CRF250L - any owners out there who can comment?

Thanks for that offer Smuzzy, nice one. Rockets have the M one in so I probably could get a test on that for now (I'm assuming the only difference is the wheel size?)
I know what you mean about not being a top end enduro but I will be using it mainly for short runs, nipping here and there, and the odd bit of green laning so I think it would suit me fine (especially with the mods and the different tyres).
JohnyT
 
Yep, wheels, tyres and paint the only difference on th 'M' it may also have slightly firmer suspension.

It will be perfect for what you want. After a big bike, there's a certain fun about riding a slow bike quickly. It often gets chosen over my big adventure for a quick spin out.
 
Just a quickie......have just joined a group and mentioned about me being a new rider (to off-road stuff). I said I was thinking of a CRF 250L and a remark I got back was along the lines of "..you want the XRL not the L as it's not strong or powerful enough...."
Now, a lot of the reviews I've read or seen rate the bike......anybody got any thoughts on this? Is it a different engine in the XRL? Surely it's down to the gearing, tyres and weight?
Thanks for any input as i don't want to lay cash down then realise I've got the wrong machine. I know I don't want to go to a 400 plus cc and i want a 4 stroke.
JohnyT
 
If you have any doubts at all about the CRF 250L speak with Gary ( Skygod) at the Adventure Bike Warehouse in Manchester. He uses them for his off road training days and rates them highly.
I seriously considered one before opting for a Yamaha.
One thing to consider is that all the experienced off roaders I spoke with steered me away from noisier exhausts as being too anti social when green laning.

That said I'm an off road virgin so know the square root of feck all about the subject save what some very good people on this forum were happy to share with me.:thumb
 
Hi
Yep I realise its not an out and out dirt bike, just want it to be capable of doing fairly muddy tracks. Probably need to look at a few more reviews.
Thanks anyway
JohnyT
 
I've got 5000 miles on mine now it's been great I went green laning in Normandy in May with a couple xr400s & a drz 400 and my little 250 coped with everything fine, it's a little underpowered on the motorway but you can sit a 65 70 no problem ,
All in all I'm glad I brought it.
 

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Wow that's some mud there Robbo..and it coped ok with that?? Have you done anything with the gearing etc?
Nice graphics set.....how much was that mate
Ta
JohnyT
 
Nope exactly the stock gearing off road tyres and that's it box standard, I've had loads of fun on mine my pal put a screen on his heated grips and and toured on it, I once rode 250 miles on mine just stopping for fuel the seat was fine, I paid short of 4 grand for it brand new and have never regretted buying it I've since brought another bike, but can't bring myself to get rid of it, I think there good value for money to be honest.
 
Looks like the standard Buildbase graphics option to me, though I'm happy to be corrected. When I was looking the 'Builbase' bike was an extra £200 or so, IIRC all that was different was the graphics set.

If you're looking for after market graphics the world is your oyster a quick search on Google/Ebay will bring you up a myriad of options.

I bought a set for my WR250R from this lot. Might not be to everyone's taste though.....

http://www.moto-stylemx.com/eshop/store/kategoria/268/honda/crf-250l-/'13-/'14
 
Yes that's right standard buildbase they had two bikes in the showroom one with one with out, they wanted a £100 extra for the one with the stickers my pal jumped in quick and the one without, in the end he let them both go for the same money.
 
Hi
Still on the fence with this one....haven't managed to get a test ride and have gone round in circles looking at reviews/forums/videos.....in reality there's only this and the KLX available with a similar mileage service schedule (the WR latest model is a 58 plate).......have I missed something? Worried about there being a lack of power. Confused!
JohnyT
 
Stop worrying and just buy one, they are perfectly competent green-laners and are fun to ride. But they are also very upgradeable, so if you find you need more power then you can tweak it until you get what you want, within reason.
 
Yep, wheels, tyres and paint the only difference on th 'M' it may also have slightly firmer suspension.

The M has a larger front disc too

I had a CRFL for over a year. Loved it but always had the WR250R on my mind, which I ended up buying almost a year ago. The CRF is great on tarmac and on the lanes, but the WRR is superior all round. It is a bit pricey but hey you gets what you pays for. I had a fall on dirt (muddy surface) on the CRF and the fecking chassis bent at the peg. I'd say start off with upgrading the suspension before touching anything else. A smaller front sprocket is probably the best bang for buck upgrade. Check the dedicated forum at Thumper Talk, lots of useful info there :thumb2

Not enough pictures in this thread :D Here's mine in her element.....the muddy one on the right :p




And now this...

 
I tried one after reading this thread, loved it and have one coming next Monday. It's light, cheeky in traffic and put a huge smile on my face. May even take it to the IOM in place of my LC1200 so I can go green laneing
 
Hi anyone know if these bikes are ok two up, the max weight says 159kg, I brought a new one in December but have not used it yet and was thinking of putting in on my camper to use abroad but i'm now concerned with the weight issues as me and the wife exceed this.

Any advice appreciated

John
 


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