I have the Ralley version , and love it. I’m 55 years old, and have every type of bike you can think of, and coming off of bikes like gxers and Harley’s, to bikes like the Versys, I was very hesitant to pull the trigger on a 250 sized enduro. But after a year, I have to say the compromise has been worth it. Now I can go where I want to go, and do some roadside camping on trips by getting off the beaten path to a secluded wooded area by the highway, and really enjoy all the freedoms of motorcycling. Like you rightly stated, it’s not the best at anything, but it does what I want to do. Good video dude!
I bought a 2020 CRF250L a few weeks ago and took it on a 165 mile trail ride today. I also did the sprocket changes. I love the bike. So capable at anything. I ran it though a very tight and rough ATV trail and it did great. The rear suspension is too soft, but I am 250lbs so that is not the bikes fault. I am thinking of upgrading the rear shock to help with that. I also will modify the muffler and have an EJK controller on the way I will need when I mod the muffler. After that the bike will be perfect for my limited skills. Being a 2020 it has the larger header so it is far cheaper to get more power out of it. Hell it's a Honda. It will run forever.
This is the best, most detailed & accurate 250l review I've seen. Good job man. I've put about 3500 miles on mine so far and everything said is right on point.
Well said, I bought a 2018. I used to ride dedicated dirt bikes and this isn't any comparison to my old CR250 2 stroke but this is way more practical and at 52 it forces me to slow down offroad so I don't hurt myself.
This was probably the best and most straight to the point with useful information review I've seen. I'm in the market for a crf250 F or L. Hard to beat the practicality of the 250L as much as I want the lighter and dirt dedicated F. Thank you for a great review!
Great video bro ,my wife and I both have the CRF250 Rally version and I must say this is a bulletproof bike, we do a lot of gravel and mountain passes and forest roads and for adv riding this is perfect, on offroad we do get just shy of 300km on a full tank, we both have a very soft spot in our hearts for them and they will stay for many years.
@@Nordalmusic 250L has better low end torque and longer service intervals versus the WR250R. The 250L also has less vibrations on the highway, my hand can go numb sustaining 70mph on the WR250R.
@@MotoAdventurer Nice, I see! Just sold my Ducati s4, looking to hit the trails while still being able to do long trips every now and then. What would you recommend? Market at where I’m at doesn’t even include the WRR, it’s so rare seeing someone selling. Crf on the other end is plenty of. Should I buy the Crf, or wait for a good deal on the wrr? Never ridden any of them, but I’m a custom to street bikes. I’ve narrowed it down to the Crf v WRR. Are they mostly the same bike, or is it night and day?
Excellent review with good pros and cons. I've had my crf250l since new in 2013. It has a little over 60,000 km on it now. The only issue I've had was the CCT, or as Honda Calls it, the 'Cam Chain Lifter Assembly.' Three of them failed completely so I installed a Krieger manual CCT a couple years ago and no issues now. I love the bike. As you say, it's not a dedicated dirt bike and it's a bit heavy and yes it can stand more torque, but I figure it perfectly fulfills the definition of dual sport. It'll go wherever I point it, it just won't get there super fast or with the utmost grace if the shit hit the fan. But I can rely on it and it didn't cost much and it's cheap to maintain. I've a full Yoshi system, opened out air box, K&N air filter, EJK controller, O2 disconnected, 14/45 sprockets, Acrebis tank, ect. The mods do increase the power noticeably. When Honda claimed 23hp they meant at the crank, not the wheel. The mods bring another 3 hp or something in that range. Depends on how you set the fueling and air. Cheers :-)
Agreed. I checked out your videos about the CCT before I bought the bike. That appeared to be the only issue folks had, and thus far it's behaving itself. The bike has done more than I would have ever dreamed, as I said, really tough to beat for the money. Thanks for watching!
This spring, I got back into riding after 40 years and bought a 250L. Always been a Honda guy and found a 2018 that was modded pretty much exactly like I wanted. I'm 6'5"/240 lbs so I knew I would want aftermarket suspension, and the guy I bought from was my size and had a full F/R Racetech gold suspension installed. Awesome setup. The other must-have was the Seat Concepts comfort seat, which it also had. Superb seat for anyone looking for something for longer rides. I've recently gotten it off road after spending most of 2024 riding on the back roads around here. The one thing I'm not pleased with off-road is the weight. This think is a load on slow, technical stuff. On faster, more open areas, I don't notice the weight, but once things get tricky, it can be a handful to keep vertical, especially because the aftermarket suspension doesn't sag much. Even at 6'5", I can just flat foot the bike, that's how stiff the suspension is. Only dumped it once, but for this old dude, it's a chore picking it back up. Otherwise, absolutely recommend it.
I couldn't agree more. I don't have a lot of money or much time either. So if my bike sits unused I don't feel like it's a waste of money. I love that I can cruise along the coast then do a bit of scratching up the mountain and finally ride home through the forest on the dirt. I have the rally so it has a larger tank, longer suspension, and a tacho. My mate has tested the plastics on his a few times so I can say they are surprisingly robust. The original chain is garbage so there are places you can tell Honda tried to save money. Over time these things can be replaced with better quality items. I've owned lots of different bikes and this one gives me the most smiles per dollar. Nice review, I enjoyed it. Cheers.
Much appreciated! I took her out for a tear at a local state forest trail system. Spent some time on a couple other bikes (including a KTM 350 xcfw) but I still like wrestling the pig.
I ride the 2018 Rally edition of this bike from Houston to Galveston on the Gulf Freeway on weekends it rides great I hit the beaches as well as the Seawall. My bike has surpassed all my expectations on what a real dual sport bike should be. I hope one day to take it to a Baja race and ride out into the desert as a spectator and enjoy an off road race up close!
Thanks man! My wife and I made a deal that I can get my first bike in late winter/early spring and the 250l has been my top choice for a while. My local dealer typically has new last model year 250ls that time of year for $4,400 out-the-door. Thanks for the review, you were thorough and succinct which is awesome!
My dealer has a 2019 CRF250L on sale for $4500, with all the doc fees and such the price jumps to $5500, he also stated that I could make an off, any thoughts appreciated...
@@markleegstra6012 there are a lot of used 250Ls near me for $4k. Tough to negotiate new price down to used so $4500 seems like a good deal. You're paying tax either way. You might be able to negotiate bark busters into the deal or something like that.
Mark Leegstra if you haven’t already, try using the website “cycle trader”. You can search for the Crf250l from a large radius around your zip code. You can often save several hundred dollars if you are willing to drive further. Additionally, at least in my area, Craigslist normally has a couple of low mileage 250ls in the $3k range.
Good video. I also I have CRF250L, ride it single track pretty hard (for a dual sport), and commute to work. Everyone seems to talk a lot of smack about the bike but, it does most things I ask it to do. The stock suspension is pretty bad. I ended up getting the Race Tech suspension and it has changed the ride off road significantly better. I didn't think it would do much but it seriously made riding off road and single track that much better. Mind you, I am 5' 11" at 200lbs. Anyway, hit me up if you got questions and keep making great videos. It's appreciated!
We'll see what the future holds for me. If I bring home bike #3, it's just about right for the riding I do, but for the right price, I may spend a few bucks on spiffing up the suspenders. I definitely appreciate your commentary on Racetech!
I'm looking at getting into riding. Haven't been on a bike of any size/type in 30 years. The CRF250L and the CB300F are my 2 top choices. The 300F has a lot of the features I am looking for (dedicated street tires, larger fuel tank) for less $$, but it is slightly heavier. On the other hand, it is a relatively new bike on the market. But, this is where the CRF250L outshines it...20+ years of constant production and refinements, larger aftermarket supply chain for replacement parts. And there are accessories available for the 250L that will give me the features I am looking for. Acerbis makes a 3.1 gallon tank. Camel ADV has an add-on pony tank that gives an extra 1.5 gallons range, Warp 9 (while a bit pricey) offers rims to convert to a tubeless tire set up, and that opens up some additional choices for tires. I would be using it primarily as a commuter on a 30 mile trek to work. And the grafix packages.... The CRF250L is the best choice on the market for what I am looking for.
If you strictly want street, lots of great street bikes out there, but if you have any hankering for off-road riding at all, tough to beat the 250L from your angle.
Totally agree with your review. I downsized from a KLR650 and love the weight difference (even though it is a heavy bike for its class). Mine offers the best of both worlds and is more capable off road than my skills. Contemplating buying a rally edition. Thanks for the great video review!
I am a returning rider. Took about 10 years off from off road riding. Now I am 58, sore knees and back. I miss the feel of hard acceleration and exploring. No more jumps or extreme riding. I think this bike is perfect for me. A do anything kind of bike. All I want is comfort and reliability. Most off road stuff is 80% rider skill, this will be all I need. Now, just waiting for the next bitcoin bull run, and I will have one. Should be very soon! Can’t wait!
No need to worry about the engine being fragile, I raced the cbr250 for a few years. Ragged the sh*t out of it and just changed the oil/filter when recommended. Motor is indestructible!
