1989 XR250R review by Tanner

THE GOLD STANDARD

BY TANNER

     The Honda XR has been the top of its class for a long time. They were built to be a reliable, comfortable, trail worthy machine. I truly believe that Honda succeeded in creating one of the best trail bike in history. To this day you will see these 25 year old bikes keeping up with the modern day race machines. The XR250R boasts a 250cc air cooled 4 stroke RFVC engine, which produces a peak horsepower of roughly 27 ponies stock. Though it may not accelerate as fast as a modern bike, it will torque and tear it's way through most any terrain. This is a great beginner/intermediate bike for a large rider. The suspension is stiff in the back and soft in the front. You will most likely need to adjust the rear to meet your size. this bike has an unfortunately heavy feel. At a 240lb dry, it can drain the energy out of your arms in a hurry. Though it may sound like a slow pig, it really is a pretty aggressive bike. If you want a do it all, inexpensive, trail machine that can easily be made into a dual sport bike, this is the bike for you. These are specs from Total motorcycle.com, they claim it has disk brakes in the back, this may be true for some, but mine does not have that.

 1989 Honda XR250R

Manufacturer - Make - Model - Year: Honda XR 250 R 1989
Motorcycle Style: Dual-Sport

Engine Type: 249 cc, 4-Stroke, Air Cooled, Single
Engine Bore and Stroke: 73 mm x 59.5 mm
Compression Ratio: 10.2:1
Valves OHC, 2 valves/cylinder
Carburetion: PD05A
Ignition System: CDI type magnetic Ignition System:
Claimed Horsepower: 30 hp (22.4 kW) @ 8000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 24.5 Nm (18.7 ft. lbs) @ 7000 rpm

Transmission type: 6 speed
Final Drive: Chain

Tire - Front: 80/100-21
Tire - Rear: 110/100-18
Brakes - Front: single disc with 2-piston calipers
Brakes - Rear: single disc with 1-piston calipers

Overall - Length: 2100 mm (82.7 inches)
Overall - Width: 910 mm (35.8 inches)
Overall - Height: 1225 mm (48.2 inches)
Seat Height: 925 mm (36.4 inches)
Wheelbase 1425 mm (56.1 inches)
Fuel Capacity: 9 l (2.4 Gal)
Dry Weight (without fluids): 108 kg (238.1 pounds)
Total motorcycle

The XR250R set the standard for air cooled 4 strokes for over 20 years. In my mind, they are the gold standard for trail bikes.

Dirt bike review of 1981 DT100 from Tanner

By Tanner

As I explained in my bio, my first bike was a 1981 Yamaha dt100. The DT100 was a small dual sport bike that for some reason runs for a very long time. It has a 100cc 2 stroke air cooled engine, dual suspension in the rear, and sometimes features lights, signals, and a horn. The frame is definitely built for the little guys. the seat height is much lower than your average 100cc. Though it it small and has dual suspension, it rides pretty well. This is no a race bike, but it will pull you around. The bike is pretty heavy by today's standards, somewhere around 200lb, but it feels like a feather while riding. The bike has an oil injector, which I found to be a pro. Being a 2 stroke, the power is very exciting in the power band, and frustrating everywhere else. This bike will pop wheelies all day long, but unless you are child sized, the hills will be a problem. This bike is a classic that can do everything on a budget. I bought my bike for $250, and it is still running strong for my friends little brother. If you are looking for a cheap way to get your child into the sport, I would recommend this. Most of the DT100s left are collectors bikes, the bikes that have been used for street or that have never been used. These collector bike are much more expensive. As with all bikes of this age, you are taking a risk when you buy one, you don't know how much longer it will run. This bike is perfect for a small person who rides roads and some dirt, or for a beginner. I hope that this answered some questions and please post your kind comments and further questions.  

specs at a glance.

size-small, OK for anyone under 6'

power-Great in the power band, lacking much torque

suspension-OK for age, not for jumping or fast riding, only has a few inches of travel

weight- 200lb but feels light when riding

reliability-Mine was a first kick start every time, depends on condition.

overall thoughts- Great little beginner bike, take care of it and your little guys can ride in forever.

smaller red bike is DT100.