About the Honda XL250
Three XL250 names. Start with the motorcycle you have.
The XL250 family brings together several generations of Honda trail singles. The XL250S arrived in 1978 with an air-cooled four-stroke engine and a distinctive 23-inch front wheel. Honda’s next XL250R design introduced Pro-Link rear suspension and a six-speed transmission. Those changes matter when an older trail bike comes into the workshop with swapped wheels, suspension or an engine from another year.
Separate the original XL250, S and R
Use the suffix before comparing carburetor kits or gasket sets. Our early XL250 carburetor example covers 1972–1975, the S kit covers 1978–1981, and the selected R kit names 1985 alone. A year shown on one repair part does not establish the coverage of another. For an imported bike, keep its original market designation with the model year.
Choose the correct applicationHonda XL250 model differences
Use these distinctions to identify the motorcycle and the repair. Individual product applications determine fitment.
Early XL250
Start with the unsuffixed XL250 application. The carburetor kit featured below names 1972–1975; the selected fork seals have their own 1972–1976 range.
XL250S
The S is a separate service application. Its 1978 introduction featured CDI ignition and a 23-inch front wheel. Check the wheel and electrical equipment on a modified example.
Browse XL250S partsXL250R
Pro-Link rear suspension distinguishes the R design. Parts also change within the R family: the early fork-seal example and later gasket-set example below cover different years.
Browse XL250R partsFrame, engine and fitted componentsHonda XL250 identification checklist
Keep these details together before ordering. Confirm the installed assembly when the motorcycle has been modified.
Model and market
Copy the complete model designation from the motorcycle and its documents. Keep XL250R distinct from similarly named XR250R, XR250L and XLR models.
Frame and engine
Photograph both markings. An engine replacement can make the frame’s year insufficient for gasket, clutch and ignition selection.
Carburetor
Record the carburetor identification and compare the float-bowl shape and service components with the chosen kit.
Fork and brake assemblies
Check fork seal dimensions and the brake position. A replacement front end or wheel requires matching the assembly on the bike.
Contact PartsNMore with the complete model, year and clear photos of the relevant markings and component.