CRF250 L thread

[WillS]

Been thinking about buying one of these CRF250 bikes as a second bike.
Road tested the Rally version a couple of times and also the standard L. I really liked each of them, but i think i prefer the simplicity and lack of bodywork on the standard L.

Anyway, as my Tracer 900 was write off totalled by a feckwit coach driver today when he reversed into me.... i'm gonna try and get a deal on a new CRF250 this week.
Will probably be buying another Tracer when insurance coughs up.

I've been so impressed with the CRF's - and their owners! -that have ridden the HISS events over the last few years that I'm this king seriously about getting one. I like the idea of a screen as on the rally version but does it a) seem sturdy enough for serious riding - in my case seriously lying down, lots ... b) what other stuff comes with the rally version and c) is all this worth the extra dosh?

Ta

Simon

PS and d) where can I find a brilliant deal like Will had?

I bought the standard L model.... the only thing i would have liked from the Rally is the bigger tank, but its only 2.3 ltrs more so no big deal to me. Especially as this bike gets 80/90 mpg.
The new L has the same power, engine and exhaust improvements as the Rally. Also the newer display.
Dont need a screen on a bike this low powered and haven't felt i wanted or needed one since having the bike. The headlight cowling does keep some wind off my chest and without a screen there is zero buffeting, which i did experience test riding the Rally.
Didn't want a lot of the bodywork on the Rally, especially the big toolbox sidecase, which is the opposite of a Tardis, big on the outside but fk all room inside. Would have removed all this stuff, so why pay extra for it.
The LED headlights are obviously better on the Rally, but i hated the asymmetrical gas mask look of them..... and i hate to think what they would cost to replace if you break em offroad. Although i dont do any serious offroad, i just bought it as a fun bike to use as a second bike and i've not been disappointed in it at all. I really enjoy riding it as a total contrast to my main bike.

I like the standard "L" model, less plastic, and agree you don't really need a screen, even pushing it on the roads I experienced no buffeting. I mainly use it for trail riding, but it does plenty of km on road to get to and from the trails. I think they are a great little Dual-Sport Bike.
My 2012 CRF had fitted by the previous owner the FMF Power Core 4, Megga Bomb, and EJC (Electronic Jet Control) Appart from the great sound, it does seem to give a bit more power and smoother through the range, especially low down torque.
For the fuel I carry a 2Ltr plastic can, but never used it, and not had the fuel warning light on yet, always seem to find a garage in time. But with the economy 7.7Lts get you a fair distance.
Really pleased with my CRF and how it performs on and off-road. Great bikes.

[Zookman]

Must admit, although i'm no offroad rider, i'm hoping at some time to do some easyish trails with this bike at some time...... not interested in anything too gnarly, i have neither the experience or age or health on my side for anything taxing.
But i think the fact this isn't a serious offroad bike, is what makes it so pleasant to ride on the road and easy to live with.
Usually low powered, small cc bikes bore me to tears, but there's something about this CRF250 that makes it a real fun bike, its more than the sum of its parts.

[WillS]

Must admit, although i'm no offroad rider, i'm hoping at some time to do some easyish trails with this bike at some time...... not interested in anything too gnarly, i have neither the experience or age or health on my side for anything taxing.
But i think the fact this isn't a serious offroad bike, is what makes it so pleasant to ride on the road and easy to live with.
Usually low powered, small cc bikes bore me to tears, but there's something about this CRF250 that makes it a real fun bike, its more than the sum of its parts.

The bike is great on the trails, especially in Spain. Have a look at my video of the Aragon HISS, done on my CRF250L and Steve on his CRF250L, plus a KTM 400, 250KLX, TTR 250. Steve only bought the bike 3 days before the HISS as he didn't wNt to go on his Ténéré, and was pleased he did he really enjoyed it.
You are never too old!! I've been collecting my OAP for nearly 3 years, and really enjoy riding on the trails in the Pyrenees and Aragon. Book yourself onto one of Simons HISS events next year and start on the easy trails and work up. I am sure you would enjoy it, it's a great bunch af riders with varying skills and ages. Think I was the oldest though!!

