I owned both bikes and this video is very accurate. I started on the 250L, rode it for two seasons about 7000 km, and then traded it in for the 250R. I am an intermediate skill rider and I only do day trips that involve everything from some pavement to rough single track The most important factors for me are weight and suspension. Unless you race the power difference in these two bikes is virtually irrelevant. Both bikes can be lightened by removing the road legal bits like tail gear and stock mufflers but ultimately the 250R will be about 20 lb lighter. Over the course of a day of trail riding the 20 lb is very noticeable specially when it is removed from high up like the tail and the mufler. if you adventure it like having the ability to carry extra 20 lb in gear and still be at the same weight as the 250L. At 205 lb (95 kg) with safety gear and max preload I kept bottoming out the CRF. This was the trigger for me to consider the 250R. Ultimately, the decision will come down to rider skill. The 250L is an beginner to intermediate skill motorcycle and the 250R is and intermediate to advanced skill moto. Both are well engineered machines but the extra money for the WR shows in parts quality and fit and finish. I prefer the seat on the 250R for the trail and the seat on the 250L for the road. 250R is more like a dirt bike seat but it is more padded near the tank thus more comfortable on the trail. I have no regrets owning either machine. Both are a pleasure to own.
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Very much agree with your synopsis. Really insightful Ed, thanks mate!
@masonbamford56664 жыл бұрын
Did u have to write a whole novel
@JohnConnor124 жыл бұрын
@@masonbamford5666 That was a paragraph. I know you probably read slow, but try not to be a dick just because you're not very bright.
@brianrichard17684 жыл бұрын
disagree. Mod the wr it's awesome. Proof. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6PYfmVqfsulrZY
@Partnerthedog3 жыл бұрын
@@masonbamford5666 you got burned, bad.
@rick-hm3ji5 жыл бұрын
At age 64 with a 30" inseam, and having ridden for 48 years, decided to get back into dirt/dual sport riding after a 30 year absence. Got a '17 CRF250L for $3,999 (US) when Honda was having a rebate program going. Of course, with delivery charge, dealer set up, and licensing it was $5,100 out the door. Did the usual stage 1 mods (13t countershaft, exhaust can, EJK controller, air filter mod) plus dual sport accessories (rear rack, RotoPax 1.75 gal, drybag, tank bag, skid plate, radiator guard, protaper bars, handguards, iphone mount, usb powerport). Put on about 3000 miles of mixed road and trail last year, including hundreds of miles on the MABD, an AMA adventure ride in Pennsylvania, forest trails in state forests, and country roads near where I live. Love the bike for all the reasons stated in this video, principally the relatively low seat height and the easy nature of the bike (instant start, featherweight clutch pull, slick gearbox [snick snick snick]) with total reliability. The only issue I had with it was the soft suspension when in tricky technical high speed offroad use. So, I bit the bullet and went with the RaceTech suspension upgrade (spring, gold valve, fork oil in front; new shock in back). Just did several more sections of the MABDR a few weeks ago, and it was a night and day difference offroad. Absolutely no bottoming, and potholes virtually disappeared. I've never ridden the WR so can't compare, but I find the limited but friendly nature of the CRF's power totally adequate. Have regularly done 200+ mile days of mixed road and trail. And lest you think that I don't know power or speed, I used to road race an RD350 and also own a '99 R1 with 55,000 miles on it and a Factory Five AC Cobra replica with 45,000 miles on it that I built , and used to play around in the Mojave with my '80 YZ465G set up for the desert. This "street bike dressed up for dirt" is just plain fun!
@ZackGoes7 жыл бұрын
In this video, I learned I can adjust the suspension on my bike!
@slapmetwice46967 жыл бұрын
ZackGoes how the hell did you only get 7 likes
@HORNET64 жыл бұрын
Not read the Handbook then?
@chiefsquantz3263 жыл бұрын
@@HORNET6 learned something in the comments bikes have handbooks 😂
@philski25897 жыл бұрын
Really good review, very balanced and very informative. If you're looking to buy either of the bikes you need to watch this! Good job
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Thanks Phil!
@DonQuichotteLiberia7 жыл бұрын
Agreed, very pleasant narrating and very informative!
@BigTVideos7 жыл бұрын
Excellent job I was really going between these two bikes you’ve help me make my decision going with the Honda thank you
@deesterity5 жыл бұрын
I find this review to be very objective and well-thought-out - congratulations!
@johndavis65964 жыл бұрын
Nice comparison sir. I've ridden both and own a WR250R. If you're 5' 9"-ish or taller and have the extra $$$ go with the WR. If not go with the CRF and have no worries either way. One thing I found mandatory on the WR was a seat replacement. The stock seat is not comfortable for long rides. I went with a Seat Concepts low-cut seat and did an 800 mile day on it last summer on a trip from Washington to Arizona and back.
@chroniclesofsolid4 жыл бұрын
Thanks John, thanks for sharing you’re insight.
