Yamaha XT225 Dual Sport Reviews on Cycle Insider (5)
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It is lots of fun but I am not the most mechanically inclined. One thing I wish was simpler is this: when doing my own oil changes I cannot gauge how tight the drain bolt should be when finishing up. It turned out to be too tight so I ended up stripping the head. It has been two weeks and my local Yamaha dealer has not returned my order for a new drain bolt. Maybe the presidential holiday had something to do with that. Yamaha would be smart to make changing the oil easier I have a few ideas of my own.

This bike rocks. I bought my 2000 in 2001 and got a discount off the MSRP becuse it had 35 miles on it from a training course. I ride it on the freeway to work about 2 times a week at least. 70 mph is no problem. It will do 85 (according to the speedo) but the front end feels kinda light). The tires are probably not the best for the freeway but it never does anything scary. I am planning to replace it with Metzeler Enduro 3 tires as soon as the stockers wear out(5000 miles so far). They look to be much better on road and will still work off road. Because of the suspension, this bike is great off road. I have a 29 inch inseam and I can put my feet down flat. Off road the seat height is great because I can always put a foot down if I need. I could go on all day talking about it. I work on my bike myself and I don't think there is an easier one to work on. It starts up everytime. In Texas, I am able to ride quite a few days in the winter. The battery has never gone flat on me. Which was suprising because everyone I talked to said it would if you didn't ride it for more than a month. It is great in traffic, I can jump out in front of traffic easily. I think 0-40 it is probably faster than a corvette. At least it feels like it! When I bought it, I thought I would be getting a 250 ninja for road riding back and forth to work. I now know it is not necessary. This bike is all I need. I think all the people riding big bikes are missing out on the fun of a smaller bike. I get 70 mpg riding to work on the freeway and the mileage just goes up the slower you travel. It is faster than all the commuter cars out there. If you lust for horsepower, you will probably get another bike eventually, but you will not want to part with the XT! don't take my word for it, take a ride.!!

I bought my xt225 in November 2002 and love it. I've taken it on every sort of trail and it excels on the rugged mountain climbs common to the Arizona offroad areas. For trail riding you don't need massive horsepower; you want superb handling and it delivers. I also take the bike around town and it's a blast. Not good for freeways since it's not heavy or fast enough. I've had it up to 62mph in 5th gear with more to go so I figure it will do 75 easy in 6th. In short, this is mainly an offroad bike that's street legal.

This is a great dual purpose bike. The greatest thing is when you are riding down the road and see some trails and off you go! It rides and handles like a dream and it has plenty of pick up for a 225. Ride hard but safe :)

Very light and easy to handle. Good all purpose bike. Great for a first rider, or second bike to fool around with. I drive 3 miles to work in the morning on the road, and 10 miles back home at night through the woods. :)