2008 and newer Yamaha xt250 discussion thread.

[BCDavid]

Hi everyone.

I bought a 2009 XT250 a week ago Sat and it's great! I've been watching this thread and there's lots of good stuff on it. I had an XT200 back in 1985 and it's great to be back on an XT. I'm going for a ride Sun with a friend who has a 2007 XT250 so it'll be neat to see if there's any differences.

Thanks to all who's posted on this thread!

PS My bike makes the knocking sound too.

[kooz]

Picked up my 2009 XT250 today ! will post again with a report when the weather lets up enough for me to get some riding time in.

[PonyPower]

I think one of the reason's there seems to be so many complaints of strange engine noise's coming from the XT is that they run so quiet that we just naturally hear more engine than muffler. I actually like it that way. When out putting around in the woods I can ride right up on deer and elk before they decide its time to move on.

[myronid]

Picked up my 2009 XT250 today ! will post again with a report when the weather lets up enough for me to get some riding time in.

I think you will enjoy it. Now you just have to accessorize with a helmet and some gloves

[kooz]

I think you will enjoy it. Now you just have to accessorize with a helmet and some gloves

Already got that stuff. I had been driving a plated 2005 DRZ400E to work and back last summer, but I found that it is just to tall and top heavy for me. So I picked up the xt for my new commuter/off road adventure bike. I was able to put about 50 miles on it the last two days and am totaly satisfied with it so far. Much easier to pilot this one around than the DRZ. I only have a 7 mile commute to work with no highway driving to deal with, so the bike makes plenty of power for that. I also do a lot of exploring of BLM land and wilderness areas here in Colorado with my wife during the summer, she rides a TW200. The XT will be a way better fit for our slower style of riding and some of the more rugged areas where it is nice to be able to put your feet down.

[Bill B]

3 weeks old bike. 200 miles of trail riding in south FL - which means lots of sand and water. At the end of yesterday's ride, the rear brakes were grabbing. The pads were gone. It was rubbing metal to metal on the backing plate. The dealer said brakes were not covered - not a big deal cause they are $30, but I think they have a bonding issue. This has been all tight trail riding ~ 20 mph max with little or no braking. If you do a lot of wet stuff - keep a watch on it. Time will tell if they have a bonding issue similar to the older xt brake shoes.

[PonyPower]

That sucks! So if you ride a lot on rainy days the brakes will fall off! I think I might have a serious talk with that dealer and if he won't resolve your issue with bad three week old brakes I would take up to the next level and start complaining to anybody who would listen. There is no way you could completely wreck those brakes that fast unless they were already defective. I have about 700 miles on mine, 50/50 dirt and pavement and they still work fine.

[Bill B]

I agree it sucks. I've called the customer support # and they are looking into it. I've asked them to have an engineer or tech call me and explain how I could have worn out the brakes in 215 miles. They said they would call the dealer and call me back. I'll keep you posted when I hear from them.

[kooz]

Does anyone know a source for a 14T front sprocket for the XT250 ? thanks

[myronid]

I have over 4,000 miles on my brakes. I have been in the rain, creeks, mountains and commuting and they still look new. Maybe they just had a bad batch of glue.

Considering this bike is Highway Approved I think Yamaha will look into this. All the parts on it should have been DOT standards.

[PonyPower]

That is an excellent point! The more ammunition that he has the more they will listen.

[FreckledAvenger]

Does anyone know a source for a 14T front sprocket for the XT250 ? thanks

You may want to try http://www.biketorqueracing.co.uk - the US XT250 and the XG250 Tricker (rear is different though). They should carry an AFAM 14T front for the XG250 but do not stock the 16T. They normally do not ship outside Europe but seem to make exceptions for people in the US (not for Australia though). Expect postage to be expensive ...

I wrote a guide on sprockets for the XT250 over at xt250report.com. I had a little trouble contacting AFAM in Japan which makes these sprockets but was ultimately able to get one through them. Others have had trouble in even getting through to them so it may pay to try BikeTorqueRacing first.

Finally, make sure you ask for a XG250 Tricker front sprocket rather than for an XT250 as few are aware that they use the same sprocket and the XT is certainly not listed as compatible on their doco (I have run a 16T off an XG250 on my XT250).

[kooz]

Thanks for the info, but I found a source here in the states for a 14T sprocket, should have it by next week. I called Sprocket Specialists and they gave me the contact info for a shop that had the CAD pattern already on file from a previous run of XT sprockets and was able to make me a steel one.

[DESERTJUL]

I haven't been on here in quite a while, so I haven't read much of this thread. I know this is probably a repeat question. But, what racks are available for the 09 XT250? I need to get something on there soon since I'm starting to do more and longer rides. I appreciate your input, it'll make searching easier. Also, what front fender packs?

[myronid]

I haven't been on here in quite a while, so I haven't read much of this thread. I know this is probably a repeat question. But, what racks are available for the 09 XT250? I need to get something on there soon since I'm starting to do more and longer rides. I appreciate your input, it'll make searching easier. Also, what front fender packs?

I and others have had good luck with the TurboCity rack. Nothing for the sides or luggage, but very strong and stable. Easily holds 50+ pounds. I normally have a 4 gallon bucket full of trail trash and pretty rocks I found along the way.

[DESERTJUL]

I and others have had good luck with the TurboCity rack. Nothing for the sides or luggage, but very strong and stable. Easily holds 50+ pounds. I normally have a 4 gallon bucket full of trail trash and pretty rocks I found along the way.

I forgot to mention I want it to sit as far back as possible so I can scoot my butt back plenty in the soft stuff. Do you have any problems with it being too clcose?

[DESERTJUL]

Also, who makes the best service manuals besides Yamaha? Obviously its still under warranty, but I want to get one asap.

[DESERTJUL]

Also, who makes the best service manuals besides Yamaha? Obviously its still under warranty, but I want to get one asap.

Nevermind, I found one to download, for free.

[FreckledAvenger]

Thanks for the info, but I found a source here in the states for a 14T sprocket, should have it by next week. I called Sprocket Specialists and they gave me the contact info for a shop that had the CAD pattern already on file from a previous run of XT sprockets and was able to make me a steel one.

It would good if you could post the information on this as a number of people have asked about different size front sreockets for the XT and the main suppliers are all overseas (and in one case is virtually impossible to contact).

[kooz]

For steel front gears for the 2008-2010 XT250 you can contact Randy at Superior Racing Sprockets 1-888-347-7262. Tell him Steve sent you.