Auto Tech 2012

2012 Yamaha XT250 Review
A strong engine, long travel and more offer versatility and all-around function.

Paved. Unpaved. Unequalled.

With the electric start, 245mm front and 203mm rear disc brakes, and over 11 inches of ground clearance, the 2012 Yamaha XT250 makes traveling the world a breeze.

A reliable, fuel efficient 4-stroke powerplant calls the shots on the 2012 XT250. But reliability isn't necessarily what you'll be thinking of when the pavement ends and your adventure really begins. Whether commuting around town or exploring the back country, the 2012 Yamaha XT250 is a fun loving dual sport that is easy and fun to ride.

Where does your riding take you ? Commuting in city traffic, winding down a country road or hustling your way down a trail to nowhere? For those who can't decide, we have the perfect answer.

The XT250 is designed for ultimate versatility at a great price. A reliable 4-stroke engine revs out predictable power, while a wide-ratio 5-speed transmission and class-leading low seat height gives you both performance and ease of use. Whether riding in the city or at the camp, let the XT250 spice up your adventure.

See the world one trail or road at a time affordably and economically – made possible by the 2012 Yamaha XT250 and TW200 dual purpose motorcycles.

The XT250 has long-travel suspension and more than 11.2 inches of ground clearance under a seat only 31.9 inches from the ground. Electric start makes firing up the 249cc four-stroke effortless while the 245mm front disc and 203mm rear disc brakes combine to deliver superb stopping power on both paved and unpaved surfaces. The semi-double-cradle steel frame achieves a lighter, nimbler feel through greater mass centralization while greater lateral and torsional rigidity and reduced weight of the lower frame parts help produce light, stable handling. Additional features include the multifunction digital LCD instrument panel with cool green background lighting that’s easily visible day or night, and frame-mounted passenger foot pegs to provide two-up riding capability.

The XT250 achieves fuel economy up to an estimated 73 mpg (US)* with a fuel tank that holds 2.4 gallons.


2012 Yamaha XT250 Features and Benefits

KEY POINTS
• Fuel Consumption * 31kpl/88mpg(Imp)
• 250cc 4-stroke power
• Versatile fun
• 1
Long-travel suspension and more than 11.2 inches of ground clearance live under a seat only 31.9 inches from the ground.
• 2
Electric start makes firing up the 249cc four-stroke effortless.
• 3
245mm front disc and 203mm rear disc brakes combine to deliver superb stopping power on both paved and unpaved surfaces.


ENGINE
• 249cc, air-cooled, single over head cam (SOHC), 2-valve, 4-stroke single produces easy to use power for daily commuting or exploring the back roads of our fine country.
• 4-stroke engine puts out strong, predictable torque across the entire RPM range for great on- and off-road fun. It is very fuel efficient and environmentally friendly too.
• Convenient, no hassle push-button electric starting.
• 2-valve cylinder head design features the cam chain on the right side. Straight design intake and exhaust tracts provide excellent cylinder filling efficiency for strong low and mid range power.
• Single over head camshaft is designed to provide good low and mid rpm torque. The conventional rocker arm design means fast, easy valve clearance adjustments.
• Ceramic composite cylinder wall plating on the lightweight aluminium cylinder helps dissipate heat more efficiently, reduces friction for improved performance, reduces weight, improves durability and increases cylinder service life.
• 74mm lightweight forged piston provides fast throttle response, excellent durability and less mechanical vibration.
• Lightweight ball bearing mounted crankshaft provides solid low and mid range torque.
• Internal engine counterbalancer reduces engine vibration to maximize rider comfort.
• Multi plate wet type clutch is utilized. Clutch lever pull is light and easy to use.
• Easy access element type oil filter. Oil filter housing is located on the right hand side of the engine for easy servicing.
• Maintenance-free CDI ignition produces a hot spark for fast, sure starts.
• Teikei MV 33mm constant velocity carb provides crisp throttle response and great fuel economy.
• 2.8 litre airbox is located under the seat and utilizes an easy to access viscous (paper type) air filter.
• Wide-ratio, 5-speed transmission and manual clutch are well suited to the engine output for easy, relaxed riding.
• Steel exhaust system with heat shields on both the header pipe and muffler protect rider and passenger from accidental contact. Exhaust note is quiet and environmentally friendly. A US Forestry approved spark arrestor protects Mother Nature.
• Air Induction System (AIS) injects fresh oxygen into the exhaust to insure complete combustion thereby reducing harmful hydro carbon and carbon monoxide (HC & CO) exhaust emissions.

