 The
new 250cc Serow
The All-New 250cc Serow
In 2005 Yamaha brought out a 20th anniversary Serow with a 250
engine. But the extra 25cc isn't the only change; the bike has been
completely redesigned and just the wheels and the handlebars remain
the same. Unfortunately, only one of these mean machines has been
imported into the UK, but thanks to the camaraderie of my fellow
Serow riders I tracked down the lucky owner in the north of England
who immediately offered me a test ride. It was a long drive
from London to Bolton, but it was worth it to meet all round good
guy, Reggie, and of course to try out his shiny new 20th anniversary
Serow.
Never having ridden a brand new bike before, it was something of
an education for me. Why is the engine so quiet? Why isn't it
covered with mud and oil? Why aren't the levers snapped? All
these questions and more flooded my brain as I pulled away with a
clutch so light that I checked to make sure it was connected to the cable!
The 2005 model is quite simply, a totally different bike. The engine
has a little more bottom end umph and it also cruises comfortably at
a slightly higher speed than my '94 model. The suspension has also
been upgraded, but most notable was
the improved handling; Reggie described it perfectly as 'flickable' and
it really feels like you could throw it around the place with no
effort at all. Interestingly, there are now five gears instead of
six, but they are nicely spaced. The headlight is smaller and the
seat is a tiny bit higher, the styling is generally more modern all
round and get this - it's got a digital instrument panel - what will
they think of next?
More information about the Serow can be found online at the
XT225 Serow Riders site
and at www.xt225.com
Read all about the history of the Serow and the 'Serowists'
(its litter-collecting, nature-loving fanclub!)
here. |
