Hi tigershel

This is quite interesting. I wasn't aware that the CRF250L was selling in such markets. The reason I perhaps discounted this bike was for four reasons as follows:

1. (And I may have misunderstood this so please correct me if so) It only has a 250cc engine, so it would be hard work (Physically) for both me and the machine to complete such a long trip.

2. I have not ridden one myself, but I have heard that they are not particularly comfortable. Can this be overcome?

3. There doesn't appear to be much space to carry equipment and supplies.

4. Although the mpg is very good 85-90mpg, it only has a 7.7L tank which will give only a 150 mile tank range. An issue when petrol stations become sparse.

All that as it is, I have heard they are relatively easy to work on and extremely reliable? And as you say, if this is selling into many markets worldwide, parts should not be an issue.

Plenty of stories out there of folks who are riding Honda Cub style bikes and 125s around the world, let alone 'big' the bikes like a 250...
I've toured 2-up around parts of SE Asia on my Yamaha 125 and a Chinese 200, and would have no hesitation RTWing either bike solo.

The space and load capacity consumed by a 50kg passenger should be more than enough for the usual spares, tools, additional clothing, camping equipment and so on, when added to the 60 liters of luggage I was already carrying (tank and Ortlieb saddlebags). My passenger also carried a small backpack.

When going on a smaller bike, it's counterproductive to load it up too much. The biggest joy of small bike touring is the ease with which you can go almost anywhere. Pack as light as you can, and you will retain most of that.

I see folks posting here about how a small bike won't make it in the mountains: they should see how much stuff the locals here haul into some pretty rugged territory on 125 to 155 cc bikes. It's more a matter of getting the gearing and tuning right, and being prepared to ride within the bike's limits.

In general, the question of big enough depends on where and how you ride.
In lots of SE Asia and many other 3rd world countries, a 250 is as big as you want, and much bigger than the locals ride.
I've started asking the opposite question: is it small enough? Some of the best trips I've been on in the last 2 years have been to areas where anything much bigger than the 200 would have been very difficult or impossible to go.

Folks take rented Enfield 350s and 500s up into the Himalayas all the time : I'd much prefer to use the CRF.

Most of the traffic in the 3rd world moves along at 40 to 50 mph, going much faster raises the risk level a lot.


2. Comfort: bit of an issue, but there is a good aftermarket developing and a custom saddle should be a first step. If you are iron-butting 1000 mile days, it's the wrong bike, though.
On my previous dualsport, I had a custom saddle, heated grips, handguards, electric vest outlet and a windshield, and that made all the difference.
I find the dualsport riding position to be the most comfortable for me, others may disagree.

3. Load: see above, but you should have no problem fitting saddlebags, a decent-sized duffel and more. There is a CRF250L thread over on Advrider, along with 250 touring and minimalist touring threads that should give you plenty of ideas.
I'd consider adding some bracing to the subframe and so on, but that is something done to many of the most popular RTW bikes.

4. Range: I'm pretty sure there are already aftermarket tanks available, probably around 4 gallons. My Husky TE610 was about the same physical size and weight (but much taller), and I had a 5 gallon tank on that.
Maybe I should persuade you to ride something like my YBR125G : that comes stock with 12 liters which takes it easily 400km. The stock saddle isn't too bad and long enough for 3 people, we've loaded the stock rack with 40kg of clothing, and it's gone everywhere. River crossings, rocky single track, mud over the axles, steep climbs in the mountains and more. Just about all of that 2 up...

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