Dual-Sport Motorcycles
1981Yamaha XT250
41 fields on record
The 1981 Yamaha XT 250 is a lightweight enduro bike ideal for beginner and recreational riders exploring both on-road and off-road terrain. Powered by an air-cooled single-cylinder engine producing 22 horsepower, it offers excellent fuel efficiency and easy handling. Known for its reliability and affordability, the XT 250 remains a popular choice for adventure-seeking novices.
- Capacity
- 249.0 ccm
- Engine
- Single, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 122.9 kg
- Seat height
- 810 mm
- Power
- 22.0 HP (16.2 kW) @ 8600 RPM
Other years
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- It's built primarily for trail riding and light off-road exploration rather than speed or highway travel.
- Built for
- It has a simple, forgiving, and approachable character typical of an air-cooled single-cylinder trail bike from its era.
- Not ideal for
- It's not a good fit for riders wanting high speed, long-distance comfort, or a passenger-friendly touring setup.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Will it fit you?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usEngine
- Capacity
- 249.0 ccm
- Power
- 22.0 HP (16.2 kW) @ 8600 RPM
- Engine type
- Single, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.1790 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 75.0 x 56.5 mm
- Compression
- 9.2:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Fuel system
- Carburettor
- Starting
- Electric
- Ignition
- CDI
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
- Lubrication system
- Wet sump
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
- Clutch
- Multiple-disc wet clutch
Performance
- Top speed
- 121.0 km/h (75.2 mph)
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1359 mm
- Overall length
- 2149 mm
- Overall width
- 805 mm
- Overall height
- 1161 mm
- Seat height
- 810 mm
- Dry weight
- 122.9 kg
- Wet weight
- 124.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 8.00 litres
- Ground clearance
- 284 mm
- Oil capacity
- 1.50 litres
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Semi-double-cradle steel frame
- Front suspension
- 35mm telescopic fork
- Rear suspension
- Swingarm w/rebound-adjustable single shock
- Front wheel travel
- 226 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 180 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 26.0°
- Trail
- 107 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Expanding brake
- Front brakes diameter
- 245 mm
- Rear brakes
- Expanding brake
- Rear brakes diameter
- 203 mm
- Front tyre
- 3.00-21
- Rear tyre
- 4.60-17
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 | 1987 | 2012 | 2019 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 249 cc | 249 cc | 249 cc | 249 cc | 249 cc | 249 cc |
| Dry weight | 123 kg | 123 kg | 123 kg | 123 kg | 123 kg | 123 kg |
| Seat height | 810 mm | 810 mm | 810 mm | 810 mm | 810 mm | 831 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 8 L | 8 L | 8 L | 9.1 L | 9.8 L | 9.5 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 XT250?
The 1981 Yamaha XT250 has a Capacity of 249.0 ccm (15.19 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Yamaha XT250 have?
The 1981 Yamaha XT250 has a Power of 22.0 HP (16.2 kW) @ 8600 RPM.
How many gears does the Yamaha XT250 have?
The 1981 Yamaha XT250 has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
How much does the Yamaha XT250 weigh?
The 1981 Yamaha XT250 has a Dry weight of 122.9 kg (270.9 pounds).
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