Yamaha XT 250 & XT 225 "Serow" Ride & Review o
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- čas přidán 28. 08. 2024
- The Yamaha XT 225 "Serow" and XT 250 are definitely not your rally-bike wannabe braap-machines, but they're also not the powerless put-puts that some make them out to be. They're meant to be utilitarian trail bikes, but could their greatest strengths in the trails also their greatest weaknesses? They're not suspended or powerful enough for motocross or any kind of racing, and they're not comfortable or road-ready enough for adventure touring, so what good are they? Well, for trails, they might just be the most laid back, drama-free, and fun bike you could ever throw a leg over!!
Thanks so much for the footage, lodging and rides!
Colorado Dual Sport: / coloradodualsport
Hermit DaVlog: / hermitdavlog
MinitStop: / minitstop
PharettFace: / @pharettface
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I rode a XT 225 when I took my MSF course and it gave me a completely new level of respect for Dual Sport bikes. It was incredibly fun to throw around because of how insanely light it was.
This is why I still follow CDS and eveRide. Simple, honest riding videos, or evaluations or how to videos. No stupid "Let's wheelie in front of a cop" or "get off the cell phone" stuff. And why I will continue to watch and subscribe.
+michael adams Thanks man! Too bad stuff like this doesn't get the same views as the cop stuff, eh? I might need to do more hooliganing to pay the bills this month!
eveRide ADV quick question. Have you ever tried out an ATK 605? Just wondering because I have an opportunity to buy a 1998 model. Not much info online.
Being an XT owner, I never tire of this.
My husband and I each have an XT 225 and we love them. We have taken these bikes all over creation and they have never let us down. We are both smaller people but at 41 years of age, we have learned why would you want to work any harder than you have to, it's all about being out there and having a great time! Great bikes!
+Misty Varner YES! That is what it's all about! "Why work harder than you have to?" is the motto of the XT. It's just a fun, easy, wonderful little machine!
Still have em? You're 50 now
Network Television worthy production quality and voice overs. Awesome!
Xt 250 was my first bike, we called it the tank. Never met a hill it wouldn't climb. Your review was spot on!
I’ve ridden all kinds of bikes from street to on road at all. At 68 years old I don’t have to go 200mph anymore so this little XT250 I own is a breath of fresh air to be able to get back on a bike and have the confidence of being able to handle it and go just about anywhere I want. Absolutely one of the best bikes I’ve owned for fun factor and the reliability is second to none. I was lucky enough to find a 2008 XT250 with 2700 miles on the clock. I have put 2000 on it since and after a tuneup and a little maintenance I have a bulletproof bike and I am having more fun than ever. Thanks for the review and I’ll be checking out your other posts. I knew this was a jewel when I found it and I was right. Bang for buck is as it gets since I stole this thing for $1200. After replacing the K&N air filter with the Yamaha original it runs great with no stumble or stalling. The factory filter works best unless you are trying to re jet your carb and make more power but it has plenty of power to do what I need. Best bike buy I ever made and I will keep this one till it or I leave this world. I may even have it buried with me! There could be no heaven without it.
Excellent review, Thanks.
I chose Serow 225 (1987) to ride on the unknown roads and discovering a new territory.
I live in Russia (Ural) On my channel added video reports about enduro trails by this bike with my friend on YBR-125
Привет. Подскажешь, что в обзоре? По англ. не понял :(
Real question how is it in the Urals
To quote Ben, "Every bike is cool, cause every bike is cool!" I started out on a TTR225 and had a blast with that sucker for awhile. Everyone is different and not everyone wants to feel the power of a race bike. If I could have kept all my bikes I would still have that TTR, but many bikes requires much maintenance. Excellent review bro!!
+NessedUpProductions I know it! I've just got the KLR and DRZ.. two of the most reliable bikes out there... and even then I'm always working on one of them!
Thanks so much for this video and for all of your incredibly well-thought-out content. As so many others have commented, we agree that the XT225 is a unique, often overlooked bike and, if you're a short rider just looking for fun, it has to be near the top of your list!