@grumpysquid4 жыл бұрын
I’m trying to decide between this, or DRZ400 or Versys X300 for first bike. Any tips? I don’t intend to do off road and would swap for street tires. I’m 5’8 and 175 lbs.
@larrybellucci47084 жыл бұрын
By far the best comparison review I've seen of the two bikes. Great job!
@chroniclesofsolid4 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate 👍
@sweetdolphinmarine2224 жыл бұрын
was thinking of a WR , but now going with the CRF ,thankyou , very good video, not too long and good points of review.
@petergrimshaw58087 жыл бұрын
My 2014 CRF is being delivered this coming Wednesday and I CANNOT bear the wait !! She looks stunning, she feels solid and reliable and puts a massive grin on your face. All that from the test ride. I knew within half a mile of the dealership ( RPM Milton Keynes UK ) that I had found MY bike.
@lkris3694 жыл бұрын
Decided on the 250L since a beginner
@Cla55clown4 жыл бұрын
The lower price and my height (5'7") make the Honda a winner for me. I'm also a returning rider having had a 2000 KTM 300 EXC in the past. Thanks for the great vid and unbiased comparison!
@Rockstar-sz6gm4 жыл бұрын
Be aware it’s a heavy thing to lug around compared to a ktm 300 almost a 100 pounds more
@papatorr36695 ай бұрын
Excellent comparison, You hit 1 point after another after another that helps someone distinguish and pick between these two bikes. I kept thinking well for me that would be the better bike based on your real world observations. Great job.
@gosiaskwierczynska55867 жыл бұрын
Each vid is better than the previous one! You seem so relaxed and having fun in front of your camera. Well done :)
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Thanks Goska :-)
@jnb8946 жыл бұрын
Great vid! Really liked your comparision between the two and made excellent point on either machine. For having the chance of riding both, you are absolutely right! A friend and I bought last spring (in May) our first brand new bike ever. Me a CRF 250 Rally and my friend a WR250R. The Rally as a first bike (ever) wasn't a good choice at all, well in my case, cuz out of 5 000km put in it this summer, 4 000km (at least) out of it, was in the wood and some heavy terrain wich the bike as never been designed for... Dropped it again and again (its stock tires certainly didn't help) and broke the left side panel on my very first ride in a muddy/snowy trail. Hard motorbike lesson I must say! After the first 1000km, I was getting pretty use to it and dropping was less an issue of course. At the end of the summer I had the chance to try a 2017 CRF 250L and man, its day and night compared to the Rally. (Rally's fork is around 1 inch longer and 1 more degree inclined towards the front) As a result, the 250L is way more agressive than the Rally. That's the bike I should had bought in the first place. Now I'm looking for a 250L or the "brand new" KLX250, wich on paper, is superior to the Honda counter part and has some very similar spec to the Wr250r for around 2000$ cheaper. I think the Rally is the closest thing you can get for a true 50/50 dual-sport bike. Its windshield, high LED beams and larger fuel tank makes it a real comfortable bike for commuting and is more than capable for off-road riding. That being said, for hardcord dirt riding, it is not well suited as I previously mentioned but nevertheless, I was able to follow my friends somehow without any big struggle wich are riding WR250R, XT250, 250L and DRZ400.
@chroniclesofsolid6 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate :-) Yep the lighter the bike the better for me off road as I know I will be picking the bugger up all the time :-P
@DesertDogJournal5 жыл бұрын
I know this is an old(ish) video, but it is a great comparison. Thanks much!
@beomsukim39297 жыл бұрын
Yes. this is probably the best comparison video of two competitive bikes
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate!
@Scoottoots7 жыл бұрын
Excellent review. I like that you thoroughly and objectively explored the upsides and downsides of each, identifying the markets rather than concluding one as the 'winner' so to speak. I've owned the CRF250L since 2013 and love the bike. I've modified mine for increased, snappier power, especially at the low to mid range, and swapped the tank for the larger Acerbis tank. It's a go anywhere, do anything bike for sure. Cheers :-)
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate. Yer I hear the L really responds to being opened up. You hit the nail on the head regarding identifying the market. Some people discount a bike based on personal preference, failing to see that for its intended market it probably is perfect. Safe riding! COS
@johnnste17 жыл бұрын
Your mate on the KTM 690 at 12:50 is hilarious!
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Haha yer was a good laugh. I took a KTM right in the gonads! And he learnt to respect big puddles.
@johnnste17 жыл бұрын
chroniclesofsolid what do you think of the 690? Have you ever ridden it?
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Have not had a chance to swing a leg over it yet. Mark will be lending it to me in January/Febuary for an in depth review :-)
@patriciomunoz28304 жыл бұрын
Lmao
@callinyourblufftoday96704 жыл бұрын
I laughed soo loud at that!!
