| MODEL | HONDA XL 250 1972 - 1973 |
| Year | 1972 - 1973 |
| Engine Type | Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valve |
| Displacement / Capacity | 248 cc / 15.1 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 74 x 57.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Max Power | 17.5 kW / 23.4 hp @ 8000 rpm |
| Max Torque | — |
| Ignition | Battery and coil |
| Induction | Single 28 mm Keihin carburettor |
| Start System | Kick |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | — |
| Gear Box | 5 Speed |
| Clutch | Wet, multiple disc in oil bath |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | Semi double cradle |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic forks |
| Rear Suspension | Swinging arm, twin shocks |
| Front Brakes | 150 mm drum |
| Rear Brakes | 140 mm drum |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | — |
| Wheelbase | — |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | — |
| Wet Weight | — |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 2.75-21 |
| Rear Tyre | 4.00-18 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 9.5 Litres / 2.5 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | — |
| Top Speed | — |
The original XL250 of 1972 was Honda's first true four-stroke enduro and one of the first mass-produced motorcycles with a four-valve head. Light, frugal and nearly maintenance-free, it showed that a four-stroke could work as a dirt bike, and one won outright at the Virginia City Grand Prix in its first year. It started the wave of big four-stroke trail bikes that followed.