I own a 250l here in the UK . First dual sport I’ve owned , most fun bike I’ve had not brilliant at anything but ok at everything. Like you said it will get you too your destination ,you can have fun when you arrive and it will get you home . What more do you want . 😁👍🇬🇧🏍🇺🇸
My blood runs red I love Honda I started riding at 4 years old got the pic riding by myself brand new 200s 3 wheeler and some how I can remember riding it all them years ago 40 years ago I just got a crf250L and I like it I've rode it only about 20 miles and I feel just like what u said thanks for the video!!
Spot on review, I brought a CRF250 Rally this summer which I think has slightly more power, bigger tank , led all round and a screen. It is perfect for green laning (in south east England ) for me, commuting is a joy and the odd distance ride, best bang for the buck I have brought ever. I love it.
You sound like the target customer. I'd like to take the rally for a spin. Don't think the rally is a race bike, but I bet I'd enjoy dual sporting with the rally quite a bit.
Moto Adventurer I am an old fella, got a. Tiger 1050 and a Rat bike. The Tiger has all the power and versatility (track days, European tours, weekend jaunts)didn’t want to sell it. I am not a racer but doing green lanes with large puddles and shallow rivers get my adrenaline pumping.😊
tittlemouse92 The only problem riding it on motorway is I find the seat gets a bit uncomfortable. There are aftermarket seats available but I have a big Triumph if I am doing long road journeys. I reckon it is a perfect bike to replace a 125. It is a bit tall in the saddle, I am 6’ and it is fine for me, there is a lot of suspension travel, lady friend of mine climbs in to it whilst still in side stand, once a board the suspension settles and she can touch ground with her toes. I would suggest you book a test ride, Dobles (check out Mr. Fish) my local dealer usually have a couple of low mileage examples that they will let out
Outstanding review. My daughter rides a 250l and I have a KLX 250. We love them both for exactly the same reasons you mentioned. They are the Leathermen of the motorcycle world. :)
Filled out the paperwork on a leftover 2019 250 Rally today. Picking it up tomorrow. Thanks for the video. I’ve been doing my homework and am pumped I found one. Coof has everything out of stock and factories are closed. Barely any inventory in my area. Now, one less
I got a 250L and it is the perfect bike to teach new riders how to ride off road. I actually use this bike to teach and get people into riding off road. The bike is capable of doing trails. It lacks power to blip and double blip over large obstacles which you don't normally see on trails anyway. 10/10 would recommend this bike.
I have a 13 crf250L, and I have to say you are on point with your review. But you can easily find this bike used for $2500ish, then put 3-4K in upgrades and you will have an amazing little bike that will do highway all day and still be light enough to do fairly hard offroad; and your only into the bike for $6000ish. Seems like a pretty good deal to me.
I have a 250l that I have put over 13000 miles on and love the bike and it is for sure going to stay in my possession. I have just about everything done to it short of big bore, and suspension. I feel no need in touching my suspension as I did as you are planning on doing and bought a dedicated dirt bike for when I really want to shred off road as I grew up racing motocross. I bought a wr250f that was already made street legal and had some nice upgrades already, but I did some more to make it a better more comfortable dual sport while still being a way better bike off road than the crf250l. Still though the crf250l will see way more miles and more use as it is a way more versatile, and more comfortable bike.
Nicely done review! You are spot on regarding the pros & cons of the bike. I also have a 2014 model and adding the 1 gallon RotopaX container was the best $60 modification. That extra gallon gives me another 50 miles of range without having to upgrade the tank.
Very nice preview, I have mine bought 2019 and I’m super happy with that bike! Quality, weight, engine and power is quite enough.Nothing much to maintain ore service!! It’s definitely not a rough enduro bike, but as mentioned in the video, work, highway, woods, gravel it’s just fun and amazing!!! It feels almost like an engine driven Mountainbike with 20 kg plus as most full sport bikes... if you love what he explains in the video! You will love the bike as I do! GREAT TRUE VIDEO, ITS HOW YOU SAY.
Best review of a CRF250L in the intertubes! It's a great bike for adults looking to have fun, it's not for crazy kids doing crazy kid stuff. A very balanced bike, best at nothing but good enough for everything a nornal person would want a bike for. I hope you are wise and keep such a great bike in your stable.
As of this moment my plan is to keep it. I do think a KLX or WR would be a better bike, but I don't know if it's worth $1k more when I plan on buying a dedicated dirt bike. The 250L does lightweight adventure riding so well.
@@MotoAdventurer Crf250L is good because it keeps you in the sane vein of having fun and away from being a off-road hooligan. Let it grow on you and you will be grateful to its common-sense-spirit. Keep it up, and never miss the chance to get off with such a great bike no-one will be able to blame you for nothing.
I have been looking for my first bike for years now. And honestly this has really confirmed for me that this is the bike for me. Looking at getting a new 2020 from the dealer early next year and I can't wait to swing my leg over and never get off for years. I'm a small guy and not very strong so the fact that it is a little heavy is worrying but I hope to grow with the bike as I learn to ride. All I have to do now is get the bike licence and then step into a world I will hopefully never leave. Thank you for the great in depth honest review!
Ben Osborn my pleasure. If you’re not trying to get into crazy things, the weight isn’t an issue. Every bike feels heavy at first, as you acclimate to a bike you stop noticing that stuff. Folks from the off-road world will steer you toward race bikes that are lighter. That works out fine assuming you’re a decent garage mechanic or have a fat wallet. If you’re going to ride in the street or have a tight budget, the European race bikes are a lot of hassle without getting the best of the benefits, which is where this bike comes in. It’s cheap and easy to own.
@@MotoAdventurer hey thanks for the video and info! Good stuff! I’m getting a 2020 250L this AM and I am 6’2” 200 lbs and will ride in the woods of road 90% of the time. What do you suggest? Suspension? Anything! Please and thank you! Have fun! Be safe!
Lukefish unfortunately I’m still running stock suspension so I’m not a good resource for what’s best in that department. That said, a lot of people get wrapped around the axle about running out to buy all the gadgets for their new bike and so on. Different strokes for different folks but I recommend spending some serious time on the stock suspension before making changes. Make sure you test the suspension in a wide range of conditions you expect to ride in so that you don’t inadvertently buy something that ends up ruining your experience in a certain type of condition. I made that mistake with my scrambler and finally just fixed it years later.
I am thinking on getting a 250L for commuting to work and have some occasional fun at the trails . I used to have an 05 CRF250x, great bike but not for daily use. I realized it does not make sense to have a closed course competition race bike for the street. Oil changes every 600 miles. Valve adjustment and so forth intervals are shorter. So I decided to get a CR250L for commuting to work and college. I am going to get a two stroke for the technical stuff later on.. Definitely agree with you @Moto Adventurer. I like the low maintenance interval schedule of the CRF250L. I live in central America (Costa Rica) and here you can see guys riding CRF250/450 R on the street which makes no sense oil changes every 8 hours, nice way to spend the money.
It's like so many things, it's all about what you want out of it. Crazy race bikes on the street is no big deal if you don't ride often or you just don't care about maintenance. Unfortunately that's not me... and obviously not you either.
I have a 2016 250L. I bought it new. Put on over 37000 kilometres, ( 22,000) miles. Runs great. Third set of tires, 4 drive chain ms, and a few sprockets. I am 60 now. I could enjoy a little more power.😀
I have one and its well worth the money i got a killer deal right around 3,000 and like he said its great for dirt and street if your a beginner and wanting a great bike for street and dirt also for the money you cant get much better. Yea its on the heavier side but so fun and practical
i bought myself a brand new 2017 in january of 2018 for $3975 (+tax)...i flat out love my 250l....ride it more than my hd ultra limited...it's just a putt around trail bike and handles everything i throw at it..i don't ride it hard and rigged up a fishing pole holder on it and go fishing on it as much as i can..should last me forever...again i love it
Yep its a great motorcycle because it isnt really bad at anythings. Its not great at everything either its just good at everything you want to use it for. and my favorite part is its super reliable and easy to maintain.
Very nice video. I have my "L" for almost 2years now. 2013 model. VERY nice bike. I had XT600, KLR650, DRZ400e. This L is just awesome. Yes, it can do with a little bit more . But it is what it is and it makes for a great little big bike. Enjoy it. Again, COOL video. Thanks. From Cape Town, South Africa Blessings.
I really enjoyed this video. It came up in my recommended videos. So much good information about the CRF250L. Love the graphics! I live in the Miami Valley of Ohio and it looks like you do too! Excited to find your channel.
Ecu tune it to a light exhaust, remove the back, change indicators and mirrors, put different fork oil in, you can shave of 12+ kilo, go for 13-42 sprocket, different bike :) ..
That extra weight is a good thing because keeps the bike more stable on the road. I wouldn't waist money buying a bigger fuel tank, just by a little Jerrycan
The road manners are really good for sure. I carry a gas bottle for "just in case" at the moment. Not sure I'm ready to invest $250 on has just yet. I think that'll have to wait until I bring home a designated dirt bike.