@thedarkhorse1004 жыл бұрын
Great review, you definitely changed my mindset being a returning rider. I’d previously owned a WR in the 90’s and loved it, it was the two stroke and was not street legal. So being vertically challenged the CRF makes a lot of sense for this 55 year old man who will see way more street than dirt . Thanks again
@chroniclesofsolid4 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate, enjoy the trails 👍
@thehillbillyhoarder4996 Жыл бұрын
Very nice video. I just bought a wr250r last week. Probably won’t get to ride it much until spring. I also just subscribed. Thank you for sharing
@SoldierOfFortune9004 жыл бұрын
Most comprehensive and usable comparison I’ve found with the 2 bikes !! I would like to hear your thoughts about the CRF250L and the KLX250 too. Im from Canada btw and we roughly have the same prices you mentioned between the WR and the CFR. actually the WR is a bit cheaper here but the CRF is the same price (even tho Canadian dollar worths less).
@chroniclesofsolid4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Gabriel, If I get the chance to have a KLX250S loaned to me I will certainly put together a video 👍
@JG-fi8sq5 жыл бұрын
Awesome review thanks so much. Just subscribed. Looks like the Honda for me based on your feedback. Cheers!
@jessaphillips28467 жыл бұрын
The price difference is almost enough to get the parts to make the CRF just as capable as the WR, a tuner and some front shocks would be almost enough to equalize them. Of course the 17 model would only need the adjustable front forks, as it will have basically equal power to the WR.
@just-fun-stuff67537 жыл бұрын
yep, i got a CRF250L too, you save about 3000$, with that money, you can buy an exhaust, EJK, even Big Bore kit, Sprockets, Airfilter etc. In the end, it would still be cheaper than the WR250R but i would say the same power and lots of fun and the fact, that you have a nice custom bike :)
@_chipchip7 жыл бұрын
Doesn't it already have them?
@MitchelCosta7 жыл бұрын
If you weren't planning to mod the WR, ever... Then yes I could agree. But most people end up doing that to any bike they purchase despite the cost, so for most, it's a mute point to make. Plus the weight difference is something that you can't make up.
@GeezerEnduro7 жыл бұрын
My buddy fully modded his CRF250L, fuel programmer, header, pipe and $2,000 Race Tech suspension. I weigh 35 lbs more than him and my WR250R was still well faster. He also constantly smashed the skid plate into everything bottoming out the suspension. My skid plate still looks new, don't underestimate the significant extra ground clearance on the WR. Also his motor mounts vibrated loose, he sold the CRF and I still love my WR. Spent all that money, he could have just had the WR and it's still heavier, slower and way less clearance.
@bdd14695 жыл бұрын
Spend all that money and you still have a honda with 2 " less ground clearence, less power, and much more weight. What happens when your freind with a yamaha decides to spend a little money to upgrade the yamaha? You are left with $2000 unspent and a bike that won't come close to keeping up with the yamaha. I guess you can go shoping with your $2000 while your freinds go riding...
@ernieengineer34624 жыл бұрын
Great review! Thanks for posting. I hope you’re still doing videos like this. Much better than most.
@glossblack10986 жыл бұрын
I think this video is absolutely spot on, and the thing that really struck a chord with me is your quote that the "WR250R has more potential to allow you to grow as a rider". I've just clocked 1000 km on my new WR250R purchased a few weeks ago. This bike gives you more and more confidence off-road every time you go out. Whenever I park it up after a day's ride, I just want to get back out there again and try out a few more challenges. Yamaha have produced an absolute gem. It's extremely capable off-road and is also a lot of fun on the tar and twisties. Thanks COS for an great review, which helped me make a very good decision.
@chroniclesofsolid6 жыл бұрын
Glad it helped you out :-) May the mighty WR serve you well!
@quikboarder934 жыл бұрын
The biggest factor that pushed me to get a WR250R over the KLX250 and CRF250L was my height. Being 6’2”, the KLX and CRF felt so small under me. I can stand flat foot over the WRR. The KLX wasn’t as bad, but the only bikes that felt truly comfortable were the WR250R and DRZ400, and who wants carb in 2020? Yamaha it was 😎
@chroniclesofsolid4 жыл бұрын
Good point about rider size and ergonomics 👍
@grumpysquid4 жыл бұрын
I’m trying to decide between this, or DRZ400 or Versys X300 for first bike. Any tips? I don’t intend to do off road and would swap for street tires
@quikboarder934 жыл бұрын
grumpysquid depends. If you plan to do a lot of highway riding and no trail riding, the Versys is probably the best out of the 3. Lightweight dual sports are very fatiguing to ride at high speeds for long periods of time. Can’t speak for the DRZ, but my WRR can keep up on most highways-it’s just tiring. The Versys should feel more planted due to its weight and less fatiguing due to the ergonomics, weight, and windscreen. Now, if you’re doing mostly backroad or in town riding and no so much highway, the WRR is awesome. The maneuverability due to its lighter weight makes it super fun! It definitely suffices as a hooligan bike if you want it to be. If you’re not going above 45mph often, the WRR is really awesome 👍🏻
@grumpysquid4 жыл бұрын
Matt Pierce that about answers my question, thank you. The WR fits my needs better. I just have to confirm the seat height in case I need to install lowering links/change seat, etc. The DR200 I sat was spec’d at 33.3” seat height and I was able to MORE than flat foot it.
