My friend Victoria and I were riding our 250's on unmaintained (Class 4) dirt roads in Vermont and took a few minutes to compare the bikes. Please post any questions or comments below and we will get back to you.
Hi from NH! Thanks Keith for providing do much information on lighter bikes, your videos helped me decide to go with a CRF250l for my first bike and I just spent the majority of the summer putting 10,000 miles on it all over the western US. Thanks!
your video was great and I loved Victoria's explanation, but in the end it was so sad to know about her accident! i hope she has a full recovery as soon as possible!
I was hit head on by a drunk nov. 2018. Year and a half later I'm almost able to start walking. I've bought a drz to replace the klr and I'm so excited to get back to my life. I hope everything worked out for you and really feel for you.
I'm so very sorry to hear about your accident - it sounds as though your injuries were severe. Wishing you all the best in your continued recovery and kudos to you for getting back on the bike and following your passion despite your accident. Ride on good Sir!
I had a KLR650 in the past. I now ride a Super Ten. I have no problem getting on both. The WR is to tall for me but a great ride. I also have a CRF250L. Slower bike going fast is a fun ride. Thanks for the video.
Thanks to you both for doing the video, I have thought off and on about thes bikes. Victoria, I hope you are doing well, healing quickly and get back on the road soon!
Wishing you a speedy recovery. Bikes are easily fixed or replaced...takes a bit more to fix humans! Glad your at least able to read and engage on Keith’s channel.
I dont mean to be offtopic but does anybody know a tool to get back into an Instagram account? I somehow forgot my account password. I love any tips you can offer me.
@Rey Legend Thanks for your reply. I found the site thru google and im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.
Holy crap, that really sucks! Hope she wasn't injured too badly. No matter how vigilant one is on a bike, you have to assume every vehicle on the road is a potential accident waiting to happen. Even then, they can get you when you least expect it. Positive thoughts her way for a full & speedy recovery.
Excellent comparison report, thanks. I have seen other videos of Victoria bragging on her XT250 now with 40k miles! Encouraging for sure. My 2008 XT250 that now has 10k miles & still like new. Fun to accessorize. Bought from friend for commute and RVing. Would have bought the WR250 if he had that (surprised it is 35 lb. lighter)! Owned many large rockets and cruisers, mostly Yamaha and find this one the most versatile of all and surprisingly fun to ride.
Thank you so very much Walter - will be a while before I am back on two wheels but thankful to be on this side of the grass after a crash of that magnitude.
I've been lucky enough to have owned a 1986 Kawasaki KLR250 and currently own a 2010 Kawasaki KLX250. Very happy with both bikes. Both watercooled. People shouldn't overlook small displacement dual purpose 4 stroke motorcycles whether Yam, Kawasaki or Honda. I don't go off road on my KLX and therefore have full road tyres on it. Gets a good 85 mpg (UK) on a 90 mile round trip. Had it lowered as it doesn't need as much ground clearance on the road compared to use on rough terrain. Still too high for some people. Ok when you get used to it.
Lowering links are great for us shorties and you really don't sacrifice the ride because you can still adjust the sag. You don't loose much on height and gain a lot.
Thats awful, I hope all is well. I passed Victoria on the Mohawk Trail last fall, I instantly recognized her from your videos. We have to get together in Greenfield and go for a ride. I just put a new front sprocket on the wr (5800 miles)
I've been watching many vids on these small dual-sport bikes as I'm planning to buy one as a stable mate to my Victory CC. I've seen many with Victoria and really listened to her perspective on the XT250 and off-road riding. So very sorry to hear of her accident, its 2 months on from the posting of this vid...I hope she is healing well...prayers out
PaiN's RIdes thanks so much for your kind thoughts. I am working hard in P/T to heal but will have some lasting damage to ligaments in the knee. Extent unknown until I am fully healed. Hoping to be back on the bikes by next Spring.
