Stock CRF250L review 1 year on

[@ruiribeiro1974]

Same here, had it for 2 years stock, apart from some protection parts, and it was very competent for everything I needed it to do, then I started looking at the new KTM390, for a bit more power, went for a test ride, and it just didn’t compare, nice bike, but for off-road the CRF with some upgrades is far better. Upgraded the seat, suspension, fuel tank and a wind screen, now it’s an adventure bike, perfect 👌🏼. Love it! The only bike I consider as a replacement is the CRF300L.

[@tethealey2955]

I've had my 250l for a couple of years now, fantastic machine, I've used it for every road going scenario, but not offroad, the unclassified single track mud strewn pot holed lincolnshire back lanes I use are as near as damn it to offroad. I tend to trade my bikes frequently, I traded down to the crf from a cb1100rs and have probably owned or ridden nearly every honda released in the last ten years. The crf is a keeper. I have also owned two of the crf250m they're good but lacking with too stiff suspension for our poor roads, and not quiet fast enough for a super moto. Enjoying the vids, keep up the good work.

[@blakeh946]

I have done literally the exact same thing with my 2020. Only "mods" are a wind screen and changed the exhaust/toolkit covers from white to black. It's got around 2900 miles on it now. Stock is awesome because I'm mainly a street driver. Also the exhaust is quiet, which I prefer. Overall great bike that I plan on keeping for a good while. Great review !

[@pedrolast9537]

CRF250L is a fine dual sport bike, I owned one here in the Philippines with modifications placing an EJK, mega bomb header, Q4 FMF tail pipe, 2" rubber elbow intake and K&N air filter, retain the 14 tooth engine sprocket and replaced the rear with 45 tooth ( actually you can save some money, mathematically if you compute the ratio it's the same ratio with the 13/42 sprocket=0.309... 14/45=0.31, but you have to add 3 links of your chain and move forward the plastic chain guide) YSS adjustable rear shock absorbers, replaced the original rear lamp assembly that looks like the helmet of the soldiers during the WWII and lastly the acerbis 3.2gallon plastic tank, with these upgrading the output power is fine for me, I can utilized the power instantly.

[@sausagesandwichSA]

Pretty much agree....I'm still stock after almost 30,000k's on my 2017 Rally.

[@iangriffiths9930]

I have had my 250l for 6 months and 1400 miles, i left it stock up to now and i found it great, im a little heavier than you and have just started to pick up a little more speed off road so today i just ordered a YSS shock, the stock shock is fine if the speed is low or you are under 80KGs but once you get a little more confident and start to pick up the speed the suspension does struggle. Dont get me wrong im not an endro rider nor do i want an endro bike, i love the fact that i can ride in comfort to the trails then ride trails all day and ride home again. Overall if you are looking for a light bike that you can use as an all rounder at a great price new or used, I don’t think you can do much better. Sure, you can get a better bike off road at double the price, but I bet its pants on the road and yes you can definitely buy a better road bike but again it will be pants off road, so for what I want its great. The only thing I would grumble about is the lack of choice for this type of bike in the UK. We have the Royal Enfield Himalayan if you want more road focused and maybe the Fantic 250 casa for a more off-road focused bike but that’s about it if we are looking at new for sensible money.

[@xibilfc21]

Extra weight of the Rally is probably also due to the fairing. When I removed them for a quick ride, I was amazed at how much more nimble and light the bike became. Of course, I also felt the heat from the engine much more. :D

[@EEEEMMMMKKKK]

Interesting, i have the cb300r which has a similar but larger engine without any fairing and never felt the heat. I would be glad if I do because when i returning home it’s starting to be cold.

[@xibilfc21]

@@EEEEMMMMKKKK I wouldn't remove its fairing though as it would expose a lot of vulnerable areas. Incidentally, my CB500X only has a half fairing and while I do feel some heat when I give the engine some beans, it's not much of a furnace either.

[@ianwhite6342]

Great vlog. Would be interesting to see how you feel after another 12 months and what mods you have made and why. I’m about your height/weight so really interested to know what works for you and what doesn’t.

