Honda CRF250L - my mods and trail kit

A short video showing some of the simple modifications I've made to my 2013 Honda CRF250L. Also, a look at my travel kit and tools. NEW MODS • Honda CRF250L Mods; sp...
Windshield vid: • Video
You can get the ball mount for the GPS from Amazon.com Its an Arkon GN032 GPS mount for handlebars.
The only ways I know of to lighten the bike is to change out the exhaust for a FMF Q4 and change the battery for a lighter one. I did buy a new lightweight battery from CRFsOnly.com, but I like the bike's dB level right where it is so I don't have plans to change the muffler.
I also removed the seat strap, which is held on with a couple of bolts, accessible by removing the seat.
Also see; • Mammoth-June Lake Dual... an off-road trip on my XT250 in Eastern Sierra.
and • CRF250L Dual Sport-Lyt... ride around San Gabriel L.A. mountains.

[@rockitboy8]

Funny how similar we have our bikes set up. I have a 14' CRF250L with the same GPS. I put the cigarette plug in the hollow spot to the left of the key. I use a bit different cargo rack but have a lot of the same stuff in my "exploring kit". Great video man, thanks!

[@bobvog7123]

I have since bought and installed a new battery, the Shorei LFX lithium ion LFX14LS-BS12 which is 3.90 lbs. lighter than the stock lead-acid battery. It really does make a big difference in the way the bike feels. Next is to install a 13 tooth front sprocket.

[@kimber1911]

Great little overview! Lot's of good things to remember to pack when traveling on these bikes.

[@Ken-wu8zh]

Thanks for the great overview. I'm buying a 2014 this week. The seat height was my biggest concern, I'm 5'8".

[@imbobby74]

You can buy a fender eliminator kit that looks very nice. You can also buy hand guards with front blinkers built in

[@bobvog7123]

The Kuoba link was installed by the dealer, TC powersports. I don't think its too tough to do yourself if you are mechanically inclined, and I believe there are instructions online. You can buy a lower, wider seat from SeatConcepts which will also lower it one inch. I have this but haven't put it on yet. I may not use it since as I lighten up the bike the height is not so much of an issue.

[@bobvog7123]

I bought a couple of tire irons and a front tube. Pretty heavy, but will definitely be part of the kit on longer rides.

[@DurableMoose442]

Cool vid man I like your set up and your small kit, You will never know for certain when you might need some of those things and its good you are prepaired.

[@bobvog7123]

@ Sitka; I am 5' - 7" tall. You will probably want to lower the bike in order to get good foot contact on the ground. The Kuoba link is a good option. Also, you can make lower the shock by making a new hole in the bottom shock bracket. This mod can be found on the internet.

[@PJ-nd5ch]

I'm 5'7" also. I am thinking of getting this bike, but when I went to the dealer it looked so tall to me. I will still buy it though haha

[@bobvog7123]

Yes, you're right. The GPS mount is the Arkon GN032. Thx.

[@bobvog7123]

San Gabriel Mtns mostly have available dirt roads around the 15 Freeway area, none that I know of accessible from the San Gabriel Valley. I do like riding the Azusa canyon highway, and also the Glendora Mountain road; nice ride for dual sport, but no dirt roads there.

[@mhohisel]

Nice ideas for the trail kit!

[@chrisgage117]

Thanks Bob V I really appreciate the reply.

[@bobvog7123]

LOL. Yeah, dead battery, good thing I did the video so I could find that out before I needed it!

[@bobvog7123]

I think these bikes are selling right at list price now. You may be able to bargain for some free stuff, but perhaps not a lower price. I traded in a bike, so the negotiation was more about the trade in value, and some free stuff, than the price of the CRF.

[@digitalman269]

Save money - don't buy the Kouba Link. Instead, drill a new hole just above the factory shock mount hole. There is plenty of room to do so and it only cost a few hours of your time.

[@joeyrule111]

i have this. i have the suspension hard! and have a full powercore exhaust with the 13t sprocket. at first i didnt think the 13t did that much but yeah it does a little. more videos please :)

[@davidkelly5400]

Great videos. Very informative. Thanks for sharing.

[@bobvog7123]

I haven't had anyone ride double with me, and I took off the buddy pegs to try to lighten up the bike a little.

[@bobvog7123]

MrMeoff; I haven't noticed any increased instability at high speeds because of lowering forks, but you may be right, and I just haven't noticed. Perhaps after I lowered the suspension in the rear with the Kouba link that lowering the forks put it back into correct rake. I have installed the tail light eliminator now and it looks a lot better, and saves weight.

[@bobvog7123]

Yes, my feet touch the ground. Do I recommend it? Yes, the price is right, and it does fine on dirt roads. Now, if you are small, and want an agile dirt bike and not a heavy dual sport, the Honda 230L was a lot lighter and can sometimes be found used, and the Yamaha XT250 is also pretty darn good, and lighter than the 250L, and has a low seat height. My next video will show how I've tried to lighten the CRF250L to make it more dirt worthy.

[@qbnp]

"If you can't do it right, don't do it right." lol

[@bobvog7123]

Haha, Thanks!

[@bobvog7123]

MrHeroty; I haven't done anything to make the bike faster, just lighter. I think you will agree that lighter is better for dirt riding.

[@bobvog7123]

The rear shock has a double nut on the top. You can loosen the top nut with a screwdriver and a hammer, and then turn the lower nut in the same way. Its not much of an adjustment, just moves it a little bit. I don't know if that's considered an adjustment or not.

