with the bike is that when I'm leaving work for lunch with my steel toed boots on I have a hard time finding both the shifter and the rear brake. Probably just because of my boots being larger than the shoes I wear while riding. I dont have any body armor so I havent been on any gravel roads yet. My big 230pound body squishes the rear shock down quite a bit haha! Yeah its a bullet proof engine that is also fuel injected. Just keep up on oil changes, and its also recommended to lube the chain every 300 miles? Maybe thats too often I dont know, thats just what was suggested to me by the local yamaha shop. This is my 5th bike and currently my only one and probably the only one ill have for quite awhile, which is fine. Hopefully once I get some body armor I can get used to running on gravel roads being thats all we have in the dakotas unless I go to the black hills. Anyways sorry for typing an essay haha!

[@CHUNKYNUGGET666]

Have u played with preload? Id go full preload at your weight but look for heavier springs if u ride hard

[@ADEMILY87]

I put some DMO specialties footpegs on my XT250 and I feel like it helped with finding the shifter and the brake. I think it has something to do with having more real estate for your heel.

[@pappaclutch3266]

OEM shifters are around $40. I bought a extra then cut it and welded In a 1inch spacer extending the level arm. Works great with steel toe work boots. I am going to play around with making something like the Altrider dual control brake lever next for the brake. Can’t justify spending $70 on something I could make for like $5 or less at home. You mentioned body armor, I’d save some money and just buy a good set of Klim gear appropriate for your states temperatures. That way you have a set of gear to protect you on and off the road, that Klim stuff has pads in it. I have a set of the Carlsbad for winter and Induction for summer but the new Baja S4 gear is nice, offers super protection and it’s not heavy at all, also breaths like mesh so it feels like your not wearing gear. When I fall in the dirt or shrubs you can’t feel it, kinda emboldens me to be more risky lol. I am 200lb and I always have a full set of gear so I maxed out the setting on the rear shock because I blew my first one at 400mi on my 22 XT. Could have been a bad shock but currently have 2000mi and no more issues since I maxed it out. Rides great like that also.

[@pappaclutch3266]

Here’s my bike: imgur.com/gallery/eTxOfee

[@lilredwagon5311]

@@CHUNKYNUGGET666 no I haven't done anything with the rear shock yet i will have to look into how to adjust it if its not at full strength right now

[@TheSirhc1975]

It's a fun little bike. I have it, and a DRZ400S. I do like the XT on the single track, lighter and just enough power. Plus I'm pushing 50 lol.

[@precipiceofgrind]

The XT250 certainly has a place! Appreciate you watching!

[@zolob2434]

Great video! Had fun watching it!

[@aeror115]

It’s a cool bike for sure and great for beginners or smaller people

[@eddietorres7963]

I have the same bike from the same year. So far everything works perfectly. The seat very hard and I bought seatconcet, honestly it doesn't change much it's still hard

[@precipiceofgrind]

Yup, the seat is tough but everything else is great! Thanks For Watching!

[@pappaclutch3266]

I can go about 3 hours on mine when the real pain sets in and I am racing home lol.

[@markillingworth1929]

I traded a e model 08 drz for the 08 xt because I never felt at ease that far off the ground and now I'm well into my sixties the drz was too hard to stand up. The weight is pretty similar but the xt centre of gravity makes it easy to stand up a downed machine. P. S. I'm 6'2 and yeah my knees will probably ache after a while. My young mate says that I ride like an old bloke and he's right but I'm still riding eh?

[@MrAbbielover]

Which do you prefer...the xt250 or the tw200. I'm looking at both and having a hard time deciding. Can't get to demo them since no one has them in stock and they sell right away.

[@precipiceofgrind]

I prefer the XT250, it has just 'a little more' than the TW. However, that doesn't mean the TW can't handle itself because it most certainly can!

[@graymangw6016]

Thanks for the review

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

I have the 2022 XT250 and I love it ! I made the right choice . I was looking at the KLX300 and the CRF300L , but I chose the XT250 for it’s simple design, air cooled and fuel injected, low seat height and just all around rugged and reliable reputation. So , when you bump started your bike , you had the ignition in the on position and popped the clutch in 2nd gear right ?

[@precipiceofgrind]

Yeah, excellent bike for sure! That's correct, I had it in second gear.

[@savage22bolt32]

I don't know about the new GS 1200 BMW's, but the manual for my 1980 BMW says "do not bump start".

[@donreed1133]

Thanks for your videos. Just curious if you keep a battery tender on your motorcycles? Thanks

[@precipiceofgrind]

You're welcome, thanks for watching! We have tenders on most the bikes. I think they are worth it.

[@sreimert]

The trailer hitch on my RV is only rated at 300 lb, otherwise I'd take the Honda CRF300L over the XT250. But given the weight constraint, the XT250 looks like the best dual sport under 300 lb.

[@ETGrc]

Nice video! Could you tell me what hand guards you have on the XT?

[@precipiceofgrind]

Thank you very much!. I think they are JFG Racing, got them off amazon for like $25. They've actually held up quite well with all the spills I've taken on that bike.

[@theonehavingthekey5966]

Have you ever ride for 1hr plus and start to have double vision(seeing 2 images)because of your helmet or goggle?

[@precipiceofgrind]

No, can't say I've had that experience. Is this something that occurs regularly with you?

[@theonehavingthekey5966]

@@precipiceofgrind no. But one day i went riding and had a helmet that required goggles. I had been riding for about an hour or so and started to have double vision on the way home. It could have been my darker shaded goggles. I switched to another full face helmet with a built in visor and haven't had any issues with double vision.

[@NewFurCat]

You can never have too many bikes.

[@precipiceofgrind]

I think you're right.

[@Cmc-365]

Hey i bought one just like this but it dosent hav passenger pegs can i buy some?

[@Diskubredor76]

where did you buy your windshield?

[@precipiceofgrind]

Parabellum windshield. Might have got it from Pro Cycle iirc but they also have their own website.

[@nickboehm7667]

Do you have a link to the handlebar bag by chance?

[@precipiceofgrind]

Yup, there is a link in my video description!

[@kompro427]

What make/model is your windshield? Where did you get it and at what price?

[@precipiceofgrind]

That is the Parabellum Windshield, got it from Procycle for a hundred bucks iirc. It does make a difference.

[@rebornoffroaddude7292]

Is the bike comfortable standing up while riding ?

[@precipiceofgrind]

Comfortable enough I suppose. If you're a tall person I'd say not really.

[@ShootingSportz]

What is that front bag you are running, and what brand windshield?

[@precipiceofgrind]

Nelson-Rigg tank bag and Parabellum Windscreen.

[@ShootingSportz]

@@precipiceofgrind Thank you, I will check them out! Did you have to drill mounting holes for the windscreen?

[@precipiceofgrind]

@@ShootingSportz Yes, I had to drill mounting holes. Easy install.

[@ShootingSportz]

@@precipiceofgrind Appreciate the replies. Does it help with wind buffeting?

[@johnscribb6731]

It's like the fat girl you dated in high school, fun to ride as long as your friends don't see.