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ADV BikesFirst Ride: 8 Things to Know About the Honda CRF250L Rally

First Ride: 8 Things to Know About the Honda CRF250L Rally

A fun, simple and affordable adventure bike with a willingness to explore.

Published on 05.05.2017

When Honda first unveiled the CRF250L Rally concept at the Osaka Motorcycle Show in 2015, the idea of a fun, affordable, small-displacement Adventure Bike that looked just like the factory CRF450 Rally race bike used in the Dakar Rally generated a lot of attention. At a time when there were few options in the small ADV category, most people were skeptical it would ever become a street-legal production model.

But things have changed in the last few years and the cries for lighter, more nimble Adventure Bikes have continued to grow. Taking note, Honda answered the call, and brought the CRF250L Rally to market with few changes to the original concept. While it may look like a Rally Racer, the CRF250L Rally was designed to be a simple, economical, off-road-capable Adventure Bike — appealing to new riders entering the sport or anyone just looking for a more manageable Adventure Bike for the trail.

Last week we got an opportunity to evaluate this new model during the Honda CRF250L and CRF250L Rally US Press Intro. The event was held in scenic Murrieta, California at the JCR Honda Race Team headquarters and home of 11-time Baja 1000 winner Johnny Campbell. We spent a full day testing on both bikes, riding over 120 miles on everything from rough fire roads and highway to technical hill climbs and deep sand sections. Here are 8 key takeaways from our Honda CRF250L Rally test:

1. It’s Not Just a CRF250L With a Rally Windscreen


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Honda CRF250L Rally Windscreen

The CRF250L Rally is heavily based on the standard CRF250L but there are some differences between the two models, most obviously in appearance. The clear rally-style windscreen, asymmetric LED headlights, faux-carbon navigation tower, integrated sump protection and HRC graphics closely resemble those of the CRF450 Rally race bike. But the equipment isn’t just for looks, the LED’s provide powerful lighting and a full wrap-around skid plate gives good protection against rocks. The headlight assembly, digital dash and windscreen are all frame mounted instead of on the bars, giving the rider a lighter steering feel.

The distinctive clear rally windscreen design also has a purpose, it gives riders more visibility when scanning the ground for obstacles directly in front of them, and of course it also helps block the wind and reduce rider fatigue. The tank shrouds are also designed to redirect wind around the rider at speed, while ensuring adequate airflow to the engine when moving slowly. Other equipment differences on the Rally model include a larger rear storage compartment, hand guards and a bigger fuel tank (2.7 vs. 2.1 gallons).

To compensate for the weight of all of this additional equipment on the Rally, a larger front brake rotor was installed (296mm vs. 256mm) and suspension travel was increased by about 1 inch front and rear. Changes to the suspension have raised ground clearance by 0.6 inches to 10.6 inches and seat height by 0.5 inches to 35.2 inches.

2. Same Powerplant, Different Power

Honda CRF250L Rally Power

Both the standard CRF250L and CRF250L Rally receive a new ECU, enlarged throttle body, revised airbox, larger diameter header pipe and a lighter, more-compact muffler design for 2017. The changes have led to an increase in peak power from 22.8 horsepower to 24.4 horsepower. Performance has been increased in both the top and bottom end, and throttle response is improved throughout the RPM range.

Both bikes share the same powerplant, 6-speed transmission and gearing, but it’s the standard CRF250L that feels the peppier of the two — no doubt due to the additional 24 pounds the Rally is carrying (341.6 vs. 317.5 for non ABS models). The power difference was most noticeable in the dirt where the CRF250L rally didn’t carry speed as well up steep inclines and more often required a downshift from second to first. Passing power on the highway was also noticeably better on the standard CRF250L.

Overall, both bikes felt fast for the 250cc category and you are able to cruise on backcountry roads in 5th gear without the need to constantly downshift, but we were left a little concerned about how the CRF250L Rally would perform loaded up for traveling with an additional 30+ pounds of gear.

