BIG-Bore vs Small-Bore Dual Sport: which one should you chose? XT250 & DR650 head to head test
Dirtwiz
13,065 views
Having a hard time deciding between a BIG dual sport or a small dual sport? Today we put the "Mountain Goat" XT250 and "Bush Pig" DR650 to the test to see what riding style either motorcycle fits the most.
0:00 BIG or small Dual Sport?
0:30 Matt's 2015 Yamaha XT250 Overview
1:32 Mike's 2002 Suzuki DR650 Overview
2:55 Trail Performance Comparison
10:46 Highway Performance Comparison
13:30 BACKROADS, Twisties & Gravel Roads Performance
16:34 Main Conclusions and Takeaway
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If there's absolutely ONE mod I'd recommend over all else for a dual sport, it's a skid plate. If you'd like to try the same one or other mods that I use on the XT250 or DR650, you can help support the channel by using the affiliate links below!
Amazon Affiliate Links
XT250 Skidplate: https://amzn.to/4da6yb4
DR650 Acerbis Skidplate: https://amzn.to/3T7I2ju
Acerbis Handguards: https://amzn.to/4vX7Zkr
Folding Mirrors: https://amzn.to/3Oxct0F
DJI Action Camera: https://amzn.to/4222Iuu
Helmet Camera Chin Mount: https://amzn.to/4cFVLFC
Cheap Exhaust Pipe (Requires some fabrication): https://amzn.to/3QRcXiG
"Teikei style" carb jets (Chinese clones, accuracy not guaranteed, always double check)
Main Jet Kit: https://amzn.to/4v3eQYO
Pilot Jet Kit: https://amzn.to/4oiKbnI
20 Comments
With that being said, I have a few thoughts on the XTs "DISCONTINUATION".
Only Yamaha truly knows, but many may not be aware that Yamaha won the contract for the Swedish military's motorcycle replacement. Yes, the XT250, with some necessary mods to meet their specs, including special racks to accommodate skis!
Yamaha is focusing on fulfilling this military contract in 2026, including spare parts etc., with the last of the deliveries scheduled for early 2027.
So yes, the XT250 may be discontinued, but who's to say it won't reappear once Yamaha fulfills it's contract with the Swedish military? Perhaps as a 2027 or 2028? If not, the XT250 will be missed. I'm thrilled I got mine!
It seems unlikely in today's environment, but it would be nice if Yamaha suprised us all with a replacement sized in the 350/400 range, light weight, low seat height etc. One can dream...
not old or wore out - "seasoned" ;)
Ive had several bikes over the years and truthfully (?)
there is no One dual sport bike.
my quest to find that perfect bike to rule trail & even the road, just eluded me.
my Goldwing was great on roads and the smoothest freeway rider.
as a rider, there is only the sound of the wind as it is that quiet.
"someone" did go off road with it a few times.
"someone did wheelie it around 3 AM as an attendant asked if it could?
IDK, Let's find out. . .
not recommended,
but the rider was 15 and kinda big for his age (6'4' near 300 lbs) not your average kid, still full of himself ;)
I had many dirt bikes, my fav was the XT500, it was great for my size and weight {off road} I was 6'7" then 340 lbs, so yeah,
it wasnt exactly stock, but "ok" on the road.
I had a few bikes, always looking for that "just" one, but in reality?
there be a bike for a purpose
need a dirt bike
need a road bike
a freeway cruiser is special, rarely ridden, but always long trips, camping, memories, to van cover BC n back home to Calif.
Portland, Seattle, the on the way? notes for future trips ;)
now Im old. 65 6'4" 230lbs
and to my surprise the Honda XL185 has been a great trail bike.
it can be tossed about easy. gets me up & over grades, hops trees {not stock} but stock engine power}
of course Im on the lookout for another bike, but, my preferred choice is a 250cc, maybe a 300?
I still want the light weight {well? under 300 lbs} so I can pick it up and toss it around.
nothing bigger as I have found myself enjoying the sights that I once rode by too fast to see them.
If i got crazy & went back to road riding? Id settle around a 750cc. those corner better & freeways are far from here.
for some reason I dont sleep on the ground as much anymore.
I am "seasoned" ;)
-------------------------------------------
it is odd when I neared fifty, I actually liked going slower!?!
like a #### tourist, stopping to actually look at the view? {yeesh}
a guy told me years ago
it is the journey that is here to be enjoyed.
you are losing memories
gee that guy was smart. . .
I actually appreciate a slow bike now. :O
Thanks, from down here in Oz.
I have an xt250 and a 411 Himmy; having started (back into riding) with a couple of 650s (DL650 v-strom/sv650).
I really found in the xt250, that 70s small trail bike feel that I grew up with as a teenager; the way the motor blips so-oo willingly with a light jab of the throttle, the effortless gear changes, light clutch etc., the pleasure of working it through the gears.
I love each of my bikes but the xt feels like a natural home.
Best of both worlds, and unstoppable through all conditions.
BIG-Bore vs Small-Bore Dual Sport: which one should you chose? XT250 & DR650 head to head test
Dirtwiz
13,065 views
Having a hard time deciding between a BIG dual sport or a small dual sport? Today we put the "Mountain Goat" XT250 and "Bush Pig" DR650 to the test to see what riding style either motorcycle fits the most.
0:00 BIG or small Dual Sport?
0:30 Matt's 2015 Yamaha XT250 Overview
1:32 Mike's 2002 Suzuki DR650 Overview
2:55 Trail Performance Comparison
10:46 Highway Performance Comparison
13:30 BACKROADS, Twisties & Gravel Roads Performance
16:34 Main Conclusions and Takeaway
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If there's absolutely ONE mod I'd recommend over all else for a dual sport, it's a skid plate. If you'd like to try the same one or other mods that I use on the XT250 or DR650, you can help support the channel by using the affiliate links below!
Amazon Affiliate Links
XT250 Skidplate: https://amzn.to/4da6yb4
DR650 Acerbis Skidplate: https://amzn.to/3T7I2ju
Acerbis Handguards: https://amzn.to/4vX7Zkr
Folding Mirrors: https://amzn.to/3Oxct0F
DJI Action Camera: https://amzn.to/4222Iuu
Helmet Camera Chin Mount: https://amzn.to/4cFVLFC
Cheap Exhaust Pipe (Requires some fabrication): https://amzn.to/3QRcXiG
"Teikei style" carb jets (Chinese clones, accuracy not guaranteed, always double check)
Main Jet Kit: https://amzn.to/4v3eQYO
Pilot Jet Kit: https://amzn.to/4oiKbnI