Review of the Honda CRF250L motorcycle (CRF250M, CRF250L Rally)

Model of the budget enduro motorcycle Honda CRF250L

was introduced in 2012 on the Asian market, and since 2013 the model has become available in the markets of Europe and North America.
In parallel with the CRF250L, a motard version began to be offered in the same year - Honda CRF250M
.

Both models are distinguished by a simple and budget-friendly layout, based on a steel frame, a retuned engine from the Honda CBR250R, simple non-adjustable suspension in the form of an inverted fork with a 43 mm diameter of stays at the front and a progressive monoshock absorber (adjustable by preload) at the rear, disc brakes, 6-speed gearbox and from 143 kg curb weight.

The motad version of the Honda CRF250M differed from the basic version of the Honda CRF250L by having 17′ wheels, an increased diameter of the front brake disc (256 → 296 mm) and an enlarged drive sprocket.

In 2021, the models receive changes to the engine, which began to comply with new environmental standards, and also received optimized settings and an enlarged throttle body (36 → 38 mm), resulting in increased maximum power (22.8 → 25.0 hp) . Starting from the same year, the Honda CRF250M modification leaves the European and American markets, although it continues to be available on the Asian market. Also this year, a new modification was introduced - Honda CRF250L Rally

. It received the features of the flagship Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin and a number of technical differences - increased height, increased ground clearance (255 → 270 mm), increased rear suspension travel (240 → 265 mm), increased front brake disc diameter (256 → 296 mm), increased fuel tank capacity (7.8 → 10.1 l) and ABS (was already available in the basic versions of the CRF250L and CRF250L Rally on the European market).

2020 was the last year of production of the model, after which it was replaced by a new one - the Honda CRF300L. Meanwhile, the CRF250L left only the European and American markets, but continued its production for the domestic Japanese market and markets in some Asian countries. The 2021 model was restyled and based on the new CRF300L model, differing from it only in engine size. The new versions received LED headlights (Rally version), new engine and suspension settings, a slipper clutch and a release assistant (Assist & Slipper clutch), an increased fuel tank on the Rally version (10.1 → 12.8 l) and a reduction in overall weight. For the Japanese market, sports S versions are also offered, characterized by increased ground clearance and seat height.

The “older” version is Honda CRF450L.

Main competitors of Honda CRF250L:

• Kawasaki KLX250
• Yamaha WR250/Yamaha Serow 250

Main competitors of Honda CRF250M:

• Kawasaki D-Tracker 250
• Suzuki 250SB
• Yamaha WR250X

Brief history of the model

• 2012 - start of production and sales of Honda CRF250L in the Asian market.

Model

: Honda CRF250L (Asia).

• 2013 - appearance of motard modification Honda CRF250M. Both models are officially available in Europe and North America.

Model

: Honda CRF250L;
Honda CRF250M (all markets). Factory designation:
CRF250LD; CRF250ME.

• 2014 - no significant changes.

Model

: Honda CRF250L;
Honda CRF250M (all markets). Factory designation:
CRF250LE; CRF250ME.

• 2015 - no significant changes.

Model

: Honda CRF250L;
Honda CRF250M (all markets). Factory designation:
CRF250LF; CRF250MF.

• 2016 - no significant changes.

Model

: Honda CRF250L (all markets).
Factory designation:
CRF250LG.

• 2017 - the Honda CRF250M model leaves the European and American markets, a new modification appears - the Honda CRF250L Rally. The engine undergoes minor changes, increasing power slightly. The appearance of versions with ABS.

Model

: Honda CRF250L (ABS);
Honda CRF250L Rally (ABS) (all markets). Factory designation:
CRF250LH + CRF250LAH (ABS); CRF250RLH + CRF250RLAH (ABS).

• 2018 - no significant changes.

Model

: Honda CRF250L (ABS);
Honda CRF250L Rally (ABS) (all markets). Factory designation:
CRF250LJ + CRF250LAJ (ABS); CRF250RLJ + CRF250RLAJ (ABS).

• 2019 - no significant changes.

Model

: Honda CRF250L (ABS);
Honda CRF250L Rally (ABS) (all markets). Factory designation:
CRF250LK + CRF250LAK (ABS); CRF250RLK + CRF250RLAK (ABS).

• 2020 is the last year of production for foreign markets.

Model

: Honda CRF250L (ABS);
Honda CRF250L Rally (ABS) (all markets). Factory designation:
CRF250LL + CRF250LAL (ABS); CRF250RLL + CRF250RLAL (ABS).

• 2021 - the model is restyled, receiving the base from the new CRF300L. Starting this year, the model is available only for the Asian market.