In South Africa, we have this as well as the Honda XR250 Tornado. The Tornado has an air/oil-cooled carb fed engine- but produces the same horsepower- although better torque which starts lower down the rev range. Both have the same wet weight- but the Tornado holds an extra gallon of fuel in that weight. Believe it or not, the stats and forums all give the carb fed Tornado slightly better fuel consumption than the efi CRF- which I can also attest to by riding with a friend with a CRF. The Tornado does not have a fuel gauge- but old-style tap on tank with "on" and "reserve" setting. The Tornado also has shorter service intervals for an oil change (about half), but longer (few inches) travel in the suspension, although it does not have USD forks in the front. Unfortunately, it has a drum brake at the rear. I must confess I was actually after a xt250 (I like the simplicity of an air-cooled engine and the efi)- but a killer deal came up on a Tornado ($2500 for a 7-year-old bike with less than 1500 miles on it- the guy purchased it- rode it a few times to work and back- and stored it- practically as new). The only downside to the carb so far is having to engage the choke in first start-up each morning- and if not riding off immediately having to keep the revs up with the throttle till it warms up. But other than that- I love the bike and will not get rid of it- no matter what else comes along. As you said- I can get on it in my driveway- ride to wherever I want to go off-road- do my trail- and ride home- no problem. And it shares many on the same sentiments that you described with your CRF.
Thank you for the video. I’m considering getting the 250L Rally to go green laning and light off-roading in the UK. Your video is one of the best ones about the 250l I’ve seen so far. Very informative and well put together. Great work!
Audio Nostalgia I’ve had mine for 2 years from new and put 6000 miles on it. After a long biking career on many bikes from Harleys to Fireblades, l wanted a change. I have left the L totally stock and it is good enough for me that way. The bike is willing, flexible and easy to work on. I don’t think you will be disappointed. 👍🏻
@@valaudae1809 Thank you for additional feedback. I've ordered CRF250L and it is due to arrive in March. I'm too planning to leave it stock, with an exception of some off-road protection (skid plate, hand guards, etc.).
The key is to be safe off road too much power you’re tempted to to push it and people die that way great video love all your details I’ve been riding for 30 years I’m gonna get the rally version of that
Thanks man! I need to shoot a few more takes with each line, after editing there were quite a few I decided to cut off at the end and I'm not completely happy with the transitions... may just need to work on smoothing the audio... had to learn a lot of new stuff over the last couple weeks.
Hey! I made a brief cameo at 7:05 😂 (scouting trip for the Red River Scramble). Looking forward to another ride some day, especially now that I’m better at hustling the VStrom around the twisty bits. Great video. Keep up the good work with the channel.
Really well done video - I am picking up a used 250l in a few days and was glad to find this video. The pro/con discussion fir both street and off-road was really helpful. Keep making great videos like this with a mix of you talking and riding!
Bought one last week , after scouting around at all the options. Tenere 700, too heavy and too much tech. Royal Enfield Himalayan, too heavy and cheap build. I have a vstrom for roads anyway, so decided to go with something to ride to trails then on trails then home (I do it on the vstrom, but it is out of it's depth, far too top heavy) After watching you thrashing the thing around , and adventure zak out playing on his, realised it was the ideal bike for me. (Sadly, the bike stores are not delivering at the moment, due to that virus, so I have no idea when I will actually get it, but we're not allowed out to play here at the moment anyway) Mine has bashplate, oxford heated grips, handguards and a rack, and I am thinking rad guard and folding gear and brake levers and a 42 rear sprocket till I see what suits best. 2018 model with 270 miles on the clock, probably the shop demo bike. Thanks for the help choosing.
Great review Drew. In the short time we've had two CRF250L's in our stable, it may be the bike the brings the biggest smile to my face. It's fun to go out ripping around back roads or trails either following my wife, or unable to shake her from my tail.
@@MotoAdventurer I've been looking at the 250L, 450L and the XR650L. As you've mentioned in the video and in the comments...the 450 maintenance intervals are a super pain if you plan to ride much. The 650 is great, but such a low tech bike with the air cooling and carb. So the 250L seems to have it all, but I'm 6'1" and 250+ before gear and bags...so I worry about power up an off road hill, or just bottoming out the suspension on even little hits. I do not plan to race or ride too aggressive. The 450L would be great if it just had more reasonable maintenance intervals. By the way, my current bike is a 2001 CR250....old, but she runs great, and will pull the front wheel up without trying in 3rd gear...even with my fat ass on it.
@@waltermitty7452 if your heart is set on a Honda and you don't want to turn too many wrenches, an investment in suspension and sprockets may do the trick. Based on your comments, you might be wise to look at the KLX250, the WR250R, and the DRZ400. The DRZ is also old... but not XR old. The 690 Enduro is a more modern DRZ400, but much better, but also more expensive.
@@MotoAdventurer I'm pretty much a Honda Guy. I've also considered the Honda Africa Twin as well....would be great for adventure riding, but a total pig off road. My CR weighs around 215 pounds, so I can appreciate a lite bike off road. Lastly, the only non-Honda bike I have considered is the Ducati Desert Sled....that style really speaks to my 50 year old brain. But since it's not a Honda, I'm a little concerned about reliability and quality. So many great choices in moto world...tough to make just one.
@@waltermitty7452 there's no metric for taste, so I totally get your angle. I want a 350L... that would be the golden ticket for me if it didn't mean changing oil every weekend. I really like the AT, but it's a big bike compared to the 250L and even my Scrambler. If the Duc DS has your eye, look at the 790 Adv and the T7, both are more bike for same money and less wrenching... but again, no metric for taste.
john copetti much appreciated. Brought home a two stroke recently and I still love riding this Honda. It often makes hard stuff easy... with proper finesse
I’ve got a CRF1000 DCT. It’s a great bike. Super expensive, super heavy, great on the freeway, but man I keep looking at the CRF250 and CRF300 and can’t stop thinking “Did I make the right choice?”.
Just about to get a 250L. Thanks for the review. For the things I’m planning to do and after your review, I feel like this will be the perfect bike for me.Well done.
I'm thinking about getting a CRF 250 L as my first bike and every video I watch convinces me more, especially since the up to date version has slightly more power and some nice modern features like deactivatable ABS. I'm always thinking about the downsides though, like being slow on the street (which I'll probably ride most since going offroad is illegal in Germany) and if I go for a special offroad park it's quite heavy for me as a small person, but in the end, I think it is just as you said: Long before this bike comes to any restriction, my riding skills will. I'm absolutely convinced on- as well as offroad, you can compensate for a lot of deficits by learning to ride properly, and I'm also sure you will do so more quickly since you can not only rely on the bike power to help you out when you fucked something up. So... yes... there are a lot of blabbermouths making jokes about such a small bike, but I think I will go for it anyway. Thank you for that great informative review.
Well thought out review.. had to chuckle when it was mentioned about 2 strokes and their power. Nothing like twisting the throttle in 3 or 4 th gear and having the front end come up on its own. However, as you stated this bike will get you there... and back.
Different tools for different jobs for sure. This bike is a mega turd for the hardcore dirt riders and folks that want long distance comfort. If you're a jack of all trades and not in a hurry... it's tough to pass up.
Excellent review, you covered all the additions, the limits and strengths. Liked the commentary about traveling to trails, riding hard, going back home and still being ok for the the next day.
Love the title. Like "Living with cancer"...or " living with mutiple sclerosis ".... the bike is really a joy to live with. I have one! Its not as miserable as you make it sound in the title.
Lol, it's all perspective. There are lots of reviews on this bike on the web. "First impressions", "4000 mile review", and others. I wanted to focus on the wide range of capabilities of this bike. "Life" just seemed like the best way to pitch it.
What i love most is...its not great off road but, good enough. Its not great on road but, good enough.. it strikes a balance that makes it great to ride 20 miles on road and peel off to the trails... great for camping too.
yea, I agree with every thing you said. My 2016 does every thing I need it to and is completely reliable way off in the woods here in western carolina were I like to explore...good video!
@@DynAmerican556 i've done it on the street with a throttle blip. Not sure how it would respond offroad. Not entirely sure how it would respond to that longterm.
I’ve got multiple big bikes and just bought a used 250L - love the bike! In fact the point about it being so approachable is why I plan to buy another.
Just got the Mrs on board to buy the 300 for the summer, as soon as my dealer is accepting them I'm throwing a deposit at it before she changes her mind lol
I have a 2017 model and I simply love it as much as u do, and I agree 100% on pros and cons. It also made me laugh that If I were to change this bike I would also probably go for the ktm 690 enduro or the Husqvarna 701 enduro. And you mentioned the wr 250 r which is a bike I am also considering to buy second hand, so i felt like you were reading my mind. Txs for sharing your videos.
Thanks for the Video ! I just got the CRF - 250 LA 2020 model . I 1st put a FMF muffler on it so far ! I like the sound so much better now & it gave it a little more snap . I now wanna get the gold sprocket set & gold chain . I need to gear it down as well to make it more fun ! Also i guess u can also get a power commander too & it plugs right in under the seat . I can't wait to make these other changes .
Thanks for the video. I rode dirt bikes when I was younger, and I’m wanting to get back into riding. The 250L definitely has my interest. I’ve always been a fan of Hondas. They aren’t the best really at anything, but they do everything pretty well. My problem is that I’m a short guy, so I’m gonna have to lower just about anything I get a couple inches.
I have a 2018 250L n agree with most your views. I also like ripping ass thru the desert n climbing hills which is somewhat difficult cuz of dual sport tires, weight n suspension. I love my dual sport to much to trade so I shopped around n got me a nice 450X n now I have the best of both worlds:) Happy trails
@@MotoAdventurer no cos I can’t feel my arse after a 3-4 hours on the bike. It’s nowhere near the red line, 10500 if I remember. I’ve ridden 8 hours in a day almost all highway on it before and haven’t noticed any extreme wear.
