My CRF250l...I’ve: Travelled on it Camped with it Forest service road explored on it Single track ripped on it Cruised around town with it Trekked the Oregon coast on it Heck, I’ve even taken it to the MX track. This bike CAN do it all.
had mine for 7 years and 32k miles now and have done alot with it camping, offroading, daily driver for over a year, and taken it around brands hatch race curit and even a few MX tracks.
I got one a month ago and it's my first bike. I rode it 400km to get it home and that was extremely hard and dangerous as I live in a remote part of Australia. It has been such a good bike to learn on and I am loving it! It's strange/cool to see some footage of it riding through the snow because I live in Tropical Far North Queensland. Look it up, completely different landscapes and weather. Good review
Hi! Is it possible to go with it on back roads and highway if i invest more in seat and suspension? I have heard that these are the biggest cons about the bike. The CRF300L is too expensive for me and i can afford CRF 250 L .
I bought a 2014 crf250l this summer in 2022. I am 45 years old and it's my second bike. My first bike was a coleman mini bike that I had for about 1 year. It took me a couple of weeks to get used to the CRF. The weight, the height and the clutch was a huge difference for me compared to the mini bike that had no clutch. Now I love this CRF. I use it for exploring the woods for bird hunting. I can't live without it. It's my iron horse. Thanks for the cool videos man. CRF RULES!
I once read someone say something like "ANY engine made by Honda with 1 cylinder will last forever" as in it don't matter if its a lawn edger, a gas powered generator, a motorcycle, no matter what. Any single cylinder Honda engine just lasts forever. So far I've noticed it's pretty true.
I’m by no means a beginner enduro / Dual-sport rider , but still always learning. I have 40 years under my belt. I have had many 250’s -650’s. I have a 19 450L for when I want to hammer along and decided to by my 2nd 250L for a different riding style but then heard they were changing to a 300L and have that on order. Your vids are very informative and practical. Keep up the good work Dork. 👍🏻👍🏻
I really love riding the small bikes but the problem I always have with them is if I’m going through sand her up a steep hill I just find it wanting for power. They have the 300s out now but they’re the same thing basically and with a heavier rider, it’s just not enough for 150 pound guy, that’s the only bike I’ve ever need but I’m 240 pounds and it sort of worked but if I’m trying to log through sand now it just bogs down and dies out. The old 80s Honda XL 350s or just enough to get through that dad, some Willy power, and though they were not great on the freeway, they go well over 80 miles an hour and going 75 for a while wasn’t a big deal. I really wish they’d have them back because the 250s and 300s aren’t enough no I love writing them I’m always wanting for more power. The next step up from there is the DRZ 400 which of what’s available at the moment is about the only option for what I’m looking for. The CRF 450 is Cool but it’s way over priced and you got a fix the electronics on an 11 or $12,000 bike and I get the people that like it it’s got definitely better performance but for me personally I would rather have low maintenance intervals not have to rebuild after 20 or 25,000 miles And just have something simple I’d rather have a DRZ 400 myself but I get what people like about it but they’ve dropped the ball in all markets getting rid of these 350s and 400s, you’ve got to go from a 250/300 up to 650 except for the 450 LNDRZ. I would love to see Honda do a retro release of a few of the old XL style bikes. I almost like to get a DRS 350 SE come at least you’ve got an electric start there were some glitchy things but nothing we can’t fix and it still has a six speed And they just had more torque and power than the 250s and 300s and it wasn’t super impressive but it was always enough and I never found myself bogging out and getting frustrated because there wasn’t enough power. Where I live now 250 is great because it’s all flat End everything I’m writing is going to be gravel roads or pavement hard pack dirt clay so it’s awesome but I’m moving soon. I’ve been thinking about other options and I’ll probably end up with a DRZ 400 just because there are 1 000,000 of them out there, and with the seat concepts seat, shouldn’t be too bad but I really wish there were more options. I wish they’d come out with an XT 350 again or a 400. I wish Handy would do an XR 400 L style bike instead of the 450 L just a simple, single cylinder, dual sport with all the all the high maintenance stuff on it. I think a modernized version of an XL 350 or even a 400 with electric start would be a big seller, specially if they kept with a six speed, I drove an XL 600 from 1985 for a while, and the 350 was just a lighter version with the gearing differences until you hit 60 or 70 miles an hour they were pretty close Speed and power wise but the 350 was just more manageable and lighter and they were very comfortable. I’d love to see them do a retro series but they’re hung up on adventure bikes now and just don’t care about the simple dual sports anymore. Yamaha might, I like the XT 250 but it’s just too gutless. If they did a 350 I’d probably give it a shot.
