2012 Honda CRF250L: A Dual Sport CBR250R!

[SpudRider]

In my opinion, the CRF250L has an ideal saddle height of 34.7 inches. However, the height-challenged riders of this new bike have discovered an inexpensive, effective way to lower the saddle height some more.



Just drill a new hole higher up in the lower shock mount.

Spud

[pete]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

In my opinion, the CRF250L has an ideal saddle height of 34.7 inches. However, the height-challenged riders of this new bike have discovered an inexpensive, effective way to lower the saddle height some more.



Just drill a new hole higher up in the lower shock mount.

Spud

Thats standard on some models...
my XR250 tornado has double hight
suspention... thats how yer lower it..
2 holes in the bottom shock fork 15mm
apart.. lowers it 45mm... The front forks
have a shoulder machined in them to
lower the forks so the shoulder sits on
the bottom of the top yoke when lowered.

By petenz at 2012-03-27

[SpudRider]

Indeed, I believe the Suzuki DR650 uses a similar method. Has the CRF250L arrived on your shores yet, Pete?

Spud

[pete]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Indeed, I believe the Suzuki DR650 uses a similar method. Has the CRF250L arrived on your shores yet, Pete?

Spud

Not seen hide nor hair of them....
hope they do... I want to look at one..

[SpudRider]

Many riders in the U.S.A. have bought the CRF250L this week. I'm still waiting for someone to post his impressions of the bike's trailworthyness. I like this bike, but I'm disappointed it only weighs about 20 pounds less than my modified XR650L. :roll:

Spud

[pete]

Don't know if I would change from my XR250 for one..
they are a bit heavyer , same hp..they have better
suspention , water cooled "not sure if thats a bonus"
fuel injection.. good for the mpg.. not so great if it
craps out in the middle of nowhere...Aleast a carb theres
a chance you can fix it....

NOW..if they make a 400 / 450 with around 38/40 hp
then I would be interested.. 38/40hp.. enough power &
it will last 50,000 miles...

[SpudRider]

I have good news! Rick Ramsey (Honda Guru) has acquired a new CRF250L motorcycle, and has weighed it.

The bike with all fluids, but an empty fuel tank, weighs 298 pounds. With 2 gallons of fuel, the curb weight of the bike is 310 pounds, which is ten pounds lighter than the official curb weight from Honda of 320 pounds.

The stock muffler weighs 12 pounds 4 ounces without the heat shield! 8O So it is likely the bike can shed another 8 pounds with an aftermarket muffler. With a curb weight of 302 pounds, the CRF250L would weigh approximately 5 pounds more than the Yamaha WR250R.

The stock YTX7L-BS battery weighs 5.1 pounds, and a Shorai battery weighs 1.23 pounds. Therefore, the bike could lose another 3.9 pounds with a replacement Shorai battery. Finally, after removing the passenger foot pegs, the CRF250L should have a curb weight of about 297 pounds, with a full tank of gasoline. Add a suitable skid plate, and the bike should weigh about 300 pounds, fully fueled and ready to ride.

Here are some photographs of the massive, stock muffler! 8O







Spud

[SpudRider]

The CRF250L is now available for sale in Canada with an MSRP of $4,999 CDN.

Spud

[FastDoc]

That's about the biggest ugliest muffler I've ever seen.

I wonder if it's also from a Honda Fit econobox? :roll:

[FastDoc]

Those tires BTW look like the excellent Dunlop 605's my KLX came with. No aftermarket ones were available in the US when I needed replacements.

[pete]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

Those tires BTW look like the excellent Dunlop 605's my KLX came with. No aftermarket ones were available in the US when I needed replacements.

I use the Dunlop 605 on my XR250...
great tires...
Most people here take them off & replace
them with knobblys..Don't know why unless
you are rideing in mud all the time..
For seal & lose , hard , damp , dry surfaces
they work well.. Not much good in mud
as they don't clear very well & yer end up
with a slick...
The Vee Rubber V221 is a copy of the 605..

[FastDoc]

I found them to be excellent in the canyons on the street. High lean angles with great confidence. They were fine in the desert conditions I ride in, except for sand. I use my other bike in the sand anyways so that does not matter to me. Mud is not a factor here usually. Even if it rains the water goes right into the earth.

They lasted a long time, about 3,000 miles which for me is good, and they gave better economy and a measurably higher top speed than the current 606's I have mounted. 91 MPH vs. low to mid 80's on the GPS.

[MICRider]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

The CRF250L is now available for sale in Canada with an MSRP of $4,999 CDN.

Spud

Thank's for the info Spud! Might have to give my closest Honda dealer a call and see if they have any in stock to look at... I want to peek at the NC700 as well

[SpudRider]

Here are links to several reviews of the new, Honda CRF250L.

http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/...crf250l-review
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/fi...honda_crf250l/

Spud

[SpudRider]

It appears the Honda CRF250L employs the same rear sprocket and sprocket bolts as my Honda XR650L.

Honda East in Toledo, Ohio is selling the CRF250L for $4,299, plus tax and title. Honda East never charges any incoming dealer freight, prep or hidden fees.

http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2...250L-105026084

Spud