Honda CRF250L Review

Dave was kind enough to lend me his Honda CRF250L for a couple of days. So I took the little 250cc dual sport out for a ride. I tried to be as thorough as possible. Riding in traffic, highway, country roads, the local trails.
It is quite a competent little adventure motorcycle. While not having the extra pep of a WR250R or quite as good suspension, it does a fantastic job of making the rider feel relaxed and in control. This would be a great first bike or returning rider, or anybody who just wants to get out and enjoy the trails. It is also very frugal and rides much more like a street bike than other dual sports, making it a great commuter.
Bike specs:
- 250cc single cylinder EFI
- 23hp/22nm of torque
- 6 speed
- 7.5 litre petrol tank
- 21" front wheel and 18" rear
- 9.4" of ground clearance
Enjoy the video,
COS

[@Bingobango351]

I just rented one of these while on honeymoon in Thailand for a few weeks. We used it to explore the mountains on the islands and i absolutely fell in love with this thing. It does nothing especially brilliantly, however it does everything well. Unbeatable value for money i would think....

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Yep, dollar for dollar it is hard to beat the CRF250L

[@thedonnybrookghost8394]

This vid sold me on one I’ve been riding 40 years had most bikes under the sun not gonna do nothing but a bush plate I have zero problems riding it really fast on trails !! Hills climbs whatever!! 1091 kilometres in 2 weeks of pure fun !!

[@sullivanelena]

Absolutely love this bike. A lot of people feel as if they have to modify it to get more performance, but all I have done is go with the 13t sprocket and it smashes it off road. Thanks for a great review. Brad

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks Brad

[@gstrader73]

Great review! I just hit 800 miles on my crf250l and absolutely love it!

[@plasun86]

My 2016 Honda crf250l has 10 inches of ground clearance (specifications from powersports.honda.com). Anyway…I'm 6 foot 4 (210 pounds) and once you start moving...even at a jogging pace, the crf250l handles like a 40 pound downhill bike (its almost effortless). Keep in mind that the 2017 KTM 690 enduro R weighs 308 pounds (dry weight) which is comparable to the crf250l curb weight of 320 pounds. If I get stuck...its no problem to push the crf250l and if I need to lift the front or the back...again, it’s not a problem. Don't even try to compare it to the 400-500 plus pound adventure motorcycles such as the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R which weighs in at 479 pounds without liquids. If you got stuck on one of those pigs on some of the trails that I ride…you’d probably be screwed if you were riding alone…and I live in Grizzly bear country. So far I'm very pleased with my crf250l....and don't assume anything, I could have bought the Yamaha wr250r or a KTM 690 enduro R (for cash)....but I prefer the styling (very similar to the motocross version) of the crf250l to the wr250r (it’s an excellent motorcycle but it looks aged) and from my research, the 690 enduro R requires FAR more maintenance (correct me if I’m wrong). I want to spend my time riding, not wrenching. Comparing the 690 enduro R to the crf250l is like comparing a race car to a sports car....race cars often need an engine rebuild after each race. My point is....I don't need a race car....the crf250l adequately suits my needs. By the way....I enjoyed the review, thank you.

[@SmallADVentures1973]

@@halledwardb As did I, but I really enjoyed mine (2016 CRF250L bought brand new 4-6-17) while I had it. I used it as more of a mini-ADV style bike than trail bike with license plate, it worked well for that and for commuting year round. I may buy another, I miss it (I'd use my current CB500X as the medium ADV bike for ADV trips/road trips/commuting year round, the CRFL for more of a trail bike with plates next tiem if I do) :)

[@I_Am_Michael]

as usual, a great review. keep it up solid dude.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks Michael!

[@07canuck]

great review, like you said, as a returning rider after 25 years, it's the perfect bike!

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks :-)

[@paroldeley586]

I like mine, too. Ride safe!

[@ozzie6540]

I use mine for only off rode and it's great 👍 also great review

[@AC-ud7cv]

I've rode dirtbikes for most of my life & the HondaCRF250L feels way more planted & maneuverable in corners than the Yamaha WR250R

[@scotanderson3932]

Excellent Analysis 😁

[@grayman999]

A bike I've long liked a great second bike in the UK great review cheers mate 👍

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks Graham.

