2424 replies to this topic

[The Cameraman TT Member]

Hi Jon,

I fitted a screen that was designed for a Suzuki Bandit but found it generated more turbulance than expected, so removed it.

[MarcP1956 TT Bronze Member]

Cameraman: How do you like your "Alaska Leather butt pad?" (I have been on a few long rides with my XT250, and man does my back side get sore.) Which Alaska Leather butt pad did you get? And would you get something different if you had it to do over again? Does it fit well?

Shalom, Marc

[McFlyfi TT Member]

MarcP1956 said:

Cameraman - Very nice mods, wish we could get them. Where did you get the heated hand grips? I am an all weather rider and need something to get the chill off my hands. Also after about 30 minutes my back side starts getting sore, in about an hour things are worse. Sure could use some extra padding that will stay in place. Any thoughts XT250 owners?

Shalom, Marc

You can get generic heated hand grips at Cabela's. I've got a set for our quad.  But they aren't very "grippy", less "rubbery" and  more like a hard plastic. Easy install, but I'm not sure they would work so well for a bike because of trhe "Grip" factor.
Maybe Cameraman has some insight on them.

[The Cameraman TT Member]

Hi Marc & McFlyfi,

I really rate the Alaska Leathers butt pad and have used the same piece of kit for 6 years. The model I selected was a mid sized version and was originally purchased to fit on my F650GS. It was then transferred onto my R1200GS, then onto my Serow. I only use it on longer journeys and you can really feel the difference. If buying again, I'd go for something that fitted the full length of the seat rather than just a single pad, as it would help in it's secondary role as a roll up pillow!

As for heated grips, I use products from Oxford and they've been fine. They are comfy to use, yet feel like normal density grips.

[DUCKSPANKER TT Member]

Jon2 said:

Looking for windshields for a 2008, XT 250, especially the quick on and off type.

Would appreciate direction, thanks.

Jon

Hi, Jon2

Check out the windshields from www.Turbocity.com they can be removed quickly.

[MarcP1956 TT Bronze Member]

If anyone installs one of the windshields from www.Turbocity.com I would love to hear a review. I live in an area with lots of bugs, a windshield that will not kick the bugs over my helmet is kind of worthless.

Shalom, Marc

[GsVs TT Member]

MarcP1956 said:

If anyone installs one of the windshields from www.Turbocity.com I would love to hear a review. I live in an area with lots of bugs, a windshield that will not kick the bugs over my helmet is kind of worthless.

Shalom, Marc

Marc,

You might go over to the KLRWorld forum and ask some questions ??,

http://klrworld.com/...hp?topic=7188.0

TurboCity makes a similar screen for the KLR250 and MSGT-R has one.

Larry

[mojogoat TT Newbie]

I installed a generic one from flyncycle for $60. Clamps to handlebars and removes with two thumbscrews. Works/looks fine.

[Champy TT Member]

I have been working out the details of converting my 2005 WR250F to be street legal, but then saw an XT250 at the local dealer.  Now I have a real decision to make.........convert the WR - or sell it and buy the XT.

What would you do?

EDIT UPDATE:
> FYI - I intend to use it to commute to work (~30mi/day) plus have a play bike for the trails on my 34 acres.  No TT/Scrambles/Motos or other racing anymore for me.  Just easy trail riding and woods.

[jbobst TT Bronze Member]

I have the new XT250, but I have never owned an WR, and I would guess that the WR is much more dirt worthy.  My riding style with the XT250 is trails, back roads, but yet, I still like the technical stuff...I just do the technical stuff slower than most true dirt bikes.  I had a DR650, but I was sick of fighting the thing off road and I dropped it way too many times while doing technical off road riding.  I commute every day on my XT and use it for weekend riding off road.  I just took my XT on an off road trip yesterday for the first time on a 75 mile ride.  It did great and I love how smooth and easy it is to ride.  It's super light weight compared to my previous DR650.  I mostly rode simple dirt roads yesterday...some of them at 50+ mph...but there was some tough 4x4 roads we road as well and the bike did great.

If you are used to doing moto cross stuff, jumps, fast off road racing type of riding, I don't think the XT will be the bike for you, but if you want a nice, light, easy to ride fun trail/off road bike...that's street legal, then go for the XT.

