1979 Yamaha XS250 review from United Kingdom

Nothing major, except the fact it was a pain to start!! Especially at 5am. Had to push it along the street as to not wake the neighbours.

That and the clutch cable snapped, the rev counter cable fell out, the speedo cable snapped, the gear lever fell off, the rear brake rod wrapped itself round the rear axle, and it wouldn't run properly on cheap petrol.

I thought I must add a review about this bike as it was my first.

Like others, I have seen many bad reviews about this machine, some of the bad comments are well deserved, but some are a bit harsh.

Yes, I agree acceleration is poor, but it is a sleeved down 400, therefore a heavy lump for 28 Bhp to push around.

Dual carriage ways and motorways are not what this machine is good for. Top speed of 65 on an incline feels like you can get off and push.

However country B roads are fine, and will easily

cruise at 60+ if you use the box a bit. (ahem sorry officer)

One thing you've got to remember though, is that this bike was released for the learner market (250 the learner limit in the 70's) Compare this bike to a current learner legal 4 stroke 125, as I did when I passed my test and it feels like you've just climbed aboard a V Max!! Well that is until you try a much bigger bike.

The one thing I did notice was the fact that it is a fussy eater. Give it cheap fuel and pay the price, lucky to get 15 mph! Give it the good stuff (Shell in particular) and it's good for 85 two up!!

All in all, yes this machine has it's faults and characteristics, but is generally a solid machine. It is still taxed and on the road (even though it is older than my wife).

Don't expect it to be a sports bike or tourer, it isn't.

It's a good looking naked bike for cruising and commuting, and fits nicely into the 33bhp limit for new riders.