Hello from the UK! I'm currently trying to decide between the CRF250L & WR250F, I'm leaning more towards the WR but this video is making me think again....
The first thing you need to decide is how much pavement you plan on riding. Then, how much does seat height bother you? I'm assuming you mean the street legal WR250?
@@MotoAdventurer Yes that's right, it would be the street legal version. The seat height I don't believe will bother me, I'm 6ft1 and around 230lbs so thinking the WR would be better for me as I'm lead to believe the suspension isn't all its cracked up to be in the CRF? From another video I watch, there recommendation is to upgrade the suspension on the CRF unless you weighing at under 165lbs!
hello from Australia, I was going to get the WR myself but the Honda was a better choice the CRF250L 2020 model has ABS, direct port fuel injection, twin spark technology and parts are easy to find and I just bought one (2020 model) two weeks ago and i spent more time on it than my girl-friend. It really is a great bike anyway enjoy whatever you choose ( test ride the WR than the honda before you buy)
@@drchan5893 Nice, I just found a neat low K second hand one that has my deposit paid. I lust over the T700 but they are heavy in comparison and over 10 grand more. looking forward to its delivery.
ok i'm really confused now haha! I like my nx250 and has never let me down but i want something more modern and capable. I've never ridden a crf but i'm really curious to see how it responds power wise compared to the carburated ax1 250 with 29hp (claimed hp).
@@DimitrisMotovlogs the 250L has a whopping 22HP on paper, so there's that. With 8,000 miles between services, which means it's highly understressed. Not sure where the NX250 stands.
DRZ has been on my list of considerations as well. The weights are a little closer than I realized, so I haven't ruled it out yet. I need to take a DRZ for a ride and see what I think.
Great video. I still kind of want a CRF, but I also am considering a dual sport I can make a customer scrambler out of. Something that can take a traditional gas tank like a DR650.
@@ScramblerStories make sure you go ride the KTM 790 adventure and the tenere 700 as well. I think you'll like the T7's engine considering your current steed.
Did the Racetech Gold upgrade on the forks and put an Ohlins STX shock on the rear; made a HUGE difference, both on and off road... can't say enough about upgrading the suspension making it feel like a different motorcycle...
@@MotoAdventurer I did it myself, not too difficult if you have experience working on cartridge forks; shock was novice level simple... about $300 for the forks, $650 for the shock; worth every cent to me. I'm not racing anymore, just wanna be comfortable on the bike...
Dewayne Blanco that seems pretty reasonable. I would probably tackle that, and may still. That said, that’s probably a $2000 investment for a novice rider/owner. I’m not trying to talk anyone out of it, I just want to document the stuff here since there are so many people reading the comments. I appreciate your sharing!
From my perspective, the question is about how many miles you do a year and how much time you want to spend turning wrenches (or paying someone else). The 450L is a better bike in every way, except price and maintenance schedule. The 450L means oil every 600 miles, the 250L is every 8,000. If you're only gonna ride 2k a year, then pick based on what bike "turns your gears". If not, you have some hard decisions to make.
@@MotoAdventurer I got a zx6r for the road that im keeping just would like to ride off road and rip one of these through the city aswell for a switch up and broaden my riding skills... I wana rip it off road, through city, bust wheelies, fly through dirt trails all that lol I found a KLX450 for 4.5k thats cool for me to spend... do you mean the cost of maintenance is high? Oil change every 600 miles is something id be willing to stay on top of! Is there any other hassle with maintenance or is it just oil change every 600 miles? I recon yeh would probably be like 2-3k miles a year cause of the ninja and I also own a car that I use to commute with I dont really commute with my bikes they are just a luxury and hoobie for me... I appreciate the reply man this is really helpful!
@@gringostyl oil every 600 miles, valve clearance check every 1600 miles, assuming you follow the prescribed maintenance in the owners manual. I meet guys that put off checking valves on different bikes and have gotten away with it. Unfortunately if you push it too hard too long, it's expensive when you break a valve with a piston. 2k a year means valves once a year which isn't bad, but that's different for everyone.
@@MotoAdventurer sweet that doesnt sound too bad im looking to get it serviced every 6 months anyway so should be alright... hopefully lol You recon it would be alright cruising on roads around 50/60 mph? just cause where i live im 5/10 mins drive from the city and theres a lot of sport off road based around the city so would like to be able to ride on road to all the spots then take it off road for some fun
@@gringostyl I've not ridden the 450L, but I fully expect it's very capable on the asphalt at speeds greater than the 250L. These guys have a good video: th-cam.com/video/IoqNNriitPY/w-d-xo.html
Ran mine cross country many times full throttle. No issues. 80000 on mine. Amsoil every 6k k&n air cleaner, stock everything else
Very impressive!
Nice, have you had any issues with that cam chain tensioner?
@@Cabuco2006 no
Have a 19'.. Did you notice any difference with the k@n??
@@rikkiroxx1430 yes was ez on the wallet. Power wise. No
This is one of the best motorcycle reviews I’ve seen. No fluff, straight to the important points, and excellent presentation structure. 👍
Scott Jackson thanks Scott. I’ve been working on raising the quality and spending time with equipment before passing judgement.
Solidifies my desire to buy a 250L. The fastest road around here is 50 mph, and I'm too old to race. I just want to explore the woods.
It’s the bike that gives so much and asks almost nothing in return. As long as you know what you’re getting into, it’s hard to beat.
I have the Ralley version , and love it. I’m 55 years old, and have every type of bike you can think of, and coming off of bikes like gxers and Harley’s, to bikes like the Versys, I was very hesitant to pull the trigger on a 250 sized enduro.
But after a year, I have to say the compromise has been worth it. Now I can go where I want to go, and do some roadside camping on trips by getting off the beaten path to a secluded wooded area by the highway, and really enjoy all the freedoms of motorcycling.
Like you rightly stated, it’s not the best at anything, but it does what I want to do.
Good video dude!
The versatility cannot be overstated. 💪
I bought a 2020 CRF250L a few weeks ago and took it on a 165 mile trail ride today. I also did the sprocket changes. I love the bike. So capable at anything. I ran it though a very tight and rough ATV trail and it did great. The rear suspension is too soft, but I am 250lbs so that is not the bikes fault. I am thinking of upgrading the rear shock to help with that. I also will modify the muffler and have an EJK controller on the way I will need when I mod the muffler. After that the bike will be perfect for my limited skills. Being a 2020 it has the larger header so it is far cheaper to get more power out of it. Hell it's a Honda. It will run forever.
This is the best, most detailed & accurate 250l review I've seen. Good job man. I've put about 3500 miles on mine so far and everything said is right on point.
KimJong Ryan much appreciated. I now have a race bike and still love riding the Honda. Different tools for different jobs.
Well said, I bought a 2018. I used to ride dedicated dirt bikes and this isn't any comparison to my old CR250 2 stroke but this is way more practical and at 52 it forces me to slow down offroad so I don't hurt myself.
I really want to take a CR250 for a rip. That said, it's still different tools for different jobs.
This was probably the best and most straight to the point with useful information review I've seen. I'm in the market for a crf250 F or L. Hard to beat the practicality of the 250L as much as I want the lighter and dirt dedicated F. Thank you for a great review!
Great video bro ,my wife and I both have the CRF250 Rally version and I must say this is a bulletproof bike, we do a lot of gravel and mountain passes and forest roads and for adv riding this is perfect, on offroad we do get just shy of 300km on a full tank, we both have a very soft spot in our hearts for them and they will stay for many years.
I’m on a WR250R now and I’ll still stand by what I’ve said about the 250L, it’s hard to beat and still has advantages over the WR-R
@@MotoAdventurerCurious, what advantages? How would you compare these two?
@@Nordalmusic 250L has better low end torque and longer service intervals versus the WR250R. The 250L also has less vibrations on the highway, my hand can go numb sustaining 70mph on the WR250R.
@@MotoAdventurer Nice, I see! Just sold my Ducati s4, looking to hit the trails while still being able to do long trips every now and then.
What would you recommend? Market at where I’m at doesn’t even include the WRR, it’s so rare seeing someone selling. Crf on the other end is plenty of.
Should I buy the Crf, or wait for a good deal on the wrr?
Never ridden any of them, but I’m a custom to street bikes. I’ve narrowed it down to the Crf v WRR. Are they mostly the same bike, or is it night and day?
Excellent review with good pros and cons. I've had my crf250l since new in 2013. It has a little over 60,000 km on it now. The only issue I've had was the CCT, or as Honda Calls it, the 'Cam Chain Lifter Assembly.' Three of them failed completely so I installed a Krieger manual CCT a couple years ago and no issues now. I love the bike. As you say, it's not a dedicated dirt bike and it's a bit heavy and yes it can stand more torque, but I figure it perfectly fulfills the definition of dual sport. It'll go wherever I point it, it just won't get there super fast or with the utmost grace if the shit hit the fan. But I can rely on it and it didn't cost much and it's cheap to maintain. I've a full Yoshi system, opened out air box, K&N air filter, EJK controller, O2 disconnected, 14/45 sprockets, Acrebis tank, ect. The mods do increase the power noticeably. When Honda claimed 23hp they meant at the crank, not the wheel. The mods bring another 3 hp or something in that range. Depends on how you set the fueling and air. Cheers :-)
Agreed. I checked out your videos about the CCT before I bought the bike. That appeared to be the only issue folks had, and thus far it's behaving itself. The bike has done more than I would have ever dreamed, as I said, really tough to beat for the money. Thanks for watching!
