Yamaha XT250 Owners Review, Things that I like and Don’t like about this Dual Sport Motorcycle

This is a great bike for city riding, trail riding, and off-roading. With minor modifications or add-ons, it could be the ultimate dual-sport motorcycle. It is extremely reliable and fun to drive. It is a great bike for beginners. My 12-year-old son is already practicing using the clutch on this bike. Another benefit of having the lowest seat height in its segment.
Parts added to this bike:
Skid Plate
Hecasa Aluminum Skid Plate XT250 2008-2024 amzn.to/4d8uuJQ
ED Skid Plate XT250 Serow250 amzn.to/4b4f7jL
Worldmoto Yamaha XT Skid plate black amzn.to/4aC7nWx
Handguards / Bark Busters
ACERBIS Handguards Black/White amzn.to/3xQFSKn
JFG Universal Handguards for Motorcycle or ATV (Cheapest Option) amzn.to/3U2Kh4k
Bar Risers
Handlebar raisers 30mm height amzn.to/3soMgpk
Tusk Handlebar Risers 7/8 Bars 30mm Height amzn.to/44V12Sw
Universal Fuel Tank Magnetic Bag amzn.to/45TJOWT
Tool Kit - Fuel Kit
DrySpec Tool / Fuel Tube Kit amzn.to/3PJHSuv
750ml Fuel bottle for motorcycles amzn.to/3rknTch
Thumbscrews
M6x15mm Black Round Head Thumbscrews amzn.to/3Pm8Xm8
Oil Filter and Oil
K&N oil filter amzn.to/44uiWv7
Valvoline Oil: amzn.to/3U9zDYy
Chain and Cable lubricant
Liquid Wrench Lube amzn.to/49NlAi3
WD40 Chain Lubricant amzn.to/49Fq1eF
Motorcycle cable lube tool for Throttle and Clutch amzn.to/4aKTVzK
Waterproof USB Charger
Motorcycle USB Charger with ON/OFF switch amzn.to/3Usx9Xu

[@bellyacre1]

There is so much you can add to the xt250. Revolver makes a great shifter. It gives you some adjustability. If you travel long distances away from civilization. You may want to bypass the clutch switch, and kickstand switch. The kickstand switch can leave you stranded. Also, if you don't already know. Second gear is the best gear to bumpstart it. You can get good phone holder with wire connection. (primarily for gps) Also, for single track. You might change out your mirrors. Have fun! They are Good Bikes.

[@robertoalvarez5281]

Hello, thank you very much for your recommendations. I could not agree more with you; these bikes are fantastic! I will definitely look into the Revolver shift lever. I ordered some DMO foot pegs, a USB charger, and a phone holder for the GPS just yesterday. I also ordered a Tool Tube and fuel bottle to carry extra gas. :0 I will also consider the mirrors; at the moment, I am OK with the ones the bike came with, but I saw in various motorcycle groups and blogs that many use double-take mirrors on these bikes. They seem to be a good option. Thank you once again,

[@THE_SNAPP]

Great video. Inhad a 1982 xt 250 back in the mid 80s, loved it. I have a couple dirt bikes (CRF 250), but have veen looking at these and TW 200 a lot. I don't want a carburetor so this probably wins out. I appreciate your insights.

[@robertoalvarez5281]

Thank you for the feedback, greatly appreciated. I grew up in the 80's and that's why I prefer motorcycles that have some resemblance to those of that time. Motorcycles that have something from both eras, modern but simple at the same time. And in my opinion the XT250 perfectly covers all expectations. It is a fantastic and fun little machine.

[@drphillipstacey3644]

I changed to pivoting pegs and they work great with motocross boots

[@robertoalvarez5281]

Thank you for the tip. Those are great foot pegs indeed, but a little pricey IMO. 🤑

[@capefear3297]

Bought a used '21 XT250 with 4100 miles on it, and it's a sweet ride. 4500 bucks well spent. The pegs were changed to a larger size. A riser is installed on the handlebars, and replaced the dogbones with adjustable height turnbuckles to lower the seat height allowing bothe feet on the ground contact , which makes for a more satisfying ride. I agree with changing to a 16 tooth front sprocket, and the need to replace the shifter lever. I'm 5'8" with a 12" long , wide boot, so shifting's with the OEM lever is a pain. I still need to tighten down the pre-load spring to keep the front wheel on the ground when accelerating. The spring is far too soft for safe riding, in my opinion. Thanks for the review. Regards. I subscribed.