My 2020 crf250l is my 20th motorcycle. I have had 2 GSAs, KTM 990,Super Tenere, as well as KLR and DR 650. So why CFR ?....64 years old with a recent hip replacement. The performance limitations keeps me in check. Having said that I have had a fantastic time riding this motorcycle dispite it's short comings and would recommend it to anyone at the end of their riding career. Takes me everywhere I want to go....I am mostly dirt and forest roads. Nice job on your channel..fun watching you progress and grow as a rider
If you can swing a leg over this relatively tall bike, they did a good job on your hip. With respect, you’re not anywhere near the end of your riding career; you’ve just entered a different phase. 👍🏻
the 250L is a purpose built bike !!!!!!! its not a dirt bike, its not a street bike , it is what it is ,a great all around dual sport bike for the masses plain and simple !!! not complicated ,you hit the start button and off you go. gas tank size 2 gallons thats about the size for any 250 DS bike and it gets close to 70 MPG as far as suspension weight and all the other cons its price point it dead on at around $5800 OTD wr250r 2 gallon tank adjustable suspension but the rear shock sucks and is very close in weight and around $7000 or more OTD im not going to get into a lot but every bike has pros n cons i have both 250L& wr250r along with a few others that are purpose built for my riding style people outgrow bikes as you now have the DRZ 400 great bike im sure you will want to make changes to that also its the nature of the sport keep up the good work
Speaking of firsts, I'm going through my series of firsts too; i had my first decent crash yesterday. Into a foot-deep puddle lol I learned a few lessons from it. For example, dont just gas through a puddle if you dont know how deep it can get. Which i should have known.. Anyway, the DRZ sat fully downed, Intake side down, in a puddle for about 2 seconds, still idling before i could kill it I love this bike. (More impressive tho was my phone [Pixel XL] which sat in the puddle for 20 minutes while i looked for it, and then popped right on when i fished it out)
I still have a soft spot for one of these but I am half tempted to go 650L or drz400 if I'm ever going to go dual sport. I'd love a new 450 but I'm really put off by the almost $10k price tag.
To buy now (well probably February or march so it's not sitting most of winter) or wait for 2021 version... guess it depends on when the new vs comes out...
Great video. I’m interested in the 250l the Yamaha xt250 and the Yamaha tw200. I can’t make up my mind. All videos of these bikes claim to be awesome. I want to ride off road and on road. I’ve never ridden a motorcycle before. Quads for a short period of time. I’m 5’8” so I want something I can handle with ease but of course something super reliable. What do you think comparing your 250 to the other two? How tall are you? I’d appreciate Any advice you can give me. One last question, do you think the Honda trail 125 can handle off roading where the the 3 duel sports can go? The 125 suppose to hit the U.S this month. Thank you.
I'm 5'10". The XT250 and TW200 have lower seat heights, which might appeal to you. The XT is fuel injected and everything so it's basically a lower to the ground version of the CRF250L. The TW200 is a super fun bike but much older technology (carb, etc...). They're all pretty comparable in terms of capability, as far as I can tell. Best advice is to go sit on and test ride them all if you can and just see which one feels right. OR, just the get one you can get the best deal on, because you're likely to be happy on any of them. I don't see the CT125 as anything more than a light forest road explorer and it's not really going to have the power to get you there on the highway...so I'm not sure it's a great choice unless you live like right next to the places you want to ride off road. It definitely won't be as good for like trail riding and more involved off road stuff, I don't think.
Dork in the Road I’ll try but the closest 250l and te200 is 3 hours away. There is a xt250 in my local dealer but I prefer the look of the old style tw 200 and if I go with a more with a dirt bike look, I like the crf250l design much more then the xt. Uhh. I guess I’ll start with the xt and go forward to the other to. Who knows maybe I’ll fall for the xt. If not I’d eliminate it and take a road trip. Lol. Thank you for your fast response. I will be subscribing for sure.
Wish I could say the same for my Tenere 700 . Dealership is coming over with a van , instant update here they are right now . Okay , hopefully this issue will finally be resolved . 3 times to the dealership with electrical issues like always on ABS light and then engine light then no power won't start and now it's got no power again . So much for fall or should I say autumn ( fall is not the best word in motorcycle talk ) adventure rides . Any updates with your Africa Twin ? Maybe I missed a video recently . Alright then take care .
