Ok, I am wanting to know some comparisons on these two bikes. Since I would not be using the bike offroad to much would the extra power and acceleration be worth it to buy the 350? This will be my first bike and I have found a 99XT350 in good condition but we have not agreed on the price yet. Will this bike be a good deal if I could get it for 2,000 or around? Would both of these bikes have enough acceleration for riding around on rode? I know that they are not sport bikes but I don't want to be lagging behind. Thanks for the help!

The XT350, is excellent for road. The 225 can handle highway riding, but the 350 would be better at it. The 350 is kickstart only, whereas the 225 has the sweet button and you could add a kickstart if you want. I almost bought a 350 myself, but the guy sold it before I got there, so I ended up with the 225, but I couldn't be happier....

I am 15 and dont have my permit and I plan on learning to ride on my farm for at least a couple of months before I get on the road, so another question will the XT350 handle the fields well. Also would it be a good first bike? Are there any other bikes that are better than it? I am wanting a combination of MPG, Offroad cababilities, handling and acceleration.

The 350 is an excellent all around bike. It is pretty much as bulletproof and everything else as the 225, but is a little heavier, and taller. The offroad capabilities are comparable with the 225, but with the 225 being lighter, you can flick it thru just about anything....

IMHO the XT350 feels a lot heavier to ride, suspension doesn't feel as good on the road or off road (Soggy) and is only a little quicker. Reportedly just as reliable (though carbs can be fiddly).

If you are closer to 200lb then you mass will effect the XT225 on road a little and if you are close to 6 foot tall the XT350 will be more comfortable size wise.

I honestly think you should check out the DR350 and TTR250 as well if you can find street legal versions (in the UK they all are, but dunno across the pond).

The DR350SE was made in the US as a street legal bike with E start. I think the 1996 and later were the best. I owned a 1985 XT350 and it had about 6-7 more HP more than the 225 plus more torque, weighed about 40 lbs more, and had a top speed of about 85. As NickR says, the dual throat carb is squirrely and the rubber part of the intake manifolds seperate from the aluminum part sometimes. The front forks are the weak spot in the suspension. I put knobbies on mine and it made a big difference off -road. If they had ever brought in the TT350 in street legal form as it was sold overseas, it would have been a winner. I had one I dual sported. Better suspension and lighter that the XT350. The TTR250 was never street legal in the US.

I have owned both a 1987 XT350 (gone) and a 2005 XT225. They are both great bikes. I like the 225 better offroad and I liked the 350 better on the road. The 350 handled the highway with ease. My 350 was bulletproof. Here is a picture of my 1987 XT350 when I sold it in 2004. It was 17 years old and still ran like a new bike.

What kind of MPG should I expect to get?

What would you pay for a 1999 XT350 with 5,600 miles? Would 2,000 be about right? Since I am about 6' tall I think a 350 would be a better fit for me.

Would the DR350 beat out the XT350 at MPG and acceleration? Is the DR350 over all a better bike?

If it's in excellent shape, 1800-2000 should be fair....