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CRF 250 L or Rally? CRF 250 L or Rally?
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It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



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  #1  
Old 7 Apr 2018
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CRF 250 L or Rally?
Most threads on here seem to favour the L over the Rally. What are the reasons? The Rally has a bigger tank and more ground clearance. For overlanding; which is the better choice and why? Cheers.
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  #2  
Old 7 Apr 2018
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If you have short legs then it's the L

The bigger fuel tank is a good point if you are doing long rides.
The RALLY IMO is more set up for longer overland rides.
Better lights, some wind protection from the screen.
The Rally cost more, with more bits to break?
That's my 2 cents
Last edited by Nuff Said; 8 Apr 2018 at 03:24.
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  #3  
Old 8 Apr 2018
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If you've already read the various threads here on HUBB on these two bikes then you probably know as much as I do. I've ridden the L version, not the Rally.

I thought the L was down on power vs. other 250's. One thing not mentioned is the WEIGHT difference L vs Rally. Both are heavy for 250's and the Rally is heavier than L. fancy, expensive plastic fairings add COST and WEIGHT. Based on listed power for the Rally, looks like it's pretty weak too, maybe just a bit stronger than "L"?

For more debate on these two bikes go to ADV Rider (Thumper's forum) and search for L v. Rally threads. Lots of chatter there about these two bikes. View all the YOU TUBES as well.

One thing is sure ... the Rally is a very cool LOOKING bike. (IMO)

IMO, Honda need to drop the CBR300 engine into the Rally. Expand tank capacity further and use BETTER suspension components. Sure, it would cost more ... but they would sell a million of them with these upgrades ... might even out sell Africa Twin?
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Old 9 Apr 2018
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Honda CRF 250L
ne
Quote:
might even out sell Africa Twin?

My modified CRF250L, done me well with over 58.000km.
But sadly I sold it to buy a Honda CRF1000 DCT model.

Last edited by Nuff Said; 10 Apr 2018 at 22:20.
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  #5  
Old 10 Apr 2018
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personally, if I were forced to have honda 250cc (at the gun point) I would prefer previous model 250L then new model 250L. Rally version is a joke by honda so out of the question.
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  #6  
Old 10 Apr 2018
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Originally Posted by tremens View Post
personally, if I were forced to have honda 250cc (at the gun point) I would prefer previous model 250L then new model 250L. Rally version is a joke by honda so out of the question.
Why such a dislike for the Honda CRF250.
IMO I cant think of a better all-round bike for the cost.
Yes it has its faults, but so do many other bikes.
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Old 11 Apr 2018
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I haven't owned either bike, only read a few RTW reports and some local owner feed back. Based on all that, both seem like very good little bikes in that 250 dual sport world ...

and what that "world" is (or can be), depends on the rider and what sort of riding they want to do and WHERE they want to go. It ain't no Race bike, that much is clear!
The Rally may give that impression ... it looks GREAT, but seems in reality, a very modest bike for most part. But solid and reliable.

Sure, a KTM or Husqvarna 350 has 3 times the power, better suspension by 10X. But none of those high end Euro dual sports make very good travel bikes IMO ... and they all cost OVER $10,000 USD.

But the real deal breaker (for me) for those 350's is ... I don't trust them to last much over 10,000 miles (16K km). Long RTW or major overland trip?
Uh, no.
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  #8  
Old 11 Apr 2018
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Originally Posted by Nuff Said View Post
Why such a dislike for the Honda CRF250.
IMO I cant think of a better all-round bike for the cost.
Yes it has its faults, but so do many other bikes.
because I had one and I hated it. Granted I didn't have option for test ride and I expected something more capable. To summarize - way too heavy for what it is, way under powered for anybody weighing more then a kid, suspension like a old sofa. When I calculated cost of all mods necessary for that bike to make it usable I came close to wr250r price tag, which is not perfect also but at least ride-able. Changing both sprockets is the cheapest mod and IMO should be done immediately. I sold the bike after 2k km, buying it was big mistake.


p.s.
honda reliability is overrated, search the net and you'll find problems even with that 250l bike.
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  #9  
Old 11 Apr 2018
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Originally Posted by tremens View Post


p.s.
honda reliability is overrated, search the net and you'll find problems even with that 250l bike.
The big H went downhill quite a few years ago when the company let the people from the car side of the business get involved in the motorbike division.
I haven't bought a Honda bike since those days.
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Old 11 Apr 2018
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Originally Posted by tremens View Post
because I had one and I hated it. Granted I didn't have option for test ride and I expected something more capable. To summarize - way too heavy for what it is, way under powered for anybody weighing more then a kid, suspension like a old sofa. When I calculated cost of all mods necessary for that bike to make it usable I came close to wr250r price tag, which is not perfect also but at least ride-able. Changing both sprockets is the cheapest mod and IMO should be done immediately. I sold the bike after 2k km, buying it was big mistake.


p.s.
honda reliability is overrated, search the net and you'll find problems even with that 250l bike.


Thank you, sir
But IMO the bike will get him around the world, not at great speed but he is not in a rush.
I respect your views and opinion but sorry I have to agree to disagree.

Safe riding
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Old 11 Apr 2018
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So smart to do some test rides! Look upon your bike as a sort of "blank canvas" that you can shape to fit your needs. Lots of "Free Mods" out there to improve it.

Also some that will cost money. 100% worth it, IMO.

For travel, I would FOR SURE upgrade suspension. You can do this cheap ... or do it RIGHT! A loaded up travel bike needs to have it done RIGHT.

(aftermarket shock, expensive but IMO, worth it, re-valve front forks with Race Tech kit or Cogent DDC valves or similar, heavier springs. Night and day difference on loaded up bike) 5 wt. oil.

Cheapo dumb way: install heavier springs, heavier fork/shock oil. Done. And guess what? It's still crap! A quality shock, properly set up and sprung for your weight/load can transform the bike and it's performance ON and OFF road. Same goes with front forks.
All obvious stuff!
Good luck!
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  #12  
Old 12 Apr 2018
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Hello!

I was deciding between that two bikes about a year ago. And was on a test rides also.
After that I bought a used L version

All that's "bells and whistles" offered in a rally version could be bought separately (IF you will really need them) and the L would be that useful as a Rally.

I've bought a windscreen on eBay from Turkish market (the L version is pretty popular there, so a lot of aftermarket parts can be bought there). Also will buy larger tank (there are IMS and Acerbis options available), and that tank would be even bigger than stock for a Rally. All others plastic fairings I've found not so useful and not worth spending money on it. Especially when you're buying cheaper bike to save more money on fuel for your trips

Stay safe!

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  #13  
Old 12 Apr 2018
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Originally Posted by ouroboros2015 View Post
Well, I've booked a test ride to see if it is what I want. Not fussed about the power (it's a 250; I'm not expecting, nor do I want a rocket). Horses for courses.
Cheers.
I don't need rocket as well, but this thing rides as 125cc stock...
Mind you I ride xt660z tenere with only 48 hp.
Last edited by tremens; 12 Apr 2018 at 13:02.
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  #14  
Old 12 Apr 2018
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I don't nee rocket as well, but this thing rides as 125cc stock...
You were making some fair points and some people was reading.

Now saying the 24 hp or so from the 250cc engine is only as good as a 125cc stock?
Now people will just treat you with the contempt you desire.
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  #15  
Old 12 Apr 2018
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Originally Posted by Nuff Said View Post
Now saying the 24 hp or so from the 250cc engine is only as good as a 125cc stock?
dude, don't write if you don't know what are you talking about, on dyno it has barely 18hp.
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