2012 Honda CRF250L: A Dual Sport CBR250R! - Page 17

SpudRider · 01-31-2013, 04:35 PM

Kawasaki will bring the European, fuel injected KLX250S to the United States. However, who knows how long they will wait to do so. :roll: Also, I would expect a price increase from Kawasaki, which would not help sales. :?

Spud

SpudRider · 01-31-2013, 04:40 PM

Based upon the track record of the CBR250R, which shares the same engine, I expect the CRF250L will prove to be very reliable.

Given the low price of new CRF250L bikes, the used bikes will be exceptional bargains.

The aftermarket has already produced a new shock absorber and fork upgrade options. Many Honda fans will also transplant other Honda forks onto the CRF250L. Therefore, the inexpensive, used bikes will be easily upgraded to better suspensions for a very low, total cost.

Honda is heading in the right direction.

They built the CRF250L to be a "world bike," and they are having great success selling this motorcycle around the globe.

Spud

FastDoc · 01-31-2013, 05:05 PM

Good point about the track record of the R model with the same motor. That did not occur to me. :wink:

I just don't see how Honda sells them this cheap, they may be losing money on them but making it up on repeat buyers of more expensive machines. This is the so called 'loss leader' marketing.

Kawasaki's model would compete well (with EFI) against the Honda, but would have to be priced about the same, and I can't picture Kawasaki doing that.

SpudRider · 01-31-2013, 05:17 PM

Here's something else to consider, Doc.

Not only does the CRF250L have a very low MSRP; the price of parts is also very low.

In fact, the price of parts for this Honda motorcycle is very near the price of parts for a Chinese motorcycle! 8O

The CRF250L will be very inexpensive to repair and maintain. In terms of cost, the CRF250L is the closest, Japanese equivalent to a Chinese motorcycle!

However, the CRF250L is built with Honda quality and reliability. In addition, the CRF250L enjoys an unparalleled, international, parts support network.

Spud

FastDoc · 01-31-2013, 05:24 PM

And I can't picture a knowledgable buyer paying more for the Kawasaki. I also don't see them discounted now as they were in years gone by this time of year. I'm guessing they are sitting in the showrooms and warehouses.

Still there are brand loyal people out nthere that will always buy Green, Red, Blue, Orange or whatever.

I have no preference. I just want the best bike for my needs for the money.

katoranger · 02-01-2013, 08:37 AM

I think some people will go Kawasaki due to the adjustable suspension. My riding fits the Honda. I don't really have on difficult off road here. Mostly riding on the street.

The kawasaki would do just fine for me too, but the yamaha would be a waste of a good bike.

There was no used CRFs on ebay.

FastDoc · 02-01-2013, 12:02 PM

If I was making the choice today between my KLX and a CRF-L I would have picked the L. At the time however Honda's entry was the CRF230L, which although a nice bike, was quite inferior to the KLX in every performance regard.

Nowadays I'm leaning more towards the European bikes as my riding ability has increased some.

katoranger · 02-01-2013, 12:26 PM

The crf230 doesn't compare to the KLX. It would serve me okay.

FastDoc · 02-01-2013, 12:33 PM

The 230 is a good bike too, it's just that the KLX was better for less money. Similar to the current situation between the CRF-250L and the KLX250.

MICRider · 02-01-2013, 01:30 PM

I want one of each! :wink:

pete · 02-01-2013, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FastDoc

And I can't picture a knowledgable buyer paying more for the Kawasaki. I also don't see them discounted now as they were in years gone by this time of year. I'm guessing they are sitting in the showrooms and warehouses.

Still there are brand loyal people out nthere that will always buy Green, Red, Blue, Orange or whatever.

I have no preference. I just want the best bike for my needs for the money.

over here Kawasaki have droped the prise of the KLX250 to the same as the honda CRF250L.... $9000 each
In fact the KLX prise includes on road costs REG/WOF... so its cheaper

http://www.kawasaki.co.nz/catalog/st...50TBF/overview

http://www.honda-motorcycles.co.nz/B...el/431/crf250l

FastDoc · 02-01-2013, 05:05 PM

Interestingly your KLX is also not fuel injected, like ours it uses a carburetor. You do not seem to get the European version there either.

Smart move on Team Green's part in NZ. Here the KLX costs more than the CRF-L

pete · 02-01-2013, 05:42 PM

Have heard rumors of a injected KLX250... prob running
current stocks out before we see them..maybe a reasion for the
prise drop as well...

Suzuki must have a new dual sport 250 in the pipe line...
The DR250 is a old bike now... air cooled / carb
they are being left behind in the 250 dual sport market.
But at $7500nz they are cheap & a good reliable bike..

Then theres Yamaha's WR250 at the other end , very hi tec
compaired to the others.. But you pay for it.. $14000nz

FastDoc · 02-01-2013, 05:54 PM

Suzuki has also not updated their DRZ400S in many years.

pete · 02-01-2013, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FastDoc

Suzuki has also not updated their DRZ400S in many years.

very true..The DR650 is the same...
Suzuki really needs to pick there game up
in the dual sport market...

