Honda Xr650l vs Yamaha Xt250
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Honda Xr650l vs Yamaha Xt250. Honda Xr650l: 34 hp @ 6,000 rpm (note: US-spec figures; often cited as low due to EPA/CARB restrictions) hp, 166 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 155 km/h (estimate — actual varies with gearing and rider; note: factory-restricted), Motoryk rating 7.8/10. Yamaha Xt250: 15 hp @ 7,500 rpm hp, 122 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 120 km/h, Motoryk rating 7.5/10.
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Honda Xr650l
Yamaha Xt250
Horsepower (hp)
34 hp
15 hp
Torque (Nm)
52 Nm
17 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
155 km/h
120 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
166 kg
122 kg
Type
Dual-sport
Dual-sport
Horsepower
34 hp @ 6,000 rpm (note: US-spec figures; often cited as low due to EPA/CARB restrictions)
15 hp @ 7,500 rpm
Torque
52 Nm @ 5,000 rpm
17 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
Top Speed
155 km/h (estimate — actual varies with gearing and rider; note: factory-restricted)
120 km/h
Weight
166 kg (wet/curb weight)
122 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
5.5 L/100km or approximately 18 km/L (typical real-world average)
2.8 L/100km or approximately 35.7 km/L
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Honda Xr650l
7.8/10
"The definition of reliable, if you accept its 1993 soul."
Pros
+Nearly indestructible engine
+Cheap parts everywhere
+Comfortable all-day ergonomics
Cons
−Factory jetting criminally lean
−Heavy for true off-road
−Dated suspension technology
Yamaha Xt250
7.5/10
"The most sensible used dual-sport under $4,000, full stop."
Pros
+Nearly indestructible engine reliability
+Cheap parts, easy maintenance
+Comfortable all-day ergonomics
Cons
−Gutless above 55mph
−Stock tires genuinely terrible
−Suspension too soft everywhere
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