[@NotAnotherWriter]

Nice Mods man :) love it

[@jackitfast]

lowering your forks will change the rake & will be unstable at high speeds & your just decreasing your suspension in rear. Get tail light eleminator & smaller blinkers your like the look better. Good Luck

[@watnow87]

Yea I've been riding for about 9-10 years about and I have looked at the xt-250 and the 230. But where I live there is a 2013 crf250l and that's the one but I wouldnt mind the xt-250 so ill have to keep looking because I have to sell mine before I can get anything else

[@glockguy9228]

Your voice sounds like Dr. Malcom from Jurassic park

[@Sneedyreedy]

I actually went to a dealership the other day and looked and sat on one. Love at first sight!!! I want this as my next bike. Just gotta save up some cash to buy one. I like your ideas for the trail kit. Also, if you dont mind, can I ask how much you bought the bike out-the-door? So I have an idea of what price to haggle with the salesperson when I finally decide to get one.

[@Jimo368]

I like these bikes but chose the DRZ instead. Garmin sells a hardwire kit for the GPS.

[@YankiRides]

has anyone made a Jeff Goldbum joke yet? I am to lazy to look.... also.... really getting the itch to buy this as a secondary bike... love it!

[@NotAnotherWriter]

+TheMiniMose - Good little weekend bike :)

[@bobvog7123]

@imbobby, I did buy a fender eliminator, which can be seen in my new mods video, link in description. Looks much better! I really should get some hand guards with built in blinkers, that would be a great addition to the bike, and maybe my next mod.

[@bobvog7123]

You're right! Got it! Thx.

[@bobvog7123]

@chrisgage. Sure, but you'd just get one foot on the ground at stoplights. I've got friends who ride very tall dirt bikes, and they're no taller than me.

[@daknichols16]

want getting one soon I hope and best to have it and never need it over need it and not have it

[@puffbow]

Great vid thanks.

[@jillianlauren2005]

I ride the same bike off-road, maybe we can buddy together for rides, I live in LA. Like your vids by the way!

[@bobvog7123]

Thanks JohnP. I wish there were more trails near LA that are open.

[@bobvog7123]

@htfishing2013 I've had it up to 80, that seems to be about top speed.

[@bobvog7123]

@watnow87 CRF250L is a nice bike, a little tall and heavy for a small person. Do you already have dirt riding experience? A perfect dual sport for you would be a used CRF230L if you can find one. Yamaha XT250 is also a nice enduro dual sport type bike, and nice low seat height.

[@bobvog7123]

@quadkid4 I'm 5' 7" so yeah, a lot of bikes are a little tall for me.

[@bobvog7123]

The chain guide is stock.

[@GreenLeafWoodwork]

Ive got the same bike Im switching the sprockets to 13-44 any advice from fellow crf 250l owners on adjusting the chain?

[@soulbean1]

Just got the bike. I like mine alot. I'm in Riverside. I am looking for a group or riding partners. Let me know.

[@buckinbw10]

What are your thoughts on the second seat? Ever had anyone ride double and give any feedback on how it rides, and if the foot pegs are awkward?

[@MrHEROTY]

would making it faster and lighter be a good idea? i do plan on traveling pretty far along with exploring the dirt a bit more than what seems recommended for it

[@bobvog7123]

What do you call it when you turn the nut at the top of the spring to change the spring tension preload?

[@watnow87]

My dad was thinking about getting me one because I'm about to turn 16 I was wondering because I've sat on one before and was a little short for it I'm about 5'5 to 5'6 do u think it would be good after I shorten it like you did please respond back I would really like to know and thank you

[@raymurdock76]

Although, it looks like the GN032 from Arkon?

[@chrisgage117]

I'm 5'5 would it be possible for me to ride this bike?

[@Phuzero1717]

Hey man great video! I had a question when it comes to ride quality. Is there any down fall to having the link extended so much over stock? Do you hit jumps or do any heavy off road riding. Im afraid it would bottom out (the shock or frame) or have a softer rear suspension since it basically preloaded now? Whats your take on it?

[@bobvog7123]

Hi Sid. I haven't had any trouble with the bike bottoming out, but maybe it would if I weighed more, or rode harder, neither of which are true.

[@bobvog7123]

Check out my new video about some more modifications to my motorcycle; seat, front sprocket, and tail light. Link in description.

[@jayash6108]

forget this bike get the crf250xrl. if you want to go off road

[@sneakysnakepie1]

You need a tire repair kit

[@bobvog7123]

I'm 5' 7" tall.

[@verdancy67]

How tall are you and what's like the minimum height requirement for this bike. I wanna get one for next year when I'm 16, but I'm only 5'7" and a half so by next April idk if the bike will be to big

[@bobvog7123]

Hi. I'm 5'7" short, I mean TALL. You just have to get a bike you're comfortable with.

[@joaosoares3719]

Hi Bob! Have you felt that the bike bottoms out after your suspension work (Koubalink + front fork tubes slid up)?

[@bobvog7123]

HI Joao. I've never had the bike bottom out. Maybe I'm not riding hard enough!

[@RobertoGodfrey]

How much did your luggage rack cost?

[@bobvog7123]

Roberto Godfrey I paid $79 for the rack from McCall motorcycle on ebay.

[@bobvog7123]

meetup dot com / SoCalOffRoadTrails is a good group that takes rides in local mountains.

[@joeyrule111]

a flash light... which doesn't work.... hahah