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Dual-Sport Motorcycles

1983Yamaha XT 250

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The 1983 Yamaha XT 250 is a lightweight single-cylinder enduro bike designed for novice riders and dual-sport enthusiasts seeking affordable off-road capability. Known for its simple air-cooled engine, manageable 17 horsepower, and nimble handling, it excels as an entry-level trail bike and reliable commuter. Its compact 125 kg frame makes it accessible for riders of varying experience levels.

Capacity
249.0 ccm
Engine
Single, four-stroke
Gearbox
5-speed
Dry weight
122.9 kg
Seat height
810 mm
Power
17.0 HP (12.5 kW) @ 7500 RPM
Other years 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 13Agility 78Comfort 40Off-road 88Touring 30Road manners 35
Off-road & trail88%
Cornering55%
City riding45%
Daily riding40%
Touring30%
Two-up20%
Track10%
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 us
At 810mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1983 Yamaha XT 250, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

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Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
249.0 ccm
Power
17.0 HP (12.5 kW) @ 7500 RPM
Engine type
Single, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.1383 HP/kg
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
112.0 km/h (69.6 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
125.0 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 19801983198519881990
Capacity 249 cc 249 cc 249 cc 249 cc 249 cc
Dry weight 123 kg 123 kg 123 kg 123 kg 123 kg
Seat height 810 mm 810 mm 810 mm 810 mm 810 mm
Fuel capacity 8 L 8 L 8 L 8 L 8 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Yamaha XT 250?

The 1983 Yamaha XT 250 has a Capacity of 249.0 ccm (15.19 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Yamaha XT 250 have?

The 1983 Yamaha XT 250 has a Power of 17.0 HP (12.5 kW) @ 7500 RPM.

How many gears does the Yamaha XT 250 have?

The 1983 Yamaha XT 250 has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

How much does the Yamaha XT 250 weigh?

The 1983 Yamaha XT 250 has a Dry weight of 122.9 kg (270.9 pounds).

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