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Test Ride Review Of The CRF 250 L - By Ren Withnell
If you read the blog you'd know that I'd been pondering where all the 250's have gone. I mentioned the Honda CRF 250 L as a possible contender in the category of "Bikes I like". What appealed to me was the £4,000 price tag, Honda's claim of 90mpg and the off road ability. I personally think the 250 class offers a reasonable compromise between the economy of a 125, light weight and the a little of the performance of a larger machine.
It's a fine looking machine.
I did not plan to ever test ride a CRF though. I merely went to Preston Honda to price up an owner's manual for my super fuel efficient CBF 125. Whilst there I spotted the 250 and I got all giddy. This bike had "SOLD" on the seat so although I looked really hard I did not touch. Peter Hadfield, a sales man who had the (dis)pleasure of trying to persuade me to part with cash for a NC 700 S with no success, smelt my interest in the CRF and directed me to another machine in the shop window. I had a sit on it. The first thing I immediately notice is that it's a proper off roader so it's tall. I struggled to climb aboard with my big bike pants stuck to my legs in the sweaty heat but once aboard my average 5'8" frame was man enough to get both feet securely on the floor. It's tall, narrow, upright and light, it feels just like what I expect a real crosser to feel like.
I'm sure the tyre is road legal, but the 21 inch front wheel and tyre suggest this is more off road than on.
I climbed off and remarked how nice it was, but it was probably too off road for my requirements. Peter tried to persuade me that the CRF 250 "L" is not an all out competition moto cross machine like it's similarly named cousins, it's a street bike with off road potential. I mean, it's got bona fide and rather trick rear footrests, a proper subframe to which there seems the possibility of affixing a rack and top box, proper lights and all that a legitimate road legal machine should have. I pointed out though it's got knobbly tyres and a skinny seat and that it feels like an off roader, not that I'd know.
I was getting ready to leave when he offered me a test ride, the bike in the window is a demonstrator. Wow! There's no doubt I surely wanted a go, who wouldn't, but I did suggest I may not really be ready to buy. Never the less he took my licence and I signed the forms and before I knew what day it was I was sat back on the 250 with my helmet and jacket on. Oh well, here goes.
The view from the bar...s. Very simple controls, no fancy computers to manage. Features Honda's new switchgear with the horn where the indicators would be and vice versa. "Beep" to indicate...but you get used to it...
I am not a professional tester and as such I had some misplaced preconceptions, or hopes. I was hoping this would be a fuel efficient machine with the potential for a few slight modifications that would turn into a mile munching all purpose super comfortable miniature big trailie. The big trailie market offers motorcycles that reach a very acceptable compromise between power, performance and handling without the head down arse up discomfort of the super sports models. They tend to ride very well whilst carrying tons of luggage and still manage to excite. However all the current range are 650cc's and above which apart from the NC 700 X all drink fuel at the usual rate of 60mpg or less. Not good enough, not with the cost of fuel on a long trip.
The Honda 250 is not a V-Strom, Versys or GS1200 eater It would be great if the small efficient motor produced the power and torque of a large capacity bike but that is expecting far too much. If you want to save on fuel you have to accept that you're not going to be ripping up tarmac and beating Gixers at the lights. What you get with the CRF 250 L is a rock solid engine that produces a steady power output that rises with revs. At low revs the motor "put put"'s away with an acceleration that's useful but not aggresive, at higher revs the motor comes alive and exciting as long as you're not heading into illegal speeds.
The 250cc motor is efficient and powerful enough.
I head out onto the motorway. I want to know if the motor can sustain 70 without expiring. Oooooohhhh....scary! Knobbly tires are not really designed to travel along motorways at 70mph. There is also in my mind that the bike has a mere 50 miles on the speedo so I suspect the tyres are not even scrubbed in fully. It's hard to give a full and honest appraisal of a bike when it's not got a few miles on it. Once I get my head around the new sensations and stop trying to ride it like my other bikes it all starts to make a little more sense. There's nothing alarming or dangerous, it just feels so light and vague compared to a road bike.
