1987 XR250R Owners Manual

The 1987 Honda XR250R is a versatile dual-sport motorcycle featuring a 249cc air-cooled four-stroke engine, 5-speed transmission, front disc brake, rear drum brake, electric start, and durable steel frame. Designed for both on-road and off-road use with long-travel suspension, knobby tires, and reliable performance. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Pre-Ride Inspection 3. Basic Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Instruments 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Engine Maintenance 8. Safety Features 9. Storage & Care 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 249cc four-stroke engine, 5-speed transmission, front disc brake, rear drum brake, electric starter, kick starter, steel frame, long-travel suspension.

FeatureDescription
Engine Type249cc air-cooled four-stroke single cylinder
Transmission5-speed constant mesh
Starting SystemElectric starter with kick starter backup
Front BrakeHydraulic disc brake
Rear BrakeMechanical drum brake
Frame TypeSteel semi-double cradle
Front SuspensionTelescopic fork with 10.6 inches travel
Rear SuspensionPro-Link single shock with 10.4 inches travel
Fuel Capacity2.4 gallons (9.1 liters)
Seat Height34.6 inches

Pre-Ride Inspection

Always perform pre-ride inspection before operating motorcycle.

  1. Check fuel level: Ensure adequate fuel for intended ride.
  2. Inspect tires: Check pressure and condition for wear/damage.
  3. Test brakes: Verify front and rear brake operation.
  4. Check controls: Ensure throttle, clutch, and brakes function properly.
  5. Verify lights: Test headlight, brake light, and turn signals.

WARNING! Never operate motorcycle without proper inspection. Failure to inspect may result in accident or injury.

Basic Operation

Starting and operating procedures for safe riding.

  1. Starting engine: Turn fuel valve ON, set choke for cold starts, press starter button or use kick starter.
  2. Shifting gears: Use clutch lever to disengage, select gear with shift lever, release clutch smoothly.
  3. Braking: Apply both front and rear brakes together for maximum stopping power.
  4. Turning: Look in direction of turn, lean motorcycle appropriately.

CAUTION! Always wear proper protective gear including helmet, gloves, and riding jacket.

Specifications

Controls and Instruments

Handlebar controls and instrument panel functions.

Right Handlebar: Front brake lever, throttle grip, engine stop switch, starter button.

Left Handlebar: Clutch lever, light switch, turn signal switch, horn button.

Instrument Panel: Speedometer, odometer, trip meter, neutral indicator, high beam indicator, turn signal indicators.

Foot Controls: Gear shift lever (left), rear brake pedal (right), kick starter (right).

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance intervals for optimal performance.

Service ItemEvery 600 miEvery 2400 miEvery 4800 mi
Engine Oil Change
Oil Filter-
Air FilterInspectCleanReplace
Spark PlugInspect-Replace
Valve Clearance-CheckAdjust
Chain Adjustment

Engine Maintenance

Engine service procedures and specifications.

  1. Oil change: Drain old oil, replace filter, refill with 1.7 quarts of 10W-40 motorcycle oil.
  2. Air filter: Remove side cover, clean foam element in solvent, re-oil and reinstall.
  3. Spark plug: Use NGK DR8ES-L, gap 0.028-0.031 inches.
  4. Valve adjustment: Intake 0.002 inches, exhaust 0.003 inches (cold engine).
  5. Carburetor: Main jet #128, pilot jet #40, needle clip 3rd position.

WARNING! Engine components become hot during operation. Allow to cool before performing maintenance.

Safety Features

Built-in safety systems and rider protection features.

Lighting: 35W/35W halogen headlight with high/low beam, LED taillight, turn signals.

Braking: Front hydraulic disc with dual-piston caliper, rear mechanical drum brake.

Protection: Engine guards, skid plate, chain guard.

Emergency: Engine stop switch, kick starter backup.

Storage & Care

Proper storage procedures to maintain motorcycle condition.

  1. Fuel system: Add fuel stabilizer, run engine for 5 minutes, turn fuel valve OFF.
  2. Battery: Disconnect negative terminal or use battery maintainer.
  3. Tires: Inflate to maximum pressure, elevate off ground if storing long-term.
  4. Cleaning: Wash with mild soap and water, avoid high-pressure spray near seals.

CAUTION! Store in dry, covered area. Do not cover with plastic that traps moisture.

Warranty Information

Limited warranty coverage for 12 months from date of purchase. Covers defects in materials and workmanship. Does not cover normal wear, improper maintenance, or accident damage. Keep purchase receipt for warranty claims. Contact authorized Honda dealer for service.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startFuel, spark, compressionCheck fuel valve, spark plug, compression; use choke for cold starts.
Poor performanceAir filter, carburetorClean air filter; check carburetor jets and settings.
Hard shiftingClutch adjustment, oilAdjust clutch cable; check oil level and condition.
Brakes weakPads, fluid, adjustmentInspect brake pads; check fluid level; adjust rear brake.
Battery deadCharging systemTest battery voltage; check stator and regulator/rectifier.

Service: Contact authorized Honda dealer for professional service.

Parts: Use genuine Honda parts for optimal performance and reliability.

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