RU-MOTO rating
- Reliability
- Chassis
- Appearance
- Comfort
4
Verdict
Overall, the Honda XR250 is one of the best in its class. With a small engine capacity, the motorcycle is considered playful, and the rigidity of the design makes it easy to control the bike not only for experienced users, but also for beginners.
Sales of the Honda XR250 started in 1985 and ended in 2007. The accumulated experience in motorsports, reviews of experienced amateurs and expert opinions fully reveal the capabilities of the legendary motorcycle.
The foundation of the 250 series was laid 30 years ago, and the first production of motorcycles was intended for the domestic market. Over time, the Japanese company released modifications of the model, which were already positioned not only for enduro (sports discipline), but also for off-road enthusiasts. Since 1995, Honda has offered the market:
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- A lightweight version for the European and American markets of the Honda XR250 R;
- For internal use, modification of the Honda XR250 Baja;
- Honda XR250 Motard (modification 2003).
Honda XR250 Baja
In the Baja model, the manufacturer installed a double headlight, an electronic speedometer and increased the capacity of the fuel tank. The R version was positioned as a lightweight enduro and did not have any special differences from the basic configuration. The biggest changes were made to the XR250 series with the introduction of the Motard model. It was equipped with road wheels, reinforced suspension and brakes.
Honda XR 250 Motard
Price
Currently, only the Honda XR250 Baja and Honda XR250 R models, released after 1995, are offered on the used motorcycle market. A Honda XR250 Baja can be purchased without mileage in the CIS for 250,000 rubles, and a copy with the abbreviation R can be found from 100,000. The Motard model is offered from 175,000 rubles. New motorcycles of this series are not offered for sale on the domestic market.
Prices for Honda XR250 motorcycle
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Prices vary from 100 thousand to 240 thousand rubles. The average price is 180 thousand.
"Nakids"
Recently, bikes in a category called “Naked” have become popular. The first “naked” (translated as “naked”) were sportbikes from which the plastic body kit was removed and their engine was not closed. Later, motorcycle companies, including Honda, began to produce motorcycles from the factory without body kits.
Here are just a few of the Honda Naked models. The "naked" one is the CB1100EX. It is equipped with a 4-cylinder engine with a volume of 1140 cc. see, which allows it to produce 90 hp. at 7,500 rpm.
The CB650F is also a Naked model. This bike also has a 4-cylinder unit with a volume of 649 cc. cm., but at the same time its power indicator is 87 hp.
One of the nakeds with a long history is the CB400. The motorcycle is equipped with a 4-cylinder, 16-valve water-cooled engine with a displacement of 399 cm³.
The most modest Naked from Honda is the CB125. It is equipped with a single-cylinder air-cooled engine with a capacity of 125 cc. cm., and with a power of only 10 hp.
Specifications
- Engine capacity – 249 cm3. (equipped with 4-valve head with RFVC system);
- Lubrication system – “dry sump”, with the oil tank located inside the frame;
- Power – 28 l. With.;
- Torque – 26 Nm at 7000 rpm;
- Cooling – air;
- Fuel system – carburetor;
- Gearbox – 6-speed;
- Maximum speed – 120 km/h for the Baja model and 125 km/h for the R and Motard versions;
- Average fuel consumption is 4 liters. per 100 km.
| Year of issue | 2003-present |
| Width x Length x Height (m) | 2.175×0.805×1.190 |
| Wheelbase (m.) | 1.425 |
| Minimum ground clearance (m.) | 0.285 |
| All technical specifications are here. | |
"Sports tourism"
For those who need a sports motorcycle, but not without comfort, Honda offers models in the “Sport Touring” category.
Motorcycles in this category are an intermediate link between “Sport” and “Tourism”. This company has this category represented by models VFR1200, F VFR1200FD, VFR800F. The first two models according to those. characteristics are identical. They have a 4-cylinder engine with a V-shaped cylinder position. The power of these units is 172 hp. at 1237 cc. see volume.
The engine of the VFR800F model is smaller in volume and power - 106 hp. at 782 cc see volume. Although the engine of this model is also 4-cylinder, V-shaped.
Owner reviews
Screenshot of review No. 1.
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Screenshot of review No. 3.
Rating of the best Enduro motorcycles - our top 10
Our rating of “TOP 10 best Enduro motorcycles” presents motorcycles of different price categories. In addition, we tried to take into account the complexity of the route that one or another model can overcome (5 is the easiest, 1 is the highest level of difficulty).
KAYO T2 250
One of the best options for a beginner. The 4-stroke engine provides optimal power for inexperienced motorcyclists, and the ideal price-quality ratio makes this unit one of the most popular among young riders. The weight of the motorcycle is 105 kg, the fuel tank volume is 9 liters, the seat height is 89 cm. Of course, for more experienced riders this cross bike will be a little weak, but for universal use in the first stages of learning, it’s just right.
