The 35-year-old Yamaha Serow first appeared in 1985 as the XT225. The popular, lightweight dual sport took many riders from the streets to scenic roads and trails, receiving subtle updates until its overhaul in 2005 as the larger Yamaha XT250. Since then it’s been fuel-injected in 2008, further updated for 2018 to comply with stricter emissions regulations, and cherished by riders in Japan and beyond. Sadly, Yamaha recently announced it is saying farewell to the XT250 with the 2020 Serow Final Edition.
The 2020 Yamaha XT250 Serow Final Edition will be available in two colors: Red and Green. While the graphics appear modern, their colors do directly harken back to the model’s first year in the mid ‘80s. The small-displacement adventure bikes will also feature “Final Edition” badging.
Japanese customers willing to pay extra can also opt for the adventure-ready Touring Serow package which includes a windscreen with a multi-purpose mounting bar, hand guards, a rear luggage rack, and an aluminum skid plate.
The Yamaha Serow 250 is currently powered by an air-cooled, SOHC 249 cc single-cylinder engine which makes 20 PS at 7,500 rpm and 20 Nm at 6,000 rpm. It has a five-speed transmission, fuel capacity of 9.3 L, seat height of 830 mm, and weight of 133 kg.
Japanese customers who order the 2020 Serow Final Edition from certain dealers during the “Take A Break” campaign (December 5, 2019 to June 30, 2020) will also receive a special wood camping mug — as a little JDM token of thanks from Yamaha for 35 years of patronage.
Let’s see if the Japanese brand intends to replace the outgoing Serow 250 with a light and agile dual sport that will be just as fun and memorable. After all, the Final Edition’s farewell campaign is called “Take A Break.” Hopefully, that’s what Yamaha plans to do before it reveals its next small-displacement camping buddy. Only time will tell. One thing's for sure: the Serow will be missed.
4,000 units of the 2020 Yamaha Serow Final Edition will be produced and sold for ¥535,000 each with a release date of January 15, 2020. Equipped with the Touring Serow package, it will cost ¥586,000.
