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.

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

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? bier

Honda CRF 250L
 

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

:scooter:

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. :thumbdown:

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.

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. :oops2:

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. doh

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.

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.

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

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. :thumbup1:

(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! bier

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!

https://www.instagram.com/lexozz_on_two/

I don't need rocket as well, but this thing rides as 125cc stock...
Mind you I ride xt660z tenere with only 48 hp.

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.

dude, don't write if you don't know what are you talking about, on dyno it has barely 18hp.

No worries mate, it's how things go round here. For us ... IT"S FUN! :rofl:
We like "arguing" about bikes. :thumbup1: And we all get along pretty well in the end. :thumbup1:

The good news for you ... is that if you have a problem there are many here with LOTS of experience both traveling ... and working on bikes and keeping them going on a long run OUTSIDE the UK.

Some of the chatter can be pedantic and irritating at times ... but one can learn a lot too. Do your own research ... then ask questions about issues you don't understand or need opinions on. (lots of those on HUBB!)

Good luck with whatever you end up with. Hope you will check back in here ... so we can argue some more! bier

(all in good fun!) :D

48 HP? Did you Dyno your bike to get that figure?
If true, then that is pretty impressive. :thumbup1:

My modded DR650 only puts out 40 HP (rear wheel). But my bike is a bit lighter weight than the Tenere' 660. bier

Crf250l
 

We bought a 2017 CRF250L (not rally) about one year ago to use as a travel bike. The Rally version had just been launched at the time, but we chose the 'standard' version for the lower height. We've done the following modifications:

Hyperpro fork springs and shock.
Renthal handlebars.
Koubalink lowering link.
Acerbis hand guards (the metal reinforced type).
Oxford heated grips.
Engine guard/skid plate.
Accessory socket.

Next will be an IMS tank and maybe some pannier racks, though we may go rackless, and an upgraded seat. No plans to fit a screen at this stage.

The bike has done some long trips including substantial amounts on and off tarmac and it's a keeper. It replaced a BMW G650 XCountry which was a great bike but a bit too tall and powerful for the rider.

I hope that helps.

The L version pros:
Lighter, lower, cheaper, longer range if you add an aftermarket fuel tank which you imo will need if you are thinking about going on any overland or RTW trip.
Cons: No windscreen, short range if no aftermarket tank, shorter ground clearance

The Rally version:
Pros: better fuel range than original L version, better wind protection, higher ground clearance.
Cons: heavier, more expensive, higher if youre a short person.

Personally I think I would have gone with the L-version, its lighter, but for sure it would need a bigger gas tank. The Acerbis aftermarket tank for the Crf is said to take 13,5 liters and you would then be good for at least 400 kms range if ridden reasonably. The Rally has a gas tank who takes 10,1 liter and that would give a range of around 300 kms if reasonably ridden. And a good loooong range is imo a very good feature to have on a travel bike. I would add other things to such as a windscreen, handguards and upgrade other things too, so it wouldnt come out cheaper than the Rally. But it would be more useful. Just my 5 cents though

PS A little bird whispered in my ear that Honda will come with 450 Rally version next year....:scooter:

Great opinion on both CRF from a person who knows?

With over 58.000 km ridden on my modified 2016 CRF L and apart from the fuel tank size (which was not needed in Thailand) you are spot on, but if I may add 1 extra item, the lights on the old and the new "L" version and just SHIT.
So a good set of 60 W LED spotlights are a must IMO.

CRF with a 450cc that would be nice, so now it will have as much HP as a 190cc bike.:oops2:

Honda already make a 450 Rally bike ... but you have to be a HRC race team rider to get hold of one or an approved AA Enduro racer pro. :D
Probably cost about $100K USD per copy. :oops2:

If you're talking about a CRF450L (road version) ... well, now THAT would be interesting! I'd love to see a reliable 450 Adventure spec bike from Honda.

Until Honda improve the valve gear design on these CRF's ... I would steer clear. They don't last. :nono:

It was not the already exisiting Rally 450 with race specs that was mentioned, it was a totally new 450 L model. But the rumours have gone through a few links so take it for that....

I own a Crf and have ridden a few kms on it. You are right about the lights. Im thinking about getting some extra LEDs, just dont know where to mount them.

Hi

Cant work out how to load pictures on the HUBB
So the best I can do is post a link to where I have posted a few pictures of my CRF with the spotlights mounted.

Maybe it will help in your discussion.

The brackets were custom made by me if you need further details just ask.
Location is spot on and gives very good light coverage.


Pictures posted om next post.

Load picture here now.


https://s19.postimg.cc/bz4ke8qar/CRF.jpg

https://s19.postimg.cc/ipl1nny0z/light.jpg


https://s19.postimg.cc/d1eqws1eb/lights1.jpg


https://s19.postimg.cc/cd5we2nbn/20161228_163849.jpg


https://s19.postimg.cc/96bcuh5gj/20161228_163856.jpg


https://s19.postimg.cc/p4k2kmujn/20161228_163902.jpg


https://s19.postimg.cc/vv0ju2pf7/20161228_163919.jpg


The last few pictures should give you a better idea how I fix them.

Brackets are very strong and no light movement.

Also no damage with a fall which in my case is often

Looks great those lights. What brand are they and where did you purchase them?
And the softbags, what brand and where did you buy them?

Live in China mate.
All item was purchased from the online store Taobao (Chinese Ebay)

All item are very good quality if you know what to buy from Taobao
People, who live outside China can buy but by way of an agent?
If you wish to purchase these items please let me know and I dig out the links for you ok.

Well; I took a test ride (on an L, no rally available for testing). Really liked it, so I bought a Rally. Early days, but for me, it's an excellent little bike. Great fun to ride and I actually enjoyed the slower pace (breaking in the engine, so not revving the tits off it yet). Not for everyone I know, and I'm sure other bikes are "better", but I'm a very happy camper at the moment.