Honda Transalp XL600V
This Enduro bike is perfect for both moderate off-road and public roads. The Honda Transalp XL600V has been produced since 1987, but even the models of the late 90s are quite viable to this day. This is a reliable, economical, powerful unit with good controllability. Newer models have been maximally adapted to driving on road surfaces, so the 1997 Honda Transalp XL 600V is one of the latest “off-road” options.
Honda AX-1
This Japanese product first hit the market in 1987 and enjoyed good popularity until it was discontinued in 1994. Honda ax-1 copes well with both moderate off-road conditions and regular asphalt. Particular attention should be paid to the reliability of this model - the manufacturers stated (and many motorcyclists have tested this on themselves) that this Enduro motorcycle can travel about 100,000 km without the need for major engine repairs, which can be considered a very good indicator. Tank capacity – 9 l, seat height – 81 cm, steel frame.
Yamaha XT660R
An ideal horse for moderate off-road use. Japanese quality makes itself felt - the build quality is excellent, the driving performance is excellent. Steel frame, fuel tank – 15 l, total weight – 181 kg, seat height – 85 cm. The model was discontinued in 2016, so there may be a problem with new spare parts. At the same time, you can buy a used motorcycle for spare parts.
Honda XR250R
Start of production - 1981. Every year the company introduced certain innovations into the design and construction of the bike, due to which its performance regularly improved. The model has been discontinued since 2007, but its popularity does not go away. Thanks to the high reliability and excellent performance of this unit, the Honda XR 250R is still in good demand today. Experienced motorists (who have something to compare with) claim that the unit is quite decent, but there are questions about fuel consumption. Also, this Enduro bike is not very suitable for riding on regular roads.
Suzuki DR-Z 400
This is a truly universal soldier in terms of travel geography. The manufacturer made sure that buyers had a choice - buy a bike exclusively for off-road (version E), or opt for a more universal option (version S).
The quality and incredible popularity of this Enduro bike is confirmed by the fact that the model is still being produced as usual. Of course, since 2000, the Suzuki DRZ 400 has undergone several restylings, but this has not made it any worse - the scrupulous Japanese think through everything down to the smallest detail, so each new version is better than the previous one.
Steel frame, adjustable sports suspension, weight -119 kg (for a beginner this is, frankly, a lot), 10 liter tank, saddle height - 94 cm (more suitable for tall guys).
Geon 250R
The first and only “Chinese” in our ranking. It is worth noting that this motorcycle creates the first impression of a very worthy unit, but in reality the euphoria from the purchase wears off quite quickly, since “China” is “China”. While the bike is new, it provides excellent value for money - power, performance, efficiency. But over time, having exhausted their service life, the engine, suspension and chassis begin to mope. In general, the build quality leaves much to be desired. But, it’s worth paying tribute to the price - for $1,500 you can buy a practically new bike, ride it for 1-2 seasons, get better, improve your driving and repair skills. And only then switch to an expensive motorcycle from Japan or Europe.
KTM 690 Enduro R
The enduro motorcycle of the Austrian brand is considered one of the best in its class. Stylish appearance, power, performance, reliability - these are the main characteristics of this cross-country bike. This Enduro can be called truly universal - it feels equally confident both on regular roads and on any off-road. But the price, frankly speaking, is biting - for a new 2019 model you will have to pay at least $13,000, as for used options - you can find a bike for $5,000-7,000.
Yamaha WR 250F
The unit is equipped with an aluminum or steel half-duplex frame, 5 or 6-speed gearbox, suspension (both front and rear) is fully adjustable, seat height – 98 cm, tank capacity – 7-10 l, motorcycle weight – 115-136 kg . The model has been produced from 2001 to the present, the appearance and performance characteristics have been constantly improved, so at the moment this motorcycle fully meets the requirements of professional participants in enduro competitions.
KTM 250 XCF
This two-wheeled horse will appeal to those who are already familiar with this type of equipment - excellent performance indicators will allow you to overcome any obstacles along the way. The 6-speed transmission guarantees excellent performance on any terrain. The perfectly adjusted suspension and excellent handling provide an optimal level of comfort. What else can you expect from a leading European brand? The only negative is the price. A used KTM 250 XCF will cost no less than $7,000.