The XT225 was actually my very first motorcycle. Got it my second year in college and loved it. Of course I moved on to faster, more fun bikes but this one still holds a dear place in my heart. May have to just get me another one, one of these days. Awesome video as always my man!
Thing reminds me of my XR75 from when I was a kid in the 70's, makes me want one.
My wife has the same bike. Perfect for her and I still have fun on it from time to time. Especially now that I'm shopping for a new bike and don't have one at this current time. It's does great especially since I've geard it for trail riding, put an exhaust, jetted the carb and put better bars and foot pegs.
I love this Bike I'm 6'2" and weigh over 250 and 40 Yrs old. I live in logging county Oregon and there are trails and logging roads everywhere. I do understand that I will have to up my suspension sooner than most but under 5k brand new makes that pretty easy
DID YOU GET IT? I'M 6'1 210LBS AND HAVEN'T HAD A BIKE SINCE MY "81 YAMAHA 650 SPECIAL" AND THAT WAS IN THE 80S!
This is by far the best review of the XT225/250 on youtube!!! It's a fantastic bike that people seem to forget about with the WR250R overshadowing it in terms of performance. Now you just have to get on a TW200 and review that.
+Freespiritphil I REALLY want to get my hands on a TW200!!!
+eveRide ADV I know a guy that will let you try out his tw! Get back up here!!! :)
Freespiritphil uhhbbbnnj
I've had a lot of fun on my little XT225. Having sat up for a little while, it will get resurrected today with a fresh carb clean and new Clarke tank. They really are excellent trail bikes for the vertically challenged. I enjoyed your vid.
+n2dabloo I know I enjoy mine!
one of the best everide reviews yet! been thinking of the XT for the wife when she decides to ride, but was on the fence... now, I'm sold! thanks for always telling it like it is, good and bad!
+kaianine Man it really is a great little bike! Just make sure she's got some good boots and you guys will have a riot!
I had no idea Yamaha still made them. I bought one brand new in 1979! Of course I also had a DT 360 at one point in my life. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
This is definitely my favorite 250 bike, no doubt about it. Being a small rider, 5' 8" this is one hundred thousand percent my bike, I vividly remember being sad while looking for a good 250 bike and seeing all of the sat heights being way too high, 36 at most, and then finally being relieved seeing a perfect 31 inch seat height. This is the bike for smaller riders like me
great review, really enjoy watching your channel thanks eveRide.
I am 240-lbs and have recently purchased a used 2018 suzuki dr200s. has enough power for me to have fun! Rode 62-75mph on Interstate i-10 from seller at casa grande to west phoenix (63 miles) used 3/4 of a gallon fuel. No Regrets.. previous bikes owned: 1987 suzuki dr125, 1985 yamaha fz750, 2006 hyosung gt650r, 2005 yamaha yz450f
Dude! Excellent review of both bikes. That was probably the most high quality review I've seen on CZcams in a long time. I have to say that I'm also very impressed with the XT225. That thing has hauled my big self up some pretty steep and gnarly hills as well. Not fast and not spraying roost all over the place, but steady and smoothly. That says something! Such a fun trip man, we can't wait to have you back.
+ColoradoDualSport Seriously man, I would love to get back there soon! Fall is right around the corner, then winter... that means meetups in the S T G!
Giving the bike Personification, probably the best way to review any bike that's EVER been made!
I bought an XT225 after seeing this video. At this point in my riding journey the XT is just fine for all the reasons you named. I just need to beef up the suspension a bit. My previous bikes were a Honda CRF230, which was not too different than the 225 in may respects, and a KDX200 which was a bit of a more serious woods bike.
They are awesome bikes. I daily ride a 1989 yamaha XT 600. Keep up the great videos.
I have had my xt250 for the past two years. We took it out west this summer and it went through every thing we could throw at it. Thanks for getting a review of the xt on youtube. It is often ignored.
+David Ringel It's seriously a great bike! Very underrated in my opinion!