Model

: Honda CRF250L (ABS); Honda CRF250L Rally (ABS) (Asia).

• 2022 - no significant changes.

Model

: Honda CRF250L (ABS); Honda CRF250L Rally (ABS) (Asia).

Specifications

Specifications of Honda CRF250L (CRF250M, CRF250L Rally):

Construction of HONDA CRF 250

The main innovations highlighted by the CRF series include two:

1. Due to the use of aluminum alloys when creating the frame , the bike should become lighter.
   Accordingly, it handles better, turns easier, and behaves better in various road conditions. The CRF 250 series received a reinforced aluminum frame in 2011 along with new suspension settings.
2. Installed on bikes water cooling, since experiments have shown that a standard air system may sometimes not be enough.

   The radiator of the cooling system is covered on the side with a plastic fairing.

Although the 250 cc modifications were developed in parallel, the developers nevertheless ended up with two separate motorcycles . They have related features, but at the same time there are differences.

Peculiarities

Both versions get upside-down telescopic front forks.

The inverted Showa fork looks serious and does not cause any particular complaints in operation.

But, if the enduro bike has a metal thickness of the stays of 47 mm , with a working stroke of 315 mm , then the cross-country model has these parameters of 49 and 310 mm, respectively. There is a difference in the rear as well.

The general design is with a mono-shock absorber , but at the same time, the enduro has a useful stroke of 315 mm , and the cross-country bike has 310 . The settings options are the same. For both models, the user can adjust the entire range of parameters.

To change the parameters of the rear suspension, use a compressed air cylinder.

Exterior

There are also minor changes in the external design of the models.

In stock, both have the brand's signature red and white livery, but the enduro version is constantly receiving new additions and colors.

Streamlined shapes and clean lines - the bike as a whole looks impressive.

Front end

• If the older sister's main difference here is the headlight or plate with the number, in the 250 cc the developers did something different. The cross version has a standard front part - a complete lack of body kit, leaving only space for a license plate.

  Honda CRF 250 X - enduro with headlight.

  Honda CRF 250 R – cross with a nameplate.

• The enduro has a symbolic front body kit , in the lower part of which a headlight . In 2011, the developers revised the electrical system. The result was the replacement of the stationary one with LED.
• Otherwise, the front of the bikes is identical. Large, high-raised front fender, lack of mirrors and windshield .

Rear end

The back of the bike is “clean” of any lighting equipment.

Interestingly, many stock models also have a saddle painted in the brand’s colors. But at the same time, the fuel tank cover, located in a standard place, is the only part of the bike painted black.

A cross bike has a 6.5 liter capacity, while an enduro bike has 7.5 liters. According to users, a full refueling capacity holds 7.3 liters.

The stock gas tank is painted black.

Another feature of the enduro version is the presence of two exhaust pipes that work “in sync” . The developers do not comment on the need for such a step.

The photo shows the option with two mufflers.

The remaining details of the versions are the same and fully comply with class standards.

A narrow frame, a symbolic saddle, and the presence of high pegs allow you to overcome certain problems of the track while standing.

Surprisingly, the seat will be comfortable even for a tall rider, and the seating position is closer to road than off-road.

Reviews

Reviews of Honda CRF250L:

Expand Collapse

With my height 173 cm. the ride is comfortable. The gearbox shifts are quite clear, neutral is easy to find. The instrumentation is electronic, but there is no tachometer or gear indicator on the instrument panel. The mirrors are informative, but they spoil the appearance, maybe I’ll change them.

Briefly about the bike. The tank is 7 liters, enough for 180-200 km. The motorcycle is light and can blow away in strong gusts of wind. The seat requires surgical intervention, namely replacement of the material with which it is covered because the material is slippery and sometimes moves forward. On long trips the butt gets stiff, I would like to adjust the shape a little. At first, the right lever caused criticism; it was located far away and my hand got tired. I wanted to change it, but while I was looking for a worthy replacement, I got used to it. For unknown reasons, some of the spokes on the wheels have oxidized. The shortcomings I have identified are most likely predictions because... The CRF is a motorcycle for aggressive use.

conclusions

Currently, the Honda CRF 250 in flagship versions is one of the leaders among the huge variety of enduro-cross motorcycles.

The sensitive reaction of the motorcycle to the movements of the gas/brake handles can cause problems for an inexperienced user at first. But at the same time, both types of bikes imply that a person who already understands a lot about motorcycles will sit behind the wheel.

For enduro lovers, the Honda CRF 250 will be a real gift , allowing you to climb where even an SUV gets stuck without any problems or questions.

Various additional equipment is available for bikes of this series, for example, protection of the exhaust manifold and engine.