How many miles you put on it ?... And how many $ of maintenance brakes, clutch, sprocket and chain... I own a 690 '19... 70 000 kilometers on it, but so many issue and maintenance... I search for something more reliable, and able to do a RTW
@@dualsportdiary1150 I am 60+ years. Have not ridden much for 30 years. When younger I was bike and snowmobile poor. Many bikes from a 76 DT250 to GL1000 full dress. Loved them all but looking for a good do all that will not break the bank. I feel much better now. Thank you all....
![[ TEASER ] เงาะป่า - วงL.กฮ. | TMG RECORD](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/M4ObdFfcPww/mqdefault.jpg)
My CRF250l...I’ve:
Travelled on it
Camped with it
Forest service road explored on it
Single track ripped on it
Cruised around town with it
Trekked the Oregon coast on it
Heck, I’ve even taken it to the MX track.
This bike CAN do it all.
This guy knows what's up!
had mine for 7 years and 32k miles now and have done alot with it camping, offroading, daily driver for over a year, and taken it around brands hatch race curit and even a few MX tracks.
Any update you can give us?
You've got a great history with that machine. Honda's are more or less bullet proof in my humble opinion. Love their stuff.
It's a fantastic machine!
I got one a month ago and it's my first bike. I rode it 400km to get it home and that was extremely hard and dangerous as I live in a remote part of Australia. It has been such a good bike to learn on and I am loving it! It's strange/cool to see some footage of it riding through the snow because I live in Tropical Far North Queensland. Look it up, completely different landscapes and weather. Good review
Hi! Is it possible to go with it on back roads and highway if i invest more in seat and suspension? I have heard that these are the biggest cons about the bike.
The CRF300L is too expensive for me and i can afford CRF 250 L .
One does tend to remember all the "firsts" on a bike, good memories for sure.
This channel is a juggernaut!!
This reads like a beautiful father-son relationship. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
I bought a 2014 crf250l this summer in 2022. I am 45 years old and it's my second bike. My first bike was a coleman mini bike that I had for about 1 year. It took me a couple of weeks to get used to the CRF. The weight, the height and the clutch was a huge difference for me compared to the mini bike that had no clutch. Now I love this CRF. I use it for exploring the woods for bird hunting. I can't live without it. It's my iron horse. Thanks for the cool videos man. CRF RULES!
Climb a tree! @ around 4:12. Love it! I own one also. You can not go wrong on a CRF250L!
Agreed.
I once read someone say something like "ANY engine made by Honda with 1 cylinder will last forever" as in it don't matter if its a lawn edger, a gas powered generator, a motorcycle, no matter what. Any single cylinder Honda engine just lasts forever.
So far I've noticed it's pretty true.
Sounds like a fact to me!
I’m by no means a beginner enduro / Dual-sport rider , but still always learning. I have 40 years under my belt. I have had many 250’s -650’s. I have a 19 450L for when I want to hammer along and decided to by my 2nd 250L for a different riding style but then heard they were changing to a 300L and have that on order. Your vids are very informative and practical. Keep up the good work Dork. 👍🏻👍🏻
I really love riding the small bikes but the problem I always have with them is if I’m going through sand her up a steep hill I just find it wanting for power. They have the 300s out now but they’re the same thing basically and with a heavier rider, it’s just not enough for 150 pound guy, that’s the only bike I’ve ever need but I’m 240 pounds and it sort of worked but if I’m trying to log through sand now it just bogs down and dies out. The old 80s Honda XL 350s or just enough to get through that dad, some Willy power, and though they were not great on the freeway, they go well over 80 miles an hour and going 75 for a while wasn’t a big deal. I really wish they’d have them back because the 250s and 300s aren’t enough no I love writing them I’m always wanting for more power. The next step up from there is the DRZ 400 which of what’s available at the moment is about the only option for what I’m looking for. The CRF 450 is Cool but it’s way over priced and you got a fix the electronics on an 11 or $12,000 bike and I get the people that like it it’s got definitely better performance but for me personally I would rather have low maintenance intervals not have to rebuild after 20 or 25,000 miles And just have something simple I’d rather have a DRZ 400 myself but I get what people like about it but they’ve dropped the ball in all markets getting rid of these 350s and 400s, you’ve got to go from a 250/300 up to 650 except for the 450 LNDRZ. I would love to see Honda do a retro release of a few of the old XL style bikes. I almost like to get a DRS 350 SE come at least you’ve got an electric start there were some glitchy things but nothing we can’t fix and it still has a six speed And they just had more torque and power than the 250s and 300s and it wasn’t super impressive but it was always enough and I never found myself bogging out and getting frustrated because there wasn’t enough power. Where I live now 250 is great because it’s all flat End everything I’m writing is going to be gravel roads or pavement hard pack dirt clay so it’s awesome but I’m moving soon. I’ve been thinking about other options and I’ll probably end up with a DRZ 400 just because there are 1 000,000 of them out there, and with the seat concepts seat, shouldn’t be too bad but I really wish there were more options. I wish they’d come out with an XT 350 again or a 400. I wish Handy would do an XR 400 L style bike instead of the 450 L just a simple, single cylinder, dual sport with all the all the high maintenance stuff on it. I think a modernized version of an XL 350 or even a 400 with electric start would be a big seller, specially if they kept with a six speed, I drove an XL 600 from 1985 for a while, and the 350 was just a lighter version with the gearing differences until you hit 60 or 70 miles an hour they were pretty close Speed and power wise but the 350 was just more manageable and lighter and they were very comfortable. I’d love to see them do a retro series but they’re hung up on adventure bikes now and just don’t care about the simple dual sports anymore. Yamaha might, I like the XT 250 but it’s just too gutless. If they did a 350 I’d probably give it a shot.