I totally get this. I had a twin-shock 80's XR200 back in the day. I've had a ton of bikes since, but nothing that inspired as much good-hearted fun. People say that entry-level bikes aren't suitable for larger riders (I'm 6' 2", 230lb), but I've had to do suspension work on all my big-bore bikes. I say, buy the XT250, and spend the money you save on suspension!
I wanted a cheap dual sport as my first and found this video after watching some about the wr250r from you guys. Well, i bought a 97 xt225 for cheap because of this video and love it. Thanks for posting great info on dual sports. Helped me make the right choice for my first!
Awesome review. I am 5'11" 260lbs and the little xt250 pulls me around just fine. I did change to some progressive fork springs though. Hearing how much you loved the bike on those hermit trails, make me even more excited to be coming there next spring to ride some. Hopefully Hermit and CDS can show me around and we can do a tri-vlog...
+Hobbz-Garage I think they would love that!
Phenomenal review, Everide! As much as I love the power and suspension mods on my big bore CRF305L, I think the XT225 would be much better suited for me as a daily city commuter and singletrack dual-sport machine. I'm pretty much never riding over 45mph and my dual-sport riding is mostly sight seeing and hitting tight terrain at a leisurely pace, and I just purchased an EXC 200 to handle all the hardcore stuff. I'm glad you're helping to dispel the myth that these smaller bore dual-sports are just for newbies.
"It's always more fun to ride a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow." This is a very true statement. I ride an XR600R and it's great for speed and any kind of terrain, but my old XR350R was just like this XT. I kinda miss how slow it was. It was out of my mind that I'd ever get hurt on it, and when I took it on trails it was a blast. The 6 speed made the smaller motor much more accessible, even keeping up with a larger WR400. The 350 is a big step up from a 225, but I'm pretty sure mine needed rings and was way down on power. It should have been the kind of bike I bought when I first got into riding.
+RideThroughLife You bring up some great points! It's almost refreshing to have a bike that's not going to throw you off the back fender when you make a mistake :)
Glad to see you got to experience the _____ ______ trail system, a fun 2-wheel playground minus the two way traffic
+crj dirt (crjdirt) Hahaha yeah it's an amazing place to ride! I agree with +Hermit though... I'd keep it a secret, too!
Hell yeah! MY bike reviewed by you! Awesome. It may have a few shortcomings, but it's bullet proof. As for suspension, luckily there are many great aftermarket upgrades. As for power, it's there and an upgrade in carb (recommend the Mikuni TM33 pumper), it will have allot more umph.
Great vid. Makes me glad even more so of my choice in it. Even though I'm a little tall for it, it has never let me down. This vid made my day. Thank you!
+Tony Z For sure! It's a great bike, and I want to ride it again!
I started out on a ttr 230 and loved how it performed when I was stuck without a trail to follow. Logs, rocks, mud and thick brush. My ttr got me where ever I needed to go. So when I wanted to get my first dual sport I looked for similar performance. So I landed on the xt250. Its nice to see a real review of this bike finally. The best thing about it has to be weight and its low seat. Now I'm a tall guy but that low seat makes using the xt off road in extreme terrain a breeze compared to other bigger bikes. You nailed the way you feel when your sitting where you are supposed too though. It sucks being kinda squished on the bike.
+Bradley Heimbach I think it's a small price to pay for the fun of the bike. Just gotta get some good boots! :)
I paid 2k$ CAD for my 2005 xt225, they hold up well over time. It's only got 8700km and the factory cross hatches are clearly defined and sparkle like crazy. Overall the bikes in great shape and over the course of this winter I'm getting it ready for the trail and road with heated grips, wrap around hand guards and a skid plate too.
As a vertically-challenged XT250 owner who rides those same trails in Colorado, I REALLY liked your review, and would only add that the XT250 also withstands the test of time - like the old Timex watches, it takes a SERIOUS licking and keeps on ticking!