This spring, I got back into riding after 40 years and bought a 250L. Always been a Honda guy and found a 2018 that was modded pretty much exactly like I wanted. I'm 6'5"/240 lbs so I knew I would want aftermarket suspension, and the guy I bought from was my size and had a full F/R Racetech gold suspension installed. Awesome setup. The other must-have was the Seat Concepts comfort seat, which it also had. Superb seat for anyone looking for something for longer rides. I've recently gotten it off road after spending most of 2024 riding on the back roads around here. The one thing I'm not pleased with off-road is the weight. This think is a load on slow, technical stuff. On faster, more open areas, I don't notice the weight, but once things get tricky, it can be a handful to keep vertical, especially because the aftermarket suspension doesn't sag much. Even at 6'5", I can just flat foot the bike, that's how stiff the suspension is. Only dumped it once, but for this old dude, it's a chore picking it back up. Otherwise, absolutely recommend it.
I couldn't agree more. I don't have a lot of money or much time either. So if my bike sits unused I don't feel like it's a waste of money. I love that I can cruise along the coast then do a bit of scratching up the mountain and finally ride home through the forest on the dirt. I have the rally so it has a larger tank, longer suspension, and a tacho. My mate has tested the plastics on his a few times so I can say they are surprisingly robust. The original chain is garbage so there are places you can tell Honda tried to save money. Over time these things can be replaced with better quality items. I've owned lots of different bikes and this one gives me the most smiles per dollar. Nice review, I enjoyed it. Cheers.
Much appreciated! I took her out for a tear at a local state forest trail system. Spent some time on a couple other bikes (including a KTM 350 xcfw) but I still like wrestling the pig.
I ride the 2018 Rally edition of this bike from Houston to Galveston on the Gulf Freeway on weekends it rides great I hit the beaches as well as the Seawall. My bike has surpassed all my expectations on what a real dual sport bike should be. I hope one day to take it to a Baja race and ride out into the desert as a spectator and enjoy an off road race up close!
The more I hear about the rally the more I want to ride one. Sounds like Baja will be a blast.
Thanks man! My wife and I made a deal that I can get my first bike in late winter/early spring and the 250l has been my top choice for a while. My local dealer typically has new last model year 250ls that time of year for $4,400 out-the-door. Thanks for the review, you were thorough and succinct which is awesome!
Much appreciated! 250L brings a lot to the table for a first bike. You'll be able to get a taste for just about every kind of riding. Enjoy!
My dealer has a 2019 CRF250L on sale for $4500, with all the doc fees and such the price jumps to $5500, he also stated that I could make an off, any thoughts appreciated...
@@markleegstra6012 there are a lot of used 250Ls near me for $4k. Tough to negotiate new price down to used so $4500 seems like a good deal. You're paying tax either way. You might be able to negotiate bark busters into the deal or something like that.
Mark Leegstra if you haven’t already, try using the website “cycle trader”. You can search for the Crf250l from a large radius around your zip code. You can often save several hundred dollars if you are willing to drive further.
Additionally, at least in my area, Craigslist normally has a couple of low mileage 250ls in the $3k range.
Good video. I also I have CRF250L, ride it single track pretty hard (for a dual sport), and commute to work. Everyone seems to talk a lot of smack about the bike but, it does most things I ask it to do. The stock suspension is pretty bad. I ended up getting the Race Tech suspension and it has changed the ride off road significantly better. I didn't think it would do much but it seriously made riding off road and single track that much better. Mind you, I am 5' 11" at 200lbs. Anyway, hit me up if you got questions and keep making great videos. It's appreciated!
We'll see what the future holds for me. If I bring home bike #3, it's just about right for the riding I do, but for the right price, I may spend a few bucks on spiffing up the suspenders. I definitely appreciate your commentary on Racetech!
I'm looking at getting into riding. Haven't been on a bike of any size/type in 30 years. The CRF250L and the CB300F are my 2 top choices. The 300F has a lot of the features I am looking for (dedicated street tires, larger fuel tank) for less $$, but it is slightly heavier. On the other hand, it is a relatively new bike on the market.
But, this is where the CRF250L outshines it...20+ years of constant production and refinements, larger aftermarket supply chain for replacement parts. And there are accessories available for the 250L that will give me the features I am looking for. Acerbis makes a 3.1 gallon tank. Camel ADV has an add-on pony tank that gives an extra 1.5 gallons range, Warp 9 (while a bit pricey) offers rims to convert to a tubeless tire set up, and that opens up some additional choices for tires. I would be using it primarily as a commuter on a 30 mile trek to work. And the grafix packages.... The CRF250L is the best choice on the market for what I am looking for.
If you strictly want street, lots of great street bikes out there, but if you have any hankering for off-road riding at all, tough to beat the 250L from your angle.
Totally agree with your review. I downsized from a KLR650 and love the weight difference (even though it is a heavy bike for its class). Mine offers the best of both worlds and is more capable off road than my skills. Contemplating buying a rally edition. Thanks for the great video review!
Hope it helped some. I really need to take a Rally for a spin to see how I like it.
I just got 2017 crf 250l my first dual sport bike and I love it. So much fun to ride these bike
It’s a hard bike to kill and it can do so much
I am a returning rider. Took about 10 years off from off road riding. Now I am 58, sore knees and back. I miss the feel of hard acceleration and exploring. No more jumps or extreme riding. I think this bike is perfect for me. A do anything kind of bike. All I want is comfort and reliability. Most off road stuff is 80% rider skill, this will be all I need.
Now, just waiting for the next bitcoin bull run, and I will have one.
Should be very soon!
Can’t wait!
Rick Larmer there’s a 250L out there just waiting for you to come rescue it from a cold garage or a quiet showroom
I hope it works out for you!
Great video. I like your honest evaluation. You help me make my mind to get the bike. Thank you.
Glad I could help 💪
No need to worry about the engine being fragile, I raced the cbr250 for a few years. Ragged the sh*t out of it and just changed the oil/filter when recommended.
Motor is indestructible!
This makes me happy 💪
I destroyed one. Over revving will destroy it.
I own a 250l here in the UK .
First dual sport I’ve owned , most fun bike I’ve had not brilliant at anything but ok at everything.
Like you said it will get you too your destination ,you can have fun when you arrive and it will get you home .
What more do you want .
😁👍🇬🇧🏍🇺🇸
My blood runs red I love Honda I started riding at 4 years old got the pic riding by myself brand new 200s 3 wheeler and some how I can remember riding it all them years ago 40 years ago I just got a crf250L and I like it I've rode it only about 20 miles and I feel just like what u said thanks for the video!!
It’s a great bike. Unkillable and can do about anything. Folks lament about power, but that’s not what it’s for.
Spot on review, I brought a CRF250 Rally this summer which I think has slightly more power, bigger tank , led all round and a screen. It is perfect for green laning (in south east England ) for me, commuting is a joy and the odd distance ride, best bang for the buck I have brought ever. I love it.
You sound like the target customer. I'd like to take the rally for a spin. Don't think the rally is a race bike, but I bet I'd enjoy dual sporting with the rally quite a bit.
Moto Adventurer I am an old fella, got a. Tiger 1050 and a Rat bike. The Tiger has all the power and versatility (track days, European tours, weekend jaunts)didn’t want to sell it. I am not a racer but doing green lanes with large puddles and shallow rivers get my adrenaline pumping.😊
@@georgehatcher8867 nothing wrong with that. I also love the 1050
tittlemouse92 The only problem riding it on motorway is I find the seat gets a bit uncomfortable. There are aftermarket seats available but I have a big Triumph if I am doing long road journeys. I reckon it is a perfect bike to replace a 125. It is a bit tall in the saddle, I am 6’ and it is fine for me, there is a lot of suspension travel, lady friend of mine climbs in to it whilst still in side stand, once a board the suspension settles and she can touch ground with her toes. I would suggest you book a test ride, Dobles (check out Mr. Fish) my local dealer usually have a couple of low mileage examples that they will let out
The rally has the same power as the standard crf250l....
Outstanding review. My daughter rides a 250l and I have a KLX 250. We love them both for exactly the same reasons you mentioned. They are the Leathermen of the motorcycle world. :)
Tough to beat for the money... and there's something to be said for flexibility.
Filled out the paperwork on a leftover 2019 250 Rally today.
Picking it up tomorrow.
Thanks for the video.
I’ve been doing my homework and am pumped I found one.
Coof has everything out of stock and factories are closed.
Barely any inventory in my area.
Now, one less
Joe awesome man! Enjoy it!!
I got a 250L and it is the perfect bike to teach new riders how to ride off road. I actually use this bike to teach and get people into riding off road. The bike is capable of doing trails. It lacks power to blip and double blip over large obstacles which you don't normally see on trails anyway. 10/10 would recommend this bike.
@@trevorgabossi8943 if you drop one tooth on the front and add two to the back it’s really good.