[@BRad02]

Another worthy review Solid. Always enjoy your vlogs. I am an older returning rider... 41... and purchased a Kawasaki KLX250S twelve months ago which I ride weekly in the dirt. I rubbished these bikes twenty years ago when I was young and cool but now I highly rate them. Perhaps you could do a review on a klx250s as an alternative to the already great 250s you've reviewed to date. love your vlogs. keep em coming.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks Brad! The KLX250s is a great bike, especially having the 300cc kit available from factory. Though it does seem Kawasaki are winding down production on the little trooper overseas. Which is a pity as it has decent suspension and good aftermarket supports. I will see if I can wangle a test ride at some point. COS

[@Perpetua1Tourist]

Solid review mate. Cheers for putting the thought and effort in. As a candidate to be my "do everything bike" (including long-distance touring) I also think it's a great positive that the CRF250L now has switchable ABS as an option.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks mate! And dam I didn't know it now had switchable abs already? I thought that was the upcoming 2017 model and the upcoming Rally model? Makes it even more versatile :-) I am still hoping they put the 300cc motor in it, that would be perfect!

[@Perpetua1Tourist]

Haha sorry - yes I am referring to the 2017 model regarding the ABS. A bigger motor would borderline perfection.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

*wipes sweat from brow* That would have been a major review blunder! Yep perfection indeed :-)

[@joshwendt3165]

great review!

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks :-)

[@deedeestone3837]

A serious warning! When you: "Air Down" the tires for off-road, there are no rim locks. Do not go back on the road, especially in hot weather without bringing tires up to recommended pressures. I had my first blow out in traffic when making that mistake. I'm not saying the original tires will do that but I had retrofitted Metzler Saraha Enduro tires as I have 10,000 miles on my CRF 250L. Great bike otherwise.

[@RidersInBlack]

Is there an accessory air pump that you can buy to bring with you for that purpose? A simple hand pump or something Electric?

[@rsquilla2002]

Thanks so much and I could not agree with you more. I myself am not interested in the CRF Rally due to everything you mentioned ,especially for any woods use there is alot of expensive plastic to replace after a drop I still prefer a stripped down dual sport as a do all bike. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on if the small improvements to the CRF L are just enough to bridge the gap the the WR. Especially considering the CRF now has ABS which I consider a great safety feature that is worth a little extra weight. Also when considering cost of both bikes and necessary upgrades of a new tank for both and say a wind screen Arguable upgrades, while most say the WR suspension is adjustable they still recommend it be upgraded. The CRF L is the suspension good as is despite lack of adjustments?. Most have to lower the WR which arguably affects handling some. Most don't have to lower the CRF etc... Any way I will leave it to you to do a fantastic review as always. Be safe Rich

[@e.miller8943]

I read a comment from an asian rider who stated that the bike was developed for the asian market where the riders weigh about 72 kilos. This is why reviewers of european descent talk about the soft suspension.

[@edwardlacika3022]

Great review. Had a 250L (C$6000) for two years, wr250r (C$7200) for a year, and now I am riding a 2017 250 excf (C$10000). The 250L is a great entry level package, the wr250r is a decent midlevel package, and the 250 excf is the end of the line. All proportional to how much one wants to spend. I want to mention that the 250L and the 250r are practicalky impssible to upgrade to the performance, weight, and suspension level of the 250 excf. The excf is 50 lb lighter, the power feels like a 300 cc Japanese bike, the suspension is in another league, and it carries an extra one Litre of fuel. The excf is also much easier to work on. I am not racing the excf so I use service intervals somewhere between the 250L and the wr. Not what is in the manual. The 250L and the wr both had recalls the excf not so far. One thing that the excf does not have is a full subframe for a passager or cargo so luggage may be a challenge. The excf is a single seater. Without a windshield none of these bikes are meant for the road for long periods of time. You will feel your neck after a couple of hours at 100 km/h. Fuel efficiency is about 4-5 L/100 for all of them depending on terrain and riding style. One interesting personal preferance for me is that I went down a tooth on the front sprocket on the 250L, kept the stock gearing on the wr, and dropped a tooth on the rear sprocket on the excf. They are all great bikes and without owning the 250L and the wr I would not be able to appreciate the excf as much.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks Ed

[@MichaelCalvey]

I own one of these. I'm so happy with it. I started with dirt on a much bigger bike so while the 320 lbs curb weight seems heavy for the class, it was a welcome change to my 520 lb ADV bike. I've done a bunch of modifications to mine and the current wet weight is just at 300 lbs now which is still heavy for a 250cc dirt bike, but not bad when you consider all the stuff it includes to be street legal. Most confidence inspiring bike I've owned - and my current favorite amongst them all. If I could have done it over again I would have started with this bike and I'd like to say I wouldn't have bothered with anything else. At least until I got the CRF250X :)

[@chroniclesofsolid]

20 pound weight saving is impressive! Yer I found myself wishing that the CRF250L was the bike I started with off road. Very forgiving and easy to build confidence.