Low seat height and light enough, what not to like on a trail bike. I would be Honest, I had the opportunity to choose between the CRF250L and XT250. I Will definitely take the XT250. Nothing wrong with the CRF but low seat gives tons of confidence and removes your worries that you gonna fall most of the time in which adds a lot of fun factor. with a tall bike this can come with time and experience but still you will struggle. manufacturers should take these type of bike (XT) into example. the ground clearance that it have it's enough and a good beefy skid plate would take care of any hits
I love my 2008 crf 230l,It's low to the ground.
I used to have a XT 250 back in 2008 and it was great except for the stock tires. I have a CRF250L now and I miss the nimbleness of the XT, so much that I am actually considering getting another one. You nailed it on this review, just an all around awesome and fun bike.
+Josh Taylor Yeah I really REALLY like the XTs!
Lowest seat height of any enduro, and super light! I put the mirrors on the inside and readjust them to see, that way you don't bang up them up when you lay it sideways! A few vids on my channel of the XT250...Great review on the bike brother, keep at it!
50 years of off-roading here. Some competition, but my real thing is dual sporting and trail riding. My current "go to" bike is a 2012 WR250R that I purchased new in May of '12. I felt it was time for me to add a simpler, lighter, and lower, bike to my stable for use on trails as well as exploring trails. After reading and watching CZcams videos concerning the XT225, this video clinched it so I recently purchased a used 2002 XT225. After sorting it's issues (it hadn't been ridden or started in several years) I must say that it is exactly as eveRide describes it. It is a GREAT trail bike and it DOES renew confidence in one's ability to ride the rough stuff at a paddle speed. (A 36+" seat height and 300 lbs of WR250R does not!) I'm very pleased with my XT225 and I foresee it possibly evolving into my "go to" bike as I continue to age. Find a good one... buy it... enjoy it!
Love the video, it's well put together and the commentary is spot on. I'm buying an XT225 tomorrow!
Another excellent and family-friendly review, Tyler. So many of us newbies out here looking for ideas or validation for going smaller, lighter weight, more predictable power, stone-axe reliable rigs. Learning techniques for traction, ascending or descending, ruts and bogs, baby-head rocks and sand washes are so much less fear-inducing when on a manageable bike. KLX 300 is my current trail bike and haven't tapped its potential at all. Gramps, out!
Just picked up a 2008 xt250, love it so far its my beginner bike that ill keep all my life and my "for fun" bike when my friends want to go play. Just drive it on and off road its a blast!!
I just bought a 2016 XT250 and picking it up this friday! Can't wait for a light a nimble dual sport. This is the first smaller dual sport that i'll own
solid review, I would say all these great talking points hold true for the tw200 as well fun as heck
+Wandering Beast Someday I'll get to ride a TW200... that is one bike that I've wanted to ride for soooo long!
next time your in central oregon ;)
+eveRide ADV I would love to hear your review of a TW200
I have a TW200 and an XT250 and think the two bikes are worlds apart. To start, the steering geometry is different - the TW handles like a loaded barge - the XT is light, nimble and quick. Balloon tires on the TW also make it much harder to predict how the bike handles. Gearing is uneven on the TW, 1st gear super low and big jump to 2nd; XT is smooth transition between gears. The TW is like driving the earliest version of the Willy’s Jeep - clunky, quirky and uneven, but if that’s your thing, ok. The XT is a well thought out modern bike that’s tons of fun, easy to ride, predictable. You will be able to do a lot more and get a lot more out of the XT. PLUS...the price of a used XT is lower than a TW so more bang for the buck
Got a new 2022 XT250 coming in March . Got rid of the 2005 CRF250X and the 2015 KTM 350EXC-F , and now it’s time to relax and enjoy the final phase of dual sport riding in my late 50’s in the nimble little Japanese Serow ( Niho Kamoshika)
I just wish they’d give it a 6th gear , sometimes getting to the trail requires a stretch of 65 mph highway riding.
This review is exactly what I needed. Straight up truth, no holding back and no bullshit macho nonsense. Keep it real Mr. eveRide.