@honda1169692 жыл бұрын
absolutely beautiful review from start 2 finish! thank you so much for being so thorough & taking your time. The way u feel about your WR Is similar to the way I would describe the motor & a few other things but mine was the street version & yours was dirt so obviously I don't know how it rode in the dirt. 😂 I used to have the '08 wr250x supermoto I absolutely love that bike it was 100% stock so beautiful even when I sold it I regretted it, I missed it so much over the years, now I purchased a 2018 CRF250 rally. (2 fill that void) I wanted to get the 300 rally but they literally wanted $1,900 more & I decided for that kind of 💰 I'm getting the 250 it's a 2018 but only had 172 miles. Possibly not the best bike compared to the KLX 300, WR & a few other ones but it will hold its own & still have a good time with my friends riding 🤷🏻💯% God bless all🙏
@honda1169692 жыл бұрын
If you did sell your WR what do you ride now? & while you had the WR how many miles did you put on it & how reliable was that motorcycle for you? Thx & Good 2 chat with you if possible 👍👍💯%
@PandaFailed7 жыл бұрын
I've been looking for a small bike for the purpose of adventuring. I stumbled onto the CRF 250L, but you've opened some nice options avaliable, cheers man.
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
No worries Jacob, enjoy the search!
@Jmaninaz14 жыл бұрын
Just discovered your channel today and am considering a small dual sport, so this was extremely helpful--I know it's 3 1/2 years old now but very helpful nonetheless. Grew up riding dirt bikes, thought about buying a street bike 15 years ago but held off but glad I did as I think a small dual sport would be perfect. At my age, 59 (but in very fit), mostly want to ride forest/mountain rides and easy trails--nothing too technical or gnarly, just want to have some fun and enjoy riding again, as I've missed it. Hope to move to a small mountain town and then I'll pull the trigger. Thanks!
@chroniclesofsolid4 жыл бұрын
Good luck on the hunt mate👍
@almccallie43143 жыл бұрын
65 year old 250lb rider here. Love my WR250R. I’ve ridden both these and Honda is just a more primitive machine. The fuel injection is worth it’s weight in gold. So is additional ground clearance.
@cazgerald94717 жыл бұрын
Wouldn't the Yamaha XT250 be a closer comparison to the CRL250L? Just seems the WR250R is such a different ride.
@jbouchard48777 жыл бұрын
Caz Gerald that would be a decent comparison. I have a XT250. It's a great bike.
@CycleCruza7 жыл бұрын
Wr250 all day, nothing really compares to it. However, you must mod the wr250r to get it proper. I put about 4k in mods and my bike is awesome now, rips compared to stock.
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Yer the little whizzer is unparalleled in capability for a 250 dual sport, love mine! BTW nice van setup, merges #vanlife with adv nicely.
@evansautomotive3076 жыл бұрын
Yet a stock 450 would walk it. And you can get a 450 for under 4k all together.
@brandondannys-menary36786 жыл бұрын
I feel that with a new comfy lower seat and a big bore kit, it would do good. Along with other upgrades such as intake, exhaust, maybe some suspension mods etc
@TsarAlexTheFirst3 жыл бұрын
Might as well just build your own bike! Hahahaha
@brandonberube54287 жыл бұрын
best review I've come across of the two
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Cheers Brandon
@vanveen84727 жыл бұрын
thank you, one of the best comparisons I have watched yet
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Thanks Vim!
@samsara36944 жыл бұрын
Top notch review, and an exemplar for all such reviews, whatever the bike. Thanks so much for doing this, as it helped in my making a decision between the two.
@chroniclesofsolid4 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful! Happy trails 👍
@geraldscott74417 жыл бұрын
I am a 58 year old recreational off road rider who has been riding off road for nearly 50 years. I have severe arthritis, so the high seat height rules out the WR for me. I can't even get on it. For the past several years I have been riding a modified Yamaha XT225, and it has been a great off road bike for non hardcore riding, with one exception. The wheels. They simply don't hold up. I do weigh 240 pounds, but the load capacity of the XT225 is rated at 397 pounds. I have had broken spokes over and over again, I finally had them replaced with high dollar much stronger spokes from Buchanan's. The spokes quit breaking, now they were pulling through the rim. I had top of the line rims installed, and thought I had the problem fixed. Wrong. Now the spokes started elongating the holes in the soft aluminum hubs. I finally gave up, replaced the hubs with good stock hubs from a parts bike, and accepted the fact that this bike has to be ridden VERY gently. I have become interested in the CRF250L. But it being a budget bike, I am concerned about the wheels. I noticed that the supermoto version of the Honda CRF230 has straight pull spokes instead of J bend spokes. So do BMWs. This would seem to be a much stronger design. I wish all spoke wheeled bike had this type of spoke. The spokes on my XT were breaking at the hub, where the bend was. Anyway, have you had any issues with the wheels on the CRF250L?
