2424 replies to this topic

[Oldtimer36 TT Bronze Member]

Swampfox01 said:

P.S. I wish Yamaha would make an XT400...

If they did, they would probably raise the seat height and us "special needs, vertically challenged" people would be right back where we started, looking for a XT250:bonk:

[Oldtimer36 TT Bronze Member]

I've been running TKC 80's on my KLR but they don't make them in the sizes I need on the XT250?  What dirt/street tire have you found that works well.  120/80/18 rear and 2.75/21 front

[MarcP1956 TT Bronze Member]

A little more power wouldn't hurt, but it would probably come with added height and less economy. But since we are dreaming ... Perhaps a 350 cc (or 400) in the same frame (beef it up if neccessary) as the XT250, DON'T raise it even an inch, better seat, include a speedo and tach, 6 speed transmission, 4 gallon or better steel tank, and keep it under $5000. MMmmm ... Yamaha are you listening.

Shalom, Marc

[Swampfox01 TT Newbie]

GlennF said:

I am running a Kenda Trackmaster 760 100/100-18 on the back of my XT225 which is a DOT legal tire to boot. It is just as good, in my opinion, as a pure knobby in the mud. I run a Dunlop 606 on the front and it seems to be a good combination.

Wouldn't we all like a XT400!! Yamaha could bring out an update of their XT/TT350 that would be great. I owned both and if you added rear disc brake and maybe an E start to the TT350 (which had far superior suspension of the two) you would have a winner.

Thanks for a starting point.   I see mixed reviews of the Kenda 760 (which is to be expected), but I am curious to know why you went with the 100 on the width.  Does anybody know if the 120/100 KT 760 would work?  It sounds like the Kenda would meet my dirt/street ratio.

Swampy

[GlennF TT Gold Member]

I originally had a Dunlop 606 120/90-18 which rubbed against the shock pivot. I was selling a XR400 that needed a rear tire so I put the Dunlop on it and bought the Kenda which is the same diameter as the stock Cheng Shin. The mixed reviews on the 760 are regarding the front tire and not the rear. A larger rear tire will weigh more and not give you any noticeable improvement in traction with that small a motor.

[RENCON1 TT Newbie]

Great site and thread.  Just joining in.  My last bike was a '96 KDX200, which was a screamer with just a pipe, but not much torque bottom and mid.  I didn't give the XT250 much thought and was looking forward to the new WR250R dual sport.  But alas, like many of my brothers here, I was barely able to tip-toe my way onto the bike:rant:  The dealer said I probably could get lowering links (but they wouldn't install because of liability), and that I could shave the seat and lower the front through the triples... yada yada.  I can't see spending $6k and not knowing for sure if the bike will be right for me after such mods.   Now for my question:  how's the torque on the XT250?  I love the look, happy to have feet flat on the ground, but will it have more or less lower and mid than my KDX?

[MarcP1956 TT Bronze Member]

To The Cameraman or anyone else that may use hand guards for wind protection.

I see from an earlier post that "The Cameraman uses Acerbis Rally Pro hand guards + extensions. There doesn't seem to be much room to install anything close to the end of the handlebars. Cameraman, any problems with installation, and where did you get them? Anyone else have a good method of extending the riding season with handguards? I would like to buy some that are strong, easy to install, and preferably not made in China. I bought some hippo hand - yikes they are huge - and think I want to try a different route.

Shalom, Marc

[Oldtimer36 TT Bronze Member]

Anyone else have a good method of extending the riding season with handguards? I would like to buy some that are strong, easy to install, and preferably not made in China. I bought some hippo hand - yikes they are huge - and think I want to try a different route.

Shalom, Marc[/QUOTE]

I just ordered some Maier Deluxe Woods Pro aluminum handguards and I'll take a picture of them on the bike and report on ease of installation once they arrive.

[MarcP1956 TT Bronze Member]

Cool! Thanks Oldtimer36, I'll be looking forward to it.

Shalom, Marc

[The Cameraman TT Member]

Hi Marc,

the Rally Pro's are a really easy fit to the 250 and took me less than 20 minutes from start to finish. Nothing needed moving on the handle bars and the most difficult bit was cutting the end off the heated grips (wish I'd have gone for the pre-cut grip).

They were in stock at a small local bike shop in Blackburn Lancashire.

[Swampfox01 TT Newbie]

RENCON1 said:

Great site and thread.  Just joining in.  My last bike was a '96 KDX200, which was a screamer with just a pipe, but not much torque bottom and mid.  I didn't give the XT250 much thought and was looking forward to the new WR250R dual sport.  But alas, like many of my brothers here, I was barely able to tip-toe my way onto the bike:rant:  The dealer said I probably could get lowering links (but they wouldn't install because of liability), and that I could shave the seat and lower the front through the triples... yada yada.  I can't see spending $6k and not knowing for sure if the bike will be right for me after such mods.   Now for my question:  how's the torque on the XT250?  I love the look, happy to have feet flat on the ground, but will it have more or less lower and mid than my KDX?

I don't know anything about the KDX, but the gear ratio on the XT250 provides very good torque in the low/middle range (which takes away from the top end).  If thats not enough, one could mess with the sprockets.   However, I doubt that many will find that necessary.  It's not going to beat the WR250R in a drag race but life is about compromise - yes?