3. Hits Highway ‘Sweet Spot’ at 65 MPH

Honda CRF250L Rally Highway Performance

Getting up to speed and negotiating lanes in the city is no problem for the Rally 250, and for that reason, it would make a perfect commuter bike. But on the open highway where speeds typically average 75-80 mph, the bike struggles a bit to keep up outside of the slow lane. A slight tingle in the bars is also noticeable starting at 50 mph in 6th gear but it still cruises comfortably at 65 mph and 6,800 RPMs. At this speed there is still ample power on tap to get past slower-moving cars when you need it but accelerating up to 80 mph sends the revs to 8,000 RPMs and significantly increases vibrations.

The top speed of the bike is between 80-85 mph depending on the wind and the speedometer is only about 2 mph optimistic when compared with the REVER GPS app we used for navigating the course. The rally windscreen works effectively to block the wind up to about eye level (I’m 6’2″) and it is a significant improvement over the windscreenless standard CRF250L in helping reduce rider fatigue. Although, the Rally uses the same seat as the standard CRF250L and doesn’t provide much comfort for longer distances. There is also a strap running across the seat that can become an annoyance. Luckily, the seat strap can be removed with a few screws.

We found the CRF250L Rally to be better than a lot of the available options in the 250cc range and good enough for riding a few hours on the highway to reach the trails around your house, but if highway performance and comfort is a major factor in your purchasing decision, you may want to consider other larger-displacement options.

4. It’s Very Off-Road Capable for an “Adventure Bike”

2017 Honda CRF250L Rally Wall Ride

Getting into a good rhythm on the dirt is no problem on the CRF250L Rally. It has a nice supple suspension that makes loose rocky surfaces disappear under the tires. It’s fun to ride at a fast pace on beat up dirt roads, but the stability of the chassis begins to suffer if you get too aggressive. The spring rate feels soft for a heavier rider (I’m about 225 pounds with gear) and when the bumps get bigger, the front end quickly bottoms with a clunk reminding you that this isn’t a hardcore dirt bike.

After switching to the standard CRF250L, everything seemed to work better. Despite having less suspension travel and ground clearance, the standard CRF250L is able to handle tough terrain at a faster pace with more stability. The power also feels snappier, allowing you to steer with the rear tire, un-weight the front tire and utilize 2nd gear on steeper hill climbs more easily. The difference is the weight of the Rally’s extra equipment and the fact that the Rally’s suspension valving, spring rates, power and gearing remain unchanged from the standard CRF250L. The standard CRF250L is already on the soft side for dirt bike standards, so with the added weight, the Rally feels even softer.

Putting it in perspective, the CRF250L Rally may not be considered a top performing enduro but it is a very capable off-road machine when compared to many 650cc and larger adventure touring bikes. With its handling and relatively lighter weight, it can bang through whoops, maneuver tight single track and handle steep descents with ease. Whether it’s deep sand, a failed hill climb or getting your bike unstuck from a deep rut, it’s less intimidating doing it on the CRF250L Rally. Although more advanced riders may desire better suspension and more power, the bike is capable of opening up a whole new level of off-road exploration for those looking for a more accessible adventure bike.

5. To ABS or Not, You Decide

Honda CRF250L Rally sliding turn

New for 2017, both the standard CRF250L and CRF250L Rally get ABS as an option for just $300 more and a 4.4-pound weight increase. Braking performance on the Rally is reasonably good, but does require two fingers for emergency stops. When ABS is activated on slippery surfaces, strong pulsating can be felt through the brake lever and foot pedal. It feels a bit primitive compared to the sophisticated ABS systems on the expensive big-bore Adventure Bikes, but it’s still effective.

Riding with the ABS on in the dirt, it won’t send you off a cliff and it might save your bacon if you are an off-road newbie. Experienced off-road riders may prefer to turn ABS off in the dirt to enable sliding turns and more control over braking. ABS can be disabled with the push of a button on the dash (after coming to a stop), but only on the rear wheel. The non-ABS model may be the best option for experienced riders spending much of their time in the dirt. But if you are planning on spending significant time on the street, you might want to opt for the ABS model.

6. Ergos Fit Taller Riders

2017 Honda CRF250L Rally Ergos for taller riders

With a wheelbase of 57.3 inches, the CRF250L Rally has one of the longest wheelbases in its class and is just 1 inch shorter than the CRF450X motocross bike. Stand up ergonomics feel good for riders over 6 feet tall and the distance between the foot pegs and handlebars is only slightly cramped. The handle bar height also felt adequate, but rolling the bars forward a tad could open up the riding position even more.