I've ridden a DRZ400 and XT225 on these exact same trails and I agree 100% with this! I'm an average 5'10" 200# guy and the XT225 does just fine getting me to the trails. Obviously it's not as fast as a bigger displacement bike but I can manage 60mph pretty easily and I've seen an indicated 70mph more than once.
thanx greate video as usual! these small bikes are just brilliant under a lot of situations...I grew up with them!
Great video! The smaller bikes really are great fun on the trails. I'm 5'10" and road a 1984 Suzuki DR100 for 15 years, all of it on the mountain trails of Colorado. It was incredibly capable even on trails much worse than in the video. In '99 I sold it and got a new XR250R which I still ride today (best bike ever created!)
Road one today.
Fell in love with it, I let the owner ride my Grom.
Fun times today!
Excellent, NO CUSS words! You're awesome, really enjoyed it!
Always small motorbikes... fun in off road
But they stay on road underpowered
Best regards Medel
From a XT660R
"Good school video dual sport"
I have ridden every one of those trails you have been on. I know them all well and exactly where they are. No longer in Colorado but I miss those trails dearly. Also just got a Serow for my wife but like you said, I find myself riding it all the time and I am normally a big-bore 2T rider (IT490). Great video!
That Guy I ride these trails once a year,there are some pretty gnarly stuff out there but it’s hands down one of the best places too ride in the country
I taught motorcycle safety classes for a few years. In the class we used TW200s and XT225 as well as other small bikes. I was always impressed how easy the TW and XT were to handle in the tight turns part of the class. When I went to buy an inexpensive dirt bike a few years ago I considered both but bought the XT225 because of it's greater seat height and top speed. I am 5' 11" with a 32 inch inseam and the bike is a bit on the small side but not terrible. With a handlebar riser and a Coleman ATV seat pad on top of a Seat Concepts seat I am comfortable on the bike.
I haven't ridden the types of trails in your videos but have ridden gravel and dirt trails with my son who is just starting out on a Honda CRF100. The XT does great for this and is a blast to ride. The light weight makes it fun to ride on the street and trail. You do have to rev the engine to get moving quickly but the bike handles it just fine. It is as quick as most cars if you rev it up. First gear is nice and low for offroad use and sixth gear allows it to not rev excessively at top speed. I've had mine up to GPS indicated 65 mph in the midwest.
It was great to see you do a review of my bike on your channel. I really enjoyed it. I wonder if you have ridden WR250R and how you would compare it to the XT. I rode one at a class this spring and liked the extra seat height, but otherwise it felt a lot like my XT.
+Keith Thompson I've got great news for you, sir! I've got a review of the WR coming up very soon!
This was really really close to being Jessicas first dirt bike... I'm still glad we ended spending a bit more and going with the KLX 250 though
+shadetree surgeon Both are excellent bikes, for sure!
I'm 66 now, and the XT's low seat height, respectable ground clearance and tight turning radius are all extremely welcome on a solo trail ride into high country!
(especially when there's lots of switchbacks)!
@@danielhoskins976 Got'cha by almost a decade. Bought a new XT250 in 2019. Thumbs up on all the things you mentioned.. I ride with a few guys with 10K plus bikes but the XT doesn't mind. It goes where they go mostly. By going to a 14T front sprocket you can let the clutch out and go walking speed. There are times when I miss power wheelies however but that passes..
@@danielhoskins976 I hear ya.
You should sell these bikes for a living lol.
You nailed everything that I love about my bike,
I have a 2020 xt250 and they revised some of the issues you have, in the more recent models:
disc brakes now, better suspension (still could use some tuning from stock, though), much better seat.
I got it new in July 2019, and it is my only form of transportation.
I live in BC, Canada. and i ride all year, currently commuting through the ice and snow to work every day.
no matter what i ask of this bike (I do like to pretend that it is a proper Enduro bike and ride some black and double black trails) it just does it, without complaint.
get a good set of tires, change your oil every few hard rides, keep your chain tensioned, clean & lubed, and it will just keep going.
