Yamaha XT250 - Trail Bike?

[MidnightRacer]

Hi all.

I came across this forum when searching for green laning in Yorkshire.

I'm considering getting my first trail bike (I ride beemers on the road).

Having ridden a few BMW's off road (F650GS, F800GS and G450X next week) I've got a taste to go trail riding.

Have seen a Yamaha XT250 up for sale for reasonable money, only thing putting me off is the fact that its an import and there doesnt seem to be many about! its a mid 80's model.

couple of things really, would it be a good first trail bike and would I have problem getting spare parts for it when I eventually chuck it down a dirt track!

Many Thanks in advance
Kev

[sprocket]

Originally Posted by MidnightRacer

Hi all.

I came across this forum when searching for green laning in Yorkshire.

I'm considering getting my first trail bike (I ride beemers on the road).

Having ridden a few BMW's off road (F650GS, F800GS and G450X next week) I've got a taste to go trail riding.

Have seen a Yamaha XT250 up for sale for reasonable money, only thing putting me off is the fact that its an import and there doesnt seem to be many about! its a mid 80's model.

couple of things really, would it be a good first trail bike and would I have problem getting spare parts for it when I eventually chuck it down a dirt track!

Many Thanks in advance
Kev

Well Kev,
You may well get loads of help/opinions on this, my thoughts 0n the yam 250 is that it does nothing wrong as a first bike, but it is a bit mundane and you will find that it's not enough of a bike to keep you entertained for long, my feelings are that a XR 250 or 400 is a whole load o' fun by comparison.

[MidnightRacer]

thanks for your swift response!

My mundane do you mean Boring and incable or old and heavy? or are we talking a general alround lack of power and fun??

Cheers,
Kev

[sprocket]

I found the motor to be a bit gutless and by comparison to Honda the suspension is antique to say the least, but bear in mind this is how I find them, some may well prefer the Yam.

[MidnightRacer]

Originally Posted by sprocket

I found the motor to be a bit gutless and by comparison to Honda the suspension is antique to say the least, but bear in mind this is how I find them, some may well prefer the Yam.

Thanks! Its usful to hear both sides!

[babybadger]

It was my first real bike and was superb for a year, it went everywhere, didnt drink oil , was easy to work on and sat at 55mph nicely, 70 was easily attainable , 55 was where it was happy. Good Handling and well balanced for an old bike. Only downside was 6V , so odd bulbs here and there if the regulator rectifier wasnt doing its job. Would love another just for riding into London......

Buy it for novelty value, it wont let you down, but it is only kickstarter , but is easy and has automatic decompression, oh and I used to get 77mpg whatever I did to it.......