Sport Tourers
1981Yamaha RD 250
19 fields on record
The 1981 Yamaha RD 250 is a lightweight sport-touring twin ideal for novice and experienced riders seeking nimble handling and affordable performance. Its liquid-cooled two-stroke engine delivers spirited acceleration across its rev range, while the responsive chassis and composed suspension make it best known for enthusiastic road riding and occasional touring duties.
- Capacity
- 247.0 ccm
- Engine
- Parallel Twin, two-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Wet weight
- 158.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 38.0 HP (27.9 kW) @ 8500 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built for spirited backroad sport riding and quick, playful commuting rather than long-distance travel.
- Built for
- A buzzy, characterful two-stroke that rewards an eager, revvy riding style with sharp, flickable handling.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for riders wanting smooth low-end torque, long-haul comfort, or passenger-friendly touring capability.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Engine
- Capacity
- 247.0 ccm
- Power
- 38.0 HP (27.9 kW) @ 8500 RPM
- Engine type
- Parallel Twin, two-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2405 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 54.0 x 54.0 mm
- Compression
- 6.9:1
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Fuel system
- Carburettor
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top speed
- 163.0 km/h (101.3 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes
- Expanding brake
- Front tyre
- 3.00-18
- Rear tyre
- 3.50-18
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 1980 | 1981 | 1983 | 1984 | 1985 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 247 cc | 247 cc | 247 cc | 247 cc | 250 cc |
| Fuel capacity | 17 L | 17 L | 17 L | 17 L | 17 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Yamaha RD 250?
The 1981 Yamaha RD 250 has a Capacity of 247.0 ccm (15.07 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Yamaha RD 250 have?
The 1981 Yamaha RD 250 has a Power of 38.0 HP (27.9 kW) @ 8500 RPM.
How many gears does the Yamaha RD 250 have?
The 1981 Yamaha RD 250 has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
How much does the Yamaha RD 250 weigh?
The 1981 Yamaha RD 250 has a Wet weight of 158.0 kg (348.3 pounds).
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