The motor is perfectly fine on the motorway at the legal speed limit. Especially considering it's not even run in yet, it feels free revving and willing. There's some left on the throttle at 70mph, I suspect it might just see 85 on a good day with no wind but I'm not going to find out, 70's legal and just fine with me. The riding position is bolt upright so any faster would start to become tiring. I'm not going to find out today what it would be like to ride it for 4 hours on the motorway so I can't comment on the comfort, it is roomy like my old SLR 650 but also has a narrow seat like the SLR 650, that used to wreck my ass.
Off the motorway it all starts to make much more sense. In the villages the motor is happy to plod along with little snatching and grabbing even at low revs. There's 6 gears in the gearbox and at 30mph 4th and 5th make the most sense. The exhaust is suitably legal and quiet although I'm sure most owners will retro fit something more aggressive. Even so there's a satisfying note and a little go when required at low revs. I navigate some side streets and I'm pleasantly pleased with the way the suspension smooths the bumps and negotiates the tight corners.
It's the countryside where the bike comes alive though. Give the motor the revs it demands and although it won't pull your arms out of your sockets there's a definite rapid rise in the numbers on the digital speedo. Bouncing along narrow back lanes with patches of gravel and dirt from fields it feels secure and confident. I'm mindful of the new tyres through the bends and again I have to re-adjust my riding style to suit the off road geometry. This bike BEGS you to stick your leg out super motard or moto cross style, you drop the bike into the bend and sit upright, far forwards in the long seat.
Rising rate linkage at the rear and upside down forks at the front...pretty well specced bouncy stuff.
Into one leg-out bend I'm confronted by a Mercedes complete with bemused housewife looking at the radio and not the road. I don't know why, but there's no panic. Just a dab on the brakes and I roll into the grass verge and we pass, she sees me as we're side by side. Back onto the gas and I happily curve another set of bends, I'm starting to understand how the bike likes to be ridden. It likes to be ridden hard.
It's all over too soon. Back in Preston I take the bike down another few side streets and estate roads. I know this is not typical test territory but it's where I spend a lot of my riding, and if people were honest it's where many of us spend our time. It's all very well and good having a 1300cc mile muncher but if you drop the damn thing every time you leave your estate then it's not a good start to the day. It's as easy. if not a little easier than a 125 to navigate chicanes, speed bumps and ruined road surfaces.
Bearing in mind that I'm looking at this bike with a view to ownership and not the neutral point of view of a professional tester, I'm looking at this bike from MY point of view. This is NOT the bike I am looking for. The seat is too narrow for the miles I sometimes cover, the exhaust would set fire to my throwover saddle bags, the small tank would give about 100 miles I guess, not enough for me and it's all just a bit TOO much off road for Mr Practical. The fuel economy seems pretty good, the performance is much more than adequate and it's a fine looking bike. I like this bike a lot, but it's a play thing, full of fun. If I were rich I'd keep one in the garage to play on, but it's not a miniature practical big trailie
It's a good job the motor is efficient, with such a tiny little fuel tank!
I had the terrifying pleasure of riding a Husaberg 570 a while back, that will pull your arms off like a child's toy. However that beast requires careful servicing and maintenance every few hours. The Honda has an 8,000 mile...yes...I said 8,000 mile service interval. Apart from the disappointing mild steel exhaust it should survive winters, abuse and rain without too much trouble. This bike is a trainee hooligan's bike. It demands to be ridden hard and aggressively and yet you could still use it for the trip to work and ride to your mum's house for a brew. If you've just passed your test and are limited to the 33bhp or you want something that's going to be an absolute hoot to ride to work and back all year round then this bike may just be perfect.
I must give a big thank you to Peter at Preston Honda. He spent a small age allowing me to discuss and ponder whether or not I wanted the NC 700 and even though I did not part with cash he still encouraged me ride the 250. I'd welcome anyone else's views and opinions on the CRF 250 L either through the comments box below or email me renwithnell@hotmail.com
Reader's Comments
Tom McQ said :-
Smaller capacity bikes do appeal to me - never more so than since the recession hit me in the nuts. Although I currently ride a Fazer1000, I am increasingly attracted to smaller, more frugal machines and really fancy an alternative machine in the garage.
