In an industry dominated by overpriced motorcycles and the Big 4, the SSR XF250 Enduro is another diamond in the rough. Sleek, powerful, and straightforward, this dual-sport machine is rider-friendly and promotes inclusivity in the off-roading lifestyle. Learn more about this 250-cc charmer and how it can turn your commute and weekend adventures into a blast.
The SSR XF250 is a dual-purpose two-wheeler manufactured by Jinan Qingqi Motorcycle Co., Ltd. and distributed by SSR Motorsports Inc. It features a Suzuki-clone engine, user-friendly controls, and 78-mph top-speed rating. The XF250 is viable both as a dirt bike and a street bike.
Like all other motorcycles, the SSR XF250 offers bulletproof components, superb handling mannerisms, and reliable performance. But unlike most brands, it has proven that it can deliver these elements – and for a fraction of the price! There’s more to this bike than its replica engine and cost-effectiveness. And if you are curious to find out, continue reading this guide.
About the SSR XF250
The SSR XF250 is a 249-cc Enduro-class two-wheeler first launched in 2013. Called the Pioneer 250, it was designed as an on-/off-road motorcycle and said to be fitted with a Suzuki-TU250-clone engine. Aside from replicating the Suzuki powerplant, it also had sleek Enduro styling, better power delivery, and 20-cc more displacement than its counterparts.
Given these small wins and an incredibly affordable price point, it was not difficult for the XF250 to gain mainstream popularity. It bested big-name brands like Kawasaki, KTM, and Honda as the go-to vehicle for recreational and budget-conscious riders. But for a pit bike of this value, there would surely be some compromises. Examples are:
- The primitive instrumentation (view on Amazon)
- Limited tank capacity
- The absence of a fuel-injected option
The SSR XF250 is a sweet deal and an easy-to-maintain ride. For a bike that used to be in the bottom ranks, it is doing exceptionally well in reputation, performance, and style.
SSR XF250 Specs & Features (2017 – 2020 Models)
Engine
The dual-sport and street-legal SSR XF250 trims come to life via an air-cooled, 4-stroke SOHC power mill – with a bore-stroke ratio of 72 x 61.2 mm (2.83 x 2.41 inches), a compression ratio of 9.2:1, and a piston displacement of 249 cm³ (15.2 in³). A 26-mm constant-velocity carburetor handles the air-fuel mixture and is mated to a polyurethane foam air filter element. Engine configurations lend to a fuel economy of 75 mpg (3.14 L/100 km), a SSR XF250 top speed of 78 mph (125 km/h), and horsepower of 18.1 bhp (13.5 kW) @ 7,000 RPM.
Fuel & Lubrication
Recommended fuel for the SSR XF250 is 9.8 liters of unleaded gasoline with a minimum Pump Octane Number of 90, containing less than 5% MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether), 10% ethanol, or 5% methanol, and with appropriate cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors. The bike’s oil capacity is unspecified in the owner’s manual, but an SAE 10W-40 variant with an API grade of at least SJ is strongly advised for use. Other multigrade 4-stroke oils are permitted following ambient temperature.
Drivetrain
A 5-speed gearbox and manual clutch assembly with a 1-up-4-down gearshift sequence deliver power. A chain final drive handles wheelspin. It is neither turbocharged nor fuel-injected, but its powertrain components make for throttle responsiveness and smooth shifting, nevertheless.
Despite its slow-revving nature, spacing between its gear ratios is spot on and renders the XF250 worthy enough for the interstate highway. Additionally, visible controls – such as dimmer/turning switches and a clutch lever on the left handlebar and a throttle grip, engine stop switch, and brake lever on the right – aid in the handling of the Enduro-style two-wheeler.
Ignition & Lighting
All XF250 base models have an electronic CDI system with an electric starter system (but without an auxiliary recoil or kick-starter). A three-way ignition switch powers the motorbike on, turns it off, and locks the handlebars in position. It also makes use of a rechargeable, sealed 12V 9Ah lithium-ion SSR XF250 battery and a TORCH D8RTC spark plug. The owner’s manual does not specify the battery format required by the XF250. Luckily, you can visit parts dealer and reseller sites like Amazon for a fitting aftermarket replacement.
