CRF250L - any owners out there who can comment?

[Grim Rider]

Paul G,

Have had mine for 10 months now but only done 1900 miles as predominantly used for short commute apart from occasional offroad foray, including the Exeter Trial last January. This was the only time I ran it at 70mph, going from Wolverhampton down to Yeovil. While the bike is great, it is not a journey I would repeat in a hurry. Recently I was considering changing jobs with a longer commute and had decided if I did I would change the bike for a CB500X - could get one new for £5099 and 0% finance. Just my ha'porth on the matter

 

[The Other PaulG]

Thanks Grim,

Just to be clear, was it personal discomfort that made the trip something you wouldn't want to repeat (and that I can deal with, it's just a fact of life when riding a small trail bike for a long distance) or was it concerns for the bike's ability to handle prolonged close-to-max power usage?

For a longer commute, your choice of the 500 Honda sounds very sensible. It amuses me that after all the hype around the NX700 and NX750's incredible fuel frugality, those new Honda 500 twins very nearly match the same figures but without the NX's unusual torque characteristics. The 500x is a good looking bike too, IMHO

P

 

[Smuzzy]

In March, 2 of us travelled from Yorkshire joined by another from Nottingham on CRF250's to see off Stef Jeavons off on her round the world departure from the Ace Cafe (on a CRF250). 400 miles in a day spent at 70 -75mph most of the way. The bikes were fine (but not my arse!) although this doesn't say how they would hold up for 1,000's of miles at that useage. I'd recommend you drop 1 tooth on the front sprocket as they are over geared as standard and actually slow down as you drop them into 6th gear.

Cracking little bike and there's quite a bit more power to be had with a few mods. Exhaust system, fuel controller and airbox mods will give another 10 - 15% more Oomph.

 

[The Other PaulG]

Thanks Smuzzy, that's a really useful response.

Big respect re: the 400 mile day, that's quite something!

I remember when I was 16, going from Brighouse to Ullswater in a day on my TS50* (restricted version, and with a big rucsac) - not an easy journey but all the sweeter for it.



PG

 

[Grim Rider]

Thanks Grim,

Just to be clear, was it personal discomfort that made the trip something you wouldn't want to repeat (and that I can deal with, it's just a fact of life when riding a small trail bike for a long distance) or was it concerns for the bike's ability to handle prolonged close-to-max power usage?

For a longer commute, your choice of the 500 Honda sounds very sensible. It amuses me that after all the hype around the NX700 and NX750's incredible fuel frugality, those new Honda 500 twins very nearly match the same figures but without the NX's unusual torque characteristics. The 500x is a good looking bike too, IMHO

P

Paul, as a one off journey it was simply slow and uncomfortable - I think I did 700 miles in a day and a half, including the Exeter Trial. The bike is great for what it is and I am not sure how many bikes would have done that journey and got a complete novice around their first off road trial. But I would not want to do a long commute on it every day; unless you want to use it to ride off-road, for an extra grand the 500X seems to me to be a more flexible option. I agree about the NX too, having ridden the 700, I preferred the engine characteristics of the 500.

 

[The Other PaulG]

Thanks all.

Bought one today, pics to follow

Paul g

 

[Grim Rider]

Enjoy Paul

As has been said, worth dropping front sprocket to 13 tooth (14 as standard).

 

[The Other PaulG]

Thanks Grim, yes that has already been done, along with the electronic whatsit that corrects the speedo.

It also has the aftermarket EJK fuelling controller, I don't think it's making much difference at the moment but it does mean I can make the most of an aftermarket pipe, if I go that route.

Cheers and thanks again for some good advice.

Paul G

 

[Grim Rider]

Took my own advice, traded the CRF in for a CB500X today

 

[The Other PaulG]

Paul G,

Have had mine for 10 months now but only done 1900 miles as predominantly used for short commute apart from occasional offroad foray, including the Exeter Trial last January. This was the only time I ran it at 70mph, going from Wolverhampton down to Yeovil. While the bike is great, it is not a journey I would repeat in a hurry. Recently I was considering changing jobs with a longer commute and had decided if I did I would change the bike for a CB500X - could get one new for £5099 and 0% finance. Just my ha'porth on the matter

OK so I've now owned the bike for a few weeks and done some miles.

The advice offered here was spot on - the CRF is capable of doing road journeys at about 70mph but you wouldn't really choose to do a long one at that speed. I don't think it's a case of the engine being ragged (they seem quite comfortable being revved) but it's more the fact that you're on something which is closer in size to a mountain bike than a GS..

HOWEVER.... on Surrey's green lanes I think it's absolutely perfect. It has decent off-road handling and the power delivery is really forgiving. It's odd to even mention torque with respect to a 250cc bike, but the spread of power is really broad. You can be a gear - sometimes two - away from the gear you should be in, and the bike will just forgive you and get on with it.

If you're more serious about your off-road then the weight / rear suspension etc will no doubt become issues but if you're just someone who likes to spend the odd weekend on green lanes then I think this bike is brilliant.