As long as I'm operating it correctly for the situation, it has yet to fail me,.
I love this machine.
Bought my 2006 xt225 new leftover, in 07, put 13,000. On her, all road, little trails too! I loved that bike! Sold her in 2011. Now I am thinking new XT250. Leftover, or drivers ed bike. Substantial Savings!
It's a tin step above the T-Dub. Trail bikes are just plain FUN.
Thanks. This is the best review I have seen for the XT225.
I ride with ATVs on trails similar to the what you were on.
I'm looking at buying a 2004 today.
Great review! Makes me miss mine a little bit. I put that thing through so much abuse. It actually wheelies pretty well once you find balance point and get the hang of it.
wish there was a new vid everyday. haha. love your vids man the first bike I ever bought way back in the day was a 1992 xt225 and it was pretty quick in the first 2 gears. great round town bike. it was mint condition for $1000. I let half my friends use it to get their permits.
+theblishknovk Yes! Such an awesome bike, and for $1000 that's awesome!
Great Honest review Mr. Everide. I have a friend that has a xt 250 and he loves it. This is despite him being 6'2 and somewhere in the mid 200lb range. Does he get teased? Yes, Does he care? No. His claim is that if he's not allowed to have a second wife he's gonna keep the XT regardless if he has multiple other bigger,badder,meaner Dual sports ( including a completely insane modded Husaberg with something like 90hp and barely any weight ).. I've also ridden it quite a bit ( 6'1 about 230lbs ) and it's a blast to ride, like you said extremely manageable, waddle friendly, predictable, and a ton of fun. Perfect bike to strap to a motorhome or RV or to let a friend ride that wants to come along but hasn't gotten a ton of dual sport experience or confidence.
+BellOnWheels Yes yes yes! You nailed it!
I just picked up a 2018 250 to get back into riding after losing my right leg in a motorcycle accident. I thinks it’s good having a lower powered bike to get back into things. Honestly I love the bike and can’t imagine wanting to “upgrade” for a long time and even then I was thinking the WR250 for a lightweight adv bike so I may end up making the XT into a mini adv bike
I just loved this review of the "little" bikes we do not get in my country... and they would be perfect here!!!
Thanks amigo!!
Great video! Donkey or goat, it's all about the fun. I'm 55 and just dying to get back in the woods again. Best shape of my life was at twenty-seven maybe, and I owe it to the IT 200 and a 490 Maico Spider bored out and modified to climb a tree. Maybe too old now but I remember how dependable the IT was for a two stroke, and top end races were right there with the 350 XR's. The XT 250 is something to ride to work or get a work out.
I got a 2001 XT last year, started dirt riding after about 40 years of pavement only, it is fantastic; like he says, it is a donkey, I've taken it up hills through trees that I can't X-C ski through, gotten in WAY over my head on trails with seat height holes and ruts and just putt-putted down and up the other side. Mine seems to max out around 95 km/h, although I like it best around 60-70 on the road, but other than long stints on the road it is fantastic.
My 2005 XT225 goes beyond 120 km/h. You should check your intake, exhaust, valves and jetting.
I have a deer 250, too. What a nice car! Very light and full of torque.
Good review! You're a bit off on the weight of the XT250 which comes in at 291lbs wet ... with a 2.6 gallon tank. (yes, it has excellent range as you mentioned)
One thing that's a MUST for larger XT250 riders is to adjust the rear shock to max stiffness. It makes a TON of difference. You won't bottom out nearly as easily. Mine was soft when I got it and wow, what a difference after adjustment. Helps a bit on seating position too as you don't sink into the shock just sitting on the bike.
Other mods I've done or want to do soon on my '14 are 1) oversize foot pegs 2) skid plate 3) hand guards 4) rear cargo rack 5) add a DynoJet Power Commander Fuel Control module 6) install low profile brake light and flush mount rear signals 7) upgrade to folding mirrors 8) bar risers ... then I'd better stop.
