Can You Ride a 250cc Dual Sport on the Freeway? Honda CRF250L Freeway Test and Top Speed

[@killerx1307]

"The vibration's not too baaad" as he sounds like he's talking into a fan.

[@DorkintheRoad]

LOL I was hoping someone would catch that. I think it's mostly from the knobbies (or maybe my rimlocks).

[@KLRmurdercycle]

😅 ya it's mostly the knobbies and the rim lock will noticeably be out of balance. If you even bother balancing.

[@DorkintheRoad]

I did not bother because I don't do that much highway. I just put the heavy part of the tire opposite the rim lock and hoped for the best 😄

[@deathlesszero]

@@DorkintheRoad its your knobbies making it vibrate. I have shinko 705's and my 2014 250l does just fine on the freeway. I can get up to 80~ and cruise at 70 just fine

[@ChaserTiponi]

lol sounds like hes talking into a fan at 58 mpg on the back road as well. its a small bike. is what it is... FUN!

[@ElementofKindness]

My '18 CRF250L (the heaviest Rally version w/ ABS, geared down to 13/42, opened up stock intake and exhaust, and EJK installed) has no problem doing 70 on the level, almost 80 downhill, but struggles a bit to hold 60 on a standard hill country highway upgrade. At no point does it feel squirrely at high speed, as I've heard others state. Not sure if that's due to the weight, or the windshield changing airflow characteristics, or what. Absolutely no concerns riding on the highway.

[@stuartforrester4623]

Would you ever do a similar video for your DRZ? I’d imagine the results would be similar apart from the extra weight and horsepower.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Yeah I'd like to do that soon. I need to balance the wheels first. I didn't do it when I put the new tires on and I'm wary of super high speeds until it's done.

[@stuartforrester4623]

Dork in the Road this is the first time a KZbin sensation has responded to my comment personally. My fulfillment is immeasurable and my day is made. I wouldn’t even consider myself a novice rider yet (I passed the MSF course a week before quarantine went into effect). Yet, it is my dream to ride a DRZs as a first bike. Your CRF comparison video made an excellent case as to why it’s better for a beginner, but I’m afraid I can’t shake this fantasy of mine. Regardless, thank you for the excellent videos!

[@timbarrow1318]

what was the rpm when you were doing 70mph?

[@DorkintheRoad]

Not sure. No tachometer on the 2016, unfortunately.

[@raybaker9636]

The WR250R is not much better on the expressway! Actually you get blown around a little more then the CRF250L and even though it has a little higher horsepower it really did not translate to much more speed on the expressway if any! This is just not the happy place for these bikes! They will do it but it will not be that enjoyable! Even the KTM690 and CRF450L have issues on the expressway! They will start to wobble at 75 MPH and become little unstable even though there is more power because of the wind from other vehicles and the lack of aerial dynamics! They all are compromised! I would still prefer more horsepower then a 250 for ridding more then an hour on the expressway!

[@DorkintheRoad]

I'm with you. An hour or so is pretty much my limit.

[@thejayman587]

Thank you for risking your life in the name of science!

[@DorkintheRoad]

It was my pleasure. Anything for science.

[@Crittermoto]

Can the CRF250L do freeway speed? Absolutely! As you know last year I did 3800+ miles of mixed freeway/highway/side road last year...completely stock and she did everything I asked of her and she was fully loaded with all my camp gear and I’m 215lbs. The CRF250L is an awesome lil bike!

[@DorkintheRoad]

You were the one I was alluding to when I said "I know people have toured on these bikes" 😀

[@Crittermoto]

Dork in the Road cheers Dork 🍻

[@beyondtheletterbox]

I just got back from a similar sounding trip. 5,800kms in three weeks on a 2013. No 6th gear. These things are fantastic bikes. Why did I do it? You ride what you have.

[@markwood9691]

I had a 17 for commuting, it did well at a constant 65, but hold on tight when an eighteen wheeler cruises by.

[@DorkintheRoad]

It definitely makes for an interesting ride when that happens.

[@skunk5999]

Mark W yo literally, i go 80 on mine and when i get passed by even a pickup, i hold on for dear life😂

[@nomansland5739]

@@skunk5999 you had a 250cc that reached 80mph?

[@fizzkew5450]

@@nomansland5739 my xr250l goes 83

[@acek1605]

I was thinking about dropping a 305cc piston in it and changing the sprockets out. And I think you could do 105mph.

