Cylinder Head Torque Specifications in a Honda XR 250 Motorcycle

Honda introduced the mid-sized, four-stroke "play bike" to much fanfare in 1979. The Honda XR250R remained unchanged until 1996, when the bike received a beefier suspension and larger brakes on both the front and rear. Additionally, the transmission was updated for easier and more precise shifting. The XR250R also received an improved kick-start mechanism that was similar in design to the larger XR600R.

  1. Engine Specs

    • The XR250R is powered by an air-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke SOHC engine with a compression ratio of 10.2-to-1. The bore and stroke measure 2.87 by 2.34 inches, respectively.

    Torque Values

    • The XR250R has six cylinder head bolts: four bolts are 10 mm and two bolts are 6 mm. The XR250R has 13 cylinder head cover bolts: 12 bolts are 6 mm and one is 8 mm. These bolts have different torque values according to diameter. The 10 mm cylinder head bolts torque to 27 to 31 foot-pounds; the 6 mm head bolt on the cover and cylinder torque to 7 to10 foot-pounds. The 8mm cylinder cover bolt torques to 15 to 20 foot-pounds.

    Fluid Capacities

    • Honda's XR250R has a fuel capacity of 2.38 gallons with a 0.53-gallon reserve capacity. The fork oil capacity is 18.1 ounces and the engine takes 1.7 quarts of oil.

    Engine Changes

    • Tim Foxworth, senior technician at Seminole Power Sports in Sanford FL reports, "In 1996, Honda engineers made minor changes claiming higher torque and quicker response but the 249 cc engine was virtually the same. They biggest change was the carburetor."