Dual-Sport Motorcycles
1981Yamaha XT 250
20 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 single, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Wet weight
- 124.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 22.0 HP
What’s new for the 1981 Yamaha XT 250
vs the 1980| Spec | 1980 | 1981 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 249.00 ccm (15.19 cubic inches) | 249.0 ccm (15.19 cubic inches) |
| Power | 22.00 HP | 22.0 HP |
| Fuel capacity | 8.00 litres (2.11 gallons) | 8.00 litres (2.11 US gallons) |
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.
Engine
- Capacity
- 249.0 ccm
- Power
- 22.0 HP
- Engine type
- Single single, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.1774 HP/kg
- Bore x stroke
- 75.0 x 56.5 mm
- Compression
- 9.2:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Starting
- Electric
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top speed
- 121.0 km/h (75.2 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Expanding brake
- Rear brakes
- Expanding brake
- 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 | 1983 | 1985 | 1988 | 1990 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 249.00 ccm (15.19 cubic inches) | 249.00 ccm (15.19 cubic inches) | 249.00 ccm (15.19 cubic inches) | 249.00 ccm (15.19 cubic inches) | 249.00 ccm (15.19 cubic inches) | 249.00 ccm (15.19 cubic inches) |
| Fuel capacity | 8.00 litres (2.11 gallons) | 8.00 litres (2.11 gallons) | 8.00 litres (2.11 gallons) | 8.00 litres (2.11 gallons) | 8.00 litres (2.11 gallons) | 8.00 litres (2.11 gallons) |
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 XT 250?
The 1981 Yamaha XT 250 has a Capacity of 249.0 ccm (15.19 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Yamaha XT 250 have?
The 1981 Yamaha XT 250 has a Power of 22.0 HP.
How many gears does the Yamaha XT 250 have?
The 1981 Yamaha XT 250 has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
How much does the Yamaha XT 250 weigh?
The 1981 Yamaha XT 250 has a Wet weight of 124.0 kg (273.4 pounds).
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