Cross trail

The Yamaha XT250 dual-sport motorcycle has been a staple of back roads and farms for decades. The model has been around for more than 40 years and has been popular with off-road enthusiasts ever since. The X stands for cross, and the T stands for trail—and this little bike is just as good at both.

The first models were released in 1980, and they've been going strong ever since. Why? Because their simple air-cooled engines are powerful enough to compliment their capable chassis, while still being accessible to novices and competent enough for experienced riders alike.

The XT250 is very simple in everything, from the virtually non-existent mechanical superstructure, the bike consists of a very spartan fairing, a minimalist rear fender, a big seat, a big fuel tank and a front fender, with special holes in the back, that allow you to unload the dirt…

The Yamaha XT250 has garnered quite a following—including Rambo in the 1982 movie First Blood. The bike also featured in Season 4 of Knight Rider as Reginald Cornelius III/RC3's bike. The model was discontinued in 1991 in favour of the Yamaha XT350.

If you're looking for a lightweight vintage Enduro bike, the Yamaha XT250 is a great option. The good news is that there are usually a good number of XT250’s machines for sale, and many of the engine parts are easy to source still as new items. The less good news is that it is an off-road bike and they do tend to lead hard lives while abuse and general decay take a heavy toll.