Yamaha XT 350 (1991-1995) Review: The Unassuming Enduro That Refuses to Quit

Introduction

The Yamaha XT 350 occupies a unique space in motorcycling history—a no-frills, air-cooled dual-sport that quietly earned its reputation as a reliable companion for both pavement and dirt. Produced from 1991 to 1995, this generation of the XT 350 didn’t chase headlines with cutting-edge technology or eye-popping specs. Instead, it offered something far more enduring: simplicity. After spending time with this machine, it’s clear why it remains a cult favorite among riders who value function over flash. Let’s dive into what makes this bike tick—and why it still resonates today.

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Design & Ergonomics

The XT 350’s design is a masterclass in utilitarian aesthetics. Its angular fuel tank, slim profile, and high-mounted fenders scream “adventure-ready,” even if most owners never ventured farther than a gravel parking lot. The 855 mm (33.6-inch) seat height might intimidate shorter riders, but the narrow seat design and 120 kg (264.5 lb) dry weight make it surprisingly manageable once you’re in motion. Standing up on the pegs feels natural, thanks to a well-balanced handlebar position that doesn’t force you into a pretzel shape—a rarity in vintage dual-sports.

Yamaha kept the instrumentation refreshingly basic: a speedometer, odometer, and neutral indicator. No tachometer, no fuel gauge—just the essentials. The 12-liter (3.1-gallon) fuel tank offers decent range for weekend adventures, though serious off-roaders might crave an aftermarket upgrade.

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Engine & Performance

At the heart of the XT 350 lies its 346 cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine. With a DOHC 4-valve head and Yamaha’s YDIS (Yamaha Dual Intake System) carburetor, it produces 31.5 hp (22.8 kW) at 7,500 rpm and 29.5 Nm (21.7 ft-lb) of torque at 7,000 rpm. These numbers don’t set records, but they tell only half the story.

Thumb the kickstarter (no electric start here), and the motor barks to life with a throaty, purposeful idle. On pavement, acceleration is leisurely—0-60 mph takes its sweet time—but the real magic happens off-road. The engine’s broad torque curve lets you chug up technical trails in second or third gear without fuss. At highway speeds, vibrations become pronounced above 100 km/h (62 mph), but the XT feels surprisingly stable for a lightweight dual-sport. Just don’t expect to chase sport bikes; the top speed of 116 km/h (72 mph) is more “dirt-road diplomat” than “autobahn assassin.”

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Handling & Suspension

The XT 350’s chassis strikes a Goldilocks balance between agility and stability. The 36 mm telescopic forks and mono-cross rear suspension offer 230 mm (9 inches) of travel—enough to handle moderate jumps and rocky trails without beating you up. On twisty backroads, the 21-inch front wheel (3.00-21 tire) and 18-inch rear (4.00-18) provide predictable feedback, though the stock rubber leans more toward dirt than pavement performance.

Ground clearance of 275 mm (10.8 inches) lets you straddle logs and ruts without hesitation. At low speeds, the bike’s 1420 mm (55.9-inch) wheelbase keeps things maneuverable, though tight switchbacks might require some body English. For a 1990s machine, the XT’s geometry feels remarkably modern—a testament to Yamaha’s off-road pedigree.

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Braking System

Braking duties fall to a single 240 mm front disc and a rear drum brake. The front setup offers adequate bite for casual riding, but aggressive downhill descents demand careful modulation. Upgrading to sintered pads (available at MOTOPARTS.store) improves performance significantly. The rear drum is… well, a drum brake—serviceable for controlling slides but don’t expect ABS-level finesse.

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Competition

How does the XT 350 stack up against its 1990s rivals? Let’s break it down:

Honda XR350L (1985-1987)

• Pros: Legendary Honda reliability, slightly lighter at 116 kg (256 lb)
• Cons: Lower power (22 hp), no electric start, discontinued earlier
• XT Edge: Better road manners, more modern suspension

Suzuki DR350S (1990-1999)

• Pros: Electric start option, liquid cooling, 6-speed transmission
• Cons: Heavier at 129 kg (284 lb), complex maintenance
• XT Edge: Simpler air-cooled design, lower seat height

Kawasaki KLR650 (1987-2007)

• Pros: Larger 651 cc engine, legendary durability
• Cons: Porky 175 kg (386 lb) weight, less agile off-road
• XT Edge: True dual-sport agility, better fuel efficiency

The XT 350’s sweet spot? It splits the difference between the XR’s austerity and the DR’s complexity. While not the most powerful or modern, its simplicity makes it a favorite for DIY enthusiasts.

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Maintenance

Here’s where the XT 350 truly shines. This bike was built to be worked on—a quality that’s only grown more valuable with age. Key considerations:

Valve Adjustments

• Intake: 0.08–0.12 mm (0.003–0.005 in) cold
• Exhaust: 0.13–0.17 mm (0.005–0.007 in) cold
  Stick to these specs religiously. The DOHC design rewards precise maintenance.

Oil Changes

• Without filter: 1.3L SAE 10W-40
• With filter: 1.4L (API SE or higher)
  Pro Tip: Swap the stock oil filter for a high-flow aftermarket unit to combat the oil pump failure gremlins mentioned in period reviews.

Carburetor Tuning

The Y24PV carb’s air screw defaults to 3 turns out—a good starting point. For altitude adjustments, MOTOPARTS.store stocks jet kits that modernize fueling.

Chain & Sprockets

• Stock setup: 19T front / 52T rear, 128-link chain
  Upgrading to an O-ring chain reduces maintenance intervals. Check our selection of steel vs. aluminum sprocket combos for your riding style.

Suspension Fluid

• Forks: 319 ml per leg of SAE 10W
  Consider switching to a heavier weight fluid if you’ve added luggage or ride aggressively.

Electrical Upgrades

No oil pressure light? No problem. Install an aftermarket gauge cluster with warning lights—we carry plug-and-play kits that integrate seamlessly.

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Conclusion

The Yamaha XT 350 isn’t a bike that shouts for attention. It won’t dominate sand dunes or win drag races. What it will do is start on the first kick (most days), tackle fire roads with a grin, and forgive your mechanical shortcomings. Its true legacy lies in its adaptability—a blank canvas for riders who value customization over convention.

Whether you’re reviving a barn find or optimizing a well-loved example, MOTOPARTS.store has the components to keep your XT 350 relevant in 2023 and beyond. From heavy-duty skid plates to modern LED lighting kits, we’re here to help you write the next chapter in this enduro’s enduring story.

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Specifications sheet

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