Photo: Barry Lewis · CC BY 2.0
Yamaha XS400
73/100 Overall
73 On the road73 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Yamaha XS400 vs Honda CB250N Super Dream
Yamaha XS400 scores 73/100 overall against Honda CB250N Super Dream on 76/100. On the road: 73–77. As classics: 73–75. Overall result: Honda CB250N Super Dream.
Honda CB250N Super Dream
76/100 Overall
77 On the road75 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Yamaha XS400 | Honda CB250N | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 7 | 6 | Yamaha XS400 |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 8 | 9 | Honda CB250N |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 9 | Honda CB250N |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 7 | 8 | Honda CB250N |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 8 | 7 | Yamaha XS400 |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 7 | 9 | Honda CB250N |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 7 | 7 | Level |
Choose the Yamaha XS400 if…
you want a practical Yamaha middleweight with simple twin-cylinder engineering, comfortable road manners and traditional styling.
Choose the Honda CB250N if…
you want one of Britain's most familiar training and commuter motorcycles, with dependable Honda engineering and easy ownership.
Background
History
Yamaha XS400
The Yamaha XS400 was produced from 1977–1982 and used a 392cc air-cooled four-stroke parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, reliability, ownership appeal. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Honda CB250N
The Honda CB250N Super Dream was produced from 1978–1986 and used a 249cc air-cooled four-stroke parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for reliability, ownership appeal, historic importance. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Yamaha XS400
- Its production span in this library runs from 1977 to 1982.
- The recorded engine description is: 392cc air-cooled four-stroke parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, reliability, ownership appeal.
Honda CB250N
- Its production span in this library runs from 1978 to 1986.
- The recorded engine description is: 249cc air-cooled four-stroke parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are reliability, ownership appeal, historic importance.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Yamaha XS400
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha XS400. Its library score for styling is 8/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Honda CB250N
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda CB250N Super Dream. Its library score for reliability is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Yamaha XS400
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Honda CB250N
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Yamaha XS400
Rivals to the Honda CB250N
Final result
The verdict
Honda CB250N Super Dream wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Honda CB250N Super Dream wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Honda CB250N Super Dream takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.