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Yamaha IT 250 Single Cylinder - [1978]
This edition of the Yamaha IT 250 Single Cylinder is the 6 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 Yamaha IT 250 has a 246cc Air cooled, Four stroke, V-Twin Petrol powerplant with 1 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative V-Twin engine, Off-Road style motorbike includes the Kawasaki KLX 230 Single Cylinder - [2020]
The 1978 IT 250 shares its V-Twin engine and Off-Road style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230 Single Cylinder and the 2020 Kawasaki KLX 250 Single Cylinder. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the IT 250's Off-Road style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230 Single Cylinder | 2020cc.2020 Kawasaki KLX 250 Single Cylinder | 2020cc.
Weighing in at 124 kgs (273 lbs) this makes the Yamaha IT 250 Single Cylinder in the same weight category as the 2025 Honda MSX 125 Grom or the 2024 Suzuki GSX-R 125 EFI, give or take 50kg.
The 1978 Yamaha IT 250 shares the same bhp with the Honda MSX 125 Grom - [2025]
In terms of power the 246cc 5 valve V-Twin 1 cylinder engine produces 26.1 bhp (19 kW) @ 7500 rpm similar to the 2025 Honda MSX 125 Grom [9.6 bhp (7 kW) @ 7250 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [36.1 bhp (26 kW) @ 12000 rpm].
The Reed Valve Four stroke unit throws out torque of 18.5 lb-ft (25.0 Nm) @ 7500 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Honda MSX 125 Grom [7.6 lb-ft (10.4 Nm) @ 5500 rpm] and the 2024 Honda NX 500 EFI [31.7 lb-ft (42.9 Nm) @ 6500 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Yamaha IT 250 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 1976 Suzuki GS 500 E has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1978 Yamaha IT 250 Single Cylinder.
The 1978 Yamaha IT 250 Single Cylinder has a Power to weight ratio of 210.4 bhp per ton and 149.1 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1978 IT 250 competing with the 1976 Suzuki GS 500 E [235.0 bhp\ton] and the 1999 Honda VT 1100 Shadow Ace Tourer [235.0 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 Yamaha IT 250 generating around 149.1 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 2004 Kawasaki VN 800 Drifter [174.1 lb-ft per ton] and the 1999 Kawasaki VN 800 Drifter [174.1 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 17.6 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 18.0 secs, this makes the Yamaha IT 250 Single Cylinder similar in acceleration to the 2018 Yamaha XP 530 T-Max SX Sport (17.6 secs) and the 2017 Yamaha XP 530 T-Max DX (17.6 secs). This Yamaha IT 250 Single Cylinder 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 Yamaha IT 250 Single Cylinder and the 1977 Kawasaki Z 750 F
When talking about the performance of the 1978 Yamaha IT 250 Single Cylinder 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 1977 Kawasaki Z 750 F (0 secs) and the 2012 Suzuki SFV 650 Gladius Sport (0 secs).
The 1978 version of the Yamaha IT 250 Single Cylinder has a maximum speed of 70mph.
Top Speed of the 1978 IT 250 equals the 1994 Suzuki LS 400 Savage
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 Yamaha IT 250 Single Cylinder then how about a 1994 Suzuki LS 400 Savage (81 mph) and the 1992 Suzuki LS 400 Savage (81 mph).
