This Yamaha is little, mellow...
This Yamaha is little, mellow and different, but that's exactly what makes it so cool.
Yamaha XT250
Grocery Getter Gone Wild!
By Chris Denison
Photos by Jesse Ziegler
Square One
When we originally tested the XT250 for the Adventure Bike Roundup in the 2009 Dirt Rider Buyer's Guide, we found that the little Yamaha had a handful of redeeming qualities that were overshadowed by several blatant flaws in the bike's dirt ability. Sure, the roll-on power produced by the motor is perhaps the best in its category, and the XT is one of the more asphalt-capable adventure bikes (130+ miles per tank is tough to beat) on the market. But for dirt something had to be done about the squishy suspension and street-inspired ergos. Essentially, we wanted to preserve the easy-to-ride character and solid street skills of the XT while making it more capable off-road.
The Mods
The first thing I did was attack the XT with Allen wrenches. Ten minutes later, the bike weighed 14 pounds less without its mirrors, buddy pegs, helmet hanger, smog unit and a host of other goodies. This diet didn't last long, though, as I then bolted on Turbo City's overbuilt skid plate and engine guards to help protect the bike's low, wide motor. Next came new rubber from Kenda, Moose Racing's lowest-priced handlebar with grips and hand guards, and a much more practical Acerbis mirror. Finally, I turned the machine over to Race Tech for a complete (and expensive) rebuild of the fork and shock using new springs and more capable valving. Motorwise, I left the XT completely stock to retain its quiet, decently powered personality. With that, the newly-modded XT was ready to rip.
A new spread of controls did...
A new spread of controls did wonders for the XT.
For a so-called "wife bike,"...
For a so-called "wife bike," our modified XT actually did fairly well in the dirt.
On The Trail
After several outings aboard the modified XT250, it was clear that the Race Tech suspension mods are the single best thing that one can do to improve an XT250. The rejuvenated fork and shock transformed this bike from a substandard off-road bike into a fun-to-ride, almost capable dirt machine that comfortably completed every obstacle on the hard enduro course at the DR Torture Test. Additionally, the Kenda tires gave the bike a much-needed boost in traction without altering the dual-sport-ability of the machine. The improvements to the controls, frame and engine guards were likewise put to good use. In short, everything we did to the XT250 was advantageous in making the thing a better enduro bike.
However, in my dead honest opinion, this bike isn't worth modifying in the first place. When you combine the XT's $4690 price tag with the $1000+ in mods we threw at the Yamaha, you're essentially looking at the cost of a solid, used off-road machine. The XT definitely has its place-anything street-legal with a lower seat height than an 85cc is going to be perfect for someone-but overall this Yamaha is an archaic, under-equipped little bike. If you already have an XT, by all means consider following the path of simple, functional modifications. Otherwise, I suggest you spend your hard-earned dough on something with a lot more bite.
Yamaha XT250
Turbo City: www.turbocity.com; 714.639.4933
XT250 skid plate with engine guards: $229.95
Moose Racing: www.mooseoffroad.com
Carbon steel handlebar: $19.95
Stealth grips: $7.95
Dual-sport fender pack: $24.95
Aluminum hand guards: $39.95-$55.95
Competition hand guard protectors: $24.95-$29.95
Kenda: www.kendausa.com; 614.866.9803
K270 dual-sport tires: Contact your local dealer for pricing
Race Tech: www.racetech.com; 951.279.6655
Suspension mods, including parts, oil and labor: $789.92