A set of wide serrated dirt bike pegs were a welcome surprise on the Rally 250, giving excellent traction and leverage during stand up riding. The seated position on the highway offered ample leg room with just a mild splaying of the knees from the larger fuel tank. With its dirt bike geometry, the bike also allows you to slide far forward in the seat during sit-down turns to weight the front tire.

7. The Price is Nice

2017 Honda CRF250L Rally Price

Starting at just $5,149, the price tag of the standard CRF250L is one of its greatest strengths and a major reason it’s the top selling motorcycle in the dual sport category. Honda has also worked hard to ensure that the new CRF250L Rally is a good value, giving it a starting price of $5,899.

When considering all the upgrades you get for an additional $750 like a windscreen, wrap-around skid plate, LED lighting, hand guards, larger fuel tank, longer-travel suspension and more, it’s a relative bargain compared to what it would cost to adventurize a standard CRF250L with aftermarket parts (not to mention your labor cost), and the end result probably wouldn’t look nearly as cool.

Compared to the big-bore adventure bikes, you may not be able to travel with the same speed and comfort but it can go anywhere those bikes can go and more. It’s a personal choice whether it’s worth paying two or three times as much for a bigger bike. If you plans are for short to mid-range trips that include a good amount of dirt, the CRF250L Rally’s value is hard to beat.

8. Some Improvements We’d Like to See

2017 honda crf250l rally improvements

While we think it’s a great start for the CRF250L Rally and we’re thrilled Honda actually brought the bike to production, we do have a few suggestions for improvements. First, the gearing didn’t feel well matched to the weight of the bike off-road. Yet gearing the bike down further would only worsen its highway performance. A feasible solution could be to improve power by slotting the “already available and compatible” 300cc engine from the CBR300R into the Rally’s chassis. The CBR300R motor fits right into the existing frame and would give the bike just enough extra boost to help carry 2nd gear in the dirt and more torque to maintain higher speeds on the highway while carrying luggage. We’d also like to see a set of heavy bar-end weights added to help reduce the vibes in the handlebars on the highway.

We feel the bike would also benefit from a stiffer set of springs in the suspension to improve the Rally’s stability during more aggressive off-road riding. And if we are nitpicking, we might also ask for a more comfortable seat and rear luggage rack to give the bike better touring capability, but these two items can easily be addressed on the aftermarket and luckily there is no lack of available options for the CRF250L. All of these changes could be made without significantly increasing costs, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see some or all of these updates occur over the next few years.

2017 Honda CRF250L Rally Jump

2017 Honda CRF250L Rally Specifications

Engine Type: Single-Cylinder, 4-Stroke, DOHC, 4-Valve
Displacement: 249 cc
Bore/Stroke: 76mm x 55mm
Compression: 10.7:1
Cooling: Liquid Cooled
Oil Capacity: 1.8 L
Transmission: 6 Gears
Fuel System: PGM-FI, 38mm Throttle Body
Final Drive: #520 Chain; 14T/40T
Starter: Electric; 12V 7Ah
Alternator Output: 324W @ 5000 RPM
Clutch: Wet Multiplate Hydraulic
Frame: Steel Twin Tube
Front Suspension: 43mm Inverted Fork; 11.0 in Travel
Rear Suspension: Pro-Link Single Shock with 10.3 in Travel
Front/Rear Brakes: Disc Brake 296 mm/220 mm
Front/Rear Wheels: 21”/18”
Front/Rear Tires: 3.00-21; 120/80-18
Rake: 28º10′ (Caster Angle)
Trail: 114mm (4.5 in)
Wheelbase: 57.3 in
Ground Clearance: 10.6 in
Seat Height: 35.2 in
Fuel Capacity: 2.7 gal (10.1 L)
Wet Weight: 341.7 lbs / 346.1 lbs (ABS)
Available Colors: Black/Red/White
Pricing: $5,899 / $6,199 (ABS)
   

Photo Gallery

2017 Honda CRF250L Rally Sitting Ergos

Seat height may seem high at 35.2 in but it does drop down significantly once in the saddle.

2017 Honda CRF250L Rally Stand Up Ergos

Stand up ergos felt only slightly cramped for taller riders. It’s definitely not a minibike!

