Honda Crf 250L

[loserlazer]

went out at 1 pm today just to get some pad gra pow gai for lunch couldnt help myself came back 4 hours later covered in mud too much fun,,,,

.

.

.

.

.

It must be a fun day man. Envy you now.

Lots of business nowadays for me so cannot go anywhere.

I thought you are living up North.

thanks for the photos.

[taninthai]

Above is the lid to my coolant expansion tank it has completely split around the top don't know how this has happened bit of a strange one of to Honda Monday see if they replace free of charge

[hearditallbefore]

Above is the lid to my coolant expansion tank it has completely split around the top don't know how this has happened bit of a strange one of to Honda Monday see if they replace free of charge

same thing with my bike the first day I got it, they replaced it free. I think a shop hand tightened it down too much.

[mjj]

Any more developments in the CRF vs klx power debate? Anyone done back to back tests on either both standard or both modded bikes?

[gregitt]

Riding Impression of the CRF Honda 250L:

I purchased this bike a week or so and have just completed the 1000K break in period.

This is the first bike I have owned with dual purpose tires leaning towards off road travel. Back in the 60’s & 70’s riding on the street with knobby tires usually meant certain death, but it seems times and tires have changed for the best.

Having put 25,000 K’s on my 250 D-Tracker in a very short time, I have grown to love 250 Singles for Thai roads here in the Northeast. During the rainy season, it was difficult to travel on the slippery/ muddy dirt roads, in fact, almost impossible going up and down steep muddy inclines. The D-Tracker tires and suspension were certainly suited for smooth road racing though and I love it for that!

I guess I could have gone with the KLX, but the Honda just came out and I wanted a different bike and I have enjoyed many Hondas. The bike looks nice to me and the engine sounds a bit more refined than the KLX. Of course it sounds much like a sewing machine....so probably soon I will have to purchase a louder slip on. The engine seemed very tight during the break in period so I took it easy....today, it felt more peppy.

The first thing I noticed that with the larger wheels and taller suspension it doesn’t take much of a lean to get the bike into a sharp curve. It took a little getting used to, but now it seems perfectly normal. I am very impressed how well the tires grip on pavement, in fact, the grip is much better on paved roads with gravel and dirt than the road tires and I notice very little difference on smooth paved roads... On dry sandy roads you can get the front tire to slide of course, but it does so without urgency...on wet ones I just slow down! Of course, on dirt paths the new Honda really shines over a road machine!

Today, I went on wet muddy inclines that were very slippery. I am not an experienced off road rider and make every mistake a novice can make, but at least I didn’t fall down like I did with the D-Tracker. When going up steep hills it seems to me second gear doesn’t have enough power as it should and I suspect this new Honda is restricted just like the D-Tracker was, although the Honda seems faster than the stock Kawasaki before the new CPU was installed. It has quite a bit of power and must to carry my 95+ Kilos around!

My back has been trashed for years and riding this bike is a dream come true over bumps. The bars are a little to low for me to stand up when traversing bad terrain, but I have a set of risers that should make that much easier. The D-Tracker suspension was killing me riding these bumps, holes and dips...but now...I am a happier guy.

Like Kawasaki, the speedometer is very optimistic. My GPS shows 74K’s at 80 and 83K’s at 90 and it gets progressively worse. I find the 6 speed transmission to be smooth and the engine has some torque...I think it will get better in time and many options will be available very soon including more power options.

I guess for me, the bottom line is that I should have purchased a bike like this in Thailand a long time ago. Overall, the handling is superior on all types of roads, the suspension is smoother and I can go more places. Some of the most dynamic scenery here is away from the main highways and the “crazy's”.....you can go into the farmland and right up close and into the mountains as well. Do not let the knobby dual purpose type tires fool you......try them and be pleasantly surprised!