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
G'day Gerald I am a feather weight so not really a good metric for testing rim strength. Dave (who owns the bike) is also fairly light but with himself, the gear, all the crap for camping, the weight does get up there and there have been no issues so far. He has taken it loaded with gear through single track etc and so far so good. Sorry I cannot give you a definitive answer, hopefully someone else with a 250L can chime in here.
@DudeMeToo7 жыл бұрын
What a great review. I've looked at both bikes but in the end, my wallet dictated which I could buy, so Honda it was. After owning it and modding it up a bit, the Honda has been a fun bike to own, though I wish it had just a bit more horses to play with.
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate! Yer I think it is inevitable that we reach that point where we want more horses on these type of bikes. But for me 98% of the time it is enough for my skill level :P
@biker15816 жыл бұрын
excellent comparison, and excellent review of both bikes!!!!!!!
@cmbscx10846 жыл бұрын
What a great detailed review. Hope someday the WR250R and KLX250 will receive the same review.
@chroniclesofsolid6 жыл бұрын
Just waiting for someone careless enough to loan me a KLX250S :-D
@nelliedawg827 жыл бұрын
Great bike review! Tried dirt last spring on a YZ250...and yeah that bike tried to kill me!! you have helped me confirm the CRF direction I was leaning towards
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Haha yer those bikes are hard core! Glad the video helped.
@taraskompaniyets10397 жыл бұрын
One of the greatest reviews I have seen!! Deserved LIKE!
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Thanks Taras :-)
@gpr22645 жыл бұрын
Great review, thanks for sharing, unfortunatly that Yamaha is not sold in Mexico. Congratulations very solid information.
@Alaskandualsport7 жыл бұрын
hey buddy great comparison of the CRF 250L VS the WR250r me and my buddy are starting a tour company here in alaska and have bought 4 WR250r's but we were looking for a more user friendly bike ,like a few CRF 250L's or a few XT250's,they are so easy to ride (lower Ht) enjoyed watching the video ( which one would you pick )ride safe my motorcycle brother,,liked (thumbs up )
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
+Alaskan dual sport Thanks mate! Great choice of bikes for touring ☺ If i had to pick it would be the WR but if I was just starting out it would be the CRF. Out of the XT and the CRF it would be the CRF for me.
@paroldeley5867 жыл бұрын
Alaskan dual sport: hey do you guys have a website? Also, I'd like to give a thumbs up to the Honda - the lower seat height and center of gravity are great for me at 69 inches tall and 30 inch inseam.
@Alaskandualsport7 жыл бұрын
parol de ley We will have one up within a week or two Thanks I'll let you know
@AceCarleton6 жыл бұрын
how about that website
@wkdravenna6 жыл бұрын
Dang that's cool I want to rent one :)
@byoexile59897 жыл бұрын
Really well done. I've researched both of these bikes extensively and I'm pretty sure you covered everything. I like the crf250L because, well it's Honda, and also I tend to ride along slow and easy enjoying the scenery. I like the wr250r mostly for the seat height and somewhat for the adjustable suspension. I haven't sat on a wr250r but I did get a chance to sit on a crf250L and at 6'5" I can easily flat foot it with bent knees.
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
+Byoexile Thanks! Yer its a tough choice when they are so evenly matched. Sometimes you just have to go with your heart with a tough choice like this. Good luck!
@wombatone55775 жыл бұрын
Good revue, a very confident assessment of the two bikes. Thank's.
@johntheaccountant55946 жыл бұрын
Thank you for that review. I am going for the Honda CRF250L as I am coming back to motorbike riding. I find that the Hondas are generally heavier because there is more materials in them making them stronger. Hondas are generally less powerful but appear to have stronger longer lasting engines.
@T21-TwentyOneTrailers.6 жыл бұрын
You are right, Honda have sth special...well desined, economic and strong.
@MrCarGuy5 жыл бұрын
Drinking the marketing Kool-Aid.
@scuffedpixels7 жыл бұрын
Very informative and unbiased. Thanks!
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching.
@dedave1237 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the excellent comparison. You did not leave anything out. CRF it is, since I am vertically challenged.
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Cheers Dave!
@690ADV6 жыл бұрын
That was a cool video liked it a lot, keep them coming
@garylsmalley7 жыл бұрын
Excellent review. Probably the most informative I have ever seen on You Tube.
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Appreciate it mate, thanks!
@bamagolds6 жыл бұрын
I had the 2013 CRF250l Honda. It's fun, easier for me to touch the ground, less expensive, looks great, and gets great gas mileage. Once I got use to it, I wished I had a little bit more punch. It could barely raise the front end. I know the Yamaha WR250r is a little tall for me and they make a yamalink adjustment that should get it close to the Honda's height. I've seen on quite a few videos of the Yamaha leaving the Honda. I've seen the WR hanging with 400's. That YZ frame makes it a good bit lighter than most dual sports. I know they're not meant to be really fast, but I would like to try that Yamaha one day. I also had an XT225 and XT250. They were just too low to the ground. The 250XT was a good bit heavier than the 225xt. For adventure, all dual sports are fun. The fuel injected is more responsive than the carburetor. I would like to see the KLX250 upgraded to fuel injected.
