I Downsized to Yamaha XT250. Is this the Perfect Motorcycle?
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- Опубликовано: 26 авг 2024
- I always rode big bikes... bigger bikes = more fun, isn't it?
I thought so, until I went to Japan and rode a tiny 9.5 hp Honda Trail 125 on mountain trails in Japan - I had the most fun I ever had on any motorcycle before!
Back in Canada, I knew exactly what I needed: the smallest lightest dual sport bike. Highway legal would be a plus.
So I got a Yamaha XT250 - and I really love this bike! It gives me the most fun on two wheels. It's small, ultra light (292 lbs or 132 kg), has super high ground clearance of 11.2" with only 32" seat height! It's unkillable and only cost $5,000 USD-$6,000 CAD brand new. And it surprised me on highways too - it's way better than I thought just based on the size and engine.
Any road , any time , anywhere…I’m gonna remember that
Thank you! This is really the great description of Yamaha XT250. I'm working on the next video where I went head to head with BMW GS1250, KTM 890 and a few more powerful bikes on a group ride. Yamaha could do more than others!
@@SquareHelmet did you ever put this comparison video out? Would like to go watch it.
@@IdahoEagle77 Yes! I talk about that group ride experience here ruclips.net/video/UdgvXHvvw08/видео.html
That ride made me appreciate XT250 even more
I have had my XT250 since 2015 bought new. I have several other bikes also. I the government were say I could only own one bike it would be the XT25. It's a do it all bike. My other bikes are 2 Harley's and a ninja. The XT250 is the bike I get on for short around town errands. I enjoy riding it on the dirt road beside the river and all the gravel roads through the country. I even do some camping in hard to get at spots. Love this bike. I've never regretted buying it.
Same for me: if only one bike for the rest of my life - it's the Yamaha XT250. It can really cover every type of road, from hard enduro to highways.
Thank you for the comment! Ride safely!
I've had mine for a year now, 2023 Xt250, and I'm so happy it really does go anywhere.
The XT250 is such a good bike that today I actually bought back a '17 model XT250 that I sold 5 years ago. I mean the exact same bike. These bike are so much better than I think they get credit for. If you are looking for a big bad bike to portray a big bad biker image with, this is not your bike. For just about anything else, this is the bike for you. I just counted. I've owned 22 bikes in my life so far. The only other bike I've bought more than once is a V-Strom 650. Also (in my opinion) a great bike that does so much. If I could only own 2 bikes they would be a V-Strom 650 and an XT250. And as of today, I do.
What a great combo! V-Strom and XT250!
Thank you for watching and for the comment. Ride safely
Dr200 owner, love all these small Japanese bikes.
They are all amazing.
XT250 looks SWEET 🇨🇦 🍻 🦄
DR200 is a great bike! Small Japanese dual sport bikes are amazing.
Thank you for watching and for the comment!
I Really appreciate this video. I ride mostly woods loaded with sugar sand. Usually, I will ride for several hours deep in the woods. The XT250 Really does the job. It can go for hours on a single tank. And goes anywhere other bikes can go.
XT250 is great! If I see a forest road or a trail - my motorcycle should be able to take me there and back. XT250 does it every time.
I’m having a hard time I want a new bike but having a bike that can literally go anywhere is insane freedom
For me, this Freedom to go any road is the main reason I love XT250. Sometimes I just go for an easy paved road ride, and then see some small trail going into the forest - and it just pulls my right in. Taller + heavier bikes would make most of my riding trails unavailable to me. But XT250 can take me everywhere and back, every time. And when needed, it can easily hold 100kmh on highway the whole day (tried and tested). I hope you find your dream bike! Thank you for the comment!
I've wanted this bike since I was a teenager. I was 60 when I finally bought it. I wish it was my first bike.
Exactly why I love mine, great vid!!
I'm glad you liked the video!
It's an amazing bike - I only wish I had discovered it much sooner.
Ride safely!
Great content, enjoyed the video. Subscribed. I have an XT250 as well and could not agree more. Keep up with more XT content.