@@MotoAdventurer I did the 42/13 gear
I have a 13 crf250L, and I have to say you are on point with your review. But you can easily find this bike used for $2500ish, then put 3-4K in upgrades and you will have an amazing little bike that will do highway all day and still be light enough to do fairly hard offroad; and your only into the bike for $6000ish. Seems like a pretty good deal to me.
I have a 250l that I have put over 13000 miles on and love the bike and it is for sure going to stay in my possession. I have just about everything done to it short of big bore, and suspension. I feel no need in touching my suspension as I did as you are planning on doing and bought a dedicated dirt bike for when I really want to shred off road as I grew up racing motocross. I bought a wr250f that was already made street legal and had some nice upgrades already, but I did some more to make it a better more comfortable dual sport while still being a way better bike off road than the crf250l. Still though the crf250l will see way more miles and more use as it is a way more versatile, and more comfortable bike.
Seems like we're on the same page.
Nicely done review! You are spot on regarding the pros & cons of the bike.
I also have a 2014 model and adding the 1 gallon RotopaX container was the best $60 modification. That extra gallon gives me another 50 miles of range without having to upgrade the tank.
Yeah, rotopax is a solid solution. Mine is also a '14
Very nice preview, I have mine bought 2019 and I’m super happy with that bike! Quality, weight, engine and power is quite enough.Nothing much to maintain ore service!! It’s definitely not a rough enduro bike, but as mentioned in the video, work, highway, woods, gravel it’s just fun and amazing!!! It feels almost like an engine driven Mountainbike with 20 kg plus as most full sport bikes... if you love what he explains in the video! You will love the bike as I do! GREAT TRUE VIDEO, ITS HOW YOU SAY.
Thanks for watching! It's a workhorse for sure
Best review of a CRF250L in the intertubes! It's a great bike for adults looking to have fun, it's not for crazy kids doing crazy kid stuff. A very balanced bike, best at nothing but good enough for everything a nornal person would want a bike for. I hope you are wise and keep such a great bike in your stable.
As of this moment my plan is to keep it. I do think a KLX or WR would be a better bike, but I don't know if it's worth $1k more when I plan on buying a dedicated dirt bike. The 250L does lightweight adventure riding so well.
@@MotoAdventurer Crf250L is good because it keeps you in the sane vein of having fun and away from being a off-road hooligan. Let it grow on you and you will be grateful to its common-sense-spirit. Keep it up, and never miss the chance to get off with such a great bike no-one will be able to blame you for nothing.
I have been looking for my first bike for years now. And honestly this has really confirmed for me that this is the bike for me. Looking at getting a new 2020 from the dealer early next year and I can't wait to swing my leg over and never get off for years. I'm a small guy and not very strong so the fact that it is a little heavy is worrying but I hope to grow with the bike as I learn to ride. All I have to do now is get the bike licence and then step into a world I will hopefully never leave. Thank you for the great in depth honest review!
Ben Osborn my pleasure. If you’re not trying to get into crazy things, the weight isn’t an issue. Every bike feels heavy at first, as you acclimate to a bike you stop noticing that stuff. Folks from the off-road world will steer you toward race bikes that are lighter. That works out fine assuming you’re a decent garage mechanic or have a fat wallet. If you’re going to ride in the street or have a tight budget, the European race bikes are a lot of hassle without getting the best of the benefits, which is where this bike comes in. It’s cheap and easy to own.
@@MotoAdventurer hey thanks for the video and info! Good stuff! I’m getting a 2020 250L this AM and I am 6’2” 200 lbs and will ride in the woods of road 90% of the time. What do you suggest? Suspension? Anything! Please and thank you! Have fun! Be safe!
Lukefish unfortunately I’m still running stock suspension so I’m not a good resource for what’s best in that department. That said, a lot of people get wrapped around the axle about running out to buy all the gadgets for their new bike and so on. Different strokes for different folks but I recommend spending some serious time on the stock suspension before making changes. Make sure you test the suspension in a wide range of conditions you expect to ride in so that you don’t inadvertently buy something that ends up ruining your experience in a certain type of condition. I made that mistake with my scrambler and finally just fixed it years later.
Thanks man, this vid sealed the deal for me... I'm definitely in the market for a 250L now!
Shadi Haddad it’s a solid workhorse.
I am thinking on getting a 250L for commuting to work and have some occasional fun at the trails . I used to have an 05 CRF250x, great bike but not for daily use. I realized it does not make sense to have a closed course competition race bike for the street. Oil changes every 600 miles. Valve adjustment and so forth intervals are shorter. So I decided to get a CR250L for commuting to work and college. I am going to get a two stroke for the technical stuff later on.. Definitely agree with you @Moto Adventurer. I like the low maintenance interval schedule of the CRF250L. I live in central America (Costa Rica) and here you can see guys riding CRF250/450 R on the street which makes no sense oil changes every 8 hours, nice way to spend the money.
It's like so many things, it's all about what you want out of it. Crazy race bikes on the street is no big deal if you don't ride often or you just don't care about maintenance. Unfortunately that's not me... and obviously not you either.
I have a 2016 250L. I bought it new. Put on over 37000 kilometres, ( 22,000) miles. Runs great. Third set of tires, 4 drive chain ms, and a few sprockets. I am 60 now. I could enjoy a little more power.😀
Really well done commentary man, much appreciated.
Thanks for watching!
I have one and its well worth the money i got a killer deal right around 3,000 and like he said its great for dirt and street if your a beginner and wanting a great bike for street and dirt also for the money you cant get much better. Yea its on the heavier side but so fun and practical
Easiest bike to own I’ve ever had.
i bought myself a brand new 2017 in january of 2018 for $3975 (+tax)...i flat out love my 250l....ride it more than my hd ultra limited...it's just a putt around trail bike and handles everything i throw at it..i don't ride it hard and rigged up a fishing pole holder on it and go fishing on it as much as i can..should last me forever...again i love it
Ha! Awesome! I've said it before, it's a workhorse
Yep its a great motorcycle because it isnt really bad at anythings. Its not great at everything either its just good at everything you want to use it for. and my favorite part is its super reliable and easy to maintain.
That's it. If you want to ride more than wrench, it's a solid choice.
Very nice video. I have my "L" for almost 2years now. 2013 model. VERY nice bike. I had XT600, KLR650, DRZ400e. This L is just awesome. Yes, it can do with a little bit more . But it is what it is and it makes for a great little big bike. Enjoy it.
Again, COOL video. Thanks.
From Cape Town, South Africa
Blessings.
Agreed, it's tough to beat and always fun. Cheers!
I really enjoyed this video. It came up in my recommended videos. So much good information about the CRF250L. Love the graphics! I live in the Miami Valley of Ohio and it looks like you do too! Excited to find your channel.
The 250L is a great workhorse for where we live. It can about anything here.
@@MotoAdventurer I’m looking forward to getting back to Pike State Forest soon!
Getting a new one next week. Great to see its so tough.
Going to buy one this year, great review.
Ecu tune it to a light exhaust, remove the back, change indicators and mirrors, put different fork oil in, you can shave of 12+ kilo, go for 13-42 sprocket, different bike :) ..
That extra weight is a good thing because keeps the bike more stable on the road. I wouldn't waist money buying a bigger fuel tank, just by a little Jerrycan
The road manners are really good for sure. I carry a gas bottle for "just in case" at the moment. Not sure I'm ready to invest $250 on has just yet. I think that'll have to wait until I bring home a designated dirt bike.
In South Africa, we have this as well as the Honda XR250 Tornado. The Tornado has an air/oil-cooled carb fed engine- but produces the same horsepower- although better torque which starts lower down the rev range. Both have the same wet weight- but the Tornado holds an extra gallon of fuel in that weight. Believe it or not, the stats and forums all give the carb fed Tornado slightly better fuel consumption than the efi CRF- which I can also attest to by riding with a friend with a CRF. The Tornado does not have a fuel gauge- but old-style tap on tank with "on" and "reserve" setting. The Tornado also has shorter service intervals for an oil change (about half), but longer (few inches) travel in the suspension, although it does not have USD forks in the front. Unfortunately, it has a drum brake at the rear. I must confess I was actually after a xt250 (I like the simplicity of an air-cooled engine and the efi)- but a killer deal came up on a Tornado ($2500 for a 7-year-old bike with less than 1500 miles on it- the guy purchased it- rode it a few times to work and back- and stored it- practically as new). The only downside to the carb so far is having to engage the choke in first start-up each morning- and if not riding off immediately having to keep the revs up with the throttle till it warms up. But other than that- I love the bike and will not get rid of it- no matter what else comes along. As you said- I can get on it in my driveway- ride to wherever I want to go off-road- do my trail- and ride home- no problem. And it shares many on the same sentiments that you described with your CRF.
I suspect that's the same XR250 we used to have here. Not sure when it stopped being available in the US. There are still used models available
Appreciated the video
just got a 2013 with 107 miles from a buddy
used to ride 1000cc street bikes
but stopped when kid care got me busy
cool bike
Thank you for the video. I’m considering getting the 250L Rally to go green laning and light off-roading in the UK. Your video is one of the best ones about the 250l I’ve seen so far. Very informative and well put together. Great work!