I could potentially getting a rally this friday... can't stop binging these videos.
My 2020 crf250l is my 20th motorcycle. I have had 2 GSAs, KTM 990,Super Tenere, as well as KLR and DR 650. So why CFR ?....64 years old with a recent hip replacement. The performance limitations keeps me in check. Having said that I have had a fantastic time riding this motorcycle dispite it's short comings and would recommend it to anyone at the end of their riding career. Takes me everywhere I want to go....I am mostly dirt and forest roads. Nice job on your channel..fun watching you progress and grow as a rider
If you can swing a leg over this relatively tall bike, they did a good job on your hip. With respect, you’re not anywhere near the end of your riding career; you’ve just entered a different phase. 👍🏻
That's a great bike
I own one and I am loving it more and more
Thank You. Bought a 250 rally after a 35 year hiatus.
Thank You. Hence,250 Rally sitting in my driveway:).
the 250L is a purpose built bike !!!!!!! its not a dirt bike, its not a street bike , it is what it is ,a great all around dual sport bike for the masses plain and simple !!! not complicated ,you hit the start button and off you go. gas tank size 2 gallons thats about the size for any 250 DS bike and it gets close to 70 MPG as far as suspension weight and all the other cons its price point it dead on at around $5800 OTD wr250r 2 gallon tank adjustable suspension but the rear shock sucks and is very close in weight and around $7000 or more OTD im not going to get into a lot but every bike has pros n cons i have both 250L& wr250r along with a few others that are purpose built for my riding style people outgrow bikes as you now have the DRZ 400 great bike im sure you will want to make changes to that also its the nature of the sport keep up the good work
Thanks so much man. Fair and honest insight.
Thanks for watching!
The new website looks great
Thanks! I'm pretty stoked about it.
Agree with everything..mine is the Rally version but basically the same.
Juggernaut....you said it bro! Keep killing it!! Side note: I got my CRF250L Aug of 16 and still fucking love it.
It's a great bike!
100% agree with you what you said...i was also very happy with my 2017 250L
we have two of them - best bike ever
Speaking of firsts, I'm going through my series of firsts too; i had my first decent crash yesterday. Into a foot-deep puddle lol
I learned a few lessons from it. For example, dont just gas through a puddle if you dont know how deep it can get. Which i should have known..
Anyway, the DRZ sat fully downed, Intake side down, in a puddle for about 2 seconds, still idling before i could kill it
I love this bike.
(More impressive tho was my phone [Pixel XL] which sat in the puddle for 20 minutes while i looked for it, and then popped right on when i fished it out)
Very nice review, thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I still have a soft spot for one of these but I am half tempted to go 650L or drz400 if I'm ever going to go dual sport. I'd love a new 450 but I'm really put off by the almost $10k price tag.
Yeah that crazy price tag is why I ended up buying a DRZ instead of a 450L. LOVE my DRZ. It's awesome.
I hear that most of the price went into the suspension on the 450 but I could be wrong
Thanks for another great video. As soon as the new 300 version comes out, I’m throwing my money at Honda.
Very informative
To buy now (well probably February or march so it's not sitting most of winter) or wait for 2021 version... guess it depends on when the new vs comes out...