Thank you so much! It was such a big difference from my regular "road" riding - and I love it. XT250 is amazing.
I'll be posting more for sure.
I am the same. I have owmed sport bikes and Harleys yet have never recaptured the joy of riding my ct110 back in the 80s. I am wanting a xt250 and am looking forward to getting one! Passing up trails on the road riding a harley or a sport bike gets old oretty quick
Exploring the great outdoors and enjoying riding your motorcycle to , imagine you can`t beat it , oh , pictures . Nice bike .
Great video. I don't really do trails, and have to do some freeway on my commute, so the XT isn't on the top of my list, but I have very seriously considered it because I would love to have one. I'm glad to see a move towards smaller bikes in Canada. Big bikes have their place, but small ones are a ton of fun, and much cheaper to buy and maintain. As someone once said, "it is a lot more fun to ride a slow bike fast than to ride a fast bike slow." True words.
Great points! I think marketing contributes to it too: we are made to believe that bigger is always better. Faster is always better. That's why when we see a review on paved road, people talk about "keeping up with LA traffic at 80 mph". When we talk about dual sport dirt road, people talk about going super fast, jumping and suspension bottoming out... What if we don't have to always go at the fastest possible speed? Then we'll realize that a smaller bike can give you so much more! One key thing I like about smaller bikes: the connection I feel with the motorcycle and the surrounding nature. Big bike (I've had HUGE ones) feel like you are riding on a bus or train. Fast, comfortable, but detached. Electronics make you feel even more detached. And small motorcycle - it's like switching from riding in a bus to riding a tiny car. You are slower and less comfortable, but it's so much more engaging and fun.
Yes, this is why I bought one of these. Your video is so inspiring. I want to do the same thing, find those trails and back places. So fun!
I'm glad you like the video! Yes, this bike is amazing - it's the absolute freedom to go anywhere. I love it!
Ride safely and thank for subscribing!
That looks like what I need for local travel around, I'm not going racing or running motocross, so to the store, post office, and if need be, can go off road in an emergency ! Maybe some small saddle bags, PERFECT!
Pretty good plan! This one can really do it all (including highways from time to time).
What is this a XT250 Club? Can I join in? I have a 2024 XT250, I am 70 yrs old, been riding since I was 8 years old, like you I have owned many bikes from the little Honda 50 , V4, V twin 1800cc, Road bikes and dirt bikes, but the XT250 is a keeper.
XT250 is great! It's great that you are riding at 70! Motivates me to exercise more to stay healthy so I can also ride well into 70s and beyond. Ride safely!
If you found a club for XT250, let me know!
These are highly underrated bikes. I’m selling my enduros cause the XT is so low and so easy to ride, even hard
Nice video. Congratulations on the start of your new channel. I would agree with you about the XT250. It would be my goto bike if I fit it better.
Thank you! Glad you liked the video. Liked your videos too - you are riding beautiful places and not that far from me! As for 'fitting it better' - for sure, this matters. As my main 'Any Road. Any Time. Anywhere' bike - this is the main bike for me. But for some specialized travel (like much longer distance when I know I won't get into rough trails, I may prefer something else... Or maybe not: I once went for a long ride on paved roads and didn't plan to get into dirt, but I saw an stunning trail into mountains - so I just turned there and had a blast for an hour or so. If I were on a different bike - I would have to miss on that amazing ride.
Excellent video man! Good job. Keep up the good content. I definitely want to see more of the XT.
Thank you! Glad you like my videos!
nicely done.
I'm glad you liked the video!
Thank you for watching and for the comment!
Well said. Can’t agree more on this perfect motorcycle.
Thank you! I really love it - it's an amazing bike offroad and it's unexpectedly good on highway (at reasonable speeds).
Thank you for watching and for the comment!
Great videos man. Hope to see a ton more on the 250.
Thank you!
I'm glad you like the videos - thank you for the comment!
I am new to motorcycling and I bought the Yamaha TW200 last year. I love it but I think the XT250 will be the next bike I add.
