What is your girlfriends inseam and what is your budget? those are probably going to be the 2 deciding factors.

I would not hesitate to buy the CRF250L for my wife to ride, they are great bikes. As Mollydog says, Honda dealers and parts are plentiful in South America, so don't let that be a deciding factor. I am also keeping an eye out for a lightly used WR250 too, great little bikes, but even with a lowering link, probably still a little tall for your girlfriend.

I see you are referring to the CRF250 Rally - personally I would buy the 250L model, the Rally has a 35in seat height and although it has more suspension travel than the 250L, it has no extra power but has more weight to carry with the fairing. The 250L can be lowered easily and can be fitted with a bigger tank, an aftermarket small screen and a better seat.

Also bear in mind that after you leave the USA, your average speed will tend to drop quite a bit - unless you intend doing long days on highways through Mexico and say Chile. I think our average speed ended up being ~60 kmh for most of our South America ride.

I would however recommend that you do not 'push' her into a specific bike of your choice, let her sit on the CRF250L, the XT250 and any other bike that is suitable - and let her make the final decision, then it wont come back and bite you in the ass

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Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
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