In-Depth XR250R Review 

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"I've been waiting for this to die for years" should be Honda's slogan

I really like the fact that you've actually owned these bikes for a while.

This is still the best XR250R review on the internet.

The best XR250 review on youtube by far! Many thanks to you, sir!

I just picked up a 2000 xr 250r for 800$ the guy said it didn’t run, cleaned the carb out and it started on the first few kicks. I absolutely love Honda’s

I rode Hermit's XR250R in Colorado and was shocked that it was so good. Seriously that bike is fantastic, and I wished they'd bring it (and the XR650R) back!

You’ve got one of the best channels pertaining to dirt bikes, on RU-vid! I’ve owned an XR250, 200, and 650L. They really are the every man’s bike. When I was in 2/75th Ranger BN, XR250s are what we used as tactical bikes. All blacked out with IR head lights and rifle mounts.

Cause of this video, I am now planning to buy a second hand XR250R

My xr 250 does perfect on everything. It goes ok on the freeway, kills it on the trails, goes through town and lanesplits like it's nothing. Definately an acurate review!

im so glad this was my first bike i ever got and i still got it and plan on fixing it

I just bought a XR 400 street legal kit installed bike has plenty of power comes right up! I grew up on XR’a and the 400 just is a perfect bike

I have a 1995 Honda XR250 Baja. Its a japanese version with electric starter without kickstarter. Everything you say is true about the comfort and realiability. I don't have starting issues sinds i got a electric starter. its starts right away with only one short crank. I really enjoy this bike. I never did any modifications. Its great ass it is. It has dual round headlights and turn signals. Thanks for the video!

This is a great channel. Every review is full of no-nonsense, to-the-point relative content, and more enjoyable to watch and informative than almost all other videos on the internet.

This is by far the most comprehensive bike video that I have come across. The audio quality, the information provided, and the visuals. Simply awesome!!!!!

Excellent review, very well done and I actually learned a couple of things. I have a '99 model and love it!! I'll never get rid of it, XR250R is the best dirt bike I've ever owned, and I've had quite a few!

These bikes are bomb proof.

Great video! Good to hear a review from someone who has had the bike for so long and used it in so many different ways.

Couldn't agree more, the honda is all the dirt bikes ive ever owned rolled into one and I race mx. Its just perfect and starting is really easy, the trick is to screw up the idle pre strart and let it run high idle until warm. Honda fitted the big knob on the idle adjustment for that purpose. Im sure the engineers realized this and that explains the huge knob. Ive never been stranded on this bike and have realed in and blown by modern bikes on some hairy trails with looks of astonishment from the dust eating KTM types. Usually about $1500 will get you a virtually new one as they were mostly purchased by non race types to go riding with their kids. Look for the garage queens and upscale neighborhoods for the real finds. Nuf said.

I'm trying to think of any single review video, about anything, that's better than this one...and I can't. Great job.

I have watched a lot of different reviews on hundreds of bikes your review is 1 of the best I have seen for actual real world accounts of what is happening with the bike well done thanks for sharing mate cheers Happy Trails

Wow! That's the best moto review I've ever watched for any bike. Well done.

My buddy had one of these when we were teens. The oil plug fell out on a trail ride and managed to ride a long ways like that. Topped it back off with oil and it still ran! Smoked like a 2 stroke, but it ran for years more like that. You can't kill an XR250.

GREAT review mate, Thank you. Really helped me out in the last couple of days. Ended up making my decision after watching this and didn't regret it. XR is a great bike!

You nailed it, dude! Nice work!

had loads of XRs growing up. My favorite was the 1985 xr350r what a bike!

I was already planning on one of these for my first dual sport, now I'm convinced I'll get one. Thanks for all the info.

I learnt to ride in one of these. For me the best thing is the balance and brakes, which make it so easy to maintain fast progress at any terrain. I took waited for ages for it to die, but I finally sold it to a young dude who also wanted to learn to ride dirt bikes. It holds a special place in my heart.

