Yamaha XS250 (1981)

The Yamaha XS250 Midnight Special is a motorcycle that was first introduced in 1981. It features a four-stroke, 180 degrees parallel twin, SOHC engine with 2 valves per cylinder, and has a capacity of 248cc or 15.2 cu-in. The bore x stroke is 55 52.4mm, and the bike is air-cooled with a compression ratio of 9.3:1. It has 2x32mm Mikuni carburetors for induction and coil and cb ignition. The bike is started with a kick.

In terms of power, the Yamaha XS250 has a max power of 26 hp or 20.1 kW at 9500 rpm and a max torque of 2.1 kgf-m or 15.2 lb-ft at 8500 rpm. It has a wet multiplate clutch with seven friction and six thrust plates and a 6-speed transmission with a final drive chain. The bike has a welded tubular frame, double cradle with single downtube, and telescopic forks for front suspension. The rear suspension has dual shocks, swing arm, and 5-position preload adjustable. The front brake is a single 267mm disc, while the rear brake is a 160mm drum.

The Yamaha XS250 Midnight Special has a rake of 27 degrees and a trail of 87 mm or 3.43 in. The wheelbase is 1375mm or 54.1 in, and the seat height is 770mm or 30.3 in. The dry weight of the bike is 169 kg or 373 lbs, and it has a fuel capacity of 14 Litres or 3.7 US gal.

In road tests against the Kawasaki Z250, Honda CB250N, and Cagiva SST250 in 1979 and the Suzuki GS250T in 1980, the Yamaha XS250 held its own. It offered a decent amount of power and a comfortable ride, making it an appealing option for those in search of a reliable motorcycle.

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Technical specifications:

Make Model: Yamaha XS 250 Midnight Special

Year: 1981

Engine: Four stroke, 180 degrees parallel twin, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder

Capacity: 248 cc / 15.2 cu-in

Bore x Stroke: 55 52.4 mm

Cooling System: Air cooled

Compression Ratio: 9.3:1

Lubrication: Wet sump

Induction: 2x 32mm Mikuni carburetors

Ignition: Coil and cb

Starting: Kick

Max Power: 26 hp / 20.1 kW @ 9500 rpm

Max Torque: 2.1 kgf-m / 15.2 lb-ft @ 8500 rpm

Clutch: Wet multiplate with seven friction and six thrust plates

Transmission: 6 Speed

Final Drive: Chain

Frame: Welded tubular. Double cradle with single downtube

Front Suspension: Telescopic forks

Rear Suspension: Dual shocks, swing arm, 5-position preload adjustable

Front Brakes: Single 267mm disc

Rear Brakes: 160mm Drum

Front Tyre: 3.00-18

Rear Tyre: 120/90 x 16

Rake: 27 degrees

Trail: 87 mm / 3.43 in

Wheelbase: 1375 mm / 54.1 in

Seat Height: 770 mm / 30.3 in

Dry Weight: 169 kg / 373 lbs

Fuel Capacity: 14 Litres / 3.7 US gal

Road Test: Yamaha XS250. Kawasaki Z250. Honda CB250N. Which Bike 1979 Yamaha XS250S Cagiva SST250. Suzuki GS250T Which Bike 1980