TW200 is an amazing bike! It's a great choice. I was looking to buy it, but opted for an injector "version" of it - Suzuki VanVan 200. Plus I like the look of retro Suzuki a bit more. Apart from minor differences, VanVan and TW200 are very similar.
Enjoy your TW200 - it's a great bike!
You made the right choice on this bike. Now a days, practiality is the key to having fun on a bike. As long as you can go anywhere and reach you destination with no trouble is what that really matters. Oh, by the way, mine is a 2006 XT225 and it hasn't given me any problems at all what so ever. All the best and safe riding.
Thank you! That's exactly it: Yamaha XT250 can take me anywhere where I want to go, including highways when needed. I really wish I paid attention to smaller bikes sooner. XT225 is a great bike - I was looking into buying it: being honest, I feel it may be a slightly better do-it-all bike - it's lighter and has 6th gear. But we can't buy it new any more, and I wanted to have a new bike. Enjoy your XT!
@@SquareHelmet I surely will and will take very good care of it. It use to be my father inlaw's bike who passed around 15 years ago. And just so you know, it's just got a little than 3,000 km of milage on it.
Great bikes, I test rode one years ago, it was a pre-2013 model which was still carbureted, I have a xt225 now and feel it is also a unicorn small displacement dualsport 🤙🏼
Yes, XT225 is great and by my criteria - Any Road. Any Time. Anywhere. - it may even be better than XT250: it's lighter, more reliable carburetor, lower seat height. I considered it, but I wanted a new bike (XT225 is discontinued in Canada) and I prefer injection for the ease of use. But XT225 is great do-it-all bike! Thank you for the comment!
I agree!
I'm riding it way more than any of my previous bikes and I'm enjoying it way more too!
Good video. Well done.
Thank you! And thank you for watching!
I have a 2021. Excellent bike, love the broad powerband and it is a great around-town bike with crazy great gas mileage. Also super-easy to push start should your battery become deceased.
Broad powerband - that's a great observation! I should have mentioned it in one of my videos. Compared to some other bikes (and to my Suzuki VanVan), XT250 has nice power in a wide range.
Thank you for the comment!
Ride safely
I miss my 2017 xt250 wish they made a xt350. Deciding on whether to get another one or a Honda transalp.
If they made XT350 with standard windshield and engine protection, something like a baby Tenere - I'd buy it immediately. Not to replace my XT250 - just add to it a bike that can cover the paved roads riding a bit better!
Yes, if I can only own one bike, my choice will go to YAMAHA Serow 250(XT250 in US market). It really could do all things expect racing/competition.
True! I have several good ideas for the 3rd, 4th, etc. bikes. But if I only could keep one - it would be Yamaha "Serow" XT250! One more I would love to have, if it existed, something like XT400 Serow or Tenere 400.
Great video, a lot of people tell me to avoid this bike, I will change my MT03 for the XT250, for the same reason as you, simple lifestyle.
Jiziz man,,, you should be working for yamaha ,
You already sold me 2 of them .
Lol. Yes, I probably should. I love XT250! I have several bikes (and rode many more), but this one is the best for me.
Thank you for watching!
Great Video, ...Ride Safe !
Glad you liked the video! Yamaha TW200 is another amazing bike that can take Any Road. Any Time. Anywhere.
I love it
I sold my 07 Vulcan last week and still have shadow to get rid of. Nice bikes, but like you I’m downsizing for the same reason and on a dad budget these days. I love the xt250, but for the price, reviews I’ve seen, and my intended usage level, I’m giving the Lifan KPX 250 a try. It’s in its way. Really looking forward to something I can take it slow and hit the trails with again.
I've never heard of this bike before, but looks like it has all the needed ingredients to be a fun dual sport!
I rode huge cruiser bikes in the past, the last one was also a Shadow. I feel it's going to be a great switch for you!
Thank you for the comment and ride safely!
