Well hell, I'm even more glad I didn't try to do it myself! 4 groups? Wouldn't have even noticed it, at least not until I probably had the whole thing together, lol!

For reasons I can't explain the XT225 rear wheel build is funky. I'm sure the design tradeoffs were well considered leading to 4 difference spoke groups. There is one group (9 spokes) that exits the hub on the sprocket side. They bend beyond 90 degrees back into the lacing pattern. These were the spokes we had chronic problems with. We'd break 1-2 spokes on each bike per ride. Power sports equipment is high maintenance. That said, the XT225 isn't too bad on the wallet. My friend blew a stator in his ATV which was a $750 part. Ride safely.

I am pretty sure it is those exact "over angled" spokes that broke on mine. All 3 exit the hub on sprocket side. I double checked for elongated holes on the hub and they seem to be in good order. 1-2 spokes per ride is a major bummer. I feel as though my issue stemmed from lazy spoke maintenance. Lesson learned there....

In fairness to the bike, it isn't designed for really tough terrain. That said, it does manage pretty well except the rear wheel. I favored the bike for reliability and a low seat height. The rear wheel problems were solved with an upgrade project to include a disc brake. In 2003, the XT225 was the only option for a dual sport bike. Being street legal also saved a lot of hassles. On rare occasions I could have used a few more ponies and a couple of extra inches of suspension. My first choice of bike would have been a street legal XR400 but that didn't happen. We rode those bikes for 16 years and they got us in/out of everything we wanted to ride and explore. Those few places that weren't smart we either didn't ride or hiked in. I could count them on one hand. It's a great bike, nibble and very capable. One learns to ride it with limitations becoming part of your technique.


On the way to the Martinez Cabin in AZ. This is tough on the rear wheel.


No day at the beach either.


It gives way to this after you suffer a bit.

As for dual sport bikes, there are a lot more options now. I would avoid radiators, high tech engines, tall inseam seats, FI and anything else that can break and leave you stranded. I don't ride anymore so choosing a bike isn't a concern. My comments are from past experiences and lessons learned. A skilled rider can do amazing things on any bike. When back in NJ, we rode with a fellow that had 1 arm. He was on an 80cc two stroke Honda. The difficult stuff that guy could ride easily would blow your mind. It put us to shame and offered some perspective. Ride safely.

I need 2 rear spokes. Can anyone sell me just 2 rear spokes?

In my experience, replacing just the two broken spokes will end up with more broken spokes in short order, and possibly one right through the tube and tire like I had happen. Best to just bite the bullet and re-lace the whole rim and not have to worry about it for a long time.