Enduro Bikes
1981Honda XL 250 S
19 fields on record
The 1981 Honda XL 250 S is a lightweight enduro bike ideal for trail riders and beginners seeking versatility. Its air-cooled single-cylinder engine delivers modest power with excellent fuel efficiency, while the proven five-speed transmission and durable chain drive provide reliable performance across various terrain. Known for its balanced handling and accessible seat height, it remains a dependable choice for off-road exploration.
- Capacity
- 248.0 ccm
- Engine
- Single, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Wet weight
- 132.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 17.0 HP (12.5 kW) @ 7000 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built primarily for trail riding and light off-road exploration rather than speed or long-distance road travel.
- Built for
- A simple, mechanically honest enduro bike that rewards momentum, finesse, and off-road skill over raw power.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for riders wanting highway comfort, high-speed touring, or carrying a passenger any real distance.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Engine
- Capacity
- 248.0 ccm
- Power
- 17.0 HP (12.5 kW) @ 7000 RPM
- Engine type
- Single, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.1288 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 74.0 x 57.8 mm
- Compression
- 9.1:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top speed
- 111.0 km/h (69.0 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Expanding brake
- Rear brakes
- Expanding brake
- Front tyre
- 3.00-23
- Rear tyre
- 4.60-18
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 | 1982 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 248 cc | 248 cc | 248 cc |
| Fuel capacity | 9.5 L | 9.5 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 Honda XL 250 S?
The 1981 Honda XL 250 S has a Capacity of 248.0 ccm (15.13 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Honda XL 250 S have?
The 1981 Honda XL 250 S has a Power of 17.0 HP (12.5 kW) @ 7000 RPM.
How many gears does the Honda XL 250 S have?
The 1981 Honda XL 250 S has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
How much does the Honda XL 250 S weigh?
The 1981 Honda XL 250 S has a Wet weight of 132.0 kg (291.0 pounds).
Shop this bike
Affiliate linksWe may earn a commission from qualifying eBay or Amazon purchases made through these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Please log in or register if you'd like to leave a comment.
Own one? Add it to My Garage and write an owner review with an Owner badge.