YAMAHA TT250R (2004 - 2005) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Annual servicing cost: £60
Power: 19 bhp
Seat height: Tall (35.2 in / 895 mm)
Weight: Low (249 lbs / 113 kg)

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Yamaha TTR250 is a hardy wee beastie. As an undemanding, unfussy enduro bike for newer riders it excels, with a never-say-die single cylinder motor that has just enough pep for muddy fun. Now deleted from Yamaha’s range the Yamaha TT250R is still a sound used buy providing you don’t have to go too far on the tarmac.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The one downside to the Yamaha TT250R is its height. At 895mm only six-footers will be able to get their feet flat on the floor. There are lowering kits available for the Yamaha TT250R, but it’s sometimes easier to simply fit the thinner seat from a pre-2000 bike. The off-road handling is easy, the brakes predictable and the simple chassis and suspension inspire confidence. The Yamaha TT250R's not quite so assured on the road, but it’s adequate.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Yamaha TT250R's DOHC motor claims just 19bhp, but you can eke a little more out of it by removing the restrictor in the header pipe and trimming the snorkel in the air box. As it is the plucky Yamaha TT250R is about as friendly as they come and it’s as dependable as daylight. There’s also a screw by the throttle linkage under the tank that limits throttle turn. Slacken it off, adjust the cable for more turn and retighten it.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Yamaha TT250R is so simple that things rarely go wrong. Just watch the flap that covers the shock – lose that and the damping rod quickly gets dirty and pitted, quickly compromising the seals.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
3 out of 5 (3/5)

As an introduction to off-roading the Yamaha TT250R is tough to beat, but you might soon find you could do with more oomph. Honda’s two-stroke CRM (also now deleted), especially the AR model, is supremely good and more capable. And any mechanical breakdowns will be much more expensive to fix on the Yamaha TT250R. Find a Yamaha TT250R for sale

Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Yamaha TT250R comes with electric start as well as a kicker, a truly poor headlight and woeful handguards as standards. There are a few big bore Yamaha TT250R kits available, but it’s kind of missing the point and it only ever knackers the reliability.

Specs

Engine size 249cc
Engine type 4v single, 6 gears
Frame type Tubular steel cradle
Fuel capacity 9 litres
Seat height 895mm
Bike weight 113kg
Front suspension Compression
Rear suspension Preload, compression
Front brake Single 245mm disc
Rear brake 200mm disc
Front tyre size 90/90 x 21
Rear tyre size 120/90 x 18

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 47 mpg
Annual road tax £55
Annual service cost £60
New price -
Used price -
Insurance group 7 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 19 bhp
Max torque 14 ft-lb
Top speed 71 mph
1/4 mile acceleration 15 secs
Tank range 90 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2004: Yamaha TT250R launched.
2005: Yamaha TT250R discontinued (but continues on sale in the US).

Other versions

None.

Owners' reviews for the YAMAHA TT250R (2004 - 2005)

2 owners have reviewed their YAMAHA TT250R (2004 - 2005) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your YAMAHA TT250R (2004 - 2005)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Engine: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Value vs rivals: 3.5 out of 5 (3.5/5)
Equipment: 3.5 out of 5 (3.5/5)
Annual servicing cost: £60
5 out of 5 Unstoppable
01 June 2015 by Clunck

Version: 1994 Open Enduro

Year: 2004

Annual servicing cost: £60

Mine is the earlier white "Open Enduro" - basically the same as the one reviewed here, but with a digital speedo and a metal tank. Torquey motor, handling will get through almost anything off-road. Starter motor clutches eventually go, but can be replaced fairly easily.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

For a dedicated trail bike, this is very plush. Brakes are mild, as they should be. Handling is great off road. On road, knobbly tyres with low pressure are a major limitation. I've ridden about 7 hours in a day several times.

Engine 5 out of 5

The engine is a peach! It pulls strongly from about 2000rpm, so you rarely need to change gear if you have to slow for an obstacle or for ruts. Faster than you would expect on the road, although I don't know the top speed.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Very simple bike, not much to go wrong. Copes well with being dropped several times a day. Almost no corrosion after 20 years.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Petrol consumption is very low - I've seen about 70mpg across country. Service cost low because it's a simple engine, and you don't do many miles on a trail bike. Chain and sprockets are the biggest regular outlay. Oil should be changed every 1000 miles as it only takes 1L.

Equipment 3 out of 5

By design, this is a minimalist bike. The fanciest thing on it is a locking petrol cap. Less weight, less to break. I use Maxxis Cross IT tyres, which are road-legal knobblies.

4 out of 5 TT250R
12 May 2010 by Ducksdiseasebiker

I bought my bike to have a go at Greenlaning, which by the way is alot of fun. Make sure you join the TRF though. I picked this bike because it seemed good on paper from what I had read. It is light and very easy to ride although it is a tall bike and I am not, but I can manage. The gearing has been lowered but it will still do an indicated 85mph on the road, it has also been unrestricted although this was already done when I purchased it. www.ttr250.com is a very useful website for anyone with this bike or if your interested to know more about this bike. I can get 110 miles before switching to reserve and it is suitable to commute on as I have and the first owner of my bike used to. The engine is a cracker and the gearbox is perfect to change up or down at any speed on or off road. I thoroughly recommend this bike. On a different note if you are interested in touring Brittany by bike but have never been before check out www.longwayroundbrittany.co.uk.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
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