[@MichaelCalvey]

chroniclesofsolid Honda did a good job with this machine and for the genre. It's helping introduce a lot of new riders to the sport with low barrier to entry. Anyway, I love your video's and channel - I found your channel doing a search for my beloved CRF a few months ago (even though you ride a WR in most of them) - happy you did this review! Keep it up!

[@statefarmkid]

I’m thinking of trading my Fz09 for this because I want a dirt bike and a street bike so considering this thing. Some guy wants to trade his 2017 CRF250L for my 2015 fz09 and give me 3k as well so idk what you think?

[@internetquest]

Great video. Are those the Wolfman Day Tripper Enduro Saddle Bags or the Wolfman E-12 Enduro Saddle Bags?

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks mate! We both run the Wolfman E-12 Enduro Saddle Bags. Great bit of kit.

[@syntaxs4342]

Silly question, which size that Kriega is? Looking for tailbag for my own (and wifes) crf250l and I am finding it bit difficult to guestimate if US-30 is too big or not.

[@gregstorm5022]

Great review Solid! Really enjoy all of your videos. You mentioned airing down the tires. I know you do this for better traction off road but how much do you normally air down? Also, with the 13t sprocket, approximately how much does that affect highway speed? Thanks again!

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks Greg! We air down differently for different terrains. For regular trails like this we all run around 15psi front and back. For deep sand or mud we run 10psi. Must be noted that well all have rim locks to do so. The 13t sprocket does make the little CRF fairly manic at 110kph. It does it without complaint but it is revving its tits off. COS

[@herostratics]

I think the smaller front sprocket is a necessity for dirt tracks. I definitely felt like I needed it when I rented one in Turkey last summer.

[@rsquilla2002]

I will echo all of the comments in that I look forward to and love all of your reviews as I find them to be thorough and honest While you slightly touched on a comparison you seemed to avoid doing so with the WR. I would be highly interested in hearing your views on the CRF And WR as both an off road trail bike and a small ADV tourer especially now that Honda just updated the CRF making the HP and torque now about equal to the WR And with switchable ABS. Can it be possible that the new CRF 2017 model be on par with the WR or is the CRF,S suspension and the extra 20 pounds STILL a limiting factor. Also if you have any comments on the Rally version that would be appreciated however I think the consensus will be that while you get a good looking rally type bike the 346 pound weight is just too much for a 250 cc bike As always, thanks for your time and efforts Rich Squillace

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Hi Rich, You will be glad to hear that the next video out on Thursday will be a direct comparison between the two. Because it is a complicated topic that requires a lot of thought, I wanted to make it its own video so that I could do the topic justice. Don't want to dampen your spirits but the 2017 CRF only gets and extra 1.4hp and .6nm of torque and switchable ABS. The WR still makes significantly more at 29hp and 24nm of torque compared to the 2017 CRF's 24.4hp and 22.6nm of torque. It will definitely bridge the gap a bit I think, as it is a small bike so even small power gains will be noticeable. I do like that Honda are putting the effort into keeping the CRF fresh, Yamaha seem to be content to sit on their hands :P But with those power figures I think the WR will still have the clear performance edge. Yes the CRF's suspension is a limiting factor when pushed hard, but for general trail riding is up to the task. Yes the Rally looks very interesting. I think you summed it up well, It looks the part with some nice added features but with the 250cc engine it will struggle pulling 157kg. I really would have loved it if they put the 300cc engine in there. However this is great for the market segment and will create buzz. Hopefully the other companies catch on and we see the small adv segment get competitive = better bikes :-) The Verseys X300 and BMW 310GS also look interesting, both with their pro's and con's. I think the Honda Rally appeals to me most but not with that engine. For me to seriously consider it I would want 300cc or more with 35+hp and a good dollop of torque :-) COS

[@internetquest]

Great video. Is that a Kriega US-20 or a Kreiga US-30 tail bag?