[@lightweightadv]

Hmm, interesting. It's been a while since we've made one of these type of videos...maybe we're due a follow up 🤔

[@garethowen61]

Liking the content, especially as I have a Rally on order 👍

[@garethowen61]

@@lightweightadv A 300😀 Toured Scotland last Sept with my mate who has a 250 Rally and I was impressed👍 Keep up the good work👍

[@Dirtpoorhomesteader]

If you want your crf250l to feel light as a feather let your other bike be a GS. Problem solved. Personally I feel like the crf is lighter than the wr250r. Less power but much more nimble and fun in town. Better for right single track.

[@lightweightadv]

Interesting points. It's all relative I guess 👍🏻

[@wlent3481]

In general it was a good fair review that you did. However I'm a little surprised you didn't mention the seat and how uncomfortable it is. Especially with that silly strap they have going across them. I did little mods to my bike, the seat being the first and foremost...comfort is so important to me especially if I ride it lots. I went with the seat concepts cover

[@gordonblackley8863]

Ridden mine from the UK to Southern Italy, half TET half road, including full road days. Found it just fine, did remove the strap though, 2 screws, job done. 👍

[@ruiribeiro1974]

I had to put on a seatconcepts seat, my ass was complaining for 300km+ trips, now it is more comfortable than the AT.

[@gosolobox]

I became impatient waiting on the new 300 Rally and grabbed my dealer's last 250 a couple days ago. 120 miles in and I'm having a blast. Likely upgrade when 300s become more plentiful..

[@gosolobox]

@@lightweightadv I’m planning to use the bike as a true adventure machine, so both. If I find it lacking in any way, it would be bottom end torque, which is exactly what they gave the 300 more of.

[@1964mjc]

@5:02 The “rally” is top heavy (as well as being heavier stock - the Rally carries the weight up high) the L is not (I have both te L and a Rally - the Rally has the CBR300R engine in it, like Minkyhead’s). The tank and the Nav station/light/instrument cluster puts about 4KG “up high” on the Rally..

[@1964mjc]

Yes it makes a difference - like you I am 80kg and ~170cm - a little older sister not as strong as you . I have both bikes in the garage both registered and can ride either the rally with cbr300r engine or the stock 2016 250L if it’s a day ride with just dirt roads and gravel the rally I’d the best bike to take - if it’s in anyway technical then I’ll take the stock 250l - 70% of the time I end up on the 250l and am less tired if it’s technical (often is where I ride!)

[@1964mjc]

@@lightweightadv the turn in between the two bikes is noticeably different the rally is a great road (dirt road gravel road) bike. The 250l is my go to for anything that is right hilly or technical - I live in Sunshine Coast hinterland in Qld aus - lookup mvdbr on KZbin you get a feel for the terrain !

[@1964mjc]

@9:22 Really ? Never heard that in significant numbers.. L and Rally same clutch mechanism - cable -may_ be longer on Rally cant think of any other difference though - knowing Honda they will only make one cable I suspect and use it on multiple bikes - Minkyhead would know for sure. Common mod is to remove the judder spring and also “upgrade” to CBR300R clutch and springs (when t’s worn) 1000miles on a clutch is excessive wear...

[@nellytheelephant7794]

How much better are the tracker tyres over stock? I’m thinking of changing mine soon.

[@wlent3481]

Good video

[@riderdady4160]

love from nepal ....

[@lightweightadv]

Thanks dude 👊🏻😎

[@riderdady4160]

@@lightweightadv come to Nepal i will take most beautiful place for enduro trail.i got to crf250l just brought it been 2 weeks.i love you show bro...i got my guest house in nepal . come to nepal.if come let me know.

[@gordonblackley8863]

Chat to Marc ref the clutch. I sent him details on what the problem is and the simple fix on Messenger, one of the very early messages I sent him. £10 job done, no need for an expensive upgrade. Happy to chat you through it if required 👍👍

[@gordonblackley8863]

@@lightweightadv you joining the WhatsApp group, or have you heard what it’s like? 😳😂

[@pabloitare]

Eh man! where is your coffee??