I raced mine in Hare and Hounds for 4 seasons. In my last season I eventually got it all sorted, valve clearances etc and it was so easy to ride with the right combination of power and torque. I fitted an Edelbrock pumper carb to mine, totally easy starting.

I just bought a 1988 ex army xr250r I have buggered my knee but cannot wait to get on it .....thank's for the video

Complete and accurate review. I have personally owned (3) XR 250R over the years. This is the most versatile bike on the planet. I'm not sure why Honda doesn't bring this one back. Id go buy a brand new one. As far as the kick starter is concerned, I never had any problems roll starting these bikes when the engine was hot. many thanks for producing this video. brought back many fond memories!

4:05 i grew up riding XR 250rs, been riding one for 13 years now, and before that had an XR 70 and 100 from childhood... As someone who grew up on the XR series, i think it literally defined my riding style. Because that's exactly how i ride dirtbikes. Exactly like you described. Just plowing through obstacles and having faith in the bike to take me up the line and choosing the easiest path to get there, avoiding deep ruts.. I've ridden hundreds of miles on XRs across the California desert and into the sequoia national forest. I rolled over the 100 mile trip odometer on my big bored 1994 XR 250r over a weekend once just from desert exploring. I trusted to take me miles across open desert and into complete wilderness (in a group of course). These bikes really do rule. For people that know, these are the best trail bikes ever. I tried riding MX bikes but I'm not that big of a fan of jumping. I like using the bike to explore and do some light enduro with. My whole family is the same way and we've all remained injury/broken bone free riding this way. Nothing to prove while doing it, just about the journey, the beautiful land, and the experience.

I have loved every XR (250 or otherwise) that I've ever owned,and I've owned several over the years from the early 80's on. Great review,really enjoyed it :-D

Very good, comprehensive and a longing-for-a-XR250-appetizer! Great job. Thank you.

Great video!!!! I have owned a couple of XR's. I bought a new XR250R in 2002 and raced it for a few years with decent success in the B class. I picked up a 2017 300 XCW last year but in all honesty I enjoy riding the XR in some areas more than the KTM. I will never get rid of the XR, it is too fun to ride!

great video man. im super pumped, just picked up an 86 that's been bored out to 277. I got it for $500. thanks for all the info! glad to know it was a good investment. ride safe.

This is an awesome review of this wonderful bike! I’ve owned two of them and both are super bikes! Well done!!

you have some of the best reviews! keep it up man. your up there is the best, and i watch A LOT!!!!! of vlogs

We watched this video 2 or 3 years ago. My son’s been looking for one since. Finally found one close enough and the timing was right. Hasn’t been a week yet but he’s loving it! Thanks for this.

seems like i found the best beginner bike! thank you for this review, very well made 👍

Great vid, love it. My second bike as a kid was an XR80. Now getting back into dirt riding after 20+ years I've been riding an XR200R for mountain trails, now I'm adding an XR250R to my collection. People who frown at the XR like it's inferior to a fast 2-stroke probably haven't rode with a good rider on tough trails. The XR shines in those areas and you don't have to beat it into submission like a 2-stroke. I laugh at the guys who think "trail riding" is on a perfect midwest trail or a dirt road. Try some trails and mountains in the Pacific NW that aren't even fit for hiking.

Excellent review. I couldn’t agree with you more especially for eastern woods riding. I have had a 1996 and a 2004. My 2004 was a one or two kick starter once I adjusted the pilot jet.

I take my 86 XR through the woods, what you're saying about letting the bike do its own thing is on point. A times it feels more like a horse than a bike. Just hold on and let it eat. In the lower gears nothing can stop you. I'm normally in 2nd/3rd cause its so tight where I ride but if you can get up to 4th+ the suspension really starts taking over and you can kinda just float over anything. Feels like a mountain bike with an engine.

Thank you for the excellent review. We have two of these and absolutely love them!

I have xr250 1988 road illegal. Had it for 3 years. Still love her very much.

This is amazingly acurate. Brilliant job!