I do not think the Honda L is a professional off road bike by any means, but to us “Farangs” and “Thai’s” who want to enjoy all types of terrain, for a budget price, with a “BOOK,” with less expensive acessories and the ability to get parts in country.....one might consider this new Honda 250L.

I have read most of the forums including the criticisms and the ravings of which bikes are best. The bottom line is to me....what bike is the most fun for you? I have owned big bikes since I was a kid and also have a 650 Versys here in Thailand (which I like very much) for my long treks....I will say this... “ I have had the most fun on both these Single 250’s than at anytime over my 50 plus years riding motorcycles” and I think this type of machine is particularly suited for Thailand.....they will sell thousands of them! I have toured with these bikes and have seen many folks touring all of Thailand with them.....if you have any questions, I will try to answer them and I will know more soon.....

[gregitt]

Heavy duty rear rack and skid plate/engine guard for crf honda 250. The skid plate is a little large for me and perhaps needs some more holes...looks like it is easy to modify.

Edited July 29, 2012 by gregitt

[taninthai]

^

is that the engine guard that is made up in chiang mai

[gregitt]

yes...I believe Chiang Mai is where we ordered the skid plate and the rack......

[Bung]

I checked out one of those racks but found it not square very poorly made. Hold one up and have a look, you will see what I mean. I thought it might have been just the one I was looking at out so checked out a couple, all the same. Seems the jig they made to build them was out. A mate had one fitted and the mount was so far out that when they forced it to fit they stripped the mounting bolt....

[taninthai]

Above is the lid to my coolant expansion tank it has completely split around the top don't know how this has happened bit of a strange one of to Honda Monday see if they replace free of charge

Pick up the new lid for coolant tank today can't complain a 3 day wait

It seems the Europe release is pretty slow hits America middle of this month and probably uk about the same time we should then see more bits available

[gregitt]

I checked out one of those racks but found it not square very poorly made. Hold one up and have a look, you will see what I mean. I thought it might have been just the one I was looking at out so checked out a couple, all the same. Seems the jig they made to build them was out. A mate had one fitted and the mount was so far out that when they forced it to fit they stripped the mounting bolt....

I have to agree. The holes do not match. We drilled out all the holes wider and then it fit ok. It is also poorly finished, however, it is much more rugged and wider than the Honda rack. I like to carry a large heavy bag. It also has handles which I like to tie to and for a rear rider to grab.. Perhaps who makes it will modify it and make folks more happy. For 1800BT is is good considering the one for the D-Tracker (made in Japan) was close to 7000BT here! I think the Honda one is around 900BT..it looks nice, but i wanted something bigger and stronger.

Thanks for your response and correct information: Greg

[gregitt]

I checked out one of those racks but found it not square very poorly made. Hold one up and have a look, you will see what I mean. I thought it might have been just the one I was looking at out so checked out a couple, all the same. Seems the jig they made to build them was out. A mate had one fitted and the mount was so far out that when they forced it to fit they stripped the mounting bolt....

I have to agree. The holes do not match. We drilled out all the holes wider and then it fit ok. It is also poorly finished, however, it is much more rugged and wider than the Honda rack. I like to carry a large heavy bag. It also has handles which I like to tie to and for a rear rider to grab.. Perhaps who makes it will modify it and make folks more happy. For 1800BT is is good considering the one for the D-Tracker (made in Japan) was close to 7000BT here! I think the Honda one is around 900BT..it looks nice, but i wanted something bigger and stronger.

Thanks for your response and correct information: Greg (PS We drilled the rack's holes wider...not the mounting holes....)

Edited August 3, 2012 by gregitt

[Bung]

FYI, most people are only paying B1500 for them....

[hearditallbefore]

I ordered mine from CM and it fit perfect. The engine guard as well. Both were 1500 each.

[JonnyF]

yes...I believe Chiang Mai is where we ordered the skid plate and the rack......

Thanks for the review a couple of posts ago, pretty interesting. I think the new Honda has upped the ante in this class and hopefully Kawasaki will respond. If I was buying now I'd get the CRF.