For illumination, the bike has a reflector-type lighting assembly with the following specs (most of which are similar to that of an RPS Hawk 250):
- 12V 35W/5W for the headlight
- 12V 5W for the brake light
- 12V 21W for the taillight
- 12V 10W for the turn signals
- 12V 2W for other indicators
The headlight assembly is particularly special, as it attaches to the XF250’s front-end with four rubber straps wrapped around the front forks.
Tires & Brakes
Stock tires consist of tube-type dual-sport tires like Shinko Dual-Sport 244 Series Tires (view on Amazon) measuring 4.60 x 18 at the front and 5.10 x 17 at the back on aluminum alloy wheels. Recommended cold-tire pressure is 225 kPa (2.29 kgf/cm2, 32 psi) for front and rear knobbies. They mate with 250-/240-mm hydraulic discs and steel braided brake lines that provide the XF250 its stopping power. The rear brake pedal is dirt-bike high bone-stock (suitable when standing) and needs to be lowered down for normal driving/cruising.
Suspension
Enclosed in a high-tensile steel frame are 41-mm compression-adjustable inverted front forks and a twin-sided rear swingarm. The USD forks provide a wheel travel of 8 inches (203 mm) and are covered in faux carbon fiber. The bike’s setup is sufficient in stock form and does not easily bottom out. However, you may want to consider suspension mods if you intend to use your XF250 for more technical riding. For poor riding conditions, make sure to adjust the suspension settings to something less harsh.
Dimensions
Compared to its 250-cc counterparts, the SR XF250 Enduro is slightly shorter and narrower measuring 2,057 x 775 x 1,118 mm (81 x 30.5 x 44 inches). Seat height is comparable at 889 mm (35 inches) and can comfortably accommodate mid-height to tall riders. Payload capacity is unspecified in the manual but can be safely assumed at 150 Kg (330 lbs.).
Exterior
The SSR XF250 has a steel chassis and plastic body material in white, black, and orange, and a saddle seat good as a two-up or solo cruiser. The center pod contains the instrument panel consisting of a speedometer, tachometer, odometer, and turn signal/gear indicators. Both sides of the bike are fitted with rearview mirrors. The underside of the XF250 is exposed but can be covered with an optional full fairing offered by dealers.
Unlike most motorcycles, the bike does not have under-seat storage where you can keep your tool kit, manual, and other valuables. Instead, it has a tube-like canister found at the rear left side (it is pretty unnoticeable unless you do a full visual inspection of the bike at point of sale). On the exterior, the XF250 shares some similarities with the Kawasaki KLX230/300. Its side-view profile is eerily the same as the latter’s – except for how the exhaust pipe is angled.
Worth of an SSR XF250 Enduro
Original list prices for the SSR XF250 range between $3,059 and $3,459 (translating to an increase of $80 on MSRP each production year or a total of $400 throughout the bike’s lifecycle). These figures are exclusive of an optional full/windshield fairing, high-performance exhaust like JFG Racing Slip-On Exhaust Muffler Pipe Full System (view on Amazon), saddlebags, and security alarm system that would add another $1,000 to its base price. Both the XF250’s dual-sport (Enduro) and street versions have similar pricing, despite the difference in trim.
| Year – Model – Trim | List Price | Retail/Trade-In Values |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 XF250 | $3,059 | $1,780 – $2,345 |
| 2016 XF250 (Dual) | ||
| 2017 XF250 (Street) | $3,099 | $1,875 – $2,470 |
| 2017 XF250 (Dual) | ||
| 2018 XF250 (Street) | $3,149 | $2,270 – $2,990 |
| 2018 XF250 (Dual) | ||
| 2020 XF250 (Street) | $3,399 | $2,430 – $3,195 |
| 2020 XF250 (Dual) | ||
| 2021 XF250 (Street) | $3,459 | $2,550 – $3,355 |
| 2021 XF250 (Dual) |
(Source: Nada Guides)
Depending on your location, some online trading platforms sell the motorbike (either brand-new or slightly used) from $2,300 to $4,915 – giving you a savings of up to $1,100 on cheaper units. Auction sites show a slightly cheaper price range than reseller ones and expectedly post pre-owned XF250s. On the SSR Motorsports website, both dual-sport and street versions of the XF250 are sold for $3,459, plus freight surcharges and a destination fee of $350.