For me, it would have to be something a little quirky like the CRF, but not as heavily off-road based.
I've got a 31yr old 250 SuperDream at the back of the garage but it's big and heavy and probably wouldn't do 60mpg, so that will never be an acceptable alternative.
Let me know if you find something that's "just right" :-)
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
badou said :-
best small bike iv owned goes off road a treat !0
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
badou 24 said :-
its a great little trail bike and it will go anywhere off road !!! 10 / 10 well done honda !
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Glenn Dessario said :-
Just bought onehere in Ontario Canada.
Grat bike for me....just put 65km's on after taking delivery this aft!
Butter-smooth engine. Going farm to farm to help with autumn harvest...this thing is awesome. I used a wee bit of gas. Love the fuel-injection. I am 235lbs. and this thing pulls steady with a nice torque curve. It's not going to wheelie through gears but she'll go through dirt and sand tracks with no complaint. This will be a great commuter. I am pleased of the very thrifty fuel usage because I am starting to use that as a very strong qualification in purchasing decisions.
Thank you Honda for such an utterly smooth economical powerplant in a cary beautiful machine!
Ren, a very accurate and informative review!
Cheers! I am going back out to ride!!!
Glenn Dessario
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Simon Layton said :-
I've owned my CRF250L for 3 weeks now and have just had the first service done.
So far I'm thrilled with it. I purchased it because my riding is nearly all country lanes, and by that I mean tiny single track jobbies with passing places. In Hertfordshire that means completely unmaintained, potholed strewn roads that resemble a runway in a war zone.
I had an ANF125 which I loved but my backside was spending more time in the air than on the saddle and so it reluctantly had to go.
Honda claim 90.4 mpg, I say pah! try 95.4 while running in and so far a worse figure of 87, which includes some gentle but long green lanes.
I love the very wide spread of power, the handling is good once you trust the tires and unclench your bum. I find it a fantastic all rounder, easy to ride, economical,easy to clean and ok for fairly long distances with bum ache after about an hour and a half, but I'd normally have stopped for a ciggie by then any way.It can be a bit tiring on motorways, the front end does wander about a bit but I find the trick is to grip the tank with your knees,lean forward and let the wind support you and this takes the pressure off your arms and allows you to counter steer with relaxed hands
Overall I'd recommend one to anyone.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Robert said :-
I'm looking for my first big since passing my test. I think you have made my mind up! I was unsure about how it would handle motorway speed (UK) although if it sits a comfy 70 that will do me. I commute into town on a CBF125 currently with the occasional blast, should be the perfect jump up. Also insurance is LOW.
Thanks for the review.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Neil H said :-
Try the CRF 250 M! Same seat mind you, but it has 17" wheels and bigger brakes. I'm in love with mine, the Yoshi pipe wakes it up a bit too.
Great little bike, nice prioce.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Tyler Yandow said :-
Yes, this is a street legal bike with off road potential. Dirt roads are a blast and single track is very do-able. But this bike does not climb rocks and uneven terrain like my CRF230F did. Although not up to WR250R standards, the 230F was a mountain goat compared with the 250L. At the very least the 250L needs lower gearing to be truly useful off road here in the eastern US. However as most of my riding is no longer technical, the 250L suits me fine. I can load it up with camping gear for the weekend and she doesn't complain a bit.
Every summer I do a dual sport ride with guys who ride mostly BMW's. They vary in size from 650 to 1200cc. When we get into class IV roads and trails the little Honda is so much easier to handle than a loaded 500 lb. bike it's not even funny. So it takes me a few more minutes to get home. So what.
I replaced the stock fuel tank with one holding 3 gallons so I'm good for about 200 miles without worry. The narrow seat is not great but still better than many street bikes. So what's not to like about the 250L? Not much. It brings a smile to my face every time I throw a leg over the seat. Unless you need a serious off road machine, it is hard to go wrong with the 250L.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
James Knight said :-
I bought one after selling my Street Triple R (the best all round road bike ever imho) because I wanted dirt cheap motoring here in Jersey, Channel Islands and it does that perfectly.