@@DualsportChic ..Keep pushing through and working hard. Who knows maybe we'll ride together next season. I'll be looking to join other dual-sporters to learn the ropes and good off-road riding....and yes, I've been checking out Northeast Dualsport Riders ;)
I've got a WR250r and my wife has an XT250...of course I ride them both. The WR is indeed a much more powerful and capable bike than the XT, especially for me at 6'5" and 230 pounds, but her XT250 is a great little bike...it'll pull highway speeds, is great for light off roading, has very smooth throttle response, it's light, and is super reliable. One thing that's rarely mentioned about the XT is that it's still built in Japan (as is the WR), whereas many of the competitors affordable bikes are built in China or Thailand now. I'll take made in Japan every day of the week and pay a premium for it! I typed the above before seeing the end of the video. Get well soon Victoria and watch out for those F@cking 4 wheelers everyone!
Thanks a lot for the comment. Victoria is doing pretty well. I appreciate the well wishes as well as the insight about both bikes. I agree, manufactured in Japan is worth a premium.
The car that hit me was taken away on a flatbed. The driver of the car was found fully at fault so his insurance company is dealing with the matter for both of us.
Great information. Thank you for sharing. One question, did you get any discount when you buy your WR250? 7000+ sounds like the full MSRP + destination fee. Thank you
I did a video about the buying process about 4 years ago. No, I paid full sticker price on that bike. I checked other dealers, but no one was willing to deal. I usually am able to negotiate on sticker price, but the bike was in too high demand at the time. $7,000+ is a lot of money for a 250, but I don't know any owners who think they overpaid.
Great info! I'm leaning towards the WRR due to its upgraded features, more powerful engine and taller height. I'm 6'4" so the size is perfect for me. I also love the look of WRR over the XT. Please keep us updated on your friends recovery! Also, what do you think about Honda's new CRF450L?
I've been out of it and didn't even know about the CRF450L until your comment. I did a quick check and it looks like they are aiming squaring at the WR. Looks like it could be a great bike. What do you know/hear about it?
AdventureswithMe I think they're aiming directly at ktm/husky. It's supposed to be a street legal dirt bike like the ktm exc's and husky fe's. Oil changes are every 600miles (1000kms). It's priced at over $10k usd and over $11k cad where I'm at and that's before freight, pdi and taxes. Basically it will be almost the same price as the Euro bikes along with nearly identical maintenance schedules. However, it's heavier then the ktm/husky. Based on those factors I don't feel that it's going head to head with the WRR. The Wr250r is still a solid reliable bike that you can take anywhere and not have to worry about changing the oil every 1000kms and checking your valves, pistons etc. It's also between $5-6k less.
AdventureswithMe It looks like it could be a great bike though. There is a demographic out there that may buy it over the ktm/husky because they believe that the honda will be more reliable with long term ownership. Basically, the Honda name and reputation may attract a following. Only time will tell how well it will sell given how closely it's priced to the Euros and its heavier weight. Time will also how tell how it competes with the Euros in the real world. Right now this is all just speculation based on paper specifications.
Funny I just posted up a KLX250s vs XT250 and I really have come to the same conclusions you have with the WRR. Although I have to say the KLX vs XT its hard to beat the price of the Kawasaki being that new they are about the same price (XT) and the KLX has some pretty big advantages with the suspension over the XT with more power. I really love all these bikes they play such different parts for different people. What are your guys opinons on the KLX? Also, best wishes to her recovery I understand that all too well.
Thanks for the comment! Admittedly I don't know much about the KLX250. They seem like good bikes. I had a KLR650 for many years which would make me think that the build quality of the Yamaha would be better. The KLR just seemed to be a step below what I have now. But I think the KLX would be a really great choice, given the price.
As a KLX250 owner (2010 year model) I have only one negative comment. I've been having trouble with the front brake. Very weak. That said, the bike is great, especially the engine. I put 10,000 miles on mine last winter, didn't let me down. Not commuting by MC this year but wouldn't hesitate to hop on it and do it all again. Works well with full road tyres (obviously for on road use only). Great MPG. Lots of fun.
Great video, thanks for the comparison. How's the highway behavior of both of these bikes? Oh and just watched the ending, my heart sinks whenever I hear of motorcycle crash. Proof that we're always vulnerable no matter the experience as motorcyclist. Wish she got a full recovery.