I so enjoyed your video I'm on my 2nd xr250r sold the 96 and bought a 03 still ride everyday I can

Dude, killer review. I discovered your channel at the beginning of the week and been hooked to your vids. Keep it up.

Oh my goodness, best review I've seen. Thanks mate. Had an xr200 back in the day and on a wr450 now but want another older bike for a few vintage rides. Xr250 looks like it's the perfect bike.

You got it spot on with the rituals for starting an XR. These things a mules when it comes to clod starts or tip overs.

So I have a 1991 and it is absolutely amazing everything you say about yours is spot on with mine. Honda life

Good review!!../ I miss my 1996 xr 250, but have lots of memories and miles from it....

Thanks man. I had an xr 125 and even that would (almost) go anywhere. Bought a cbr 600 after that and although it was fast it just wasn't as fun as exploring. Great review. Happy riding !

I had 3 XR bikes. first one is XR BAJA 250, Then XR250 2006 and after had and sold my 2003 XR250 a week ago. All of them were JDM electric start models.

This is the beat dirtbike review I have ever watched and I am buying one today

I have a XR250cc 1997 and it's a beast love that bike , Honda needs do do more of these bikes .

After watching this review i went and bought one it's a great little bike!

Best review I've ever seen definitely getting an xr 250 soon

Thankyou so much for these XR videos, watching this made me look more into buying my first bike and after getting several xr200 running again at my uncles place I bought my own XR250l. She is a 2007 and has Eletric start so fires up nice and quickly with a little choke when cold. Looking forward to many trips out and about in the wild NT of Aus.

Just found this one and it is spot on, I have had an electric start 2004 Baja for six months now and to be honest have been a little wary of it, not because of dirty habits but lack of them as you remarked. The thing just ploughs through while you sit back like a granny on a Goldwing. When standing up becomes necessary it is more a crouch just to relieve the suspension keeping your ass back, not over the tank like a modern bike, the front end feels like the old 1940's model British 500cc bikes we used to hacksaw the weight off and add knobby tyres to for trail riding when I was a kid, but it just seems to soak up ridiculous punishment as long as you keep the power on. I have had the suspension rebuilt front and back put in two new exhaust valves and am going to replace the piston and rings, a slow process where I live in Asia but never mind, I replaced the carby with one from a CR and I will replace the muffler as mine has an inbuilt cat converter and non removable spark arrestor I will leave it as is after that as it is quick enough for my old bones, then I am off touring SE Asia. Great review of a great bike.

Jim, congratulations...! Is the best motorcycle review I ever seen...really.. Every word you said was usefull. Thanks!

Mine is 20yrs old now, runs great what a bike so reliable.

Fantastic video, very thorough. Great work dude

best dirtbike review ive seen yet

I’d like for you to run an in depth review on an RMX450Z. Your reviews are by far more detailed than any other found on RU-vid. Nice job...👍🏼

I was about to put mine on the market, as I have a plated Husky 350, and haven't started the little XR in a couple of years. So glad you posted this video and I watched it before I did something stupid.

It's really a great woods bike, and incredibly capable in tight single track. Mine is a '99 that I've had since new, and still running strong!

Currently rebuilding mine atm. Looking forward to riding it as it was in parts when I bought it..

I've got an 87 that's been in my family's possession since brand new. Can confirm, will not die. Good review buddy

Love it man, one of the best woods bikes ever made...👍

Great vid ! Going to look at one this weekend.

Thanks for this, will buy the one I'm looking at now

excellent video....i had a 96 xr250r.....i miss it. i will be looking for a 96-98 250 during the winter months. keeping the WR of course

spot on, especially about the carb temperment!

Another Frickin' awesome video frickin' Jim!

I found an old 1996 Honda XR250R dirt bike in my area. It had a few cracks on the bottom of the resovoir and it needed TLC. I saw what you did to your bike and it worked great. Just a few mods on your bike and it'll run like hell. I tested it while I was on I-385. It went 90mph on 49.8 mpg.