[nikster]

Pimped out CRF http://mocyc.com/sto...assified=726752

I can`t point my finger on whats wrong but it looks no good to me.

The one Honda show looks much better.

The beak is all wrong, looks like a hack job IMO. Not too excited about the color scheme either. A stock CRF with moto wheels looks better. POP bike rental CM has one.

[mjj]

^

It's the low slung exhaust that ruins the look. Makes a nice looking bike hideous.

[gregitt]

I am really enjoying the bike....would be happy if anyone knows where to get a PDF file of the CRF 250L in "English" I would even be glad to pay Honda...cannot seem to get anyone to respond yet...the dealer here is clueless!

[dec]

anyone get sorted with aftermarket exhaust or sprockets ?..... really want to something about the crappy sound and high gearing.

[taninthai]

I've only seen 1 exhaust from japan 39,000 bht lol

http://www.moriwaki.co.jp/global/product/ex.php?maker=HONDA&model=CRF250L

I'm wondering is it the same sprocket that fits the crf 250r if so should be easy to find

Keep meaning to ring dirtshop as they may have sprockets

Bike has just come out in America this week so should start seeing alot more accessories available

Edited August 17, 2012 by taninthai

[ramz]

I'm wondering is it the same sprocket that fits the crf 250r if so should be easy to find

Driven makes a CBR250R front sprocket that fits the CRF250L. Surfside Moto (US) sells them.

Nothing on the CRF250R or CRF250X fits the CRF250L.

Maybe a bolt here and there, but otherwise totally different motorcycles.

[taninthai]

I'm wondering is it the same sprocket that fits the crf 250r if so should be easy to find

Driven makes a CBR250R front sprocket that fits the CRF250L. Surfside Moto (US) sells them.

Nothing on the CRF250R or CRF250X fits the CRF250L.

Maybe a bolt here and there, but otherwise totally different motorcycles.

You 100% sure of that you do know they have exactly the same wheels just not sure about the hubs but they look pretty identical to me.

[drift]

Has anyone considered putting a low rally style front fender on the 250l? I much prefer it to the sail on there now. The odds of me finding something to fit around here is 0%. Any suggestions or ideas? Thanks. Edited August 19, 2012 by drift

[ramz]

You 100% sure of that you do know they have exactly the same wheels just not sure about the hubs but they look pretty identical to me.

None of the parts numbers match between the wheels. There are measureable differences between wheels:

The CRFL has DOT rated rims...

[taninthai]

Thanks good info some obvious differences there I take it the crf x and crf r share the same wheels

[taninthai]

Still looking around the Internet I can see no difference between the hubs and the sprocket fixings on any of these crf bikes the above post only states one has smooth finish the other rough all fixing holes and Allen nuts and bolts look the same .

Still not 100% convinced that it's different sprockets between the bikes.

This is crf 250 r hub looks identical to my 250l hub.

[ramz]

I've ordered a rear sprocket that will fit the CRFL and when I get it, I will post up the measurements for the CRFL and CRFX rear sprockets. Then the hub measurements will be moot.

[Fishenough]

Seen on ADV Rider

[taninthai]

I've ordered a rear sprocket that will fit the CRFL and when I get it, I will post up the measurements for the CRFL and CRFX rear sprockets. Then the hub measurements will be moot.

Great thanks

[mania]

Riding Impression of the CRF Honda 250L:

This is the first bike I have owned with dual purpose tires leaning towards off road travel. Back in the 60’s & 70’s riding on the street with knobby tires usually meant certain death, but it seems times and tires have changed for the best.

Do not let the knobby dual purpose type tires fool you......try them and be pleasantly surprised!

Thanks for the nice review

Interesting to read what you thought about the tires on pavement because whenever I see one of these that

is my first thought. knobby tires on pavement?

But interesting to hear your impressions on them & pave.

Thanks