With regards to the handling on dirt tyres- It's something that takes a little adjustment. At first I didn't trust them much, but now the scuffs on my boots and pegs will attest to the fact that you can really throw this little bike around on the stock knobblies. I often ride little off road tracks and driveways and its perfect for that.
I race motocross so the riding position feels like home to me. It's the perfect position for city riding but like all trail bikes, useless on the motorway.
It would be nice to have another 5bhp which is easily done with an exhaust and PCIII but that would be defeating the point of buying it in the first place. Its a simple, cheap, reliable commuter which can also handle the rough stuff.
If you want to rack up miles consider the CBR250/300 which uses the same engine.
There are several riders attempting RTW trips on these bikes which is a testament to their reliability and ability
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
I've seen a few folks taking this bike on their "Big Trip" I still have a big soft spot for this bike but I keep on running into the same problem each time I think of getting one and hacking it for some serious miles...the tank!
It's good for around 100 miles. That's fine for commuting but there's places even here in the UK, the Scottish Highlands, where 100 miles just won't be enough. Imagine then you're in a foreign country, in a remote area and no knowledge of where the next fuel could be found?
It needs a 14 litre tank just to avoid spending all your time looking for fuel. Ideally a 20 litre option would be lovely.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Johnny Gee said :-
I've had my CRF250l for 4 months now and absolutely love it. Feels really light even though it is relatively heavy and it is competent off road. Runs like a Swiss watch no matter how cold it is. Highly recommended!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Hc nerf said :-
Got 80,000 on my 2013 ride it to work everyday take shortcuts through the woods. Dead reliable. I hammer it daily...
04/07/2016 21:16:36 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
80,000! Is that miles or kilometres Hc nerf? Whatever it's still good going either way. Is there anything that does break a lot, any maintenance tips? What fuel consumption do you usually achieve?
05/07/2016 05:18:07 UTC
Tyler said :-
Most underappreciated little pig on the farm. Just love mine. Im6ft, 215lbs living up in Vermont.
31/01/2017 20:42:55 UTC
Tyler said :-
31/01/2017 20:46:31 UTC
Tyler said :-
31/01/2017 20:51:43 UTC
Tyler said :-
Any questions about mods or if your up in central Vermont and want a little dual sport tour drop a line HIGGY525@YAHOO.COM
31/01/2017 20:58:56 UTC
Ian Soady said :-
I think it may be a little far for Ren unless he can take the 125 as hand luggage.
01/02/2017 10:32:36 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
HA! Ian you're quite right. Look pretty funky there in Central Vermont Tyler, I reckon you're pretty lucky living in such surroundings.
How do you find the seat on long road runs? It's a cracking bike I just found the seat to be something of a plank after a long long ride.
01/02/2017 14:37:14 UTC
Tyler said :-
I only went 3 miles on the stock seat and I could tell it would be like all my other Honda dual sport seats-uncomfortable. I had a custom Corbin seat made for this pig. Much, much nicer for any kind of riding. Vermont has over 8,000 miles of dirt roads and is like dual sport heaven.
03/02/2017 20:28:21 UTC
Tyler said :-
Check out this hot little Yamaha T-7 concept dual sport bike. Their saying may be available in 2018. Probably not on this side of the pond. But, man, I'd like to get my paws on one! I could stare at this bike in my basement all winter like a true Vermont rider!
03/02/2017 20:34:57 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Tyler - I'm beginning to think you work for the Vermont tourist board! Either that or you like making we Brits jealous. We have "dirt roads" but it's illegal to ride 99.9% of them, they're for nice walking peoples.
It looks like Yamaha have taken the most excellent MT07 motor and stuck in a bona fide Dakar frame. It is a thing of beauty bit rather wasted on me I'm afraid. Firstly I have next to no off road ability and it won't do 80mpg.
Good call on the CRF seat, didn't know Corbin did one for it. Is off the shelf then customised or did you have to get it specifically made?