Battle of the Off-Brands
Since ranking 4th out of 75 motorcycles (based on Motorcycle.com’s 2020 User Ratings), the SSR XF250 has received more than the usual scrutiny from consumers – and competition. And out of all its counterparts, it seems to be always pitted against the same-class RPS Hawk Enduro. While determining the better bike between the two is usually a matter of preference, I am hoping that the table below helps settle the score:
SSR XF250 vs Hawk 250
| Configuration | SSR XF250 Enduro/Street | RPS Hawk 250 Enduro |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 4-stroke, single-cylinder | |
| Fuel System | Carburetion, 26-mm CV carb (other sources say a Tekei MV30 carburetor) | Carburetion, Keihin PE30 (pushrod design) |
| Engine Cooling | Air-cooled | |
| Bore x Stroke Ratio | 2.83 x 2.41 inches | 2.64 x 2.56 inches |
| Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 (later 9.4:1) | 9.0:1 |
| Displacement | 249 cm³ / 15.2 in³ | 229 cm³ / 13.97 in³ |
| Tank Capacity | 9.8 L/2.6 US gal (reserve – 1.6 L/0.42 US gal) | 14 L/3.7 US gal (reserve – 1.78 L/0.47 US gal) |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular gasoline, PON 90 or higher | Unleaded gasoline, PON 90 or higher |
| Fuel Economy | 3.14 – 3.31 L/100 km (55 – 75 mpg) | 3.31 – 4.28 L/100 km (55 – 71 mpg) |
| Horsepower | 18.1 bhp (13.5 kW) @ 7,000 RPM | 13.9 – 15.4 bhp (10.4 – 11.5 kW) @ 7,000 RPM |
| Maximum Torque | unspecified | 16.5 Nm (1.7 kgf-m, 12.2 ft-lb) @ 5,500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 70 – 78 mph (113 – 125 km/h), owner’s claim | 60 – 68 mph (97 – 109 km/h), marketed |
| Clutch | Wet, multiplate | |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed, manual shift-type | |
| Drive System | Chain drive (pitch unspecified) | 428 pitch chain drive, 130 links |
| Final Drive Ratio | unspecified | 17/45T |
| Starting System | Electric start | Electric-kick start |
| Ignition Type | Electronic DC-CDI | |
| Spark Plug | TORCH D8RTC (0.6 – 0.8 mm gap) | |
| Main Fuse | 15 Amp | 10 Amp |
| Battery / Dimensions | 12V 9Ah, 5L-BS format / 4.5 x 2.81 x 4.19 inches (114 x 71 x 106 mm) | |
| Front Tire | 4.60 x 18, tubed | 80/100-21 tubeless |
| Rear Tire | 5.10 x 17, tubed | 110/100-18 tubeless |
| Cold-tire Pressure (F/R) | 225 kPa (2.29 kgf/cm2, 32 psi) | 225 kPa (2.29 kgf/cm2, 32 psi) / 280 kPa (2.86 kgf/cm2, 40 psi) |
| Front Brake Type | 250-mm hydraulic discs, hand-operated | Hydraulic discs, hand-operated |
| Rear Brake Type | 240-mm hydraulic discs, right-foot-operated | Hydraulic discs, right-foot-operated |
| Front Suspension Type | 41-mm compression-adjustable inverted forks | 5-way preload-adjustable, double inverted shocks |
| Rear Suspension Type | Twin-sided swingarm | Mono-shock |
| Suspension Travel (F/R) | 8 inches (203 mm) – front only | |
| Ground Clearance | 203 mm (8 inches) | 211 mm (8.3 inches) |
| Wheelbase | 1,447 mm (57 inches) | 1,370 mm (53.9 inches) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 2,057 x 775 x 1,118 mm (81 x 30.5 x 44 inches) | 2,090 x 920 x 1,400 mm (36.22 x 82.28 x 55 inches) |
| Seat Height (Unloaded) | 889 mm (35 inches) | 864 mm (34 inches) |
| Curb Weight | 148.8 Kg (328 lbs.) | 126 Kg (278 lbs.) |
| Maximum Weight Capacity | 150 Kg (330 lbs.) | |
11 Recommended Mods for the XF250
Out of the crate, the SSR XF250 is already equipped with street-legal components and is ready for the road. However, it does have some minor quibbles that may go unnoticed for some but not for others. If you fall under the latter category of riders, then here is a non-exhaustive list of must-do modifications you may want to consider:
1. Gearing Adjustment
Stock gearing is set to 15/48T but can be adjusted to either 15/44T or 15/46T for a good increase in top-end speed and added acceleration. Tinkering with the front sprocket and changing it to 16T would make the XF250 feel leggier and result in gearing that is too tall. Consequently, the change may require you to downshift to 4th gear on inclines. That said, it is best to leave the front sprocket alone.
