| MODEL | HONDA XL 250S 1978 - 1979 |
| Year | 1978 - 1979 |
| Engine Type | Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valve |
| Displacement / Capacity | 249 cc / 15.1 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 74 x 57.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Max Power | 15 kW / 20.2 hp @ 7500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 19.6 Nm / 14.5 lb-ft @ 8000 rpm |
| Ignition | Electronic |
| Induction | Single 28 mm Keihin carburettor |
| Start System | Kick |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | — |
| Gear Box | 5 Speed |
| Clutch | Wet multi-plate |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | — |
| Front Suspension | Oil-damped telescopic forks |
| Rear Suspension | Swinging arm, twin shocks |
| Front Brakes | 155 mm drum |
| Rear Brakes | 140 mm drum |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | 2174 mm / 85.6 in |
| Overall Width | 874 mm / 34.4 in |
| Overall Height | 1183 mm / 46.6 in |
| Seat Height | 848 mm / 33.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 1389 mm / 54.7 in |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | 118 kg / 260 lbs |
| Wet Weight | 132 kg / 291 lbs |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 3.00-23 |
| Rear Tyre | 4.60-18 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 9.5 Litres / 2.5 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | — |
| Top Speed | 111 km/h / 69 mph |
The XL250S of 1978 was a lighter, redesigned successor to the XL250, with an all-alloy four-valve single, twin exhaust ports merging into one pipe, and a large 23-inch front wheel for rough ground. Tests of the time rated it the best dual-purpose bike in its class for its low weight, slim build and spread of power, though they criticised the chain guide, tyres and lack of a rev counter.