[@danielcasey4184]

30 years ago I rode a Honda XL250 down I-5 from Sacramento to San Diego AND the return trip 2 weeks later.

[@brandonwells9384]

Location has a lot to do with if it's safe to ride on the freeway. Here in WV it's not fun at all. Any incline and I slow down to around 50 to 55 by the time I reach the top. I rode 58 miles to work once. I decided not to do it again. People running late do not like being slowed down. I use it on trails and two lane roads. I absolutely love the bike on those roads. They are why I bought it.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Yeah I haven't tried it on any big hills yet. I bet that makes a huge difference.

[@brambersig5014]

That’s my issue which trail bike can handle WvV hills and mountain lol. That doesn’t cost 8,000-10,000$

[@mickzulyevic9882]

Not sure why everyone hates on small bikes going on freeway's, I've taken my grom mostly on freeways and long road trips, sure it's not fast and it barely keeps up to 60mph but the bike is fine and it's not scary one bit, in fact it's pretty chill... iduno I really genuinely hate the stigma that just because it's a small displacement bike that it doesnt belong on the freeway. Obviously if the local law has a cc requirement than that's different but overall the bikes are fine and it's pretty fun !

[@johnhermanson6328]

yea same here, if I remember correctly I have even seen Navi's cruising on the freeway. Definitely need to be aware that they aren't made for freeway speeds, but if an old 80's RV can be in the slow lane going 40-50mph I don't see why a motorcycle can't.

[@RonaiHenrik]

How tall are you? I'm thinking about getting a 250L once the 300L comes out (so prices of 2nd hand models hopefully drop) for a 9000 km (6000 mile) motorcycle trip across the balkans, Turkey, Georgia and then back through Russia and Ukraine. And it would be my commuter bike (I own a Yamaha TDM900 for on-road with pillion trips) and the bike I do small adventures on within the country alone. I'm 6"5' (196 cm) and around 200 lbs (83 kg) and I will probably need to stand up for many kms riding across Turkey and discovering parts of Georgia. I think I'll need to raise the bar and lower the pegs. Also, I will need the big Acerbis fuel tank. This would be my first motorcycle I really take off the paved roads. I have off-road experience on regular bicycles though. Thanks for any input!

[@DorkintheRoad]

At your height you'll definitely be cramped, even with bar risers and lowered pegs. You might consider the WR250R if you can. I'm 5' 10" and the 250L fits me perfectly.

[@RonaiHenrik]

@@DorkintheRoad thanks for the useful insight! I know, I have read this about the WR250 but there aren't too many around in Hungary. I actually just checked and there is only 1 which I could buy without any hassle but it's the supermoto version. So I'm guessing another 1000 USD would be needed for the other set of tyres and rims. And then I'm actually just a couple of hundred USD away from a brand new CRF300L. If the CRF300L is any larger than the 250L I could go for that. Never had a brand new bike in my life but I'm really fed up with the skeletons I tend to find whenever buying 2nd hand bikes. It seems like I'm the only owner with a conscience in Hungary who properly tells people the issues of the bike I'm selling. I never beat around the bush and never try to hide stuff. I was raised this way, don't like to lie to other people, even if it means I get less money.

[@crypto_prepper7554]

Do you think this bike is too small for me? I'm 6'3 215lbs. This would be my first motorcycle, im between this and a drz400sm. However, one of these CRF250L's popped up locally for under 3k. So im curious.

[@Maxhanon]

.

[@grayman618]

I ride my 250 between 50 and 65 miles per hour all day. However if there's any wind I don't recommend going over 60. Even small gusts can push you around. Love my 250 L though and the gas mileage is phenomenal.

[@BattleChemist]

Yup, I've taken my '15 CRF250L on the freeway, it's just not very fun. It cruises very comfortably at 55/57'ish MPH, but starts to get that wobble he's referencing over 60 MPH and I've got the stock Perelli knobbies on it. I also prefer just taking the back roads to avoid the freeway where possible.

[@ElementofKindness]

Gawd, I hate when people like that black car at 4:42 do that crap. Overtake you, then just camp right next to you. WTH?

[@DorkintheRoad]

Yeah I REALLY hate it when people drive next to me with me in their blindspot. I just know they're going to change lanes and obliterate me.