2. Larger Front Sprocket for Improved Highway Riding
Changing to a larger front sprocket is only advisable if you use the bike more for the highway or as a daily commuter. Otherwise, stick to the stock sprockets if you do not want to compromise the quality of your trail rides.
3. Removal of the Tamper-Proof Cap Covering the Idle Mixture Screw
4. Carburetor Re-Jetting, Needle Shim, Slide
To take the guesswork off your mods, veterans suggest buying a Sigma jet kit that includes jets, diagrams, and drill bits needed for upgrades mentioned in this section. Additionally, the kit is tailored to the rider’s elevation and considers prior mods that may have already been done, if any.
5. Muffler Mods or Cat-Back Exhaust System for Improved Airflow
6. Replacement of Stock Air Pump Smog Equipment
7. Air Cleaner Mods
8. Gauge Replacement
The gauges are cheap both in look and function. Stock instrumentation only has a speedometer, tachometer, and odometer and does not include a trip meter. Its odometer reads about 15% over the bike’s actual mileage, according to XF250 owners. Also, the bike did not have a gas gauge until 2017 onward.
9. Change of Stock Plastics to One-Piece Aftermarket Variants
This refers to the stock side plastics with a spur that sticks out and gets caught in riding/cowboy boots.
10. Swap Out the Factory Glass Fuse Holder With an ATV-Style Variant
This is not something you will need to do right away – only if you blow the stock fuse holder.
11. Frame Restoration
For older models, this is necessary. Powder-coating the frame and casings with UV-resistant paint will not only take a while to fade but would also do wonders for your bike’s appearance.
Gearing ratios, in particular, can go many routes but should be adjusted based on riding inclinations and within the motorbike’s max capacity. Overdoing gearing adjustments with the intent of gaining top speed is never an option. After all, the SSR XF250 is a dual-sport machine, the dynamics of which already fit both on-pavement and off-road riding. If you are looking to convert it into a speedster, you will be better off buying a larger-displacement Enduro bike built for speed.
About SSR
SSR Motorsports is a new player slowly making a name for itself in various automotive industries. Founded in 2002, the company began its journey by importing and distributing pit bikes. It eventually grew its armada of product offerings to include scooters, highly-optioned ATVs/UTVs/side x sides, mid-/full-size dirt bikes, street bikes, and Enduro motorcycles like the SSR XF250. In 2015, SSR added the Benelli product lines in North America to its repertoire. By expanding its market reach, the firm is slowly but surely strengthening its presence in the field of Powersports.
Conclusion – SSR XF250 Enduro Review
Unlike its 189-cc cousin, the SSR XF250 has yet to be featured in Dirt Bike Magazine. Nonetheless, it is one Enduro-style bike worthy of the attention and hard-earned money of casual riders and enthusiasts. It may not have all of its accolades published as of yet. But current XF250 owners do not need any prestigious magazine feature to be convinced of the bike’s underrated competencies. Call it a leap of faith or whatever you will. But right now, they are enjoying the perks of the SSR XF250 that the rest of us can only imagine.
Kris is an avid off-roader and outdoor enthusiast who loves to brave the elements and take on challenging terrain. He also enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge with others so that they, too, can appreciate the ride.
About Kris