04/02/2017 00:54:09 UTC
Tyler said :-
Seat was off the shelf. You just pick the cover materials and foam density. It was pricey, like $400 us. "SEAT CONCEPTS" makes a nice one for half that much money. My CRF might hit 80mph if I dropped it out of an airplane, otherwise, not. 72mph is haulin'ass on this thing.
07/02/2017 20:14:35 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
If the seat is comfy and you like the bike then it's worth the expense.
Should be good for 80 surely? I guess it might be lowly geared as an off roader. The gf's Z250SL will pull 80 and then some.
07/02/2017 22:52:48 UTC
Henrik said :-
WR250R is what to go for ,.. CRF250L is the seccondbest option
Generally the new 250 segment socalled "adventure" bikes is a big fake
Might as well just get a Inazuma if its all about being as heavy as possible
The seat could be worked on ,... or pillowed ,.. needed be
As for the tank there is a 3.1 gallon IMS option and some small aux-options also from Acerbis
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qQi66WnIoU...
07/02/2017 23:52:18 UTC
Henrik said :-
Serious woman here ,.. with a good luggage solution also ,.. worldwide
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mipEqcNM_uk...
08/02/2017 00:00:34 UTC
Henrik said :-
Interview in Malaysia ,.. and luggage pictures from the real trip
matmoto.com/news/interview-with-a-world-traveler-30-minutes-with-steph-jeavons...
08/02/2017 00:08:30 UTC
Henrik said :-
So I guess 3.1 gal acerbic special-tank + 3.5 gal standard Rotopax is what she use ,..
I see something like a pillow also on the seat
rotopax.com/fuelpax-3-5.html?category_id=31...
08/02/2017 00:24:27 UTC
Henrik said :-
Clips from the travel
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GmsLohWvIU...
08/02/2017 00:29:41 UTC
Henrik said :-
Her review :-)
Rest of the clips sure worth a look also ,.. I will stop here
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbB6IO3H3iU...
08/02/2017 00:31:59 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Aaah Steph Jeavons! Fabulous lady and the ultimate advert for the CRF250.
As for the WR versus the CRF question. Yes the WR may be better in terms of off road and performance but what if you're looking for something milder, gentler and relaxing? The Honda is easy if that makes sense.
08/02/2017 06:45:07 UTC
Henrik said :-
CRF is seccond best, yes, and the only one in the new segment that makes a little sense imho. How comes the weight getting close to the ancient DRZ 400 ? Inazuma also OK perhaps, due to the price, lack of alternatives, and for the fact that its not fake-named "adventure", take f.eks. the new v-strom 250, not more adventure in that than in the Inazuma, as far as I can figure,...
Guess CRF is the best option for a decent priced, little, new, long distance tourer atm
WR250R is closeto double price, here at least, and thats over-priced
08/02/2017 10:41:25 UTC
Tyler said :-
Price between the CRF and the WR isn't enough to even care about here in the U.S. (like $1,900 difference) The WR's power is up in the higher revs and while I liked the suspension better when I tried it, but, the CRF is much smoother and a more road oriented machine. I wouldn't want to go 200 miles on either one of them though. These aren't "adventure" bikes (although I too admire Steph's journey) If I wanted "adventure" bike limitations I would have picked up a used BMW f8. The little red pig is all I seem to require and its easy to pick up and no a concern when you drop it. And maintenance is a dream. Just my opinion I'm sure others feel differently. How would you like to wrestle this dudes R12 out of a muddy slope? -No thanks! Ride safe.
09/02/2017 17:30:58 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
$1900 difference! That's enough for a trip across America ain't it?
I haven't ridden the WR so I can't comment on it. Nor have I sufficient off road skills to be able to compare suspension quality. All can say is how the bike made me feel when I rode it.
When I'm a professional tester...hahahaha!
09/02/2017 23:30:22 UTC
Henrik said :-
Danish price difference approximately:
100.000,- GBP for the WR
55.000,- GBP for the CRF
So that's a very heavy difference to be considered
we are all looking forward to the new 390 KTM 2018
The 390 is roumored to be relatively light in both price and weight
Like 44 hp to 130 kg and a price close to WR250R
That would be the end of any 250-considerations for my part :-)
But very uncertain about how I goes
10/02/2017 09:36:20 UTC
Henrik said :-
Edit, damm, was to late up last night
The right DK prices converted to GBP:
WR 12.765 GBP
CFR 6.900 GBP
Anyway, my point remains,..