Victoria is doing well, thanks! These aren't highway bikes. I don't think Victoria rides hers on the highway and mine has never been on one ever. I know people will tell you they will do 70-75 mph all day long, but I don't buy it. The wind pressure at that speed is constant and tiring. The engine has to work really hard to maintain it. These are really meant for two lane roads, taking your time.
@@AdventuresWithMe00 Might depend on how big you are, too? Just guessing. How tall are you and Victoria? Cheers, man, and thanks for making this video.
She gave a very clear run down of the differences. Much better than most videos where dudes are just rambling on while riding. I'm wondering how high of a seat height I'd be cool with. I've only ridden low seat height bikes (A TW-200 and XT250). I'm 5'10" with long legs and a short torso. (I wear 32" inseam pants, or 34" inseam for riding pants)
I think you'd be able to fit on either bike. I have a 30" inseam and am pretty comfortable on the WR. I'm usually balancing on the balls of my feet, but it doesn't feel awkward. Thanks for the comment.
I was so enjoying your video so much and then almost fell out of my chair when I read that your friend Victoria was hurt in an accident. I pray she is alright and healed... so sorry that has happened. She seams such a nice lady. I hope your both doing well.
Thanks so much for checking in Ronnie and thank you for your kind words on our XT review. Recovery is slow but I'm determined to get back on the bikes - hopefully by Spring! More videos to come!!
id say this is a good video. im not sure what the differences are between my 1982 xt250 and the modern one besides the old one having more power but probably not as good suspension, but mine is still going strong and is allot of fun to ride
How about the Yamaha XTZ 250 Lander?, its a double purpose air cooled with 20 hp built in Brasil!!. Its also a great bike, but I supoused it is not sold in the USA. Great video, thanks for sharing.
Keith do you know of a lowing kit for the 250r. Im 5'10 210lbs. Ive eye balling this bike for about 6 months. Ive been riding dirt bikes for over 15yrs. Mostly hondas, they have low seats and soft suspention. Thanks
ya stay safe. Too bad for the bike but priority is one's health. I hope her injuries arent too serious. Question on the WR250R: do you have a shortlist of mods or references to turn this bike into an longhauler adv bike? Something you guys mentionned about the tank.
Look into Safari, Clarke, Acerbis as options for aftermarket tanks. There are also a few others out there. Your fuel capacity will increase dramatically with these options.
I just added some comfort and convenience items to my WR. I put on a Wolfman tank bag, heated grips, power outlet and aftermarket seat. I haven't messed with the tank. I bring auxiliary fuel on longer trips. Online there is a rider called Big Dog that has toured extensively on his. Great reading for how he modified his bike. www.bigdogadventures.com/WR250R.htm
OH My GOD that is horrible please send her all our best wishes for a speedy recovery. Please keep us updated on her condition. How in the world does someone just drift into oncoming traffic? Please people try to not kill others on the road. PAY ATTENTION or as the old commercials said "STAY SAFE WATCH OUT FOR THE OTHER GUY".
Hairpin curve and catching newer driver off-guard - he went wide and came right at me around a blind corner - no time to get out of his line. Flew over the car - 20 feet or so before I landed.
Thank GOD your fingers still function and you flew over the car instead of hitting it. Any idea on your length of recovery? Hang in there Victoria it gonna be OK. Plans for your future ride?
More medical tests planned to determine extent of my injuries - will be a while before I'm back on two wheels - trying to focus on that right now until I'm out of the woods medically.
Devin Stout I agree ☝️ the WR250R is superior in every aspect. I am looking at buying one now , although I’m a vertically challenged person 😝 but the Yamalink is going to lower it by one inch ( and comes equipped with a grease zerc , seals and bearings) and the factory lowering kit I have read will lower it another inch ( but I’m not sure what’s involved with that procedure?) and definitely a Seat Concepts seat will lower it another.6 inches ( standard height option ) I’m 5’9” and 31” inseam , so it should work out for me, just need to find out more about the ‘ factory lowering kit’ any information would be helpful.
@@NorthwoodsNomad the more you lower a bike and change the factory geometry the more you are going to have difficulty getting good handling. Food for thought
Hi Victoria ;) one question : would you go around the world on XT ? Together with my wife we are planing to do it, but because she is about 5’5” I have a little problem to find a proper bike for her. Or maybe you can advice something different. Greeting, Tom.
