XR250 tornado
 

I am interested in the XR250 tornado as a dual purpose (mostly dirt)/trail bike. I know that it is a Honda of South America model. I was wondering if anyone knew if it was possible to get one in the USA and get it registered here. I think it would be more suitable for my preferences in riding than the CRF230F that is offered in the USA market. I like riding the mountains and trails of Wyoming, southern Idaho, and northern Utah.
Thanks for the help.

Anything is possible, but I doubt there is any importation of them gray market or otherwise. I could only imagine fellow Horizonsunlimited members bringing one up from a trip and selling it to you, or you going there yourself and bringing it up.

The other problem you might run into is EPA rules. In theory, one could register most anything with a minimum of street equipment in the state of Arizona, but I have yet to see Mexican market specific cars registered in Arizona, while I see plenty of them driving here with the various Mexican states' license plates (i.e. VW's Bug). There is obviously a reason for this, and this is a state where one could street register quads (US EPA-approved ones).

Since you mentioned Utah, I would look into Pitster Pro. They are a primarily pitbike related company, one of the best in the US, but they have recently added a full-size 250 dirt bike, enduro, and motard, built by Galaxy Moto of China. Ironically, Pitster Pro gets their bikes via Puzey of South Africa, so all threes' companies are the same bike. However, Pitster only uses the 25 hp liquid-cooled engine, while the Puzey uses air-cooled engines and offers the liquid-cooled engines as optional on their 250 lineup.

This bike, in 230, air-cooled trim, came in 6th place in last year's Talikaman rally, behind only some big named brands (bigger engines, too), and first in their class.

China's Taklimakan Desert Rally - bring sunscreen and beach umbrella - MyChinaMoto

I mention this as I think that this bike is decent for what you are asking it to do, and are headquartered in Utah, so you could pop in and ask the company questions. When you email them, the owner (he seems to be the owner) is the guy who returns the emails.

The price is alot less than the Honda, but a little steep IMO for a Chinese bike. But at least you wouldn't have to go all the way to Brazil for one :clap:or at least have a look at one!

I think I saw the Tornado in Mexico too.