G'day Mate , I don't often watch review videos but watched yours all the way through , having owned XR Honda's & Honda's in general , at the moment I have 2 XR 100s & 2 XR 250s , one is a 97 model it was a basket case when I got it , motor in bits ,parts missing , I happens to have a Cbx 250 road bike in the garage doing nothing so I checked the mounting points they're exactly the same ,but you have to use the XR motor mount brackets and do some wiring to use the throttle & light switch controls, also move the shock canister around to fit carb & battery box , but once that's all done you have the best of both worlds ,electric start XR 250 that performs exactly the same as the kick start, no loss of power lower end or top end , I love it that much , my 15 year old now has that one. I recently found another Cbx to do it to my 2001 XR 250 I got off my neighbour a while back he thought it had blown a piston , he bought a new barrel and piston and never fitted it , I got it , it is a 266 , I pulled the thing down all that was wrong with it was a stuffed head gasket , but having the new barrel & piston , I put it together anyway ,it ran beautiful but it's a barstard to start ,& I'm 6'2" 150 kg , so not tiny but have a hell of a time starting it , I've checked the valve's they're fine gone through the wiring ,carb everything It all checks out , so I've decided to do the swap on this one too , I'd rather be riding it than kicking it at my age I can't be wasting time , I'm 56 ,but still young at heart and want to be able to ride with my son when ever I want , he started on the XR100s and is a pretty competent on those but loved the 97 XR so much I gave it to him , and the 11year old daughter got the XR 100s so if your lucky enough to get another XR 250 & find a cbx

Just traded a 2003 honda 300ex that i got off a trade for a 96 xr250r and this bike truly is everything i thought it would be. I ride an older 94 cr125r for track and goofing off and picking this up for trails and off road is the best trade yet. Thanks for the great review.

Thank you for this amazing review ya legend!! Im buying one as soon as my road bike sells!!!

Great video I have had a 03 xr250r since I bought it new its a great bike

Answered every one of my questions. Thanks! Awesome review

I'm fixing up my dad's 1996 xr250r cant wait to ride it

Thanks Jim. Missing the fat saddle of my old xr200. I'll join the ranks of the 250 soon enough. Cheers.

Class of 86 and an 88. Loved it them. I have a 1996 kdx 200 now. Its much funner i feel.

just bought one of these. they're really fun!

Great video man! I have a 1992 xr100r and thinking about getting a 1993 xr250l. It looks like such a perfect bike for what I do. You got me really exited about this bike. Thanks!

thank for the information, I really appreciate it. now i'm definitely gonna get this one in my area for $1100.

I have an '82 model ... all stock. Still going strong. I am barely a trail rider ... nothing like you've demonstrated here, but converting fuel/air into power/torque and "rideability" is something we all enjoy. This bike is perfect for me. Nice vid.

My 86 xr250R was one the best bikes I've ever had, just gear it right for desert or trail, fantastic , unbreakable fun.

What an amazing bike. I owned 2 of these and this video makes me want to go out and get number 3! We used to call them the bog beasts because they will pull you through just about anything!

Awesome video. One of the best. This bike is a Legend. Thank you.

good review! i own a 1993 xr 250r and it is a very fun bike.

Awesome as always!!

Just bought an 1989 model can't wait to rebuild then ride

Great review! Honda actually did make an XR250 with electric start, but it was for the Japan market only. My 1996 XR250 Baja has both electric and kick start. Honda also made an XR400 Motard with electric start, again only for the Japan market. I hear both bikes were also exported to Australia in small numbers.

I miss my 02 xr250. You got it right. Getting old went to drz400 for ele start. Wife has 09 klx250s. Miss the xr. A lot. Rides a lot like drz though

Ibgot me self 2 and working on the 3r one, hard to find parts but rhey are a joy to ride and love to fix them

Bro thank you so much in getting one!!! I got an offer on one that just needs a motor and thought I don't know if I want it your the best thank you so much if someone is reading this please consider getting the best bike pit thier!!!

Thanx for the vid..i just might hafta look for one of those..nice job

Best honda xr review and info!any video made of you with lighting kit etc. info?