[@chroniclesofsolid]

It is the Kriega US-20

[@rsquilla2002]

While I would like to add that there is a difference IN HP It appears the the torque numbers are much closer . HP does not always tell the story it's how and where it's delivered The WR needs to be wound up to see the peak numbers while I believe the CRF is more linear with peak power through out and then falls off at about 70 mph. The new 2017 literature indicated they addressed top end ? performance? What are your thoughts on the engine characteristics ? And how do the engines compare on the highways as a long distance tourer and in the woods as a trail/ gravel grinder I am well aware the WR will end up on top even with the 2017 upgrades however the ABS may be something ( SAFETY, I LIVE IN NEW YORK ) that will make me lean to the CRF. I don't want to haul a bike to riding spots in a truck. I want to ride to them Have a good week Rich

[@chroniclesofsolid]

+Ruth Squillace Yer the ABS would be very valuable when commuting. As for the characteristics of the 2017, I could only speculate until I have ridden it. I have written up a comparison review up on my blog chroniclesofsolid.wordpress.com/2016/12/03/dual-sport-comparison-yamaha-wr250r-vs-honda-crf250l/ Perhaps that will help until the video is up. COS

[@daryllmroberts7958]

i had 3 klz-250s kawis,,also a great ,,,capable bike,,,but now i own a 2018 crf-250L,has a full fmf pipe,,airbox mod,,,ejk,,,plenty of power,,,

[@byoexile5989]

From my research on this bike, dropping the front sprocket to 13t can cause the chain to rub somewhere - possibly the chain guide or something like that. The same low end torque can be achieved by increasing the tooth count of the rear sprocket. Not my personal experience but info. that I gathered from many various review videos.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Yer the issue is nothing to serious, same thing is with my WR. Just need to keep an eye on the swing arm protector, with a possible change every 7-10k. But definitely something to keep an eye on. I think Dave chose the front sprocket change because it was the easier/ cheaper option. Thanks for the info. COS

[@rupee0987]

I will stick my neck out by saying the wrf and the crf are comparable. I would be interested in your thoughts on an xt or dr. (The other side of the 250 spectrum). Yes a great review! Cheers

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks mate! Will look into it :-)

[@MrJarkeveld]

Great review... I'm from WA....and I would guess you just did a run through the service station just south of Byford. .. Apologies if I'm wrong but yeah..just random observation

[@chroniclesofsolid]

You are correct sir 👍

[@MrJarkeveld]

@@chroniclesofsolid...wow ha ha Ok cool cheers

[@honda116969]

This is the first gen 250 still a good bike

[@Recon9143]

Man I'm 5'11 and would never want this bike to be taller lol I dont reckon id be able to ride it.

[@Recon9143]

I don't actually own on yet but looking at them in my shop they look pretty tall considering I'm used to road bikes.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

+Recon9143 Yer it's a bit of a shock if your coming from road bikes, you get used to it quickly.

[@rusticthumper5500]

I am 5'8" too and went and put a Seat Concept 1" taller seat on it. Yes I have to be on tippy toes when stopped but the cockpit becomes so much nicer. No more sore knees and the bum just loves how the seat feels after a 5 - 10 hour ride. I get an average of 34km per litre of mixed riding. I have had mine for 2 years now and put 22,000km on it

[@TheBluesmanBlue]

Are the Honda 250l met to ride 2 people on it

[@chroniclesofsolid]

It can if you have to, but it would not be an enjoyable experience imo.

[@TheBluesmanBlue]

@@chroniclesofsolid ok if you would change the seat will that change anything or your opinion

[@tsevetgestoorde]

Bought the 2017. You should get some money from Honda :-P i am a returning rider.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Congrats mate, I wish they would!

[@tsevetgestoorde]

chroniclesofsolid meh no money no problems! Enjoy your beautiful country!

[@jackbrisk84]

Cuz of you I got one! I LOVE it,, check out my chan JACK BRISK and you can see it in action. I modded it up, MELTED MY BLINKER OFF lol witht hemuffler mod. Check it out.

[@Midlife40s]

This bike costs 950,000.00

[@ozzie6540]

Big J MAGAR what😂