Afternoon all,

I fancy another little bike and was initially planning on a CRF250L however a TTR250 has popped up for sale nearby at a good price and I'm tempted given the price difference.

Can anyone who has ridden both offer a comparison? Ultimately I'm intending this as a travel bike but road manners will be important for my use as I will be using it to commute during the winter which does involve some short spells on 70mph dual carriageway.

I've ridden the crf a few times and I know it'll suit my needs with some mods but the TTR I have no experience of. The larger aftermarket including the big acerbis tank for the TTR is appealing.

I've done some searching but most of these threads seem to get derailed quickly into recommendations for other bikes (I have a bigger more road focused bike also) or focus entirely on off road ability.

Thoughts appreciated, thanks.

I've not ridden the CRF much, but have 2 TTRs, one with a 315cc big bore and another with a 350. I love them and have done a lot of miles on them. In my opinion the Yamaha suspension is really good, especially for it's age - effectively unchanged from 1993 and is easy to adjust for load carrying. The standard 250 engine pulls well and is reliable. Starter sprag clutches suffer from irregular oil changes on older bikes. (Easy to change, check parts prices on www.totallyttrs.com) Carbs are prone to blockages on older bikes from lack of use, old fuel residues etc. Rear subframe is a bit weak for load carrying but a bit of simple triangulation bracing is easy to do. There is masses of information on YAMAHA TTR250 TRAIL and OFFROAD MOTORCYCLE FAQ and a very supportive and informative forum at https://www.ttr250.activeboard.com/


I think the CRF is a bit overweight and poorly suspended in comparison, but you might find it more ergonomically pleasant, and the frame is more substantial for luggage. Both bikes should manage 70mph with the right gearing but neither will be pleasant without a screen of some kind. The TTR is a much better trail bike IMHO, but travel bike... being honest, that's a more difficult call. I would, and many others have. See if you can at least sit on one, and enjoy the decision making process. It's part of the fun!

I second the TTR, Mine has been everywhere and only let me down once (it started spluttering crossing the border into Morrocco, turns out there was an air leak between the carb and engine, simple fix with a coke can and duct tape still works today 13 years on!!)

mine has completed the weston beach race, ridden across spain and got me to work and back always without an issue. It really is a do anything bike and I'd say probably better built than the Honda.

However I've noticed 20 plus year old TTR's creaping up in price so given all the parts will be old and wearing out I might punt with a much newer CRF.

I've never ridden the Honda but plenty have and I don't think you could go wrong with either bike.

As for the rear subframe just travel light and enjoy the ride, no point overloading a small light bike. copy carbs are available on ebay from china for peanuts.

If you can get one cheap and its local its a nice future classic for sure

Good info guys, thanks. Unfortunately the TTR I spotted sold very quickly, before I had a chance to contact the seller so I'll keep looking!

have you considered the Yamaha WR250 R or X as both these bikes have great engines with long service times also. The supermoto X can have nobbly tyres fitted and they look good with them on the r is already equiped with 21" front and 18" rear.

I have and would probably go for one of it wasn't for the fact that they are so difficult to find in the UK, especially at a reasonable price.