@KaneTerry7 жыл бұрын
Just watched the video again, I'm 5'6" & get on ok with the WRR yes it's tall but I also have a TTR & before that a XR400RC so used to a tall bike. However I adjusted the yoke on the rear shock & slipped the forks through the triples & I can touch tippy toe with both feet in sneakers so should be easier with boots on. Agreed with the rear shock, it's not as good as the TTR in the rear standard but the front is pretty good. Lucky enough to own both a TTR & WRR & each bike has it's own strong points, in fact I took the TTR over the WRR to the Flinders late April...plenty of videos of both the TTR & WRR on my channel if anyone is interested. Cheers Terry
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the insight mate, should be helpful for those looking to buy :-)
@MitchelCosta7 жыл бұрын
I love my WR, much like everyone else I just wish it had a bit more power. Great review, thanks!
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Yer I would be happy with 5 more hp and torques :) Thanks for watching!
@trevr19695 жыл бұрын
I feel that is the catch with bikes... you get CC-itis... it not long before you crave more CC's.
@Marian_8sema7 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much for this completely review. That was really nice to watch this video, with a little bit sightseeing of Australia. I used to own a XT 600 and now I'm looking around for a WR. I am interested in capability of dual sport and reliability of course. Greetings from Poland.
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Czesc Marian, thanks very much :-) My wife is Polish I have been many times, great country.
@Marian_8sema7 жыл бұрын
Oh, really, she is from Poland? World is so small. I'll have maybe some opportunity to visit Australia. Best regards!
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Yep Warsaw :-) Should be getting closer to riding weather over there? Safe riding, COS
@Marian_8sema7 жыл бұрын
I live in the south, Chorzów. Weather? It should be better, but it is not.. So, once again, greetings to you and your wife. Pozdrawiam!
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
I will pass on your regards. The south is really beautiful, you are lucky! I have been in that area of Poland before down to Krakow, Wieliczka and regularly we go to Zakopane. COS
@hommebizzare7 жыл бұрын
Just subscribed after watching a couple of your videos, and i can say, i will definitely share some of them
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Cheers Martin, glad you liked them :-)
@mtdusmc94377 жыл бұрын
There is no comparison between the two. The Yamaha is in a completely different league than the Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki 250s. The Yamaha is a dirt bike you can run on the street. The others are street bikes you can take off road. The WR costs more for every reason it should.
@Nexus-67 жыл бұрын
I was in my local Yamaha dealership talking to them about the WR250R, and the XT250. You're exactly right about the WR250R being in a different league. The dealer told me the WR250R is a street legal enduro bike. The XT250 would be a more apt comparison with the CRF250L. The XT250 is also $2000 cheaper (here in Canada) that its WR250R big brother.
@oso11656 жыл бұрын
what makes the wr250r worth 2500$ more than say the crf or the new klx? the specs on the new klx are almost identical other than the front shocks
@dougbrook62236 жыл бұрын
The wr250r is definitely not a dirtbike you can ride on the street. It's a dual sport, and a damn good one. I love it, but it's no where close to hp or maintenance of a dirtbike. Not to mention it has a wide ratio transmission. 4th gear is 1:1. 5th and 6th are overdrives.
@jefftaswelder91547 жыл бұрын
Man that was the best comparisons video i have ever seen :) you can tell you put a lot of time to getting to know each bikes good and bad points. 2 thumbs up :)
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Thanks Jeff! appreciate it :-) How is the mighty 650GS treating you?
@jefftaswelder91547 жыл бұрын
she keeps putting me on the ground :) but that is life . :)
@jefftaswelder91547 жыл бұрын
But i did get it on camera :)
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Haha well that is the important part! :P
@wardiup9396 жыл бұрын
I really enjoyed this review! But the best bit was at 12:50😂😂couldn't stop watching it a pissin' myself!!
@davidotero30274 жыл бұрын
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@martycech58444 жыл бұрын
Wardiup ... Whiskey Throttle !
@grayman9997 жыл бұрын
COS good job mate been a big help to me so many thanks RSMF .
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Thanks Spike!
@plowhand55917 жыл бұрын
Love your videos/reviews COS. You have a talent for this medium. I'm currently working out a deal for a WRR for all the reasons you mentioned but I liked your assessment - it reinforces my thoughts. Blessings to you mate (I'm American but Matt Mladin is still loved over here) :-) Merry CHRISTmas!
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Thanks PlowHand, Merry Christmas to you too. P.S. go Mladin!
@duncanharcourt28807 жыл бұрын
Thank you for a great review, the Honda's for me.
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Thanks Duncan, enjoy the CRF :)
@76tigga5 жыл бұрын
replacing the clutch friction plate(s) is much easier on the WR250R than on the CRF250L. The clutch plates on the CRF250L is not as durable.