You'll probably get a better price if you buy in the offseason, but waiting for more solid info on the 2021 version is a good idea, too.
@@DorkintheRoad you sound exactly like the voice in my head...
Great video. I’m interested in the 250l the Yamaha xt250 and the Yamaha tw200. I can’t make up my mind. All videos of these bikes claim to be awesome. I want to ride off road and on road. I’ve never ridden a motorcycle before. Quads for a short period of time. I’m 5’8” so I want something I can handle with ease but of course something super reliable. What do you think comparing your 250 to the other two? How tall are you? I’d appreciate Any advice you can give me. One last question, do you think the Honda trail 125 can handle off roading where the the 3 duel sports can go? The 125 suppose to hit the U.S this month. Thank you.
I'm 5'10". The XT250 and TW200 have lower seat heights, which might appeal to you. The XT is fuel injected and everything so it's basically a lower to the ground version of the CRF250L. The TW200 is a super fun bike but much older technology (carb, etc...). They're all pretty comparable in terms of capability, as far as I can tell. Best advice is to go sit on and test ride them all if you can and just see which one feels right. OR, just the get one you can get the best deal on, because you're likely to be happy on any of them.
I don't see the CT125 as anything more than a light forest road explorer and it's not really going to have the power to get you there on the highway...so I'm not sure it's a great choice unless you live like right next to the places you want to ride off road. It definitely won't be as good for like trail riding and more involved off road stuff, I don't think.
Dork in the Road I’ll try but the closest 250l and te200 is 3 hours away. There is a xt250 in my local dealer but I prefer the look of the old style tw 200 and if I go with a more with a dirt bike look, I like the crf250l design much more then the xt. Uhh. I guess I’ll start with the xt and go forward to the other to. Who knows maybe I’ll fall for the xt. If not I’d eliminate it and take a road trip. Lol. Thank you for your fast response. I will be subscribing for sure.
Did you ever change the sprockets out? I’ve got a 2013 with the factory 14/40’s and thinking of going down to a 13 on the front
Yeaaaaah! I'ma dork for the dirt, tooo!!! Braaaaaaaap! Great job on this... I'm ready to buy one when I get the income tax return this year 👍!!!
Wish I could say the same for my Tenere 700 . Dealership is coming over with a van , instant update here they are right now .
Okay , hopefully this issue will finally be resolved . 3 times to the dealership with electrical issues like always on ABS light and then engine light then no power won't start and now it's got no power again . So much for fall or should I say autumn ( fall is not the best word in motorcycle talk ) adventure rides . Any updates with your Africa Twin ? Maybe I missed a video recently . Alright then take care .
I think it’s funny when you say it’s heavy. My KLR weighs more than 400 lbs
"It's comfortable.....it's not comfortable."
Yeah it really isn't. 😂
I read that 250L has "hand shifter" or how do I translate that... You shift it on the handle? What does that look like? o.O
Looks like you ride around where I live
I am waiting for the 2021 crf 250l 🧡💛🙊... lighter , better suspension...and...even...consumption
And 286cc.
I appreciate you Dork!
Have an XR650L and am thinking CRF250L for a first DS MC for my kid.
i have a 2019 250l . The only reason I may sell it is for a 300l
Do you have any plans in getting a crf 450l?
How many miles you put on it ?... And how many $ of maintenance brakes, clutch, sprocket and chain...
I own a 690 '19... 70 000 kilometers on it, but so many issue and maintenance... I search for something more reliable, and able to do a RTW
have you ridden it with a pillion on longer trips, like 3-4 days, with luggage? :D is it capable of doing that?
I’m sure this comment will disappear but anywho…I have a 2006 dr200. Will I notice any real difference to justify buying one?
Yes. Fuel injection. More power.
Anyone know where you can find 2018 crf250l replacement plastics?
When you buying the 300L
I am 300 lbs. Do you think it is enough for the fat man? Also thanks for your videos. Take care...........
I was 325 when I bought it and it did fine for me.
@@DorkintheRoad That sir is what I wanted to hear!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you very much!!!....
I was 280 when I used one in a MSF course and it was just fine. I still want one in my garage.
@@dualsportdiary1150 I am 60+ years. Have not ridden much for 30 years. When younger I was bike and snowmobile poor. Many bikes from a 76 DT250 to GL1000 full dress. Loved them all but looking for a good do all that will not break the bank. I feel much better now. Thank you all....
@@DorkintheRoad 325lbs! No wonder there’s a power delay. A true testament to the quality of this fine machine.
👍