[@rajkirannatarajan9276]

Spot on with what I experienced. I was anle to cruise 73 mph on my stock ‘16 250l. But it’s a struggle if there’s head wind. I used to check the weather report before going on freeways, if there was a decent headwind, I’d cancel my ride or take the car.

[@Flawtistic]

I rode my Honda Helix from Lawrenceburg, KY to Cincinnati. 250 is enough, even though I get annoyed when I'm stuck behind trucks in the right lane.

[@stacks1967]

I have a 2017. You pegged it. I have the tach and you'll get 75 mph .80 absolute max. These bikes are absolutely keepers. Ride Safe!

[@ryanthibodeau9756]

Got to 93!

[@AliasTekTV]

The knobby tires also add into the rolling resistance so something like 80/20 road tires will add some extra speed.

[@rajkirannatarajan9276]

I remember when riding on the freeway that when a semitrailer passed me and it was at my 10 o’clock, there would be a sudden surge in speed because the semi disturbed the airflow 😂 something I enjoyed

[@bankayhoodlum]

Tucking down tight easily buys me a jump of +5 mph.

[@DorkintheRoad]

I'll have to give it a shot next time!

[@Aggressiveopinions]

Hey i wanted to ask iam am looking to get a 250l for some offroading and to work commuting i have ridden a dirtbike a very minuscule amount before and it whould be my first street bime and do you think its a viable option i will be 17 18 when I get it a 6.4 and super skinny but the fastest road near me is only 55 so is this a good choice PS sorry for the long winded comment i just want to get it right it will probably be my only bike mainly for trails

[@DorkintheRoad]

Yes I think it's an excellent first bike that you can keep for a long time as your skills grow kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqS2poSlmZ19rsU

[@Aggressiveopinions]

@@DorkintheRoad thanks so much for the response i have been binge watching all your crf 250l videos 😂

[@jimbo92107]

My first bike was an old Ninja 250 (37hp?), but it did have a fairing. Got it up to about 122 mph once, rpms something like 13,500. Those things could really scream, but of course it would have been useless in the dirt. No way do I go highway with that Honda dirt bike, not with those tires, especially. Accident waiting to happen, and you can't accelerate out of trouble... no no no.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Yeah it's sketchy for sure

[@austinstueland2933]

Freeway riding on a crf is one of the most hectic riding experiences I have ever had.

[@DorkintheRoad]

It's definitely a little nerve-wracking.

[@SupremeTalkShow420]

Im looking for something to commute to work I'm not sure what to get tho

[@hooniganhondaboy8091]

I ride my grom on the 70mph interstate all the time

[@wandersofp]

Yeah.. 250L can do highway but its not a strong suit. I rode back roads down to Salem last summer and it was ok, still missing the passing power at 60MPH which is sometimes needed.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Agreed.

[@hanszimmer4679]

Over here (germany) on the Autobahn we call such vehicles "rolling obstacles" :o)))) LOL (no offence intended)

[@DorkintheRoad]

I completely understand why.

[@3SPR1T]

Nein LKWs sind die wirklichen hindernisse und nicht die motorräder die richtgeschwindigkeit fahren

[@GaseousWorm]

Lol

[@lordjael]

The fact that your name is Hans Room is just mind boggling to me. Unglaublich Junge. 😂 Mach‘s gut. ✊🏾

[@clifffawcett]

Just found your channel on a KZbin recommendation! Super fun! I’ll definitely be watching more. I just bought a 250L about 6 weeks ago. Thank you for doing this. Very entertaining.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Thanks for watching! Welcome to the community!

[@mikewalters1224]

If the federal government ever imposes a 55mph speed limit again, you’d be just fine on that.😎

[@DorkintheRoad]

Very true, though I kind of doubt people would stick to it.

[@OZD-mb2bs]

I want a drz400 but can’t find a new one in Florida. A dealer told me a crf250l was just as good. Mostly off road but would like to cruise at 65 on highway. What do you think?

[@DorkintheRoad]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpmseIOhj9Z8ZtE

[@alfredwilson7276]

Why not? Tweekers do this all the time. You’ve seen em, clapped out Honda Rebels, bungeed milk crates, generic white leather sneakers, white tube socks, stone washed blue jeans, well worn Members Only jackets, Wehrmacht helmets and absolutely destroying everything encountered in the slow lane....

[@DorkintheRoad]

Lol yes I've seen this exact phenomenon. Well-described

[@richardbarnes455]

Does anyone make 300cc to 500cc air cooled bikes any more?