Nice video. i have a TW 200 and much like you had various bikes only to downsize for a tw like the xt its just easy in the woods and off trail. The xt looks to be better all around bike because its newer engine design,weight and highway capabilities.
the TW is great around town and in the jungle but geared to low for highway use making it more "single purpose" than "dual purpose "
You made a great choice: TW200 is a great "Any Road. Any Time. Anywhere" bike! Between XT and TW - your assessment is spot on. XT is more capable do-it-all bike... But there is a place where TW beats XT: on the roughest roads for an average-skilled rider TW200 will give more confidence and will make it look easy. It's lower to the ground, lighter and that back wheel is SO stable!
I was looking to get TW200 but instead got a Suzuki VanVan 200. Very similar concept and it's almost the same concept of a bike, just has injector and I liked the retro look of Suzuki a bit more. If you ride the roads similar to what I ride - keep TW200. Going on a highway does not mean you absolutely have to go max speed. Even if you have enough power, high speeds on light bike is just not safe. But keep minimal legal highways speeds in the right lane for short periods of time - and you'll be good on TW.
Had one and loved it. Was not do it all for me as I needed highway speeds occasionally. DR650 was the solution. Will get another XT or a TW when I am able.
DR650 is a great bike. It's crazy how light it is for a 650 cc motorcycle!
Regarding the highways on XT250 - I'm about 160 lbs (73 kg) and when I stay at or below 110 kmh - it does super well. I can accelerate up hill from 100 kmh easily. But of course no luggage and 110kmh is already becoming a bit dangerous on such a light bike, especially when I pass trucks. My dream 3rd bike would be Tenere 400 or XT400 with about 45 horsepower... if it existed.
@@SquareHelmet sounds like the closest thing to your dream bike as of now would be the Suzuki DRZ400, but I agree if Yamaha were to make one (maybe even give it retro styling) that would be neat.
Is this Serow? What are its differences?
@@user-lj8tk2xx2f yes this is Serow, there's no difference as far as I can tell.
I can verify its capabilities. It will ride over San Juan mountain rock slides big enough to completely cover the trails. And when forced, it will climb the steps leading toward the switch-backs while retreating the wrong direction on the trail.
San Juan mountains are beautiful - I wish it were a be a bit closer to Montreal... Maybe one day I'll make it to Colorado.
As for the challenging trails - I love them. It's like playing an addicting game in real life: every time I clear some super hard trail I feel like I cleared a level. Feels great.
Thank you for the comment!
@@SquareHelmet I know it's a long distance for you. I have been a few times and still haven't covered all the trails. Late August/early September is epic. Make it happen and hopefully I will see you out there! Ride safe!
She doesn't do anything great but she does do anything
I think if it comes to offroad riding for a person without any offroad experience - I think this bike is hard to beat. I don't think there is any other bike that would take a novice rider that far with such an ease as XT250. Such a great bike!
Great for anything but full freeway, but it’s fine with right tires up to 60 mph on regular highway
Yes, and for me - 60 mph is more than enough. Somehow, it's assumed that if you go on highway - you must stay in the left lane at 70 mph or above... It's a light offroad bike - even if it could go at very high speed - I still wouldn't go because it's simply not built for it and it feels dangerous. But 60 mph - I'll do it all day long.
Thank you for the comment!
Nice to meet you.
Very nice video. I too would like to have an XT250 or a TW200. I used to be all about on-road motorcycles.
Perhaps your experience traveling in Japan on a CT125 led you to XT250?
Both are very nice motorcycles. Especially in Japan, small motorcycles are selling well. How was your trip in Japan?😊
ありがとう- glad you liked the video! You post great videos too - I've been planning to go salmon fishing for a while now. Maybe soon I'll go do it.
TW200 is great too and it also fits my main criteria 'Any Road. Any Time. Anywhere'. XT250 is much more capable though: stronger, more agile, more ground clearance, injector.
I still love TW200, to the point that I bought an injector "version of TW200" = Suzuki VanVan 200. It's pretty much exactly the same bike (minor differences only), but it has an injector, which I prefer more. The tire is road-based, but it still goes everywhere like a tank! If you put TW200 tire on it - you'll get an a bike like TW200 only with injector.
As for Japan... I LOVE it!!! Every time I go there - it's like meditation for me: I reconnect with myself, the nature... The mountains, ocean, the food, the people - I would love to live in Japan.