You might have a look at the spec sheets for details.

swampy

[RENCON1 TT Newbie]

That's good to know.  Occassionally I'd open up the KDX for short spurts on straight-aways, but I wasn't comfortable doing that.   I'm a cruiser, and would like to be able to do a little desert riding and climb up a semi-steep hill without having to rev-out the bike or worrying if the bike will make it before it putters out.  The XT250 sounds like a great bike for the kind of riding I want to do, which will probably be short, local trips, and some off-road fun.  What caught my attention was an article about a guy riding an XT225.  He not only had no problem keeping up with the bigger bikes, but it was less effort and more fun.   http://www.thumperpa...cles/Serow.html.

[MarcP1956 TT Bronze Member]

The Cameraman - Let me understand this right. So if I had stock grips these would install without modifying anything? And if I could bother you to look in the catalog and tell me what you purchased it would really be appreciated.

I have looked in the catalog you get by click on the word Acerbis in your earlier message and going to page 117 where I see the Rally Pro hand guards. Did you use the optional mounting kit, bar insert, or swivel mount they have advertised? Or did you just get what is listed as part number 73-6356? (You did mention + extensions in a previous post. What did you mean by that?) Thanks for your many replies. Still hoping to get an XT250 section on the XT225.com site. Do you have any pull over there?

Shalom, Marc

[Oldtimer36 TT Bronze Member]

I have looked in the catalog you get by click on the word Acerbis in your earlier message and going to page 117 where I see the Rally Pro hand guards. Did you use the optional mounting kit, bar insert, or swivel mount they have advertised? Or did you just get what is listed as part number 73-6356? (You did mention + extensions in a previous post. What did you mean by that?) Thanks for your many replies. Still hoping to get an XT250 section on the XT225.com site. Do you have any pull over there?

Shalom, Marc[/QUOTE]

Hold off for a little bit before you purchase anything.  The Maier offer exceptional wind protection. Here is a preview of some I put on a friends DR 200.  I'll post a better  photo when mine get here and after installing them.  [url]http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w15/Keen4034/Finished-22.jpg[/url]

[The Cameraman TT Member]

Hi Marc,

in the UK the Rally Pro kits come complete with the mounting kit and the bar inserts. The extra spoilers arn't shown on the site that you linked to but simply offer a little more protection from the wet stuff!

Do I have any pull on xt225.com, well I' m the highest poster on the site and, as you I'd like an additional 250 section within the forums, so let's cros our fingers eh?

[MarcP1956 TT Bronze Member]

Oldtimer36 - I'll wait, thanks.

The Cameraman - Thanks for the info, and I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Shalom, Marc

[weasel2 TT Newbie]

I changed my oil today for the first time, it was real easy, i changed the filter too. That was also easy. I now have 460 miles, I got my motorcycle license this last friday, on the way back i got it up to 82 mph, i had to get down on the tank to do it, i did have some headwind. The bike was running real good and smooth, i understand some people are having issues with either out of round tires or rims, i dont seem to have that. Im glad i did not get a more powerful bike cause i would probably kill myself, i just ride this thing just about full out. It is the only machine i have ever owned that i can think of that i do not baby. I just let it ripp, its so much fun. The dealer said they dont carry "yamalube 4" anymore, so i got "yamalube performance all purpose" 20-50 i guess ill call that a win. I put one of those "optimate" chargers on it and im real happy with that. This thing just seems to go for a long time on very little gas. I guess thats it for now, weasel2

[dataquest TT Member]

Hello Weasel2 and welcome.
As far as the out of round tires goes: I finally went to the dealer yesterday and told them that I wanted a new front tire under warranty because I was tired of the wobbling. After being asked several questions I told him to have someone test ride it and they would see what I was talking about. So they did and they noticed it, too. They said that they will have a new tire ordered from Yamaha under warranty and I will have it in a week.
So I urge everyone here that has a wobble in their tires to take it to your dealer and have it replaced for free. Hopefully if enough of us complain, they may end up putting better tires on the new bikes and it won't be a problem for future buyers. By the way, I now have 1600 miles on my bike as of 4/12/08. It is going to he an excellent weekend to ride here in central Texas, so I will add some more miles on it.
Happy riding everyone!

,Robert.

[weasel2 TT Newbie]

DATAQUEST, thank you for the reply, im in Memphis but i go to the Texas hill country every year for a month, I look forward to putting some miles on my bike in the most wonderful area in the world. I go there in mid may through mid june and i go to the Kerrville folk festival for about 20 days, i will ride thru Banderra and all the twisty turns that the hill country provides, I cant wait, weasel2

[Drewseph TT Newbie]

Hi Guys,
I'm looking to buy my first bike, and I love the idea of a dual-sport. I went into a dealership today wanting to look at the DRZ400SM (not realizing how big it is, I'm just 5'10", 140lbs.) and the guy recommended the XT250. The more I read your posts, the more I like the sound of this bike. I'm in Austin, TX, and I have a daily commute of 5-8 miles on 60mph roads. I'm hoping to take the bike off-road for camping, etc. on the weekends. Any reason I shouldn't buy this bike immediately?
Thanks for the info!