Honda CRF250L Rally Digital Dash

The new digital dash includes a tachometer and was redesigned to be easier to read for 2017.

Honda CRF250L Rally Storage compartment

The left side storage compartment Rally offers more capacity than the standard CRF250L.

Honda CRF250L Rally Exhaust

The CRF250L muffler went from a 3-stage to 2-stage muffler design and uses an aluminum core to reduce weight.

Honda CRF250L Rally skidplate

A skidplate and integrated bodywork offers good protection for the sump and exhaust header off-road.

2017 Honda CRF250L Rally

Honda added these open hand guards to the Rally for additional wind and impact protection.

2017 Honda CRF250L Rally Fuel Tank

The Rally gets a larger fuel tank with .6 gallons more capacity than the standard CRF250L.

Gear We Used

• Helmet: KLIM Krios Vanquish
• Jacket: KLIM Carlsbad
• Pants: KLIM Carlsbad
• Gloves: KLIM Mojave Pro
• Boots: REV’IT! Discovery OutDry
• Helmet Cam: Sena 10c

Photos by Adam Booth and Brendan Lutes

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.

Author: Rob Dabney
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24 Comments
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RobG
RobG
May 5, 2017 9:45 am

Now how about a story on the new Kawasaki Versys-X 300?

ADV Pulse
ADV Pulse
May 5, 2017 9:50 am
Reply to  RobG

Yes sir. Coming next week!

Mike Taylor
Mike Taylor
May 5, 2017 12:15 pm

I enjoyed my shot of the bike. I wrote a short review on my blog.
http://yodagoat.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/honda-crf250-rally-review.html?m=1

John Timoti
John Timoti
May 6, 2017 2:00 pm

Too bad Honda didn’t build this bike with the 500x motor. That engine and a little bigger fuel tank would be about perfect. Would easily keep up with the big bikes on the street and leave them in the dust in the dirt…

ADV Pulse
ADV Pulse
May 6, 2017 3:02 pm
Reply to  John Timoti

Hey John. Have you checked out the CB500X Rally Raid kit yet?
https://www.advpulse.com/adv-bikes/rally-raid-cb500x-review/

TBurd01
TBurd01
May 7, 2017 7:13 pm
Reply to  John Timoti

Yes, the guy who built his own had the perfect bike.

TBurd01
TBurd01
May 7, 2017 7:16 pm

Got to wonder if that stock skid plate will hold up, I’m sure it’s built to a budget just like the handguards which look like they only have one fall in them. Tank is too small for the type of riding you’d be doing on this bike. Wonder how much weight can be sledded by the aftermarket.

Svendura
Svendura
May 7, 2017 10:59 pm

This will be my next adventure bike. I love the looks, the bigger fuel tank and the Honda reliability. Here in Germany it’s ABS only.

Martin Himpson
Martin Himpson
May 12, 2017 2:23 am

Its just a fat bird in a wedding dress….

Eric Hall
Eric Hall
May 20, 2017 9:35 am

Great write up. That was a fun day getting to ride these two new bikes from Honda. I noticed a bit more seat vibe from the rally than the standard. Probably the best 250 trail/adv bikes out there.

Rob Dabney
Rob Dabney
May 20, 2017 6:58 pm
Reply to  Eric Hall

Thanks Eric. Yes, it was a fun day of riding. Liked how they let us ride our own ride. Found some good detours off the main tracks to really test the bikes. Yep. Both are great trail bikes. But I think you and I both agreed the standard CRF250L felt better off-road than the rally, even though it has 1″ less suspension travel.

Turf n Surf
Turf n Surf
June 3, 2017 4:08 pm

I would consider it ONLY with a 300cc engine, even bigger fuel tank and a stator that can power heated grips, and all my electronics.

glen hamburger
glen hamburger
June 12, 2017 12:53 pm

Very good review. I’ve become disolusioned with my BMW F800GS – heavy and tall, R1200GS is comfortable but huge. A light, sporty little bike can be a LOT of fun to ride!!

Rob Dabney
Rob Dabney
June 15, 2017 10:30 pm
Reply to  glen hamburger

Thanks for the compliment Glen. I always say don’t skip the small bike phase. A lot of guys enter the sport with the 800cc+ Adventure Bike and miss out on all the fun. If you aren’t doing massive stretches of highway, a smaller ADV Bike makes a lot of sense. You’ll never regret all the good times you had on a smaller bike and it pays dividends in skills and confidence if and when you decide to move up to a larger bike. And if you don’t mind cruising at a slower speed (like the speed limit), you can knock off a lot of highway miles comfortably on a smaller bike.

