XS 250

1978 Yamaha XS 250 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Positioned in Yamaha's touring motorcycle lineup, the 1978 Yamaha XS 250 features a 249 cc (15.2 cu in) air-cooled twin, four-stroke configuration. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 17 HP (12.4 kW) at 8,100 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 68.3 HP per liter, the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.

On the scales, the XS 250 measures 178 kg (392 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.1 HP/kg (10.47 kg per horsepower). The 17-liter (4.5 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 115 km/h (71 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's Yamaha archive, this model family spans 2 indexed model years from 1978 to 1979, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.