The 2014 Yamaha XT250 is a light, fast and compact off road bike that can deal with any type of terrain with poise.

The motorcycle was designed with agility in mind, therefore it features a low seat height, long travel suspensions and a set of grippy 2.75-21 front and 120/80-18 rear tyres.

At its heart lies an air-cooled, SOHC 4-stroke single cylinder engine with a displacement of 249cc. The unit is kept in leash by a five speed transmission and is fed by a 2.6 gallons fuel tank. It delivers a fuel economy of 76 mpg which is pretty impressive.

The motorcycle’s speed is kept in check by a 245mm front disc paired with a 203mm rear disc brake and the ride quality is assured by a 35mm telescopic fork (8.9-in travel) and a rebound-adjustable single shock (7.1-in travel).

Hit the jump for more information on the 2014 Yamaha XT250.

2014 Yamaha XT250

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Yamaha XT250
  • Engine/Motor: Air-cooled, SOHC 4-stroke single
  • Transmission: 5-speed; multiple-disc wet clutch
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Overview

Go where you want. The electric start, fuel injected XT250 is the bike for the person who wants the versatility to go wherever the road or trail might the them. Light and nimble with a low seat height and legendary Yamaha durability, the XT is the perfect traveling companion.

2014 Yamaha XT250 Key Features:

- Long-travel suspension and more than 11.2 inches of ground clearance live under a seat only 31.9 inches from the ground.

-The XT250 has fuel injection for smooth throttle response and easy starting in nearly all conditions.

-Electric start makes firing up the 249cc four-stroke effortless.

-245mm front disc and 203mm rear disc brakes combine to deliver superb stopping power on both paved and unpaved surfaces.

2014 Yamaha XT250 Features and Benefits:

Engine

-249cc air-cooled four-stroke with 9.5:1 compression makes for great on- and off-road performance.

-The XT250 has fuel injection for smooth throttle response and easy starting in nearly all conditions.

-A light-and-strong forged piston inside a plated cylinder helps dissipate heat more efficiently, increasing both performance and durability.

-A light crankshaft helps provide quick responsive power.

-Wide-ratio five-speed transmission for maximum power and performance in a wide range of terrain and conditions.

-Straighter intake tract for improved performance.

-Hassle-free pushbutton electric starting adds extra convenience and reliability.

-Engine is mounted high in the frame to provide an incredible 11.2 inches of ground clearance.

-Automatic cam chain tensioner means minimal maintenance and longer engine life.

Chassis/Suspension

-A semi-double-cradle steel frame achieves a lighter, nimbler feel through greater mass centralization. Greater lateral and torsional rigidity and reduced weight of the lower frame parts help produce light, stable handling.

-The front fork has 8.9 inches of travel to soak up the rough stuff, both on-road and off. An aluminum lower triple clamp keeps the weight down.

-Maximum turning angle of the handlebar is 51 degrees—almost like a trials machine. Combined with a short wheelbase of only 53.5 inches, the XT250 has a super-tight turning radius for excellent maneuverability.

-A rear shock provides 7.1 inches of wheel travel through a progressive, Monocross®-style linkage system for a smooth ride.

-21-inch front and 18-inch rear aluminum wheels are extremely durable and reduce unsprung weight for enhanced suspension performance and handling.

-245mm front disc and 203mm rear disc brakes combine to deliver superb stopping power on both paved and unpaved surfaces.

-11.2 inches of ground clearance means you’ve got serious off-road capability.

Additional Features

-Multifunction digital LCD instrument panel with cool green background lighting is easily visible day or night. It also removes a lot of weight from the handlebar for light, precise handling.

-The stylish gas tank holds a full 2.6 gallons for long-range riding.

-Long, thick seat creates a balanced riding position for optimal rider movement and comfort.

-Frame-mounted passenger footpegs provide two-up riding capability.

-Enduro-style, 60/55-watt halogen headlight features a cool 133mm lens for excellent visibility at night.

-Flex-mounted turn indicators offer great durability against breakage.

-Retractable brake and shift pedals deal with tough trail obstacles.

-Durable fork boots help prevent rocks and debris from damaging fork sliders.

-Standard dual rearview mirrors.

-A spark arrestor makes the XT trail ready.

-Dependable, low-maintenance battery.

Specifications

Engine type

Air-cooled, SOHC 4-stroke single

Displacement

249cc

Bore x Stroke

74.0 x 58.0mm

Compression Ratio

9.5:1

Fuel Delivery

Fuel Injection

Ignition

TCI

Transmission

5-speed; multiple-disc wet clutch

Final Drive

Chain

Suspension / Front

35mm telescopic fork; 8.9-in travel

Suspension / Rear

Swingarm w/rebound-adjustable single shock; 7.1-in travel

Brakes / Front

245mm disc

Brakes / Rear

203mm disc

Tires / Front

2.75-21

Tires / Rear

120/80-18

Length

84.6 in

Width

31.7 in

Height

45.7 in

Seat Height

31.9 in

Wheelbase

53.5 in

Ground Clearance

11.2 in

Fuel Capacity

2.6 gal / California model 2.4 gal

Fuel Economy**

76

Wet Weight***

291 lb

Warranty

1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)

Price*

$5,190


* Price and Specifications subject to change without notice. Please read your Owner's Manual and all labels before operation.

** Fuel economy estimates are based on US EPA exhaust emission certification data obtained by Yamaha. Your actual mileage will vary depending on road conditions, how you ride and maintain your, vechile, accessories, cargo and operator/passenger weight.

*** Wet weight includes the vechile with all standart equipment and all fluids, including oil, coolant (as applicable) and a full tank of fuel. It does not include the weight of options or accessories. Wet weight is useful in making real-world comparisions with other models.

Verdict

The Yamaha XT250 is without a doubt a great beginner motorcycle. For the starters, all Yamahas are famous for their reliability, so the XT250 shouldn’t disappoint you at this chapter. The built quality is faultless and every detail makes the bike look like a quality product.

Then, its ultra light weight makes it easy to handle on the tough tracks and the suspensions are also up to the job. You also get a pretty low seat height which makes it slightly more comfortable than many of its rivals (Honda CRF250L for example).

Other strong points that are worthy of being mentioned are the tight running radius, the big fuel tank and the competitive efficiency.

The only problem remains the $5,190 price tag which is a bit expensive compared to what you’d usually find in this segment. However, given the first class built quality, the top spec components and the great overall performances it is pretty safe to say that the XT250 deserves every penny.