@justgjt7 жыл бұрын
Yes, safety is a big concern when your out in the dirt. Especially when your with your Kato handicap.
@SuperRaptor47 жыл бұрын
Excellent video mate, just what I was looking for now I think I have my top pick
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate, good luck with the search!
@davebethell12 жыл бұрын
Great review, thanks. Also great comedy moment at 12.48, WTF. Thanks :)
@brockedwards72817 жыл бұрын
Best review I have seen! Keep up the great work.
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Cheers Brock.
@07canuck7 жыл бұрын
Very well done comparison! Agree on all points!
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate!
@ian-if4ug4 жыл бұрын
30” inseam and I’m just fine on my stock wr250r.
@carlostavcar84395 жыл бұрын
Que buen video, aunque mucho no entendí . Tuve un WR 400 pero cometí un error al no comprar la xr 400 allá por el año 1998. El wr supera en prestaciones a la Xr pero la sensación que daba era que estaba pensada para la competición en cambio la xr 400 iba dirigida a un público más amplio o personas que se iniciaban en el enduro. Gracias. Thank You. Un saludo desde Argentina!
@davechavis4275 Жыл бұрын
both great rides, comes down to color preference
@650thumper4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comparison. I'm in the market for a small displacement dual sport. Would you elaborate on the "major problem" with the rear suspension of the WR? I'm leaning toward the WR and know of a good suspension specialist who could make the mod. I'm 145 lbs (65 kg).
@chroniclesofsolid4 жыл бұрын
Hi Kevin, the rear has trouble dampening rebound in hard riding scenarios. Easy fix with a revalve of the rear. There are a few vids on it and lots of info on thumpertalk and ADVrider regarding the issue. Other than that the WR’s suspension is pretty good for a dual sport 👍
@auctionadonline92927 жыл бұрын
I owned the Yamaha WR for 1 year. Great bike if you like to ring out the motor. Suspension on the Yamaha was very good. But I was very disappointed with the WR motor in the low rpm power category. Like I said great bike until you get into the slow technical stuff then i was on the clutch all the time because of the lack of low rpm torque. Four strokes suck compared to a good 2 stroke.
@Anxiousb6 жыл бұрын
For most people it will come down to what they can afford or what they want to pay. For me the honda makes sence. It allows gou to get in on the low end. You can still have a ton of fun. If in a year ir so you find it lacking then you can upgrade exhaust, header, springs, mapping whatever and keep the fun alive. I get the wr us better out the box but you are paying extra for what yama is giving you. Id rather uprade to what i want down the road. 2k can do alot to a bike. Id rather spend it on customizing it 4 me
@rottensock81616 жыл бұрын
I have owned the Honda crf250L for 4 years now. For ripping around old logging road and gentle single track it a lot of fun. However for steep technical climbs you really notice the lack of power. I swapped out the gearing to a 13/44 and that really helped but I still have to dodge some hills I would really like to climb. I have 24k km on it with out a single problem. I am very glad I started on this bike but I think I have out grown it and am checking out the crf450L.
@mbergeron49657 жыл бұрын
Excellent review there....looking to get the WR here in Canada.
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate. Good luck with the purchase :-)
@stefanmajonez65713 жыл бұрын
"I do regret not getting the Honda as my first dual sport, because for a beginner the CRF250L is hands down the better of the two bikes" I've been debating WR vs CRF for days, and this sentence has me set on the Honda. I've never done offroad, and currently my only plans are fire roads and maybe some offroad, probably never single track. I want a commuter first and foremost, so the gas mileage will also be good.
@AvidEnduro7 жыл бұрын
Great comparison bro!! I concur with almost everything you said.
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Thanks dude!
@maxj33517 жыл бұрын
nice video champ. seems like those bikes together with the DRZ400 are the main competitors in the small everyday adv bikes!
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate! Yep those three bikes are hard to look past.
@maxj33517 жыл бұрын
chroniclesofsolid Its actually pretty sad that no big motorcycle-company sees the demand in light 30-40hp adv-bikes that are able to keep up on the highway. I happen to live in the Netherlands where you need to ride a few km's to find nice adv riding spots (alps, croatia etc). But a 250 just wont do it :/ Regardless..have you seen the new CRF250 Rallye? Seems like a nice effort from honda :)
@marcelf.2847 жыл бұрын
Would you really recommend the CRF for someone who only has onroad experience? I am kind of hesitating a little bit because I don't want to spend money twice. Regarding the CRF being pretty cheap you certainly will lose money selling it, so why not buy a WR in first place? Will it be that hard to learn riding offroad with the WR?
@moveoverman7 жыл бұрын
Outstanding comparison. Thanks.
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Thanks Stephen.
@69adrummer7 жыл бұрын
Good review. I'm looking at selling my CRF and getting something a little more powerful and adept at loading on some camping gear and going in to the mountains for the weekend!
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate, good luck on your mountain adventures!