@@SquareHelmet
Thank you for your kind reply.
I love this quote of yours, " Any Road...Any Time...Anywhere."
Yes, actually, like those words, if I were to buy a motorcycle next, I would want a motorcycle that is balanced and allows me to enjoy nature, not power and speed. Your opinion as an experienced rider is very valuable. Then XT250 or KLX230 would be the candidates in my mind. And I like simple air-cooled engines.
I see that you have been to Japan several times. I am really glad that you like Japan. I think Japanese people are very kind to foreigners like you. I am a heretic and I am a pure Japanese, so I feel more at ease in Canada than in Japan.
I am looking forward to your new video! 😊
Had one for a few years sold it cause I was going to blow it up. Needs to be a 350
My thoughts exactly on my second bike. I would LOVE to also have an XT400 (or Tenere 400?) if it existed! Light, reliable, powerful. Still, I'd keep XT250 as the main bike: extra engine would add extra weight (and seat height). The places I go to being light and nimble beats having extra power.
I miss mine it was super maneuverable. I wish they made a xt350 I'd buy one
I just saw the CRF300LS, looks.so much like xt250 but has the 6speed some other stuff. Would love to hear you review and compare.
I plan to compare CRF300L to XT250 - take it to the same roads.
In my view, CRF is a great bike! The two bikes are so close, that the difference will be in small nuances.
The pros of CRF is that it has more power + 6-speed = slightly better on highways.
The cons of CRF is that it's heavier, has lower ground clearance = it won't be as good as XT250 offroad.
For me personally, none of the two bikes are made for highways specifically. Regardless of the power, I would not recommend going above 100 kmh (65mph or so) on both of them: a light bike may be dangerous on high speeds. Even if it has double the power - I would not advise to go faster. So the extra power of CRF or the 6th gear is irrelevant for me personally - up to 100 kmh both of them go very well and even 5 speeds on Yamaha is more than enough - it's still super economical.
So, the pros of CRF don't matter much to me: the bonus benefits of highway use are not important.
We come down to the Yamaha's pros to determine the winner:
- Yamaha is lighter (not by much, but at this weight it counts - you WILL feel the difference).
- Yamaha has almost 2" of extra ground clearance compared to CRF300LS. If you don't go into the hardest places - this doesn't matter. But for me, going through dirt or navigating through boulders - this makes a HUGE difference.
- Yamaha should be slightly more reliable in my opinion (air cooled engines are less complex than liquid cooled. For one - there is no radiator to break or cooling liquid to leak out).
- Yamaha may have slightly less vibration on highway. I need to test this more, but in my tests going at about 60-65mph I felt almost no vibration on my XT250. Smaller cylinder may have less mass to cause vibration, or it's just a well balanced engine - not sure. But it's vibration level is VERY low.
Overall, I'm really splitting hairs here. Both bikes are amazing and they are SO close that this is one of those cases that you can't really go wrong. I can take CRF300L or LS to all the same places I go to on my Yamaha. Yamaha makes it a bit easier for me (I take it to some really hard enduro trails) so that's why it was my choice.
I hope this helps!
@SquareHelmet Thank you so much! Great points, I was pretty excited about the crf300ls. But I think sticking with my Xt250 is probably better. I may still test drive the crf250ls when they are In my area, just to see. But my main goal is not to get hurt anymore than I already have from riding my yz250r but still be out there on the trail. It's just that I want to join the local enduro group rides and I feel like I couldnt keep up on pavement or go long distance with them as they all have midsize adventure bikes. 😞 I could always keep up with the group rides on my Harley. Again thank you for your thoughts, I agree and value your input.
I had one it is very nice to ride and i mis the bike .💪😁
I love this bike. It's not my only bike, but it's my favorite by far!
Thank you for watching and for the comment!
It's a beast, but friendly
Exactly! I really take it anywhere (or should I say 'it takes me anywhere'?). I love this bike!
Very well rounded video....... Thank you subbed
I'm glad you liked the video! It's a great bike - I love it.
