Description
1989 YAMAHA XT225 SEROW - Dual Sport Motorcycle - 2 Owners - Low Mileage - Long MOTThis is my 1989 Yamaha Serow XT225, a lightweight dual-sport motorcycle that was originally imported into the UK by the Container Company of Dereham and first registered on 15 April 1997. It was declared as being manufactured in 1989 and given a non-transferable registration mark. Despite its global popularity and a production run spanning over 20 years (1986–2007) before it was succeeded by the XT250, the XT225 Serow was never officially offered for sale by Yamaha UK.
In addition to the importer, the bike has had just two UK owners: the first from its registration in April 1997, and myself, having acquired it in May 2002. I actively used it until around 2008/ 09, after which it was placed on SORN and remained in storage until recently passing its MOT in June 2025.
After almost two decades in storage, the Serow naturally showed signs of age and neglect. Inspired by my brother’s exceptional restoration of his Kawasaki Z650, I asked if he’d be willing to take on the Serow as his next project. It was transported to his workshop in Lancashire, where a full nut-and-bolt restoration was undertaken, with a focus on retaining as much originality as possible.
The engine, having covered just 9, 858 km (approximately 6, 100 miles), is in excellent mechanical condition. It has received fresh oil, new filters, and a new spark plug but was otherwise left untouched internally. The rest of the machine has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment, including:
• Wheels: Rebuilt with new spokes, nipples, wheel bearings, and rim tapes; hubs repainted; new tyres and tubes.
• Fuel system: New carburettor, new choke cable; fuel tank cleaned, de-scaled, lined, and repainted with new decals.
• Brakes: Master cylinder and calliper fully rebuilt with new seals and pads; new braided brake hose fitted.
• Suspension: Forks serviced with new oil and seals; new yellow gaiters fitted (slightly longer than original).
• Transmission: Original sprockets retained due to low wear; new chain fitted along with new chain roller and slipper.
• Electrical: New battery fitted.
• Chassis: Frame blasted and powder coated; swinging arm repainted; all cycle parts, nuts, bolts, brackets, footrests, etc either powder coated, zinc plated, or replaced as necessary, new decals to side panels etc
Some original parts were reused where they remained fully serviceable, being cleaned, and refinished to retain authenticity. Where original components were unobtainable or prohibitively expensive, quality pattern replacements were used, such as the starter/ kill switch. However, a few cosmetic items remain unrestored, either due to parts unavailability or a preference for originality for example:
• The seat retains its original green cover with the Yamaha logo, despite a small cut (visible in photos), as no correct reproduction was found.
• The original tool box’s closing tab was broken and has been replaced with a more robust buckle. The bike still includes its original toolkit.
In addition to its current V5 and MOT certificate the bike comes with some historic paperwork including the original V5 and several MOT certificates
In total, over £2500 has been invested in the restoration, and as with the Z650, my brother’s workmanship is of a very high standard.
Summary:
This is a highly original, low-mileage example of the iconic Yamaha Serow XT225, with only two UK owners since importation in 1997. It is fully restored, MOT'd until 24 June 2026, and ready to return to the trails. An excellent example of a now-rare model that represents Yamaha’s lightweight dual-sport heritage at its finest.
Please contact me by phone primarily or by email to Phil . hobson @ mail . co . uk