Much appreciated! It's been a great bike and I always have a great time with it... even when I'm picking it up over and over...
Audio Nostalgia I’ve had mine for 2 years from new and put 6000 miles on it. After a long biking career on many bikes from Harleys to Fireblades, l wanted a change. I have left the L totally stock and it is good enough for me that way. The bike is willing, flexible and easy to work on. I don’t think you will be disappointed. 👍🏻
@@valaudae1809 Thank you for additional feedback. I've ordered CRF250L and it is due to arrive in March. I'm too planning to leave it stock, with an exception of some off-road protection (skid plate, hand guards, etc.).
The key is to be safe off road too much power you’re tempted to to push it and people die that way great video love all your details I’ve been riding for 30 years I’m gonna get the rally version of that
When offroad, more HP just gets you to the ditch faster
Nice work dude!
Thanks man! I need to shoot a few more takes with each line, after editing there were quite a few I decided to cut off at the end and I'm not completely happy with the transitions... may just need to work on smoothing the audio... had to learn a lot of new stuff over the last couple weeks.
@@MotoAdventurer this came out great and no one will ever know what you deleted or left out. So don't sweat the small stuff
Hey! I made a brief cameo at 7:05 😂 (scouting trip for the Red River Scramble). Looking forward to another ride some day, especially now that I’m better at hustling the VStrom around the twisty bits.
Great video. Keep up the good work with the channel.
As soon as we get on the other side of the snow I expect I'll be headed south often. 💪
Really well done video - I am picking up a used 250l in a few days and was glad to find this video. The pro/con discussion fir both street and off-road was really helpful.
Keep making great videos like this with a mix of you talking and riding!
Much appreciated! Took the 250L out for a good thrashing today. Bike continues to impress me with capability. Never fast, but determined.
Bought one last week , after scouting around at all the options. Tenere 700, too heavy and too much tech. Royal Enfield Himalayan, too heavy and cheap build. I have a vstrom for roads anyway, so decided to go with something to ride to trails then on trails then home (I do it on the vstrom, but it is out of it's depth, far too top heavy)
After watching you thrashing the thing around , and adventure zak out playing on his, realised it was the ideal bike for me.
(Sadly, the bike stores are not delivering at the moment, due to that virus, so I have no idea when I will actually get it, but we're not allowed out to play here at the moment anyway)
Mine has bashplate, oxford heated grips, handguards and a rack, and I am thinking rad guard and folding gear and brake levers and a 42 rear sprocket till I see what suits best. 2018 model with 270 miles on the clock, probably the shop demo bike.
Thanks for the help choosing.
Absolutely. 250L gets the job done.
Enjoyed the video. I love my CRF250L. My first bike.
@@arideinthecountry it’s a real workhorse. I just talked about the 250L on a podcast this week. I’d have another one
@@MotoAdventurerI heard you on that podcast! That’s how I found your channel! I also live in the Dayton area.
Great review Drew. In the short time we've had two CRF250L's in our stable, it may be the bike the brings the biggest smile to my face. It's fun to go out ripping around back roads or trails either following my wife, or unable to shake her from my tail.
It's a hell of a teacher for sure. Let's you make mistakes, while teaching you the value of monentum. Like I said, tough bike to replace.
@@MotoAdventurer I've been looking at the 250L, 450L and the XR650L. As you've mentioned in the video and in the comments...the 450 maintenance intervals are a super pain if you plan to ride much. The 650 is great, but such a low tech bike with the air cooling and carb. So the 250L seems to have it all, but I'm 6'1" and 250+ before gear and bags...so I worry about power up an off road hill, or just bottoming out the suspension on even little hits. I do not plan to race or ride too aggressive. The 450L would be great if it just had more reasonable maintenance intervals.
By the way, my current bike is a 2001 CR250....old, but she runs great, and will pull the front wheel up without trying in 3rd gear...even with my fat ass on it.
@@waltermitty7452 if your heart is set on a Honda and you don't want to turn too many wrenches, an investment in suspension and sprockets may do the trick. Based on your comments, you might be wise to look at the KLX250, the WR250R, and the DRZ400. The DRZ is also old... but not XR old. The 690 Enduro is a more modern DRZ400, but much better, but also more expensive.
@@MotoAdventurer I'm pretty much a Honda Guy. I've also considered the Honda Africa Twin as well....would be great for adventure riding, but a total pig off road. My CR weighs around 215 pounds, so I can appreciate a lite bike off road. Lastly, the only non-Honda bike I have considered is the Ducati Desert Sled....that style really speaks to my 50 year old brain. But since it's not a Honda, I'm a little concerned about reliability and quality. So many great choices in moto world...tough to make just one.
@@waltermitty7452 there's no metric for taste, so I totally get your angle. I want a 350L... that would be the golden ticket for me if it didn't mean changing oil every weekend. I really like the AT, but it's a big bike compared to the 250L and even my Scrambler. If the Duc DS has your eye, look at the 790 Adv and the T7, both are more bike for same money and less wrenching... but again, no metric for taste.
Thank s for the great all round review. Keep up the good work and happy riding. Cheers mate
john copetti much appreciated. Brought home a two stroke recently and I still love riding this Honda. It often makes hard stuff easy... with proper finesse
I’ve got a CRF1000 DCT. It’s a great bike. Super expensive, super heavy, great on the freeway, but man I keep looking at the CRF250 and CRF300 and can’t stop thinking “Did I make the right choice?”.
I’d want both... but that’s just me 🤣
Your comments are spot on I have a 250L rally and I love my bike very much but II have to say that everything that you said is spot on
Thanks Ed! Great bikes if you know what you're buying
Thanx a lot for a great review! You kept it simple and that's short and full of sense!
Just about to get a 250L. Thanks for the review. For the things I’m planning to do and after your review, I feel like this will be the perfect bike for me.Well done.
Kemp Sawtelle much appreciated!
I'm thinking about getting a CRF 250 L as my first bike and every video I watch convinces me more, especially since the up to date version has slightly more power and some nice modern features like deactivatable ABS. I'm always thinking about the downsides though, like being slow on the street (which I'll probably ride most since going offroad is illegal in Germany) and if I go for a special offroad park it's quite heavy for me as a small person, but in the end, I think it is just as you said: Long before this bike comes to any restriction, my riding skills will. I'm absolutely convinced on- as well as offroad, you can compensate for a lot of deficits by learning to ride properly, and I'm also sure you will do so more quickly since you can not only rely on the bike power to help you out when you fucked something up. So... yes... there are a lot of blabbermouths making jokes about such a small bike, but I think I will go for it anyway.
Thank you for that great informative review.
I getting one once they are in stock. This virus killing production is the only thing stopping me. Cash is ready!
Awesome video! Funny enough our bikes came with pretty much identical mods😂
I guess the previous owners knew what's up... or maybe they didn't? 🤣
Well thought out review.. had to chuckle when it was mentioned about 2 strokes and their power. Nothing like twisting the throttle in 3 or 4 th gear and having the front end come up on its own. However, as you stated this bike will get you there... and back.
Different tools for different jobs for sure. This bike is a mega turd for the hardcore dirt riders and folks that want long distance comfort. If you're a jack of all trades and not in a hurry... it's tough to pass up.
Great vid, just bought mine a few days ago. Cheers mate and hope I'll see you on the trails 🤟
Cool bike..great information. I wanted it for a while ..you sold me on it.
Outstanding presentation young Brother... well done
Much appreciated 💪
Excellent review, you covered all the additions, the limits and strengths. Liked the commentary about traveling to trails, riding hard, going back home and still being ok for the the next day.
Love the title. Like "Living with cancer"...or " living with mutiple sclerosis ".... the bike is really a joy to live with. I have one! Its not as miserable as you make it sound in the title.
Lol, it's all perspective. There are lots of reviews on this bike on the web. "First impressions", "4000 mile review", and others. I wanted to focus on the wide range of capabilities of this bike. "Life" just seemed like the best way to pitch it.
What i love most is...its not great off road but, good enough. Its not great on road but, good enough.. it strikes a balance that makes it great to ride 20 miles on road and peel off to the trails... great for camping too.
@@chuckbowen4334 it's the best race bike I own.
yea, I agree with every thing you said. My 2016 does every thing I need it to and is completely reliable way off in the woods here in western carolina were I like to explore...good video!
Much appreciated! Hopefully we'll cross paths on the trail
Can you shift without the clutch like a regular dirt bike?
@@DynAmerican556 i've done it on the street with a throttle blip. Not sure how it would respond offroad. Not entirely sure how it would respond to that longterm.
Moto Adventurer thanks!
Great video! Answered every question I had. Thanks Man. This looks like the perfect bike for a 230 pound 66 year old boy. Thanks again. Bear.
Glad I could help! Thanks for watching!
I’ve got multiple big bikes and just bought a used 250L - love the bike! In fact the point about it being so approachable is why I plan to buy another.
Thanks for this video. It's helped me decide on the CRF250L over the WR250R.
USEC Chicken so which way you going?
@@MotoAdventurer I'm going red :)
I am smiling while I watch it, a very good video.
Sounds like the 250 L, the XT and WR are my top picks.
Very good review
I agree all you say
I own the rally version
im waitin for the 300.. i think thats what ill buy... thanks man
tp train ideally the 300 addresses all of the issues i mentioned and the price makes sense. I want to ride one for sure.
