When Honda->ke291 invented the modern Japanese 250 four stroke single dual purpose, the proverbial floodgates opened for every manufacturer to provide their own iteration. One of the best ones to come out of the market is the Yamaha XT250, which really has been the model for one of the best utilitarian motorcycles around. Sure, it's dated, but it still works so well you won't even notice!

The 2011 Yamaha XT250->ke2739 has become the total all-condition transportation solution for bike enthusiasts. There is literally nowhere that any other reasonable motorcycle can go that the XT250 can't. If you're looking for one affordable bike that does everything for you without having to worry about running up your credit, then the XT250 is your ride.

The 2011 Yamaha->ke301 XT250 is one of those motorcycles that most riders disregard as a teenager's paper route bike. But that's completely missing out on the onus of the bike: a reasonable, affordable bike that will do 99% of everything you want without having to burn through your funds.

Find out more about the Yamaha XT250 after the jump.

2011 Yamaha XT250

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Yamaha XT250
  • Engine/Motor: air-cooled (SOHC) 2-valve, 4-stroke engine
  • Transmission: wide-ration five-speed transmission
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Exterior Design

You won't mistake the Yamaha XT250 as styling and profiling on two wheels because that's not what the bike is all about. But that's not too say that it's bland as tea, either. The XT250 features a durable and wide front fender, a stylish gas tank that can hold 2.4 gallons worth of fuel for long-distance rides, and a long, thick seat that allows the rider to be comfortable and balanced in the middle of his rides. As far as modern technology is concerned, the XT250 features a multifunction digital LCD instrument panel with a soothing green background lighting that is easily visible either day or night. Up front, the bike carries a single Enduro-style, 60/55-watt halogen headlight with a 133mm lens, allowing for unimpeded visibility even at the darkest of nights. Retractable brake and shift pedals are also part of the XT250 package, as are the fork boots that help prevent unwanted damage to your bike. Then there are the other inclusions to the XT250, including standard dual rearview mirrors, an easy-to-use choke lever, and an air-induction system helps clean up emissions.

Performance

The Yamaha XT250 is powered by a 249-cc, air-cooled (SOHC) 2-valve, 4-stroke engine mated to a wide-ration five-speed transmission that produces just the right amount of power for your everyday adventures. The 4-stroke engine puts out strong, predictable torque across the entire RPM range - maximum power is at 7,500 rpm and maximum torque reaching 6,500 rpm - allowing for a wide range of use for the all-purpose bike. It is very fuel efficient and environmentally friendly, thanks to a light yet strong forged piston that helps dissipate heat more efficiently, increasing both performance and durability. A 33mm vacuum-type carburetor keeps the airflow up for excellent performance and throttle response while a light crankshaft helps in accessing a quick and responsive power surge from the bike while an automatic cam chain tensioner keeps the bike from getting worn out too soon, ensuring minimal maintenance and longer engine life.

Brake and Suspension

A semi-double-cradle steel frame allows the Yamaha XT250 to generate a lighter, nimbler feel through greater mass centralization. The improved lateral and torsional rigidity and reduced weight of the lower frame parts helps the bike to have a light and stable handling experience, eliminating all the hassles that come with high-maintenance bikes. There's also a rear shock added to the bike, one that provides 7.1" of wheel travel through a progressive, Monocross-style linkage system for a smoother ride. Further enhancing the bike's suspension performance and handling, Yamaha fitted the XT250 with 21-inch" aluminum wheels in the front and 18" aluminum wheels in the rear. These wheels are then accompanied by 245mm front disc brakes and 203mm rear disc brakes, both of which add up to deliver superb stopping power on both paved and unpaved surfaces.

Pricing

Befitting its stature as an affordable, all-purpose utility bike, the Yamaha XT250 comes with a price of just $5,090.

Specifications

Model

XT250A

Engine Type

249cc air-cooled,

SOHC 4-stroke single

Bore x Stroke

74.0 x 58.0mm

Compression Ratio

9.5:1

Fuel Delivery

Teikei 33mm

Ignition

CDI

Transmission

5-speed; multiple-disc wet clutch

Suspension/Front

35mm telescopic fork;

8.9-in travel

Suspension/Rear

Swingarm w/rebound-adjustable

single shock; 7.1-in travel

Brake/Front

245mm disc

Brake/Rear

203mm disc

Tire/Front

2.75-21

Tire/Rear

120/80-18

L x W x H

84.6 x 31.7 x 45.7 in

Seat Height

31.9 in

Wheelbase

53.5 in

Ground Clearance

11.2 in

Fuel Capacity

2.4 gal

Est. Fuel Economy

73 mpg

Wet Weight

291 lb

Color

White/Red


Quotes

Motorcycle.com ---- "Just how many of Yamaha’s ubiquitous XT250 (and its predecessor, the XT225) have been hauled to campsites over the years? Uh, only about a zillion. That’s clear evidence that this mild-spec, budget-friendly dual-purpose bike is clearly up to the task, thanks in no small part to its peppy, 249cc single-cylinder engine and wide-ratio five-speed transmission. Rims that will accept real dirt-oriented tires make the XT worthy of more than a campground buzz, too; with its reasonable suspension travel and dual disc brakes, the XT has the goods to be a fine entry-level dirt trainer as well as a useful, street-legal runabout."

Bikez ---- "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."

Motorcycle-Usa ---- "Long-travel suspension and more thatn 11.2 inches of ground clearance live under a seat only 31.9 inches from the ground on the Yamaha XT250. You also get electric start, 245 mm front disc and 203 mm rear disc brakes for superior stopping power on both paved and unpaved surfaces."

Hubpages ---- "The 2011 Yamaha XT250 is one of those motorcycles that most riders disregard as a teenager's paper route bike. That's a real shame as if you're looking for a reasonable, affordable bike that will do 99% of everything you want, from grabbing some take out fish and chips to taking you out to the remote lake where you can catch your own fish, the XT250 is the one for you."

Tradingpost"When it comes to good honest on/off road capability and good times that last and last, you can beat a Yamaha XT250."