[@cwcole02]

Is the D606 rear tire a stock size? If not did you recalibrate the speedo?

[@DorkintheRoad]

Stock size as far as I know. Doesn't seem to have negatively affected the speedo.

[@markcollins5026]

Man, the 606 is a 120-90-18, stock is a 120-80-18, Dunlop 606 is a little bigger !

[@logandalbkermeyer154]

Ive had my 2017 at 86mph downhill about 1500rpm away from redline all stock . But would not want to do that long term

[@mcurranb]

I rode my XT225 to Eugene and back in September. Hit 65mph. But it SUCKED... but a fun trip.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Yup. Possible, but not pleasant.

[@danbrown7224]

Hey dork i use to have a Yamaha xt 250 and no way should that thing go on freeway.

[@DorkintheRoad]

What was your top speed on it?

[@danbrown7224]

@@DorkintheRoad maybe 67mph i had a 2012 Yamaha xt250 it was only a 5spd and was screaming at 67 mph it didnt seem to like running at full speed for to long a time i think if it was a 6 speed it would have been ok on a freeway for a little bit

[@maxthompson6932]

My CRF250L is basically stock and goes 80 on the motorway in high winds (been stormy as fuck lately) which is honestly as fast as you’d want to go consistently on a naked bike anyway. Wobbles a lot from 70 upwards

[@DorkintheRoad]

The wobble is real.

[@rolha666]

Just to remember , in my country (Portugal) , and I think Europe, 125cc can go on the Highway , and the speed limit here is 120km/h or 75mph.

[@Matt-zq2px]

I ran a tw200 geared 2 teeth down on thw rear on the freeway for an hour. Awful experience. Maxed out at 110kph, just under 70mph in the slow lane. Drz400sm on the highway wasn't much more fun. Strung out, the front end wandered like crazy at 130-140kph 80-90mph. Crazy buzzy. Not what it's designed for, but doeable over short distances. I have a wr250x/r now. I don't expect much better! I've ridden the crf250L and the klx250 as well. All excellent around town dirt road blasting dual sports. No do-it-all bike, thats why you need multiple machines to be happy!

[@davidtackett9576]

I managed to sqeeze 82 MPH out of my 2017 last weekend on the freeway but it definitely took a while.

[@ryanthibodeau9756]

93mph!

[@justchillandenjoy]

@@ryanthibodeau9756 Nice bro. 👌 I'm hitting 93 as soon as it's not raining in my area. Did you add any aftermarket parts?

[@ssreckov]

Hey man, how tall are you / what's your weight? How do you find the bike's ergonomics on everyday commuting?

[@DorkintheRoad]

5'10" and 250ish. I like the ergonomics quite a bit, it's the seat that gets uncomfortable after a while for me.

[@RichardT2112]

Can be done ... I used to own a XT225 and would take it at highway speed for short trips. For longer ones, I’m happy to have the extra bulk of my trusty GS.

[@DorkintheRoad]

I definitely prefer my Africa Twin on longer trips, so I totally agree.

[@ryanh3299]

I live in canada, all the highways around here are 100kph limit, i feel like speed wouldn't be so bad but not all day

[@alwaysdirty155]

I love d606 rear.hate the d606 front.klr 650.fight me.

[@DorkintheRoad]

There's a reason I don't run the 606 in the front.

[@FlySwann]

LoL Texas freeway speed is more like 70. It'll do it but I wouldn't do it for longer than absolutely necessary. 60 is the speed limit of darn near every road near me here in the country. So I'd say 60 is fine seeing as I do it for most of my ride.

[@DorkintheRoad]

60 is fine, for sure. 70 is doable but definitely not comfortable.

[@bradleypumba]

"I dont have abs either" lmao

[@johnblanchard5903]

The fastest I've got going on my 2019 250L is 150kph, that was with stock tires. Since then i have swapped out the rear for a mitas eo7 and im lucky to get up to 130kph now due to the weight of the tire

[@DorkintheRoad]

Interesting. I didn't realize tire weight could make such a difference.

[@johnblanchard5903]

@@DorkintheRoad I didn't think it would either but when you are dealjng with low displacement bikes small things make big differences. That being said the longevity of the tire is well worth the lower top speed, it has almost 3000 kms on it and looks like its just getting broke in, not bad off road but its also a more street focused tire compared to what you are running on the 250L

[@dylanhamilton7755]

What’s your height and weight if you don’t mind me asking? I’m a bigger guy 6’1 250 and am looking at this bike. But I have no freeways. 65 will get you pulled over so that’s not a problem for me.