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
• Semi-double cradle steel frame and an overall "wet" weight of only
132kg (291 lbs.), makes the XT250 one of the lightest, most compact dual purpose machines on the market.
• Rugged, box section steel swingarm fitted with easy-to-use eccentric chain adjusters
• 35mm KYB fork with 225mm (8.9") of wheel travel soaks up the rough stuff, both on-road and off. Rubber boots protect seals and tubes from dirt and grit damage.
• Lightweight aluminium lower triple clamp reduces weight.
• Link Monocross rear suspension features a spring preload adjustable shock. Rear wheel travel is 180mm (7.1")
• Low seat height of 810mm (31.9") creates a low centre of gravity for added manoeuvrability and inspires confidence by allowing most riders to put both feet firmly on the ground.
• 285mm (11.2") of ground clearance enhances off road use.
• 245mm front disc brake with twin piston Nissin caliper provides plenty of stopping power.
• 203mm rear disc brake is squeezed by a single piston Nissin caliper with rugged plastic caliper protector and an integrated (or 1 piece) rear master cylinder.
• 9.8 litre fuel tank means lots of miles and smiles between fill ups.
• 21" front and 18" rear lightweight DID alloy wheels are extremely durable and reduce unsprung weight for enhanced suspension performance.
• Long, YZ-style seat creates a balanced riding position and provides roomy comfort for both rider and passenger. The seat features a "gripper style" seat cover.
• Frame-mounted passenger footpegs provide two-up riding capability.
• Powerful, 60/55-watt, enduro-style, halogen headlight
• Small fairing reduces wind buffeting at highway speeds
• Digital instrumentation includes: speedometer, odometer, dual tripmeters, a clock as well as various warning lights.

DETAILS

• Serrated, folding steel footpegs
• Folding gear shift and rear brake lever
• Steering and helmet locks
• Locking fuel cap
• Convenient passenger hand rails
• Durable "O" ring chain
• Easy-to-use, frame-mounted choke knob
• Dependable, low-maintenance, sealed battery
• Flexible turn signals
• Easy-to-use, push-to-cancel turn signals
• Rubber "boots" on brake and clutch levers help reduce mud and dirt damage.
• On/off/reserve fuel petcock for peace of mind

2012 Yamaha XT250 - USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $5,090 (White/Blue) Available from July, 2011

ENGINE
Type 249cc air-cooled, SOHC 4-stroke single
Bore x Stroke 74.0 x 58.0mm
Compression Ratio 9.5:1
Fuel Delivery Teikei 33mm
Ignition CDI
Transmission 5-speed; multiple-disc wet clutch
Final Drive Chain

CHASSIS
Suspension / Front 35mm telescopic fork; 8.9-in travel
Suspension / Rear Swingarm w/rebound-adjustable single shock; 7.1-in travel
Brakes / Front 245mm disc
Brakes / Rear 203mm disc
Tires / Front 2.75-21
Tires / Rear 120/80-18

DIMENSIONS
Length 84.6 in
Width 31.7 in
Height 45.7 in
Seat Height 31.9 in
Wheelbase 53.5 in
Ground Clearance 11.2 in
Fuel Capacity 2.4 gal
Fuel Economy** 73 mpg
Wet Weight*** 291 lb