I never want a dirt bike that is NOT street legal again.  It seems like all the back roads in Arizona are now requiring licensed vehicles, and I know that I can legally take my bike into any areas that "off road" vehicles aren't allowed in.  Plus, at 65+ mpg fuel economy, it's a great commuting vechicle.  Suspension is pretty weak but, just depends on what kind of riding you want to do. Hope that helps!

[Champy TT Member]

Local pricing is about $4400, so I am getting quotes on trading in my WR250 to see what the bottom line will be..........definitely like what I'm hearing from other owners.  Thanks

[twhite0221 TT Newbie]

Bought my XT250 Feb 15, 2008 and have about 400 miles on it so far. Would have more but we can't seem to get rid of winter here in Eastern Washington.

I bought a very sturdy rack from a guy in Boise who makes them, Ron Boyer at "cycleracks.com". The last time I checked he didn't have the XT250 listed but he does make a rack for it because I just received one ($139+SH).

Looking forward to some warm weather riding! it will be mostly lower elevation riding because we have had alot of snow this winter and won't be able to get into the mountains untill first part of June I would imagine. Enjoy, TW

[The Cameraman TT Member]

Hi Champy,

Easy trail riding and the woods!

This is Serow country.

As Jbobst mentioned the suspension is on the soft side but none the worse for being so. If you like to jump then convert your WR, if you tread lightly then the Serow's the choice.

Good luck with either choice.

[Champy TT Member]

The Cameraman said:

Hi Champy,

Easy trail riding and the woods!

This is Serow country.

As Jbobst mentioned the suspension is on the soft side but none the worse for being so. If you like to jump then convert your WR, if you tread lightly then the Serow's the choice.

Good luck with either choice.

Yea - thats me...in my prior life (before wife/kids) I raced enduros; Motocross; Desert; Scrambles; and Observed Trials......now I'm 50 yrs old, overweight, and just wanna have some "lightweight" fun.

[Oldtimer36 TT Bronze Member]

twhite0221 said:

Bought my XT250 Feb 15, 2008 and have about 400 miles on it so far. Would have more but we can't seem to get rid of winter here in Eastern Washington.

I bought a very sturdy rack from a guy in Boise who makes them, Ron Boyer at "cycleracks.com". The last time I checked he didn't have the XT250 listed but he does make a rack for it because I just received one ($139+SH).

My rack from Turbo City came today.  I'll put it on tonight or in the morning and take some pictures of it.  It looks real nice.

[MarcP1956 TT Bronze Member]

Cyclerack rack is indeed very sturdy - have one ordered and saw one at the dealer. Just waiting for it to come in.

Mileage - I'm getting just short of 80 mpg.

QUESTION: Can this bike handle a 54 watt heated vest?? Can't find the output in the manual. Are any of you using accessories that draw much wattage? Where I live a little heat really extends the riding season.

Shalom, Marc

[The Cameraman TT Member]

Mornin' Mark,

I run heated grips and an Autocom but haven't needed to test my vest out, as I only use it when the temps are below -5 deg C and riding for over an hour. So far this season the temps been a little below this but I've not ridden for over and hour during these conditions. My vest is a little bulky, which is why I don't use it more often and I find the use of thermal underwear to be more comfortable myself.

[Oldtimer36 TT Bronze Member]

[MarcP1956 TT Bronze Member]

According to the dealer running a 54 watt vest will eventually burn out the stator. Looking at the numbers in the service manual, there is enough output to run the vest until I use the turn signals (27 watts each). LED replacements for the turn signal, position, tail-light, and brake light should free up enough wattage to run my vest. At least, that is what I figure. Anyone know of LED replacement numbers and source?

Oldtimer36 - These bikes do look good don't they? Looks like your doing a little camping. Hope to do the same in a bit.

Shalom, Marc

[MarcP1956 TT Bronze Member]

Oldtimer36, I am a little confused. Is this a cyclerack from cycleracks.com or a Turbo City rack? My dealer has ordered me a cycle rack, but I have not seen the XT250 one yet. Is that what I am looking out in your photo?

Shalom, Marc