[@DorkintheRoad]

I'm 5'10" and about 250 right now.

[@dylanhamilton7755]

Dork in the Road thanks for the reply.

[@ChaserTiponi]

Ive had my 250 Rally completely stock at 81 mph on level straight road with no wind factor. Not on a freeway I will admit but a nice paved straight away and of course illegal :) Needless to say I'm looking At 650 sized bikes now because the 250 Rally is under powered for what I would want on a freeway. And at 50 YO I like the trail thing just now I want open road riding with a bit less dirt. Will I get rid of the 250? Oh HELL NO! That thing is a BLAST on trails. I'm just gonna have 2 Bikes... :}

[@juliolopez4092]

I think 250 is the minimum to go into the freeway. But 300cc it would be better. Also 390,400,450 the best.👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@fmap4life]

Hit 83 on my way to my sons track parent meeting about 30 minutes ago. Beats my 82 record. All stock 2019 with 370 miles. Trying to get the mileage to that first oil change 😂😂

[@DorkintheRoad]

Awesome. Did you make it on time?

[@fmap4life]

Dork in the Road I sure did Sir!

[@fatbowe]

Kaliforia bike Law is minimum 250cc or 25HP....to be freeway Legal....;;-),,,,,,,,

[@MrClintcher]

I have a question. for you. I am making an offer on a 2020 CRF250L with 8000KM on it. Locally we have a motorcycle show on and a new 2023 CRF300L will sell for $2800 more than the used bike. In your opinion... Does the 300L offer $2800 more value?

[@benny85361983]

Wanna race? My 02 cr250r supermoto hits 102 of course not stock gearing

[@DorkintheRoad]

I'm gonna go ahead and guess that wouldn't be much of a race

[@benny85361983]

Yeah that old 2 stroke is fast

[@jamesmziegler]

250cc isn't ideal for any highway. Underpowered, too lightweight. The bike simply isn't made for that.

[@EbolaSquirrel]

Ive been riding my friends crf250l that he just bought here and there,so when I buy one Ill know how to ride it/be comfortable on it immediately. Its so fun,even just at 30 mph.

[@DorkintheRoad]

They are really fun and not super intimidating. Great for new riders!

[@EbolaSquirrel]

@@DorkintheRoad Im excited. I ride a honda ruckus right now,and its a blast,but I just want a little more power and a manual transmission. Im choosing a dual sport because I want to be able to explore places like construction sites,fields,and other things. The crf is great because its fuel injected,decently affordable,and maintenance isnt too bad.

[@salsaverde3521]

I just put Dunlop, Trail max tires on my rally with a 13 tooth front sprocket . WOW , it is really not too bad at 65-70. Shockingly great tires for the little guy.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Awesome. Appreciate the recommendation.

[@r1mac681]

Hi mate, I've just come across your channel, great video, I'm thinking of getting a crf250l everyone says there great bikes and services are every 6/7 thousand miles and not every 20hrs like a full on motocross bike, I go over to the Isle of man TT races etc and it would be great over on the island, and a bit of cummuting to work and back, my question is are they really good all round bikes, I'd like one as another bike, I have a 1000rr fireblade, yeah I know it's mega different but it's not licence losing like my blade, I think it'll be more fun etc.. What ya think cheers mate thanks J... 👍👍🏍️

[@DorkintheRoad]

I fully recommend the bike. It's almost boring how reliable it is. They are good at everything and as long as you're not expecting it to be something it isn't (a dirt bike) then you will not be disappointed.

[@r1mac681]

@@DorkintheRoad Thanks for your knowledge, I appreciate it👍 cheers and I gonna be watching your adventures from now on, thanks mate. 👍👍🏍️

[@BHobbieIowa]

So at 55/60 is there still room for it to accelerate?

[@DorkintheRoad]

Yes but barely and very slowly.

[@hubbardmichael88]

I have a 08 wr250r and have been thinking about taking it to work and back to avoid Portland traffic. Will it make it

[@WarsonJayAlvarez]

Oh my crf 250l, 2014 dual sports i run 180kph, so your are not good bike driver dude..

[@eliodimacali7077]

Not ideal but doable. Slabbed a section of interstate on my 250L Rally going 65 mph, 70+ when fully tucked. Just watch your rear and take evasive action if you must.

