More Honda Models:
Edition:
Honda XL 250 S - [1978]
This edition of the Honda XL 250 S is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1978. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1978 Yamaha XS 750 E and the 1978 Yamaha XS 750 Special.This particular Honda XL 250 has a 249cc Air cooled, Two stroke, V3 Petrol powerplant with 1 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative V3 engine, Adventure style motorbike includes the Buell-EBR XB12X Ulysses Adventure - [2010]
The 1978 XL 250 shares its V3 engine and Adventure style configuration with the likes of the 2010 Buell-EBR XB12X Ulysses Adventure and the 2008 Buell-EBR XB12X Ulysses Adventure. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the XL 250's Adventure style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1997 Yamaha DT 230 Lanza | 1997cc.2020 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 | 2020cc.
Weighing in at 132 kgs (291 lbs) this makes the Honda XL 250 S in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F or the 2024 Suzuki GSX-S 125 DOHC, give or take 50kg.
The 1978 Honda XL 250 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha WR 250 F - [2025]
In terms of power the 249cc 4 valve V3 1 cylinder engine produces 20 bhp (14 kW) @ 7500 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [36.1 bhp (26 kW) @ 12000 rpm] or the 2025 Honda MSX 125 Grom [9.6 bhp (7 kW) @ 7250 rpm].
The SOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 14.4 lb-ft (19.5 Nm) @ 8000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [17.8 lb-ft (24.2 Nm) @ 8100 rpm] and the 2024 Yamaha WR 450 F [36.2 lb-ft (49.0 Nm) @ 7500 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Honda XL 250 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 1978 Suzuki TS 250 Single Cylinder has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1978 Honda XL 250 S.
The 1978 Honda XL 250 S has a Power to weight ratio of 151.5 bhp per ton and 109.5 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1978 XL 250 competing with the 1978 Suzuki TS 250 Single Cylinder [176.1 bhp\ton] and the 1981 Suzuki TS 250 Single Cylinder [176.1 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Honda XL 250 generating around 109.5 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1979 Honda XR 250 Single Cylinder [134.3 lb-ft per ton] and the 1983 Kawasaki KDX 200 Single Cylinder [134.1 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 24.4 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 24.9 secs, this makes the Honda XL 250 S similar in acceleration to the 1997 Yamaha SR 250 Classic (24.4 secs) and the 1980 Honda XL 250 S (24.4 secs). This Honda XL 250 S also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1978 Honda XL 250 S and the 1981 Honda CB 125 Disc
When talking about the performance of the 1978 Honda XL 250 S on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1981 Honda CB 125 Disc (0 secs) and the 2015 Honda NSS 250 Forza (0 secs).
The 1978 version of the Honda XL 250 S has a maximum speed of 0mph.
Top Speed of the 1978 XL 250 equals the 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1978 Honda XL 250 S then how about a 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph) and the 2002 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph).