| Place V ranking | Motorcycle name | Difficulty level of the route | Year of issue | Engine capacity | Maintainability | Price |
| 10 | KAYO T2 250 | 5 (light) | 2015 | 223 cm3, 4-T, power – 20 hp. | Spare parts are freely available; if you wish, you can do the repairs yourself | 2000$ |
| 9 | Honda Transalp XL 600V | 1997 | 583 cm3, 4-T, power – 50 hp. | It is repairable, spare parts and consumables can always be purchased or ordered. | 3000$ | |
| 8 | Honda AX-1 | 4 | 1994 | 249 cm3, 4-ton, power – 29 hp. | Due to the fact that the model is no longer in production, finding the necessary parts may be problematic. | 3500$ |
| 7 | Yamaha XT 660R | 2004 | 660 cm3, 4-ton, power – 48 hp. | At the moment, the bike is out of production, but in disassembly you can find a sufficient number of used spare parts | 4500$ | |
| 6 | Honda XR 250R | 3 | 2004 | 249 cm3, 4-T, power – 28 hp. | The model has been discontinued, but used spare parts can still be easily found in markets and specialized stores. | 4500$ |
| 5 | Suzuki DRZ 400 | 2000 | 398 cm3, 4-T, power – 48 hp. | Repairable, spare parts are freely available (both new and used) | 5000$ | |
| 4 | Geon 250R | 2 | 2013 | 249 cm3, 4-t | Repairs can be carried out in a garage; spare parts are available for sale and are not at all expensive. | 1500$ |
| 3 | KTM 690 Enduro R | 2007 | 690 cm3, 4-T, power – 65 hp. | Spare parts are freely available; repairs are best left to experienced specialists. | 6000$ | |
| 2 | Yamaha WR 250F | 1 (highest difficulty level) | 2001 | 250 cm3, 4-t, power – 41 hp. | There are no problems with purchasing spare parts and repairs. | 4000$ |
| 1 | KTM 250 XCF | 250 cm3, 4-t | Spare parts are on sale, but they cannot be called cheap. | 7000$ |
Competitors
The main competitors of the Honda XR250 are motorcycles from Kawasaki model KLR250, Suzuki DR250, Yamaha TT-R250 Open Enduro, Yamaha TT-R250 Raid and Suzuki Djebel 250.
Kawasaki KLR250
Yamaha TT-R250
Suzuki Djebel 250
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Scooters
In addition to motorcycles, this company also produces scooters.
Moreover, some scooter models are not inferior in technical characteristics to small-capacity motorcycles. So, for example, the PCX150 scooter is equipped with a single-cylinder engine with a capacity of 153 cc. cm, which provides a power of 13 hp. And this is only a small part of the motorcycle models of different categories produced by Honda. But the fact that this company produces a variety of models in fairly substantial quantities indicates the high popularity of motorcycles from this manufacturer.
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Top 5 best Enduro motorcycles from Japan
KAWASAKI KX85-I
KAWASAKI KX85-I is an ideal option for beginners. The small engine volume and optimal power are perfect for learning the first basics of Enduro riding. Add here high reliability, low weight of the unit - only 67 kg, fast acceleration, 5 liter tank, electric start, rigid steel frame and high-strength suspension - and you get an excellent bike for beginner motorcyclists.
SUZUKI RM-Z450
This bike deserves first place in the “Japanese quality – affordable price” category. This bike is characterized, first of all, by excellent handling and maneuverability, which will be very useful for a beginner. SUZUKI RM-Z450 is equipped with an aluminum frame, an electric starter, a fuel tank of 6.2 liters, and the weight of the motorcycle is 112 kg.
The characteristics of this Enduro will allow you to feel as comfortable as possible both on the track and off-road.
HONDA CRF450R
What can Honda boast? One of the main advantages of the HONDA CRF 450 R is the compatibility of spare parts for all modifications. Simply put, parts from 2021 bikes of the same model are highly likely to fit a 2013 model. In addition, this motorcycle appears in our rating as the most inexpensive to maintain - spare parts can always be easily found on sale and are inexpensive. Also, the HONDA CRF 450 R is characterized as a dynamic and well-handling bike with excellent suspension.
YAMAHA YZ450F
From year to year, motorcycles of this brand take prizes in competitions at various levels. Experienced athletes consider it the ideal off-road bike, thanks in large part to its unique suspension with 31 cm of travel. The aluminum frame, powerful engine and kickstarter make the YAMAHA YZ450F a true motocross bike.
KAWASAKI KX450
Since its first release on the market, this bike has been regularly criticized by experts. Fortunately, minor defects were promptly corrected, thanks to which today the KAWASAKI KX450 is considered the best Japanese professional motocross bike.
| Place in the ranking | Motorcycle name | Year of issue | Engine capacity | Maintainability | Price |
| 5 | KAWASAKI KX85-I | 2000-present | 85 cm3, 2-T | All Japanese motorcycle brands presented in this rating are repairable, spare parts for them are easy to get (both new and used), and they are inexpensive. | 2000$ |
| 4 | SUZUKI RM-Z450 | 2005-present | 449 cm3, 4-ton, power – 55 hp. | 2200$ | |
| 3 | HONDA CRF 450 R | 2002-present | 449 cm3, 4-ton, power – 60 hp. | 9000$ | |
| 2 | YAMAHA YZ450F | 2006-present | 449 cm3, 4-ton, power – 60 hp. | 9500$ | |
| 1 | KAWASAKI KX450 | 2006-present | 449 cm3, 4-t | 9500$ |
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