CarlT
CarlT
June 15, 2017 1:53 pm

How does the performance increase compare to the WR250R? I like the CRF250L and it’s price, but I really like the performance and suspension (and adjustibility) of the WR250R.

Rob Dabney
Rob Dabney
June 15, 2017 10:09 pm
Reply to  CarlT

Hey CarlT. The WR250R is still a step up in suspension, ground clearance and weight over the standard CRF250L. The power output is pretty similar but the lighter weight of the WR gives it an edge. A $1500 savings on the CRF does make it a tough call though.

jason boisvert
jason boisvert
December 9, 2017 9:10 pm

did 2700km on my crf250 rally. mostly dirt roads, a little bit of single trail (mud, rocks,etc.) and some highway. for the neophyte that i am, it is a lot of fun. on the dirt roads it excelled. however, after a 90 min. ride my hands tingled from vibration. it initiated me to trails, where i still have everything to learn. dropped the bike several times(i feel no shame whatsoever,i am autodidact). no problem lifting it back up, but there is a lot more plastic to break than on the l. the swivel pegs are good. the highway is so boring now that i’ve tasted the dirt! this bike has broadened my horizon, made me look for the road less traveled. it might be slightly heavy and sluggish, but right now, i dont need more power. what i need is technique and practice. it may be flawed in several ways, but i will forever love it and remember it for opening up a different way.

falcn12
falcn12
January 6, 2018 6:45 pm

One can slot in a CBR300R motor and throttle bodies with the B&B 283 cylinder for a 324cc powerplant.

Rob Dabney
Rob Dabney
January 6, 2018 9:00 pm
Reply to  falcn12

Wow. Great tip. A big-bore kit would really wake this bike up!

falcn12
falcn12
January 17, 2018 7:39 am
Reply to  Rob Dabney

Some reading for those interested in the swap. I think this will get a little more common. http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/honda-crf-300r-l-build-thread.1197111/page-15#post-34086330

Uwe Danhongsee
Uwe Danhongsee
February 22, 2018 7:53 am
Reply to  Rob Dabney

friend did it on the CRF250L and is absolutely happy with his big bore kit. It was around 500.-US (20.000 ThaiBaht) if i remember correct.

There is also a guy who build an 500cc engine out of a CBR500 into his 250L frame… video is on youtube … adds a bit more power to the ride 😀 😀 😀
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhRU9Z1neEk

Uwe Danhongsee
Uwe Danhongsee
February 22, 2018 7:47 am

Just bought the new CRF Rally Model 2017.
I am riding a couple of other bikes, but the CRF250L was my favorite the past years.

To be honest, the windscreen on the new Rally is kind of weired. Its looking good but at speeds above 70km per h its anoying. I get the wind directly in my face and its combined with the helmet not a nice experience when it starts to vibrating your view. Not rode her at full power yet but i can imagine what its like if it starts with the wind at 60kmh :/ i am 180cm tall, so the average size of a normal man. The screen should be 5cm higher or you have to buy an extra one.
:
Also the center weight is a little bit different, she falls easier as a CRF L, actually not really an idea why.
Otherwise a great ride, looking forward to our first offroad and overland trips and will keep you guys updated

Rob Dabney
Rob Dabney
February 22, 2018 8:26 am
Reply to  Uwe Danhongsee

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and keep us posted on how your trip went!

Nir Alperovitz
Nir Alperovitz
June 25, 2018 5:34 am

I had a 2013 for four years and 40000 miles, whe I have decided it’s time get a new one. I tested the rally twice at the Honda dealership, and it felt powerless even compare to the 2013. It did not stop either regardless of it’s bigger front disk. I decided on a new CRF250L ABS and I am very satisfied with it. The power increase is very noticeble both on the highway and acceleration and when I climb long hills. I cruse 75-80 miles/h with no issues. At that speed a slope on the highway wil decrease the speed by 5+- miles at best. Hond did a fantastic job with this global dual sport model, and the 2017 upgrades are even better.

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