@nesbittjohn5 жыл бұрын
Very excellent presentation. Thanks very much.
@thomastraddles12046 жыл бұрын
Really good video - helped me to decide. Thanks!
@chroniclesofsolid6 жыл бұрын
Thanks Thomas, good luck on your travels :-)
@jdub46627 жыл бұрын
I have the Honda it's great but it lacks on the power but with intake exhaust and ejk your great I cruise at 70mph all day hit 90 mph and let off could have gone more, stock 2016crf250lg
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the info! will be helpful to those reading :-)
@juggalotuz047 жыл бұрын
Great video dude. I own a WR450F and I'm about 5'10 and need to stand on my tippy toes. I also have the Highway Dirt Bikes bark busters, They are awesome but at $300 AU they're a bit pricey.
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate. Nope other side, WA.
@48796gbf7 жыл бұрын
Even if WR250 isn't maintained especially, you can go out to a play immediately. There is a lot of popularity of WR250 in our country.
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Yep pretty bullet proof little bikes :-)
@adventesia2457 жыл бұрын
wow this was very comprehensive, congrats!
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Cheers :-)
@slippityslappity4497 жыл бұрын
I chose the crf250l because there are no Yammi dealers within 100 miles of me. Can't complain though, I love this little bike.
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Smart move! Thanks for watching.
@Lawman-1965 жыл бұрын
I had the WR250R and finally went to the Husky 450fe.....Husky is the perfect bike for on/off road.
@tramagacity6 жыл бұрын
very informative reviews,.
@rsquilla20027 жыл бұрын
You did a fantastic job on your review. I greatly appreciate your time,effort and knowledge base. It is such a tough choice. It probably can come down to a decision of money ? Since both suspensions need aftermarket work, can the CRF. With the full Race Tech suspension treatment front and rear get the CRF up to par and still be below The out the door price of the WR ? Only time will tell how the new 2017 CRF engine upgrades will shake out, add that it has ABS makes it an even tougher choice Good work my friend. Be safe Rich
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Thanks Rich, some of your questions helped crystallise some of the topics I needed to address :-) When I was choosing I wrote up a Modification Budget. I listed and priced everything I would likely need to modify the bike to get it where I wanted. Then added it to the bike cost and compared the different bikes like that. Of course I did all that, convinced I was going to get the Suzuki DRZ400 and the little WR just won my heart. So ultimately go with the one that puts a smile on your face :-)
@ripmax3337 жыл бұрын
with racetech suspension it will be a Better Trial bike than a stock WR.
@haldhefairi7 жыл бұрын
thanks man, that was very helpful and informative review.
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Glad it helped :-)
@thejohnnerparty7 жыл бұрын
Great video. It helped me make a decision between these two bikes. I'm an old guy and a beginner, so it's the Honda for now. I do like the specs on the Yamaha, but it may be too much for me. Thanks. ;-)
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate, Good luck on the hunt!
@zone47 Жыл бұрын
I just bought a WR and they are getting hard to find. Around here you can find lightly used and new looking examples for around $5500-$6500... with under 2K miles. For me, the WR is what you're going to want if you are an experienced rider. If you're a noobie, the Honda is certainly a good bike but you'll probably be looking to upgrade then in a year or two.... and too bad the WR is out of production now. Still you can probably upgrade the suspension and maybe tune the motor on the CRF and end up with an ok bike.
@I_Am_Michael7 жыл бұрын
love how the specs stated are a mix of metric and SAE.
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
+michael adams Haha I know, its all those dam American articles I keep reading mixes up the specs in my head ☺
@I_Am_Michael7 жыл бұрын
hard to go wrong with just base ten.
@sassed12many7 жыл бұрын
chroniclesofsolid give them an inch, they'll take a kilometer
@chroniclesofsolid7 жыл бұрын
sassed1 2many Haha that gave me a good laugh, yah cheeky sod!
@robsonenduro33167 жыл бұрын
good review, I'd add if you are heavier rider don't buy honda because you will bottom suspension out it very easily. By heavier I mean over 85kg.
@mar1video7 жыл бұрын
Robson Enduro - can't you adjust it somehow? How about aftermarket mods ?
@robsonenduro33167 жыл бұрын
you can replace stock springs (front and rear ) for e.g. progressive springs and this is the cheapest option. But when you start adding mods to crf you'll end up in same price category or higher then wr250r and you still have quite heavy bike for what it is..
@mar1video7 жыл бұрын
Robson Enduro - cool ! Thanks for your advice. I went to the local Honda dealer and they offered me $100 off of the MSRP on the new 250L Rally. Out the door price came to $7,100 ( no ABS model ), so I decided to start looking around for a used adventure bike like a V-Strom. I like your Honda enduro video . Reminds me my beautiful motherland Poland. Thanks again for your response !
@robsonenduro33167 жыл бұрын
mar1video -hey, no problem and thanks.
@elijahheyokanobody35504 жыл бұрын
USED TO have a wr with over 30000 miles and was still going strong when i sold it. i beat the shit outta it