[@robertoalvarez5281]

Thanks for your feedback. 🙂 You got a great deal with that bike. I bought mine new, and the OTD price was almost $6700 DLS. I don't regret it at all. I'm still convinced that you get the best bang for your buck with these bikes. I just ordered the 16th sprocket from Sunstar a few days ago, I can't wait for it to arrive to install it and see the difference. I am still looking for the shift lever, I found a couple of options on eBay and Amazon, but they don't have much info on the length; I want to make sure it is longer than the stock shift lever. The seat height for me is perfect, I can put both feet on the ground without a problem, but I would like to change the rear shock absorber for something a little less soft. Best regards.

[@alecu7777]

Ya man i bought a 2023 last june, i love it but i am getting better and feel im out growing it a bit. Thinking about getting a Drz400s or Yamaha wr250r used with low miles. Awesome bike though, take care man.

[@robertoalvarez5281]

Yeah, same here. I am looking for a DRZ400 on the used market. But I would keep the XT250 as well. I still think it's a pretty fun little machine with a bulletproof engine. Eventually, I will give the XT to my son or daughter. Best regards,

[@gregbradshaw8679]

@@robertoalvarez5281 Drz400s for the win!

[@user-np5di5vq9h]

YAMAHAS specs the seat height at 31.9. When you mount on it does the seat height lower. I have an embarrassing inseam length 🙃

[@robertoalvarez5281]

That is correct. The suspension is really soft, so once you get on the bike, the seat height definitely drops a couple more inches. Regards,

[@user-np5di5vq9h]

@robertoalvarez5281 awesome thank you! Your feedback def has encouraged me to get one. Picking up a used one this Saturday!

[@robertoalvarez5281]

​@@user-np5di5vq9h Nice!! It was my pleasure. You won't regret it, it is a pretty fun and capable little machine. Congrats.👏👏

[@DarkHorseCrusader]

Thanks for the review! Just curious, did you consider the TW200? Thanks!

[@robertoalvarez5281]

Yes, I did. I really like the retro styling of the TW, especially those fat tires. :) But since the price difference is only around $500 between these two, I opted for the XT because I consider it to be a much more capable and better bike overall. Regards,

[@saner6888]

Just bought a 21’ Xt 250 (64mi.!) looking for a rack I can mount and keep the orig. passenger hand grips? I have the wider pegs and risers , a must I agree! What do you use the thumbscrews for? Noticed them on your Amazon link? You have a great spot there to ride, enjoy👍🏼

[@robertoalvarez5281]

@@saner6888 wow! Congrats, that’s pretty much new. The thumbscrews are to replace the factory bolts to get access to the tool bag without a screw driver and removing the seat without tools. I know flatlands racing makes an aluminum rack that allows you to keep the rear handles. Regards.

[@saner6888]

@@robertoalvarez5281 thank you!! Fantastic!!

[@56Spookdog]

I have a common complaint with my 21 after about an hour the seat is uncomfortable.

[@robertoalvarez5281]

That is definitely a common complaint. XT's seat is not the most comfortable in the world. There are a few alternatives, like the seat from seat concepts, but they run about a couple hundred dollars.

[@bfields1448]

I had a 2018. Put 3000mi on it. Fun bike, not for big guys 6'2 looks funny

[@Rocketman0407]

But if it’s fun who cares? I am 6'6 and ride my dr200, looks like a little pit bike with me on top. I have just gotten used to things not fitting anymore lol

[@robertoalvarez5281]

Yeah, I am 6ft tall and I may look like a bear riding a small bike... 😂 but I'm definitely having a great time on the XT. It's my commuter bike, about 40 miles round trip, and for off-roading with my kids. For long trips or weekend rides, I have my VStar 1100. The XT has been a great bike for me so far. Most likely, I will keep this bike for many years since my son, who is now 12 years old, is already starting to use it, and I see him very excited every time he rides the XT. At some point, this will be his bike, and I will possibly get a DRZ400. Regards,

[@bfields1448]

​@@robertoalvarez5281I miss mine wish I still had it. I want a 2024 transalp

[@chawnslopoke2619]

​@@robertoalvarez5281did you get pegs and a shifter yet? I'm looking too

[@robertoalvarez5281]

@@chawnslopoke2619@chawnslopoke2619 Hello, I ordered the pegs from DMO Specialties, but I am still looking for the shifter. 😕

[@Rocketman0407]

Have you tried the TTR as well?

