singletrackmind wrote:
Is it just fond memories or is it the no one rides 250 four strokes anymore. Could it be that most riders are now on a 450 or bigger that the old XR 250 seemed like such a singletrack weapon?
STM
No STM, the XR250 would turn on a 5 cent peace. They were always regarded the benchmark to other bikes when it came to singletrack and tight cornering. They had a relatively low seat height (low COG), shortish wheelbase, and more than enough power in tight single. You could get the throttle on harder, earlier in a corner and just hold it on hard. They would hook up without wheeling, jumping out of a rut or swapping all over the place. I have memories of racing cross country were I could turn inside other bikes in places were there really wasn’t really room for two bikes.
I also used to race club grass track on the thing. We had open capacity classes which was fun but frustrating on the XR. I would pass 2-3 bikes in a corner only to have them blast past me on the next straight. Then I would pass them in the next corner, they pass me on the next straight. 😆 😆
This humble little machine has taken many victories, taking down much more race orientated bikes. The modern 250 four strokers set the bench mark now but in tight single were power is not an issue my money would still be on a well setup XR250.
PS, I have a Vortex duel curve ignition system out in the shed if anybody is interested. I believe it fits all XR250R from 96 on.