Just got the Mrs on board to buy the 300 for the summer, as soon as my dealer is accepting them I'm throwing a deposit at it before she changes her mind lol
A D that’s wise!
I have a 2017 model and I simply love it as much as u do, and I agree 100% on pros and cons. It also made me laugh that If I were to change this bike I would also probably go for the ktm 690 enduro or the Husqvarna 701 enduro. And you mentioned the wr 250 r which is a bike I am also considering to buy second hand, so i felt like you were reading my mind. Txs for sharing your videos.
Jorge Vázquez glad you enjoyed it 💪
Thanks for the Video ! I just got the CRF - 250 LA 2020 model . I 1st put a FMF muffler on it so far ! I like the sound so much better now & it gave it a little more snap . I now wanna get the gold sprocket set & gold chain . I need to gear it down as well to make it more fun ! Also i guess u can also get a power commander too & it plugs right in under the seat . I can't wait to make these other changes .
Fantastic review. Really hit a lot of points i wouldn't have considered. I appreciate this.,
Hope it helps!
Thanks for the video. I rode dirt bikes when I was younger, and I’m wanting to get back into riding. The 250L definitely has my interest. I’ve always been a fan of Hondas. They aren’t the best really at anything, but they do everything pretty well. My problem is that I’m a short guy, so I’m gonna have to lower just about anything I get a couple inches.
I have a 2018 250L n agree with most your views.
I also like ripping ass thru the desert n climbing hills which is somewhat difficult cuz of dual sport tires, weight n suspension.
I love my dual sport to much to trade so I shopped around n got me a nice 450X n now I have the best of both worlds:)
Happy trails
The engine is fine at top speeds. In top gear it is 1000rpm per 10mph, rule of thumb stock gearing
Would you feel comfortable riding 70mph for 18 hours nonstop?
@@MotoAdventurer no cos I can’t feel my arse after a 3-4 hours on the bike. It’s nowhere near the red line, 10500 if I remember. I’ve ridden 8 hours in a day almost all highway on it before and haven’t noticed any extreme wear.
@@maxthompson6932 that’s good to hear. I keep debating an “iron butt” ride with this bike. We’ll see 🤷♂️
Nice video. I'm probably going to get one soon.
It's been a great bike. If you don't expect a race bike you'll have a good time with it.
Hello from the UK!
I'm currently trying to decide between the CRF250L & WR250F, I'm leaning more towards the WR but this video is making me think again....
The first thing you need to decide is how much pavement you plan on riding. Then, how much does seat height bother you? I'm assuming you mean the street legal WR250?
@@MotoAdventurer Yes that's right, it would be the street legal version.
The seat height I don't believe will bother me, I'm 6ft1 and around 230lbs so thinking the WR would be better for me as I'm lead to believe the suspension isn't all its cracked up to be in the CRF?
From another video I watch, there recommendation is to upgrade the suspension on the CRF unless you weighing at under 165lbs!
hello from Australia, I was going to get the WR myself but the Honda was a better choice the CRF250L 2020 model has ABS, direct port fuel injection, twin spark technology and parts are easy to find and I just bought one (2020 model) two weeks ago and i spent more time on it than my girl-friend. It really is a great bike anyway enjoy whatever you choose ( test ride the WR than the honda before you buy)
Dr Chan where u located and how much did u pay out the door? Looking to pic one up
@@drchan5893 Nice, I just found a neat low K second hand one that has my deposit paid. I lust over the T700 but they are heavy in comparison and over 10 grand more. looking forward to its delivery.
I got the same bike a few days before and i love it.I ride it one the durt but its also great on the street.
Ima durt ridur too.
My 2018 has a taco and at 100kmh on a freeway I'm at ~5500 rpm, it redlines at 10
this is the review i've been looking for! Thanks ! I'm gonna replace my old Honda AX-1 (nx250) with a CRF250L hopefully in spring.
Hopefully I answered any questions you had.
Please please don’t do that . I like crf but ax-1 or Nx 250 is way way better than de crf .
Nx250 probably is better bc of the era. Unfortunately you don't see many of those here in the US
ok i'm really confused now haha! I like my nx250 and has never let me down but i want something more modern and capable.
I've never ridden a crf but i'm really curious to see how it responds power wise compared to the carburated ax1 250 with 29hp (claimed hp).
@@DimitrisMotovlogs the 250L has a whopping 22HP on paper, so there's that. With 8,000 miles between services, which means it's highly understressed. Not sure where the NX250 stands.
The graphics look amazing - I've never seen that on a CRF250L before. Cheers.
There's a few others out there but it looks like they stopped selling them.
Found 'em: www.amrracing.com/catalog/dirt-bike-graphic-kits/honda-crf250l250m-enduro-motocross-graphic-kit-2013-2016-384.html
Great review man. This bike kept calling me when I was looking for a dual-sport, but I ultimately went with the DRZ.
DRZ has been on my list of considerations as well. The weights are a little closer than I realized, so I haven't ruled it out yet. I need to take a DRZ for a ride and see what I think.
Hollyshit I looked up there service intervals and it's crazy reliable compared to other dual sports.
#CrashTested #RiderApproved
Yea really! A great job reviewing the bike!
Distinctive Dentures much appreciated. It’s an underrated machine.
Great video. I still kind of want a CRF, but I also am considering a dual sport I can make a customer scrambler out of. Something that can take a traditional gas tank like a DR650.
Tough question there. Lots of options available, and like all off-road compromises, how deep in the woods do you want to go?
@@MotoAdventurer Yeah, I did start watching too many videos with KTM 690s, making me won't one until I think about the price tag.
@@ScramblerStories welcome to my dilemma
@@MotoAdventurer I'm also thinking about the Tiger 900 Rally Pro pending how it is, or the Scrambler 1200 XE which I liked.
@@ScramblerStories make sure you go ride the KTM 790 adventure and the tenere 700 as well. I think you'll like the T7's engine considering your current steed.
I like the bike. Thanks for the info. I also noticed a Miller Pipeline dump truck in your video. I work for Miller.
That's funny, I didn't even realize it was in the. I commute across Dayton every day so there's plenty of traffic to video if needed...
Did the Racetech Gold upgrade on the forks and put an Ohlins STX shock on the rear; made a HUGE difference, both on and off road... can't say enough about upgrading the suspension making it feel like a different motorcycle...
Dewayne Blanco what’s that package retail for? Did you do it yourself or pay a shop?
@@MotoAdventurer I did it myself, not too difficult if you have experience working on cartridge forks; shock was novice level simple... about $300 for the forks, $650 for the shock; worth every cent to me. I'm not racing anymore, just wanna be comfortable on the bike...
Dewayne Blanco that seems pretty reasonable. I would probably tackle that, and may still. That said, that’s probably a $2000 investment for a novice rider/owner. I’m not trying to talk anyone out of it, I just want to document the stuff here since there are so many people reading the comments. I appreciate your sharing!
@@MotoAdventurer no problema! A novice rider would probably be happy with the stock suspension anyways....
A-10 warthog graphic design 👍👍⚡🔥💯
Good vid Drew, I had a lot of similar thoughts about my DRZ400.
Excellent review, good job! Cheers
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, with greetings from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Really well done real world review! New sub for you because of it👍 Cheers!
Much appreciated!
Most useful video I seen thanks better than all the big channels man good work im just struggling with if i should get a 250 or 450 right now
From my perspective, the question is about how many miles you do a year and how much time you want to spend turning wrenches (or paying someone else). The 450L is a better bike in every way, except price and maintenance schedule. The 450L means oil every 600 miles, the 250L is every 8,000. If you're only gonna ride 2k a year, then pick based on what bike "turns your gears". If not, you have some hard decisions to make.
@@MotoAdventurer I got a zx6r for the road that im keeping just would like to ride off road and rip one of these through the city aswell for a switch up and broaden my riding skills...
I wana rip it off road, through city, bust wheelies, fly through dirt trails all that lol
I found a KLX450 for 4.5k thats cool for me to spend... do you mean the cost of maintenance is high? Oil change every 600 miles is something id be willing to stay on top of! Is there any other hassle with maintenance or is it just oil change every 600 miles?
I recon yeh would probably be like 2-3k miles a year cause of the ninja and I also own a car that I use to commute with I dont really commute with my bikes they are just a luxury and hoobie for me...
I appreciate the reply man this is really helpful!
@@gringostyl oil every 600 miles, valve clearance check every 1600 miles, assuming you follow the prescribed maintenance in the owners manual. I meet guys that put off checking valves on different bikes and have gotten away with it. Unfortunately if you push it too hard too long, it's expensive when you break a valve with a piston. 2k a year means valves once a year which isn't bad, but that's different for everyone.
@@MotoAdventurer sweet that doesnt sound too bad im looking to get it serviced every 6 months anyway so should be alright... hopefully lol
You recon it would be alright cruising on roads around 50/60 mph? just cause where i live im 5/10 mins drive from the city and theres a lot of sport off road based around the city so would like to be able to ride on road to all the spots then take it off road for some fun
@@gringostyl I've not ridden the 450L, but I fully expect it's very capable on the asphalt at speeds greater than the 250L. These guys have a good video: th-cam.com/video/IoqNNriitPY/w-d-xo.html