10/02/2017 12:30:56 UTC
Tyler said :-
Wow, That is a large price difference! That KTM is sweet. AJP is opening a bunch of dealerships in the U.S. I only just heard of them but, sounds and looks great. Supposedly highly reliable and priced so you don't have to worry about dropping it out in the woods.
10/02/2017 12:49:25 UTC
Tyler said :-
10/02/2017 12:50:21 UTC
Ian said :-
Best bike I have every owed great fun to ride.
Most of the servicing can be done on your own.
Lots of after market parts to make it simply a better bike.
Mine has been with me to Tanzania and Kenya and hold it own on the road and the dirt.
Fun bike to mod and just enjoy I have spent a small fortune modding this bike and have loved ever minute of it
26/06/2017 20:36:20 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Cheers Ian. Firstly where are you based? It looks very sunny so it can't be the UK. Secondly I notice you've got the Acerbis tank on. The small fuel capacity was the big thing for me when looking at this bikes and I'd like to know how much the acerbis tank takes. Also how hard it was to fit?
I'm glad you're enjoying the bike. I think as a dual purpose road-offroad bike it's a good 'un.
27/06/2017 09:36:27 UTC
Nick Turner said :-
Had my CRF 250l since 2014 it's a great bike really planted on the road and plenty of power it cost £5,50 to fill up from empty and will do One Hundred and ten miles to the Tank
29/07/2020 19:32:49 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Cheers Nick. 110 miles is perfectly fine here in Blighty but if beggars can be choosers I'd still like more. I'm used to 250-300 mile ranges. The newer CRF 250 Rally has a 10 litre tank over the L's 7.8 litre which is better, but not exactly huge. But damn, I still like this bike!
30/07/2020 08:33:23 UTC
Marv said :-
Yeah, 10.1 litres on the CRF 250 Rally does still seem small, especially when compared to the ~17.5 litre tank on the CB500X. My 250 Rally does around 95-105MPG and the CB500X around 85-90MPG, so not too different (think the 250 Rally is less aerodynamic)
I did a little test, to see how far my CRF 250 Rally would go before hitting reserve. 189 miles, so not too bad. Filled up and put in 8.22 litres.
RMS do a 13.3 litre tank. Looks a bit ugly on the 250 Rally though.
There's an Aussie bloke on Instagram, who did a big RTW trip on his CRF 250 Rally with a couple of Rotopax. After he finished the trip, I asked him how often he had to use the Rotopax. Only once or twice! Obviously having them fitted to the bike is a big peace of mind, but how much a traveller really needs one is hard to answer.
30/07/2020 13:22:26 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
A range of 100 miles is "just enough" and if you got 189 miles before reserve that's perfectly acceptable. I've seen the aftermarket tanks and they don't simply "drop into place".
Just how many bikes do you have Marv?
30/07/2020 13:49:25 UTC
Marv said :-
Well, I've kept my first bike, which was a second hand CBF125. Then once I passed my test I bought a 1 yr old CB500X. A while later I decided while the CB500X can be ridden off road with some choice modifications, they're not really that suitable (especially given my novice status, off road)...so then talked myself into getting a CRF 250 Rally last year! I'm not die-hard Honda, it's just when I've been looking at what I want from a bike (value for money, build quality, economy also play a factor) for me the Honda's just seem a slightly better/more desirable package than the rest. Plus I'm not very good at selling motorbikes or cars. Anyway, that's my excuse!
30/07/2020 14:12:07 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I'm not a die-hard Honda fan either Merv. Out of the 15 bikes I've owned only 14 of them were Honda.
You own essentially my ideal Stable. I have the 125 and 500 I think the 250 would fit right in there. Except it wouldn't as there's no space left in the shed. DAGNAMMIT!
30/07/2020 20:42:24 UTC
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