[@vtvt2690]

I ride my 250L on the highway in Ca. all the time. In slow traffic it is fantastic. You can see everything and lane split with ease. It’s really only good for short stretches though. 75 mph is doable. But only on straight, flat sections. The engine screams from 65 mph onward at 8k rpm and higher in 6th gear. And slight wind or trucks blowing by will make you feel really unstable. And your right forearm will hate having to keep the throttle constantly pinned just to maintain speed.

[@DorkintheRoad]

I get real jealous of you Cali riders and all your lane splitting shenanigans.

[@LCRider13]

I ride my CRF250L between my house and my farm occasionally. It’s not terrible but if it’s windy, it becomes dangerous.

[@JuJu-hl7my]

My 2019 250l goes a little over 80 mph no problem with my fatass so I couldn't imagine how much faster someone slim could go if at all.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Dang 80mph? Stock?

[@JuJu-hl7my]

@@DorkintheRoad yes not 1 single upgrade done to it has 300 miles on it.

[@shaundonaldson5886]

8ve got a 2019 with 700kms I can get up to around 150kph on freeway

[@drewmacmillan6954]

Great vid .You will find lowering the gearing 13 - 42 sprockets , will allow the engine to develop horsepower needed to go faster. Im not kidding! I blasted down the highway at 130 k (80} for about an hour . (GPS) It was a long hour I must admit. But I was Speeding. Cheers!

[@DorkintheRoad]

I've heard it makes a big difference.

[@sheiladawson1648]

Little late to the comments, but 2 cents: a few mods fmf exhaust and power commander gets you ~23-24 hp and it will do 80 mph and cruise easy at 70 mph. Never experience high speed wobble have done the fork upgrade too. Obviously the tire choice makes BIG changes in ride quality on pavement. Slabbing @ 70 mph on 50:50 tires to get to dirt definitely tiresome if you’re crossing States to get to BDR. I’ve ridden the little red from WA state to tip of Baja and back (70:30 tires). Would do it again ....approaching 15,000 m with 0 problems. Don’t forget to replace the saddle and foot pegs! G2 throttle tamer is nice upgrade too!

[@prestongriffith208]

My 14 250l hits 87 easy but all weight is reduced and I’m only 180lb

[@johnobrien8542]

I wonder how much a windshield would help make things more comfortable at highway speeds?

[@DorkintheRoad]

Honestly the wind wasn't bothering me that much. I actually prefer being in clean air to the buffeting coming of a windscreen in most cases.

[@TheTerrypcurtin]

I drive my 2017 Rally at 80 no head wind. No problem. Stock hearing.

[@SpaztasticTV]

Would it be better with less aggressive tires as far as vibration is concerned?

[@DorkintheRoad]

I'm sure that would make a noticeable difference

[@SpaztasticTV]

@@DorkintheRoad because I have been eyeballing a Yamaha XT250 and your video may have sold me on it(I know you were riding a Honda btw)

[@danmanthe9335]

Maybe but I wouldn't feel comfortable taking my 350 on the interstate so I won't

[@ironhorsethrottlemaster5202]

I'm getting a year 2000 Kawasaki dual sport 250cc what's the top speed of that machine just curious cuz I live out kind of in the middle of nowhere but the road here that's just the Tulane road still goes up to 65 miles an hour speed limit l??

[@michaellloyd7940]

Your video came up on my KZbin page of videos I may like, and being a avid adventurer motorcyclist I started to watch it. As you were riding the surroundings looked familiar. I'm thinking that freeway sure looks familiar. I thought wow the surroundings look familiar. Then you you say that you are going to turn off in about a mile because no need to go to Eugene or California as you pass a sign that says Lebanon/Corvallis. Then I realized Oregon. I drive GFFrd almost every day. I too have a Africa Twin. Awesome video. I am now a subscriber. Any time you want to ride let me know. I belong to a small group of riders 3 other locals and we explore as much of Oregon as we can.👍👍

[@samsmith6279]

Cool Vancouver WA here, with my 250 china enduro

[@markbh8]

I just found your channel. And I know what city you are in haha. I'm from Eugene. Keep making the good videos

[@68WN3]

I ride a 2019 Yamaha xt250. I have rode it through hwy 9 Santa Cruz mountains and pushed over 60 with stock nobbies but I completely agree that I wouldn't want to run at those speeds for over an hr. I haven't taken it out on the freeway yet but been having fun riding the back roads. Thanks for video.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Back roads are the best roads! Thanks for watching!