I would definitely go around the world on an XT - they are simple, and low maintenance, easy to work on should you need to. RTW bikes are usually small machines with these characteristics - they are light, can go anywhere - not a super slab machine but most of the world does not have Interstates so that should not be an issue. Great choice for RTW travel - and you won't find anything more reliable. XTs are bullet proof!
Hey what's your cruising speed on the xt? I'm from Utah and plan on flying to Maine and picking a used one up and riding it home. Will it hold 65 comfortably?
120 miles is a dream on a wr250r.. fuel light comes on at 80 for me.. I do ride it like I stole it... I'm about to add a xt250 to the stable for my daughter.
Hey There Brian - still struggling with a torn ligament in my knee but working hard to recover. I did indeed get XT Momo an understudy - his name is Lil' Mo - a 2013 XT250 with FI (only 36 miles on the odo). He is getting majorly farkled for a secret project he will be assigned to over this next year. He will be unveiled in the next couple months - along side his older brother who has been brought back to life after being declared totaled. Thanks so much for checking in - much appreciated!
Sorry to hear about the accident! Can you tell us more about its circumstances? Dirt road or paved? Country or city? Day or night? How is Victoria doing now? Thanks.
I know this is an old video, but I'm 6'4" and weight between 215 to 220 lbs. I'm new to bikes, I've always had an ATV ( or in my case an old 1983 Yamaha tri-moto 200) except about 5 or 6 years back when I had an 04 Yamaha ttr225. I sold the ttr after 2 seasons of riding because I never really went out and now I'd like a "street and trail" bike. Which would you suggest would be best for me?
Hi Austin, thanks for commenting. I still monitor the comments on all my videos, even if they are older. I looked up the specs of your old TTR vs. the XT and WR. The XT is probably most like your old bike, it's seat height is 2" shorter and it weighs 30 lbs more. The WR is 2.4" taller in the seat and weighs about what the XT does. I think with your size you could fit either bike comfortably. I guess it's a personal choice about which would be better for you. The WR is more capable off-road, but the XT is still extremely capable and would suit most riders just fine. It's certainly less expensive, so it may be a better value for you. The WR is less of a street bike than the XT (to me). It's not a bike I would take on the highway and cruising around at even 50mph can get tiring. I can't speak if the XT is like that or not. If you are looking to get more involved in off-road riding and want a bike that has capacities you can grow into, the WR may be your choice. Either bike is great, so good luck choosing!
@@AdventuresWithMe00 thank you for your everything and I'm sorry I didn't reply sooner. I'm most likely going to ride more off-road than on road so I was thinking more the wr. Although I just had a really great deal on a 1999 Suzuki DR650SE, 7,332 original miles and it was never taken off-road before. It still looks like it rolled of the showroom floor, so I grabbed that for the meantime. I know it's way heavier than either and a ton more powerful but it was a deal I couldn't refuse, but my next bike will most likely be the wr, because I'd like to try a fuel injected and liquid cooled engine for a change
Mike Mills Yes - the other driver was found fully at fault. Unfortunately I am left with the injuries and a trashed bike that I adored. It will be a while before I’ll be able to get back on two wheels. Thankful to be alive after a head on crash. Thank you for your kind thoughts for my recovery.
Goodday to all my WR250 it is a 17 model it has just had its suspension overhead by a company called Teknik. in Sydney Whot a difference no more rear trying to flicking you of on the rebound thay need to make a WR 400
That's a good deal! They do seem hard to find and I'm not surprised you had to travel that far to get one. That's like a new bike for about $2,500. Wow!
Class IV roads. Generally Class IV's are roads that are no longer maintained by the town, though some might be in the summer. Vermont calls these Class VI roads. But for the most part they can be in pretty rough shape, and best on a 250cc.
I'm 5'10 but I ride in the winter alot, so it's hard to swing my leg over a tall bike. I have a xt250 now, what bike would be a good option for more power but still having a low seat height.
@@DualsportChic I haven't I'm very new to the dual sport bikes. Had a cruiser but I love the ride of the dual sports much better. I will definitely look at that bike. Thanks for the input.