01-31-2013, 04:35 PM	#241
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	Kawasaki will bring the European, fuel injected KLX250S to the United States. However, who knows how long they will wait to do so. :roll: Also, I would expect a price increase from Kawasaki, which would not help sales. :? Spud __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	0

01-31-2013, 04:40 PM	#242
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	Based upon the track record of the CBR250R, which shares the same engine, I expect the CRF250L will prove to be very reliable. Given the low price of new CRF250L bikes, the used bikes will be exceptional bargains. The aftermarket has already produced a new shock absorber and fork upgrade options. Many Honda fans will also transplant other Honda forks onto the CRF250L. Therefore, the inexpensive, used bikes will be easily upgraded to better suspensions for a very low, total cost. Honda is heading in the right direction. They built the CRF250L to be a "world bike," and they are having great success selling this motorcycle around the globe. Spud __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	0

01-31-2013, 05:05 PM	#243
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	Good point about the track record of the R model with the same motor. That did not occur to me. :wink: I just don't see how Honda sells them this cheap, they may be losing money on them but making it up on repeat buyers of more expensive machines. This is the so called 'loss leader' marketing. Kawasaki's model would compete well (with EFI) against the Honda, but would have to be priced about the same, and I can't picture Kawasaki doing that. __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

01-31-2013, 05:17 PM	#244
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	Here's something else to consider, Doc. Not only does the CRF250L have a very low MSRP; the price of parts is also very low. In fact, the price of parts for this Honda motorcycle is very near the price of parts for a Chinese motorcycle! 8O The CRF250L will be very inexpensive to repair and maintain. In terms of cost, the CRF250L is the closest, Japanese equivalent to a Chinese motorcycle! However, the CRF250L is built with Honda quality and reliability. In addition, the CRF250L enjoys an unparalleled, international, parts support network. Spud __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	0

01-31-2013, 05:24 PM	#245
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	And I can't picture a knowledgable buyer paying more for the Kawasaki. I also don't see them discounted now as they were in years gone by this time of year. I'm guessing they are sitting in the showrooms and warehouses. Still there are brand loyal people out nthere that will always buy Green, Red, Blue, Orange or whatever. I have no preference. I just want the best bike for my needs for the money. __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

02-01-2013, 08:37 AM	#246
katoranger Join Date: May 2007 Location: Altamont, Kansas Posts: 15,103	I think some people will go Kawasaki due to the adjustable suspension. My riding fits the Honda. I don't really have on difficult off road here. Mostly riding on the street. The kawasaki would do just fine for me too, but the yamaha would be a waste of a good bike. There was no used CRFs on ebay. __________________ You meet the nicest people on a Honda Clone.
	0

02-01-2013, 12:02 PM	#247
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	If I was making the choice today between my KLX and a CRF-L I would have picked the L. At the time however Honda's entry was the CRF230L, which although a nice bike, was quite inferior to the KLX in every performance regard. Nowadays I'm leaning more towards the European bikes as my riding ability has increased some. __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

02-01-2013, 12:26 PM	#248
katoranger Join Date: May 2007 Location: Altamont, Kansas Posts: 15,103	The crf230 doesn't compare to the KLX. It would serve me okay. __________________ You meet the nicest people on a Honda Clone.
	0

02-01-2013, 12:33 PM	#249
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	The 230 is a good bike too, it's just that the KLX was better for less money. Similar to the current situation between the CRF-250L and the KLX250. __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

02-01-2013, 01:30 PM	#250
MICRider Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 3,274	I want one of each! :wink:
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02-01-2013, 05:05 PM	#252
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	Interestingly your KLX is also not fuel injected, like ours it uses a carburetor. You do not seem to get the European version there either. Smart move on Team Green's part in NZ. Here the KLX costs more than the CRF-L __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

02-01-2013, 05:42 PM	#253
pete Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: ChCh , NZ Posts: 2,261	Have heard rumors of a injected KLX250... prob running current stocks out before we see them..maybe a reasion for the prise drop as well... Suzuki must have a new dual sport 250 in the pipe line... The DR250 is a old bike now... air cooled / carb they are being left behind in the 250 dual sport market. But at $7500nz they are cheap & a good reliable bike.. Then theres Yamaha's WR250 at the other end , very hi tec compaired to the others.. But you pay for it.. $14000nz __________________ 09 XT660R ... 06 TTR250 ... 80 Montesa H6 125 Enduro... 77 Montesa Cota 348 MRR "Malcom Rathnell Replica"... Current resto projects.. 81 Honda CT110... 80 Kawasaki KL250A1... 11 Husaburg TE125 enduro... "sold" along with another 31... Lifan 125 Pitbike.. "stolen" ... KIWI BIKER FORUM...... http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/content.php All the best offroad rides in NZ... http://www.remotemoto.com/ E-mail... xtpete1@gmail.com
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02-01-2013, 05:54 PM	#254
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	Suzuki has also not updated their DRZ400S in many years. __________________ Happy to serve.
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