[@Paul-wy2wk]

I had a 2018 Yamaha XT 250. With stock gearing I could do about 72 on the highway. I added a new front sprocket with 1 more tooth (16 as I recall) and it would top out at about 80 and I got a little bit more when I added an aftermarket exhaust. That said, with the dual sport tires and the 21 inch front wheel I found it to be a bit unnerving much above 70 but it would do that pretty comfortably all day with the improved gearing. Also, interestingly enough, I didn't really notice any real downside on the low end. Anyway - for what its worth, I thought I'd share my experience with a similar bike. Keep the videos coming - looking forward to hearing more about your impressions of the AT.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Interesting. Good to know. I've thought about changing a sprocket but to go the other way and have more low-end power.

[@Paul-wy2wk]

Dork in the Road, yes, I found myself riding back roads a lot and decided I’d like a bit more top end. I didn’t take it off road more than a handful of times and so after a year I sold it and got a Versys 650. I miss the ability to head off road when it calls....so that’s why I’m interested in hearing more about your AT. I love my Versys!

[@jonb6660]

Did you try the different front sprocket? I have a Suzuki van van 125 6gears apparently going down one tooth means 6th then becomes a useable gear which shouldn't effect top speed too much...

[@justiceyourkowski54]

Hey I’m about to turn 16 and I wanted a dirt bike/motorcycle and I found this do you think this would be a good starter bike?

[@DorkintheRoad]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqS2poSlmZ19rsU

[@justiceyourkowski54]

Dork in the Road thank you this helped so much

[@760desertrydersoffroad3]

I drove my dualsport250 3 times in the freeway, a 97 mile drive and its a littel tiring and mine only gets to 65mph

[@7sealuffy90]

i have gone 138 km/hr i dont think 120km/hr gives that much of vibration

[@josephhemmer7916]

My friend, what they did not tell you is that a roller bearing crankshaft will not last long at high RPM. I killed a perfectly good 250 by drafting buses at 85 mph on the New Jersey Turnpike. I was a lot warmer behind the buses, but they went too fast to keep the poor 250 alive.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Good to know. I wouldn't do it for long periods of time myself but good info for those who might.

[@yt_lota896]

Wet informational video/ 10/10 I appreciate it

[@elijahheyokanobody3550]

my old modded wr250r used to hit 103mph on highway .

[@DorkintheRoad]

Dang. Impressive.

[@elijahheyokanobody3550]

@@DorkintheRoad well it was on a slight decline but still it was rocking . had that shit redlining pumping out massive rpms. over 30,000 miles too!

[@JesseJames-nb5in]

I run stock tires, 13t front 42t rear with fmf header and exhaust, k&n filter, ejk tuner and have the home made wind screen from youtuber fmlstewart on the 2016 model. I also have the drd speedo healer. My bike in a tuck on a back road with a slight upward grade hit 83. Maybe get a few more if the road was longer lol. But i let off and had some speed wobbling due to the road condition, crappy ohio roads. When i ran it wide open in florida i would cruise on highway for 3 exit lenghts or so at 75 ish and she was buzzy but felt planted and thats before the windscreen addition which i highly reccomend as it takes 95 percent of the wind off your chest. Im 200lbs and 5 ft 10. Love the littke red pig that can and will do anything you have yhe juevos to do.

[@DorkintheRoad]

It really is an amazing bike. It's never let me down.

[@matthewkrisowaty7053]

Hey buddy.. now go home a grab your twin.. and do it again.. yes you have the Africa twin grin.. lol .. my ATAS is so fun.. going tomorrow morning to my honda shop to purchase my 2020 crf 250 rally..just in time for mud season..only bummer it’s not in stock yet they have to pull it in for me.. may take a couple weeks before they come in.. it’s gonna be the longest 2 weeks of my life brother.. ride safe and enjoy you Honda’s.. :)

[@DorkintheRoad]

I'm actually planning a similar video on the AT. The ride is a lot smoother on the freeway on that thing ;)

[@gregcarey5944]

It is definitely doable. If you have a 250 street bike or scooter it's better. Granted a 250 dual sport is capable of highway speeds but with the knobby tires and no windscreen it wouldn't be pleasant to say the least. lol I've rode my 350 dual sport to work at highway speeds, it's easily capable of the speed limit but I wouldn't regularly do that as the bike was very uncomfortable, lot of vibration and it felt super light...which was a little freaky.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Yup. Possible, but unpleasant. That about sums it up.