Oh! And tires ... I can't wait to wear out the stock Bridgestone Trail Wings ... I guess they're a 50/50 tire, and for this tire that means they're kinda crappy no matter where you're riding. But not so bad as to make me chuck them straightaway without wearing them out. Pressuring down helps on dirt.
And maybe a seat concepts seat.
You see how we all get ourselves in trouble with these bikes here right? #allday
+XT250 All Day Hahahah good stuff to know, though! Yes DEFINITELY get a Seat Concepts seat. I've got a SC for my DRZ and KLR and LOVE them.
LOL chugging energy drinks! Ripping wheelies at 90
+Piston Slap hahaha nothing wrong with that... it's just not something that my near-middle-aged body can do :D
I took an xt250 to the Hatfield McCoy trails in West Virginia and it handled surprisingly well. Had a blast.
Loved the pacing of this video. Like a jazz drum solo.
+Andy Bumatai - Toolin' Around That's a great simile! :D
Have a Super Sherpa 250, and deep in the crap- it can outclass any bigger dualsport. It's sedate, sure, but these small 250s are workhorses. Great "travel bikes" to throw in the back of a truck or hang from a camper that can get it done!
went out today 3 klr.1 super sherpa. was blown away with how it did. always wanted one....now I'm getting one. love little bikes but didn't quite give them the respect they deserve
+SteviePee OutDoorLife Yep! They're little mountain goats. Can be hard to wake up sometimes, and aren't quite as punchy as some of the other offerings, but for what they do- they do it well! If i'm exploring a new trail, it's definitely on the Sherpa. If i'm camping, it was the KLR (sold it :( ), and if i'm out being a hooligan, the DRZ. It's astonishing how well mannered the Sherpa is on the highway, too. That 6th gear + a tooth up in the front helps a lot... just don't take any uphills without downshifting ;)
Fun machines. I rode with +shredstick and he had one of those 225. He could ride the heck out of that machine and wheelied it from here to the moon.
I started on and still ride a 1998 Xt350. Fun and relaxed is how these bikes go
Good Fair review of the XT's. Trail riding fun
Great video. Keep up the positivity! It's refreshing.
I was reluctant to buy the XT thinking it was too small for fun, but I absolutely fell in love with it. Interestingly, my 2005 XT225 gets up to 75mph without breaking a sweat. It may even go faster than that, but I don't want to push it. I think it is the combination of jetting, air filter, and Z1 exhaust mod that gives it the additional grunt. That also speaks to what you said about motorcycle specs in general. The fuel economy on the XT225 is amazing. I love my little goat-antelope thing.
Thanks for the 225 info. I was wondering how much you weigh cuz I would like a small bike that can hit 75 too.
Nice job there Mr. evRide. I really enjoy your reviews. Keep em coming.
Finally! Been looking forward to a new video! Thanks, man!
I bought my wife a XT250 and I think it's a good choice as a beginner or shorter rider. But like you said it's a fun bike to ride. One thing I noticed is the footpegs come stock large which makes standing nice. I also noticed on my XR I had to not only change the footpegs but also had to add 2 inch risers to make standing comfortable but on the Xt it came right out of the box ready to go. I am 5'11'' and weigh 288 and the xt has no problem packing me. But like you said I fill just a little cramp. So long story short I agree with everything you said about the bike. Stay safe
+Tankerman It's weird because some people say the foot pegs are too small! When I heard about the stock pegs on the 225 I was shocked, but the 250s pegs seemed good enough.
Nice review, I have a XT 250 I just purchased not to long ago and I like it. I wish some small trails like you were riding are closer to me in Las Vegas. Utah isn't far though, at least. I'm a new rider so I really can't say a whole lot about it since I'm still learning to ride.
I just bought a 2006 xt225 and I absolutely love it! I wish I had gotten one way sooner.
Great review! Don't think i will ever sell my xt225. Such a fine little bike!
Nice review. The Serows are cracking little machines - I've had two of them - spoiled by 2 faults - a bloody awful seat and an inability to start for any and all reasons! However - they will go anywhere. One of mine did a great tour of Ireland with full camping gear and let's never forget "LOIS ON THE LOOSE" - a solo trip by Serow from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego.