And thank you for subscribing!
@@SquareHelmet ❤️
Beast of a bike!
Yes, I really love it!
Very cool video.
I’m looking at buying another dual sport very soon and I’ve been looking at the XT250 and the KLX 230. Both seem to be about the same price, which is maximum that I can spend.
I’d love to watch a full off road review of the two bikes.
KLX230 is a great bike too! But XT250 is better. A couple of main points for me: Seat Height + Ground Clearance. XT250 beats KLX230 easily here. XT250 has 2" (5cm) lower seat height WHILE still having 1 inch (2.5cm) higher ground clearance. Both of these will make a huge difference on the roughest of the roads.
Even if you go for the lower seat KLX230 S, the seat will still be higher than XT250 but grounds clearance will be whole 3" lower (8.3" vs XT250 11.2"). With that being said, if you only stay on good roads - both bikes are amazing. But on the roughest (best!) forests roads - Yamaha XT250 will give a bit extra confidence over KLX230
I guess I never looked at it that way.
More to think about. lol
I agree. If I were given the choice, I would choose the XT over the KLX too. Not that there is anything wrong with the KLX, but I too see more value in the XT.
I call it my mountain bike on steroids. So fun and it's fuel injected :)
It does actually feel like a big mountain bike! Especially when you ride it after much bigger bikes. It feels so light and nimble.
Thank you for the comment!
Ride safely
Great Here in the Philippines ❤🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧❤️🇵🇭
For sure! And it's probably not viewed as a small bike there. I know many countries where 250cc is quite big of a bike!
I'm thinking about getting the 2024 Honda 300 L .. It's' whatever fits the rider.
CRF300L was the first bike I wanted to buy. It was the highest on my list. It's great! And it looks great too - I would even prefer a CRF300l with a windshield instead of CRF300l Rally. There were a few things that skewed my choice toward XT. This is very subjective and based on my personal preferences and how I use the bike right now:
Pros of Honda: slightly better on paved roads: more power + more comfort.
Pros of XT250: slightly better on roughest trails - I know I can take it further: lighter + lower seat height. Possibly harder to kill in rough places (for example, no radiator - fewer things to damage).
Overall, there is such a huge overlap between the two bikes that both are amazing choices!
Safe riding!
No, the CRF comes close, love the XT don't get me wrong..
@@leeinwis CRF is another great bike. I was considering it as one of the top ones to buy. Seat height made a difference for me at my skill level. The power advantage doesn't matter for my riding, but higher seat was a negative. Great bike though. May still get a Rally later.
Thank you for the comment!
no bag on rear when dirt riding, use lateral bags
Yes, good point. I'm still trying to work out the best luggage setup. I may just get one tank bag and that's it.
@@SquareHelmet i don't think tank bag is good for dirt, you need to move on the bike when riding...you should find good lateral bags and please fix them proprely, i know a guy how didn't fix then as it should, the bag went into rear wheel, accident... he lost one leg...best to you
Trying to decide between this and the TW200. Buying a pair for camping for my wife and I. Thoughts? Will transport in the back of a pickup.
Both are amazing. I was first looking to buy a TW200 - I just love the idea of a simple, light 'Any Road. Any Time. Anywhere' bike. But XT250 is much more capable though: stronger, more agile, more ground clearance, injector and still a super low seat height.
I still love TW200 though, to the point that I bought an injector "version of TW200" = Suzuki VanVan 200. It's pretty much exactly the same bike (minor differences only), but it has an injector, which I prefer more. The tire is road-based, but it still goes everywhere like a tank (I'll add a video soon)! If you put TW200 tire on it - you'll get a bike like TW200 only with injector.
Overall, XT250 is most capable here. TW200 or Suzuki VanVan are both great choices too. Can't go wrong with any of the three if you also demand "Any Road. Any Time. Anywhere" capability from your two-wheel friend.
@@SquareHelmet Thanks for the insights. Happy trails!
No the TW is
@@s.porter8646 I know TW well - I started with it. Great bike! I loved it so much - I got a very similar bike from Suzuki (VanVan, injection and design skewed my choice. Put TW tires on VanVan and it will go step in step with TW).
