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Enduro Bikes

1985Honda XL 250 R

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The 1985 Honda XL 250 R is a lightweight enduro motorcycle ideal for amateur riders and trail enthusiasts. Its air-cooled single-cylinder engine delivers modest power suited for off-road exploration and learning fundamental dirt-riding skills. Known for reliability, ease of maintenance, and manageable handling, it remains a popular choice for weekend adventures and dual-sport versatility.

Capacity
249.0 ccm
Engine
Single
Gearbox
6-speed
Wet weight
131.0 kg
Seat height
Not on record
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Power
24.0 HP (17.7 kW) @ 8000 RPM
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 1985 Honda XL 250 R

vs the 1984
Spec19841985
Power 17.0 HP (12.5 kW) @ 8000 RPM 24.0 HP (17.7 kW) @ 8000 RPM
Top speed 110.0 km/h (68.4 mph) 128.0 km/h (79.5 mph)
Other years 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 23Agility 80Comfort 45Off-road 85Touring 35Road manners 40
Off-road & trail85%
Cornering55%
City riding45%
Daily riding40%
Touring30%
Two-up15%
Track15%
Best for
Built primarily for trail riding and enduro use, with limited but usable capability on paved roads.
Built for
A simple, rugged, air-cooled single that rewards momentum and technique over raw power, with a playful and nimble feel.
Not ideal for
Not a good fit for riders wanting highway speed, long-distance comfort, or carrying a passenger regularly.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
249.0 ccm
Power
24.0 HP (17.7 kW) @ 8000 RPM
Engine type
Single
Power/weight ratio
0.1832 HP/kg (wet)
Bore x stroke
75.0 x 56.5 mm
Compression
10.2:1
Cooling system
Air
Valves per cylinder
4
Torque
Not on record - add it
Transmission
Gearbox
6-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Performance
Top speed
128.0 km/h (79.5 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Wet weight
131.0 kg
Fuel capacity
9.00 litres
Seat height
Not on record - add it
Dry weight
Not on record - add it
Ground clearance
Not on record - add it
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 19821983198519861987
Capacity 249 cc 249 cc 249 cc 249 cc 249 cc
Fuel capacity 9 L 9 L 9 L 9 L 9 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 Honda XL 250 R?

The 1985 Honda XL 250 R has a Capacity of 249.0 ccm (15.19 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Honda XL 250 R have?

The 1985 Honda XL 250 R has a Power of 24.0 HP (17.7 kW) @ 8000 RPM.

How many gears does the Honda XL 250 R have?

The 1985 Honda XL 250 R has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

How much does the Honda XL 250 R weigh?

The 1985 Honda XL 250 R has a Wet weight of 131.0 kg (288.8 pounds).

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