Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Chat Forum > The HUBB PUB
The HUBB PUB Chat forum - no useful content required!

BUT the basic rules of polite and civil conduct which everyone agreed to when signing up for the HUBB, will still apply, though moderation will be a LITTLE looser than elsewhere on the HUBB.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 7 Jan 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Truro Nova Scotia, Canada
Posts: 251
Honda CRF 250L: a suitable bike for Africa touring?

I was going to ship my BMW R100GS to South Africa and then head north from there. I found the shipping and crating costs from Canada very high and and shipping to South Africa also necessitates the danged carnet. So now I am looking at buying (and later selling) a suitable bike in South Africa to use for 3 or 4 months on a big loop around southern, eastern, and southwestern Africa. I am thinking of going smaller and the new Honda CRF 250L dual purpose bike has caught my eye, and affordable at only $5K in Canada. Great on gas too! Reviews are good so far but haven't seen any long-distance reviews yet. Some after-market stuff is starting to emerge to cover off back-racks, panniers, seat, etc. Maybe stiffer shock too.

Any thoughts on this?

Regards,

Larry
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 8 Jan 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: BC, sometimes
Posts: 578
I think that would be a great bike for what you intend. Would certainly be on my shortlist.

Don't overlook second hand KLRs or XT660Zs if buying in South Africa though.

However, I doubt you will get one as cheap as $5000 CAD there....
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 8 Jan 2013
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,898
A quick check of specs and prices of the on and off-road versions of this bike show a 100 lb difference in weight and a $US 2000 difference in price. What is it that makes the dual sport a hundred pounds heavier but two grand cheaper? Seems like I'd want an answer to this question before committing to a long trip.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 8 Jan 2013
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 336
The first thing to note is that the crf250x and crf250l are not the same bike. The CRF250L is actually more like a CBR250R with different body work and tuned slightly differently.

I would suggest that although the CRF250L looks like the answer to the lightweight low powered adventure bike, but light weight it is not.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 8 Jan 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: BC, sometimes
Posts: 578
Light weight is not always an advantage e.g. in very windy conditions. The CRF250L has had excellent reviews from owner-riders and I'd certainly consider one if I was downsizing from my XT660Z. YMMV.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 8 Jan 2013
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 98
We bought two CRFL's for a RTW trip.
At this moment sorting out the racks and suspension.

It's heavyer and cheaper because the frame and subframe are not aluminium but steel (wich I prefer). The faqt that its made in Thailand helps a lot too.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Jan 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Truro Nova Scotia, Canada
Posts: 251
thanks for the helpful replies

Just a note to say thanks for the useful comments. The CRF L is right up there should I finally decide to go with a smaller bike. In the end, once I am shopping around in South Africa, I may have to choose within the same price range between a 5 year old BMW 650GS or an XT600/660 on the one hand and a new CRF L on the other hand. Trade-offs for sure.

Regards,
Larry
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Buying and registering a motorcycle in Chile timyarb Trip Paperwork 16 2 Jan 2018 18:55
Air freighting to Argentina, the definitive guide srileo Trip Transport 2 20 Oct 2012 03:38
A Gringo in Colombia Ride4Adventure Ride Tales 13 20 Apr 2012 02:15
Looking for some help in getting started TotalTomination SOUTH AMERICA 20 30 Oct 2009 17:02

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:39.