My take on TW: if you never rode a bike, or never off-road - TW would be the easiest to ride anywhere. It's like tractor off-road, but extremely easy to handle.
Once the skill go up a bit, XT250 will go anywhere TW will and more. And it will handle faster roads and longer trips much easier.
But overall, I love TW! I'll make a full comparison between TW, XT and VanVan to discuss which riding fits the best each of these great bikes.
Ride safely!
@@SquareHelmet I have a 2005 (bought new) and a Beta 525 RS....guess what I ride more of...in Japan ...the XT is overall awesome, but I love how you never grow out of the TW...yea it's small and slow, but versatile.
Great vid brother keep posting mahalo
@@s.porter8646 I'm with you there. I love TW. I love smaller bikes - Honda Trail 125 is still one of the best bikes I rode. And if you compare it to TW - TW gives you even more, while it's probably as easy to ride as Trail.
If not for VanVan (again, the retro design won me over), TW would be in my garage next to my XT!
Great choice man! Thank you for the comment and enjoy TW!
@@SquareHelmet my neighbor has the original XT350, he races, won put on display, let me ride it, cause I loaned him the beta so he could learn to work on them, we took the TW up some mountain trails, love it, specially when you have to throw over something. Keep videoing
I’m considering buying a 2010 but it’s carburated. Would you recommend that or getting a newer version?
They are all good! Personally, I don't quite like carburetors - I've owned carburetor bikes and I feel their throttle response is not as crisp and "instant" as the injection engines. But for low power dual sport bikes this may not be such big of an issue. So, if you can - I'd say buy a more modern injection version. If you find a great deal on a carburetor one - I think you'll love it too!
Thank you for the comment!
Hi, can you please provide details on how and where to rent the Honda Trail in Japan? Thank you. I would like to add this trip to my Bucket List.🙂
Hi, I borrowed it from my brother in law... At that time I did not know how much fun smaller bikes were - I probably wouldn't have rented it. I am so glad I tried it - I immediately downsized and having a blast!
As for the bike riding in Japan:
1. Absolutely keep in on your Bucket List and if you can - absolutely do it! I did it and it's even higher on my Bucket List now - I'll be doing it again. Go along the ocean somewhere, don't rush - enjoy the views and the food. Small towns. Countryside. Mountains. I can't recommend it strongly enough.
2. I think there are many places to rent a small bike there. They have so many more smaller bikes!
Thank you for the comments and ride safely! Your videos are great too!
what did you do for the luggage rack and bag?
I don't have a rack. Just bought Nelson-Rigg CL-1060-ST2 seat bag. It's ok for my purpose: I carry rain gear and warm layers there as well as some tools and water. 2 days ago I went on an amazing forest trail, but it was SO rough that I dropped the bike a few times and broke the plastic locks of the bag straps. I will check if I can buy just the straps separately. Otherwise I like the bag. fortnine.ca/en/nelson-rigg-cl-1060-st2-commuter-touring-tail-seat-bag
@@SquareHelmet Thanks!
Honest question. Why not the TW200?
It's a great question! I WAS looking at TW200 and that was the bike I was planning to buy originally. A few things that pushed me toward XT250 (none of them is a deal breaker for my type of use, but if there is a choice - why not pick a bike that fits better). Pros of XT250:
+ Injection. I had a couple of carburetor bikes in the past. Not a big fan. For offroad riding dual sport they are ok, but if I had a choice - I'd always pick an injection.
+ Higher ground clearance in XT250.
+ Better suspension.
+ More power for when I need to take a paved road shortcut. On paper it does not feel like it, but in reality it's very different.
+ More agile. I don't know what determines this, but XT250 feels more agile and maneuverable offroad. Balancing it, jumping over rocks and logs - I feel I can do much more on it.
Neutral points:
= Seat height. They are almost the same - I could not feel that much difference in real life.
= Price. The difference is negligible.