[@robertoalvarez5281]

Yes sir, I had a TTR 225 a while ago, great bike. But I'm leaning more towards a dual sport bike as I can use it on and off-road. The XT250 is a much more capable and fun motorcycle than the TTR, in my opinion. Couldn't be happier with this bike. Regards,

[@user-dv7hb2sc9m]

I agree that simple bikes are best & to me it means = screw all the electronic crap... I just wanna ride, is all. The only thing I'd consider having is the ABS & that only b/c of using it on the streets. Does this bike tell you how much gas is in the tank or in what gear you are in>? Not a big deal but I'm curious since I like this bike & you have one. DAD, you are too funny talking about your kids keeping up w/ you..... No way, you needed the 250 to keep up w/ them. Don't admit it though, right.

[@robertoalvarez5281]

Hello, Unfortunately, these motorcycles do not have a gas gauge, but they do have a warning light when you are low on fuel. With the reserve, you can travel about 30 miles without a problem, so unless you are in the middle of nowhere, you should have enough fuel to get to the next gas station. They also do not have a gear indicator. Personally, I think that could be an inconvenience for many since, at high RPMs, you may constantly try to shift into fifth gear when you are already in it. But despite that, these bikes are quite capable and super fun to ride. You won't regret buying one. Regards, 👍

[@user-dv7hb2sc9m]

Thanks & I really don't need a gear indicator but I'd just looked at another bike that had both on the display so I mentioned it. I've always liked Yamaha products even though others are quite capable. I also like air cooled engines - less bullcH!T to go wrong. Thanks a lot for taking the time,,, peace

[@robertoalvarez5281]

@@user-dv7hb2sc9m I have been a Yamaha fan almost my whole life. I have a Yamaha Vstar 1100 for long trips and weekends and my XT250 to ride around town and commute to work. I have had other brands, but IMO, nothing is as reliable as Yamaha. They are super simple, reliable, and almost maintenance-free. Regards,

[@user-dv7hb2sc9m]

People are sold on their FAV Brands & so am I..... I happen to digg Yamaha Stuff ! The big 4 manufacturer's all put out good products but I do like the name & the color of blue Yami uses. How is the V~Star? I have not ridden in a long time but I am looking hard at a bunch of dual sport bikes. When I saw your video I knew you were just an average family man & not one of these youtuber's looking to make content. That weighs on why I stopped to chat you up but if I manage to get my money straight this little bike is on my radar. Nice color scheme too. Simple and none of the water cooled crap to be dealing with. Having a water cooled system on a bike is asking for trouble & most use them nowadays but I'm an old guy..... My first bike was a Kawasaki Kz1000(1980-82)... air cooled. Is V~Star water cooled or air? I'm not looking for that size of bike... I kinda want something that goes down the road but that I can see a trail & just go see where it comes out? The XT250 is my Fav small bike but I'm even looking at a used XT225. I like them better than the 250 b/c they have 6gear transmission & a good big bore kit. Thanks for giving me a shout out... peace Hey, does the XT use any ECU's at all? Just curious if you know?

[@robertoalvarez5281]

@@user-dv7hb2sc9m Thank you sir, I really appreciate the feedback. You're absolutely correct, I make these videos not to become rich or famous. I want to share my passion for motorcycles with other bikers and DIYers like me. I love my VStar. It has been a great cruiser bike for me. It is air-cooled. If you think that bike may be too much for you, they have the VStar 600, which is pretty much the same bike but with a smaller engine. I had an XT225 a long time ago. Both are fantastic bikes, but to be honest, the XT250 is overall a better and more capable bike. I know the 6th gear on the 225 is a big plus, but I take the EFI and reliability of the 250 any day. Plus I loved the color combination of the black and gray on the newer XT models. Regards.