Good video, I think I found the perfect trail bike for my wife. We have to ride about 25 miles to get to the trails. So this should be perfect for her.
I've been riding a 350EXCF for the last 7 years and I'm going on a 5 day rough camping off road holiday in the Pyrenees in June. I've got to carry a fair bit of luggage and it is definitely not a race. I'm 5'10", 58 years old, damaged a hip a little while back and after a morning on the KTM now I can't lift my leg over it. Embarrassing. Have to find a stump to stand on. Inconvenient sometimes too. So I've bought a '96 Serow. It's tiny. I love it already and I've only ridden it less than 100 metres. Cannot wait to get out on it. I started out on an XL185 and it used to get me everywhere. I'm going back to that. I love all the handles too.
Reminds me of my Kawi Super Sherpa. Very capable bike in the technical stuff! If you are ever in southern New Mexico and want to review a Super Sherpa you are more than welcome to mine, Mr. Everide!
+BadShadd1 Ohhhhh tempting! That might happen someday :)
I have a 1998 Serow , love it, nice change from my FJR1300. Horses for courses!
I had a CRF230L and it was the exact same way .... so easy to ride in the tight stuff. But, it had a hard time above 60mph ... I miss it on the super tight gnarly single track but that's about it. My fully modded CRF305XL (CRF250L) is 50X the bike everywhere else and does well in the woods much like the WR250R compares to the 225/250
another great video eveRide ADV !!!
I have a 2001 XT225 with about $3000 worth of mods. Best small displacement bike ever made, and that includes the modern ones. It will eat the XT250 for lunch. Properly built, the 225 is a hardcore bike that can take on just about anything, and it is small and light enough to throw around easily. And it has that simple carbureted air cooled engine with screw and locknut valve adjusters, making it more reliable and much easier to own and maintain than modern liquid cooled fuel injected bikes with shim valve adjusters.
Gerald Scott what upgrades did you add?
Great review, and great 1 liners. Gonna have to steal the one about the circus bear when I sell mine. 6'2 and 250lbs yup feel beared out. Gotta say I've only had mine 2 days and it's been the best 2 days ever
Great video! One of my favorite CZcamsrs to watch
+Caleb Perry Thanks Caleb!!
eveRide ADV no problem ! Soon next year in August I plan to but my dad's Dr 650 from him. I hope to motovlog and maybe meet you one day !
Just bought one in ma for $2000 bucks. dude i had to talk to the guy for like a month and now im all psyched to rideeee!!
Great video! I love my XT225, I went with a suspension upgrade from Cogent Dynamics and it what a difference it makes if you want to run the bike hard off road.
+GlacierPilotGst Ohhhh an XT 225 with an awesome suspension would be SOOO fun!
I love my XT 225!!!!! Fantastic bike!
Not and adventure tourer, not enough suspension or power for motocross... Hmmm, that's disappointing... Uncheck the XT250 for my adventure trip to Alaska (I live in Alaska) for a motocross vacation (I don't race motocross)! LOL!!
Another great review Mr. eveRide! You're getting very good at this. I like that you analyze from the viewpoint of those that actually use these machines, and not that of a pro test rider who would never choose to ride a bike like this.
That said, I'm gonna try to sneak out of work early today to go rip some trails and rail some whoops on the EXC! LOL!!
+gncc1race Ahhhhh yeah shred that EXC!!!
A LOT of Vietnamese enduro riders use this bike. It's solid and fun! (and light)
Nice review - from a dedicated XT owner.
+Victoria Z Thanks Victoria!
I love this review! You’re not trying to be cool or funny or a badass or anything. One of the best I’ve seen in a long time. 👍👏👏👏
Being there is not license-able trials bikes any more the nimbleness of the 225 and geared down pretty much takes the place. Also being there is no radiator for scrub oak and pine branches to poke holes into. Makes this an exceptional bike for off road / off trail bike.....