The build quality's pretty impressive, too.

Paul G

 

[Grim Rider]

You are dead right Paul, for what you describe I thought the bike was great. Only issue I had with build quality was state of downpipe and spokes after a winter but probably would have helped if I cleaned it more often! Felt it needed 13T front sprocket, handguards, better pegs, sumpguard and gearlever for going offroad but otherwise seemed to go (and crash) very well. I just decided that offroading wasn't for me and my knackered knee anymore, and as you say, the CRF isn't the greatest for long distances.

Went to look at the CB500X again and as well as further £200 off for old stock, got onto the new deal which supplies them with full 'Adventure Pack' (taller screen, handguards, centre stand, panniers, topbox, all fitttings and locks) for £200 (listed at over £1400 in accessory list), so seemed like an offer too good to miss! But I guess that should be the start of a new thread....

 

[ronnie69]

Went to look at the CB500X again and as well as further £200 off for old stock, got onto the new deal which supplies them with full 'Adventure Pack' (taller screen, handguards, centre stand, panniers, topbox, all fitttings and locks) for £200 (listed at over £1400 in accessory list), so seemed like an offer too good to miss! But I guess that should be the start of a new thread....

Let's see some piccies then

Sounds appealing and I might be in the market - which dealer was this, please? Also what's your (real) name in case you want brownie points from the dealer for putting other potential buyers on to them?

 

[Robbo1961]

I brought one May 2013 I've had some great fun on it up to 4000 miles now I've had the fork seals done once a new clutch which I thought was a bit of a bummer, but all in all I've really enjoyed it











I've actually brought a different bike now so am thinking of selling but I would be sad to see it go!!

 

[Grim Rider]

Let's see some piccies then

Sounds appealing and I might be in the market - which dealer was this, please? Also what's your (real) name in case you want brownie points from the dealer for putting other potential buyers on to them?

PM sent Ronnie

 

[The Other PaulG]

.... further £200 off for old stock, got onto the new deal which supplies them with full 'Adventure Pack' (taller screen, handguards, centre stand, panniers, topbox, all fitttings and locks) for £200 (listed at over £1400 in accessory list), so seemed like an offer too good to miss! But I guess that should be the start of a new thread....

Wow, that's a good deal!!

 

[Ex-Call Centre Chimp]

I've been offered a 2013 2nd hand one in mint condition. It has a full Yoshi system on it, hand guards, heated grips, Kriega tail tidy, 34 months Honda warranty left on it & a lowering kit with side stand.
All of the original bits are also available.

£2,900.

I would be buying it for green laning so am tempted to put the original pipe back on & Fleabay the Yoshi. The other stuff (apart from the lowering kit) I would want on any bike I bought anyway so I would keep those.

Alternatively I can have a standard bike, brand new at 4/9% APR for £3,950.

Would I be mad not to go for the 2nd 2013 with all the kit or should I buy the new one?

 

[Ex-Call Centre Chimp]

I've been offered a 2013 2nd hand one in mint condition. It has a full Yoshi system on it, hand guards, heated grips, Kriega tail tidy, 34 months Honda warranty left on it & a lowering kit with side stand.
All of the original bits are also available.

£2,900.

I would be buying it for green laning so am tempted to put the original pipe back on & Fleabay the Yoshi. The other stuff (apart from the lowering kit) I would want on any bike I bought anyway so I would keep those.

Alternatively I can have a standard bike, brand new at 4.9% APR for £3,950.

Would I be mad not to go for the 2nd 2013 with all the kit or should I buy the new one?

It doesn't have 34 months Honda warranty on it, it has 3 months.

That'll teech me to prufrede things befor possting it.

 

[Big Den]

Great little bike if a bit flat on power, weak clutch, fork seals and budget shock are only downs. will do the trails and is very easy to ride offroad. 13T front helps and ditch the can it weighs a ton no wonder a few have cracked the rear subframe with that thing bolted to it

 

[Ex-Call Centre Chimp]

Great. I'm on the verge of buying one having read & heard only good things about them & now someone effectively tells me they're a pile of Shi'ite.

Still, better than just AFTER I've forked out I suppose.

 

[Smuzzy]

Great. I'm on the verge of buying one having read & heard only good things about them & now someone effectively tells me they're a pile of Shi'ite.

Still, better than just AFTER I've forked out I suppose.

Not a pile of shite, just built to a budget that isn't a £6K KTM that needs regular maintenance every 20 hrs use.

The engine is not sparkling, but can be helped quite cheaply. You have the pipe, if you get a EJK and fiddle with the airbox, you will add enough to make it sprightly. Sort the gearing and its quite fun. Great on the road as well depending on tyres (don't do Mich AC10's they are scary OTR)

the big upside for me is its a sound little green laner, seems well built, 2 years warranty from new and 8,000 mile service intervals.

If you want a fire breathing enduro, it's NOT. If you want a modern XR250 with leccy start and good warranty/reliability then its sound.

If you're worried about clutch/fork seals then buy the new one with 2 years comfort.

Love mine with the mods above