[Zookman]

Must admit, although i'm no offroad rider, i'm hoping at some time to do some easyish trails with this bike at some time...... not interested in anything too gnarly, i have neither the experience or age or health on my side for anything taxing.
But i think the fact this isn't a serious offroad bike, is what makes it so pleasant to ride on the road and easy to live with.
Usually low powered, small cc bikes bore me to tears, but there's something about this CRF250 that makes it a real fun bike, its more than the sum of its parts.

The bike is great on the trails, especially in Spain. Have a look at my video of the Aragon HISS, done on my CRF250L and Steve on his CRF250L, plus a KTM 400, 250KLX, TTR 250. Steve only bought the bike 3 days before the HISS as he didn't wNt to go on his Ténéré, and was pleased he did he really enjoyed it.
You are never too old!! I've been collecting my OAP for nearly 3 years, and really enjoy riding on the trails in the Pyrenees and Aragon. Book yourself onto one of Simons HISS events next year and start on the easy trails and work up. I am sure you would enjoy it, it's a great bunch af riders with varying skills and ages. Think I was the oldest though!!

I'm sure i would enjoy it and appreciate the info, but i know my limits..... there are various reasons why i couldn't do this.
I've had my days of touring & rallies, in UK & Europe, decades of it. My biking is restricted to local ride outs these days.

[minkyhead]

all in all if i had a choice id still go for the rally ...its heavier and feels heavier cos its taller ..but the bike is much more stable on the road ..the screen with a extender is brilliant ..the lights are outstanding ..the tank range is substantially better ..170 miles being the norm the front brake is much stronger too ..less obvois is the extra suspension travel and ground clearance ..the longer wheelbase make it much more composed on the motorway and in corners

the 250 being better if your shorter ..but by the time you have got a ims tank put some proper lights on it your saving nothing at all .but theres no doubt that the rally is the better bike on the road for me certainly out of the box its better equipped for longer distance

dead easy to amend the bodywork of the rally and retain the extra clearance too a couple of 20 quid sidepanels and a dremmel job done

the 250 with the 300 engine is a little gem of a bike now for not alot of money

a hundred quid for ractech springs in the front and a decent basic shock with rebound control and they ride pretty dam well ..folks will say they are no good off road ...but i simply ignore them for most off road travel situations the crfs are pretty dam capable ..its worth getting the suspension correct for you weight and load ..but theres not many uk trails i wouldnt have pop at fully loaded on them .the low power may seem too little on paper but that fist gear kept busy will climb like feck ..they are underestimated for sure ..id guess the servicing costs for a 250 for 10.000 miles would be around 80 quid a year if you need brake pads plus another 80 quid for a chain and sprockets it really doesnt get any cheaper to own a bike than the crfs

DSC_0545 by minkyhead56, on Flickr

[garyboy]

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[garyboy]

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[Helicoptermanr22]

Minky that does look good, ... anyway, happen to have a go on a brand new rally down in Devon last week, had 1 mile on it, found some old land and ragged it, Loved it from then on, such fun and bought a smile back to me chops. cruises easily at 75, and nailed it will get to nearly 90.

Got a really good deal on a new one ( cheaper than used) and I pick it up next week. totally suits my style of riding and cannot wait, now what goodies can I get ....

[minkyhead]

well im not so sure your speedo was telling the whole truth they are somwhat optimistic

once loosened up and they do noticably full luggage ect i find the practical cruising speed at a true 67/68 mph top speed maby 78 mph if the goings good but theres nowt much to be had over 70mph .

anyway time will tell ...most owners on adve rider realy do like em a lot .and use em pretty well off road to varying degrees ..pleanty of posts saying their big bikes dont get used anymore as well ??

congrats on your new bike and post up you stuff ...thiis forum needs ride reports and discussion more than ever and all tha political shite should be banned

keep well

[Simon_100]

Thanks all, and especially to Minkyhead - I was just about to comment that I'm keeping the Alp and preparing to spend some money sorting its horrible suspension. But the comments on the Rally fit another bill that at present my X-Country tries hard to fulfil. The only problem will be convincing Mrs S* that three bikes are a good idea!

Regs

Simon
* simple really, I just have to allow her to convince me that two Malamutes are a good idea!