Yamaha Serow 250
The Yamaha Serow 250 (XT250) was introduced in Japan in 1985 as a lightweight single-cylinder trail bike designed for both on and off-road use, with the 250cc version succeeding the original Serow 225. It became iconic in Japan and Southeast Asia for its narrow chassis, low seat height, and nimble handling suited to mountain and forest trails, earning the nickname 'mountain trail hunter.' The model was continuously refined through several generations, with the final version produced until around 2022, making it one of Yamaha's longest-running and most beloved lightweight adventure/trail motorcycles.
20 hp
Power
20 Nm
Torque
130 kg
Weight
120 km/h
Top Speed
2.7 L/100km (approx. 37 km/L typical real-world average)
Fuel
Naked
Body
What Buyers Should Know
Bulletproof Engine Reliability
The air-cooled 249cc single-cylinder engine is renowned for lasting well over 50,000km with minimal maintenance. Many owners report decades of use with only basic servicing like oil changes and valve clearance checks.
Watch the Carburetor
Bikes left sitting often develop carburetor jetting issues and gummed-up fuel passages from stale fuel — a common problem on used examples. Always inspect for hesitation or hard starting before buying.
Strong Resale Value
The Serow 250 holds its value exceptionally well due to cult-like popularity in Japan and limited availability in other markets. Well-maintained examples often sell for close to their original purchase price even after several years.
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
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