TW200 is easier to ride for very short riders or for very very new offroad rides for the first month or so... After one month you'll get the initial skills for offroad riding and you'd prefer XT250 most likely.
Still, I love TW200 and I picked a somewhat very similar bike - Suzuki VanVan. It's pretty much the same bike (small changes in ground clearance and suspension are meaningless - neither bike will go fast on or off-road). But VanVan has injector, WAY more comfortable seat and I love it's retro look more than TW200. As for offroad riding - put the same exact tire as TW200 on VanVan - and it will go anywhere TW can.
Fun fact: my sons started on VanVan as it was lower and easier to ride. But after a few rides, they prefer Yamaha XT250. One can barely touch the ground on it, but he still loves riding it more. Again, I k now VanVan is not TW200, but I find both of them very close from the usage point of view.
Thank you for the comment!
@@SquareHelmet Thank you!
I'm interested in one. Local dealer here said they were on the way and in high demand. How much should I expect to pay Myrtle Beach
Consider buying a used one. Find a good clean bike - and it will last you a long time. I don't know Myrtle Beach, but my guess is $3k-$4k USD will give you a good one.
Thanks I'll have to start looking!
What bag do you have on the back and how did you attach it?
It's Nelson-Rigg CL-1060-ST2 Commuter Touring Tail/Seat Bag
I really like it: it's relatively inexpensive and seems solid. I can fit rain gear, water, tools and there is still a lot of place left over. Yet, it does not interfere with riding. It comes with straps - so it's very easy to attached.
I dropped the bike a few times, so two straps got broken (the plastic cracked). I plan to buy replacement straps.
In Canada I bought it here: fortnine.ca/en/nelson-rigg-cl-1060-st2-commuter-touring-tail-seat-bag
Thank you for watching!
Is this Serow? What are its differences?
Funny story: I was talking to an experienced biker in Japan about what bike I should get, and I mentioned that XT250 would be the best. He said: "Before you settle on XT250 - you must look at Yamaha Serow. Serow is amazing and it should be a perfect fit for you based on what you described." I was curious about this magic Serow that's supposed to be perfect... I looked online - and there it was: XT250 also known as Serow! Perfect.
As far as I know, I think the difference is only the name.
動画の中の語りが和訳設定などしていただければ嬉しいな～！😅
次回もやってみます！
Отлично
Это мотоцикл - легенда. Неубиваемый, вседорожный Yamaha XT250! Любая дорога. В любое время. В любом месте. Ямаха справится!
wrR exists
WR250 R is a great bike! Suspension is way better and engine too. But for an average person 36.5" seat height is way too much for some of the toughest trails. If you are very tall, very skilled or don't get into very gnarly places, than WR, CRF300l or even Rally or the whole bunch of other great bikes may work better. But in the hardest of the trails for me (average size guy) XT250 is perfect. Low seat height becomes more important than extra HP or better suspension
The TTR 250 was a far better bike.... they should have discontinued the XT250 and kept the TTR 250...
Do you think WR250f is close enough to what TTR 250 could do?
For my type of riding, none of the two come close to XT250 though. First, they are not legal on roads (at least where I am). But mostly the seat height is a deal breaker. Most average sized average skilled people simply would not be able to take them to the toughest trails. Even WR250R, which is street legal, is way more capable than XT mechanically (more power, more suspension), but it's too tall for some of the worst curvy slow-speed rocky mountain climbs where you have to stop and reposition the bike often.
Anyway, for me the only thing WRs and TTRs would do more than XT250 is they can go faster off road - the part that doesn't matter that much for me for my motorhiking (XT is already much faster than I can ride). But on the roughest trails riding alone hours away from any civilization I'd pick XT. Even the second choice would probably be Honda Trail 125. I guess it all comes down to where and how we ride.
Still I wish they kept at least WR250R in production!
Thank you for the comment! I love these discussions.
@@SquareHelmet ...The TTR was road legal here "NZ" and in Australia ,England...
такой акцент, как будто ты русский))
Русско-канадский 👍
Видел твои видео - поездка по Европе крутая!
@@SquareHelmet ого, благодарю)