I think the DR would be a good place to start too. I had a KLR650 for many years and enjoyed it a lot. At 5'8" I was fine on it with the low seat option. But it vibrates a lot and has since been discontinued. BMW makes some solid dual sport bikes in the 650-700cc range too.
I think any of those bikes would work well for me. I have enjoyed the WR250R because my skills can grow with it. I've taken it on some terrain that surprised me.
Nice video very informative the WR expensive & tall. XT is probably good enough for me as I wanted something for trail & paved roads. I'm use to 125 yz 2 stroke yamahas but iam older now so a 4 stroke just fine. I want the capability of going on the street legally, but I have no interest of going on hi-way at 65 mph with nuts in csrscon 4 to 6 lanes like I5 on the west coast.
Ik this is a bit late but She should try her luck on an xr250r for her next bike even though there Honda they are the most reliable bikes ik and performance-wise they are a bit of a better choice aswell + they have a incredibly strong aftermarket following so you can really make the bike your own with new lights bigger tanks different plastics suspension upgrades mufflers the works
Thanks Daniel! Victoria is trying to figure out if her beloved XT250 can be repaired. The big issue with the Honda XR would likely be seat height. I bet they are pretty tall.
as much that a search more and more it becomes more obvious that Kawasaki versys is the best dual sport ever. Im gonna buy it. I hope it has Yamaha reliability too
You should be good with a Versys. I had a KLR for many years and had very few issues with it. All of the Japanese companies have outstanding reliability.
Wait, what's the hieght of Victoria? I have a friend that's 5`4 and he is planning on riding dual sport bikes.. but he is wondering if there's a bike that he can get on without any problems. So I'm wondering if the xt250 can fit him well..
I have a WR250R it is simply fantastic. You can go where you want. Highway or dirty trails no matter how you will reach your goal. 36000 km without any problems, just normal maintenance. Enjoy
I have a 30" inseam and I can tip toe it. It's not as bad as I thought it would be. Because the weight is so low, it's easy to "save" if it, if it starts to fall. I probably wouldn't ride a full size ADV bike if I had to do that.
You might be a little cramped on the XT Jack, but I think you might on other beginner bikes too. Are you able to go and sit on one? You're lucky...you can fit on the taller dual sports that Victoria and I cannot.
You didn't cover one area of off-roading: single track. Out of the box the XT250 performs much better on single track than the WR250 because the SOHC engine makes better power at the bottom end, the suspension is more compliant so it works better at slow speeds and the bike has much smaller turning radius. You won't notice the WR's weaknesses on dirt roads, but try some challenging single track and you'll see what I mean. WR250R owners who are serious offroaders (single track) end up gearing them down considerably and modding the suspension to make it more compliant.
Thanks for the feedback Yayoi1. I really don't ride single track too much. When I have, I felt like the WR did a good job but I don't have much experience to compare it too. You would think the XT would not be as good as the WR on single track due to the suspension and ground clearance advantages of the WR. Good to know for those looking to take the bike through the woods.
I definitely agree with the SOHC engine of the XT having much better torque down low, but the WR suspension of far superior. I find myself bottoming the XT on not so rough terrain
@AdventureswithMe, please tell us about Victoria Zandonella condition. over year pass after your video. She didn't write a single line on her youtube channel. I am from Russia and worry about her health and life. Can we email to her some words of support? please give us information! thank you.
Hello - and thank you so very much for checking in - I'm doing well - still affected by the injuries suffered in the accident but am able to ride. Have yet to fix the frame of my beloved XT Momo - but started him up a month ago and he still runs - just has a bent steering head/down-tube. Wishing you and the Russian people safety and health through this global Covid-19 crisis. Please check out the following video which shows my replacement bike - Lil' Mo in the Northeast Backcountry Discovery Route movie: vimeo.com/ondemand/nebdr/397708060?fbclid=IwAR1mkhSnWVzTbwIAWVWe1a1ZmQtNO1DDUr1wh13lVWnPRg8EzkH9iJHWP6Q
Only Yamaha has enough sense to produce a bike for shorter riders. Other bike makers belive they're is no one out there under 5'10"! I'm 5'7" and wanted a CFR 250 but will get the XT250! SORRY HONDA!