[@rickshawphilippines]

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a crf250alley or xt250 here in Philippines. Rickshawphilippines

[@DorkintheRoad]

Great choice!

[@RICHARDVINCSNIPERV]

Lol of course yes I went from Quebec to Ontario straight on the highway 2 years ago without any problems at all. I did a motovlog on that. Peace👇🏽

[@DorkintheRoad]

Dang. How did your tires hold up?

[@RICHARDVINCSNIPERV]

@@DorkintheRoad I have the 2018 model and I had the irc stock ones on it and I did 11 000 km(6835 miles) with em. Pretty impressed. This is the perfect bike for me. My top speed is 143 km/h(89 mph) so I can cruise with traffic easily.

[@twotiretirade4624]

I think individuals in North America are a bit spoiled. We dwell to much about what cycles can do and what they cant do. In my time in central/south America and South East Asia people ride any cycle anywhere at any time with any cargo. They ride 50 cc scooters on the high way, deliver live poultry through the city streets on their motorcycles and genuinely use their motorcycles in any condition no matter the motorcycle design and recommendations. My himilayayan won't do more then 60 mph with all my camping equipment and a passenger but none the less we ride it on the highway because that is the quickest way to get to the mountain trails. Safety is another issue and a risk analysis evaluation is needed on any trip. With thatvsaid , it's not all that safe to be doing triple digits on a busa on a crowded highway but two wheel enthusiasts tend to do it all the time...

[@DorkintheRoad]

We're definitely lucky to have the option of being picky about which vehicles we use for different purposes.

[@chrisbee4702]

hit 90 on my ktm 250 excf pretty flet too.

[@DorkintheRoad]

What's the horsepower on the KTM 250? Significantly more?

[@FrankJCone]

I bought an XT250 last month, today was the first warm day so I took it out to try the highway in Upstate New York. I was able to hit 70 on my gps. I am running Shinko 795,so pretty road friendly. Both in the past, and today I find as the real limit of a 250 in the highway, is the low weight. High winds and low weight are a scary combination.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Yeah it's no fun getting blown all over the place.

[@tylerconger114]

Amen to that fellow upstate New Yorker ! That one day last week was 👌! Took my bike out as well!

[@joeycourtice4157]

What year model? I have a 1980 model that will cruise at 50, do 60 and maybe 70

[@FrankJCone]

@@joeycourtice4157 A 2015. Great bike. The windscreen helped a ton with speed.

[@joeycourtice4157]

@@FrankJCone a windscreen would be nice, mine doesn't have one, its very old school

[@bknyte23]

Not bad for a 250 I'm definitely thinking about buying this bike but as more for a commuter. Also this is going to be my first bike. Question is it difficult riding a 4-stroke as a beginner bike ?

[@DorkintheRoad]

I think a 250 dual sport is the perfect beginner bike. I made a whole video about it ;)

[@veiledallegory]

I can take mine on the freeway. It will do 81MPH as long as it is not uphill and no serious headwind. That's without any mods!

[@DorkintheRoad]

Impressive!

[@aboversite]

How much do you weigh? I tried it and could not maintain 65 even up moderate grades. But then I am 220.

[@DorkintheRoad]

250 ish right now. I haven't tried to ride at that speed up any major hills but I could totally see it being difficult.

[@JoseSS96]

I took my Crf250l on the freeway and my back wheel was wobbling a bit is that normal

[@zzxx33mh]

Depend of tyre tybe, psi,..

[@DRAGONRIDER385]

I have done the highway a time or two. The CRF's can do it. Just not sure they like it as much as my S-10 does. Thanks for the video.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Thanks for watching!

[@josephbolger]

Does it have a 6th gear?

[@tillsy23]

I wonder if the new crf300l is any better on the freeway

[@omnipresent1215]

I believe you (also?) have a Honda 300. Assuming so, is the 300 a lot more stable/suitable for the road? Is it 'very' different? Thanks so much for the videos! 😉🙏🏻

[@DorkintheRoad]

I sold the 250 a long time ago but do have a 300 now, yes. The 300 is very different. The extra 450 ccs make way more of a difference than I was expecting.