New left over 2014 CRF250L

[andyj812]

• As you guys know from the other post I traded my Will 250 in a couple days ago for a Honda CRF250L.

It has a fuel injected single cylinder 249.6 hp liquid cooled engine according to Honda's websight. Honda says it supposed to get 72mpg but so far I've been average about 55 mpg. I've only road it home from the dealership and to work twice so far (200 miles). Maybe after its broke in fuel mileage will go up or maybe 73 is obtainable at lower speeds.

So far I love the bike, It does not have a kickstarter but it came with free lifetime battery replacement, I'm not sure if that is a Honda thing or if the local dealer provides this service.

The suspension is a lot stiffer than my will 250's was but still comfortable. The CRF is physically bigger and taller then the Will 250 also. These are to different bikes with 2 different price points so I only making the comparison because these are the only 2 dual sports I have ridden. Not bashing the Will because it is an awesome bike as long as you keep it in its capabilities.

The CRF has a six speed transmission. I have noticed that if I cost to a stop with the clutch in and down shift without letting go of the clutch, occasion I cannot go lower then 2nd gear after stopping. Not all the time just sometimes. I have tensioned the cable a little but still does it sometimes. I haven't notice it doing it if I downshift and let go off the clutch after every shift. When it does it I have to take off in 2nd because I'm cant get to neutral of first to try to double clutch it. Hopefully this will break in otherwise I will have to see dealer.

[andyj812]

I have this rack on order from amazon, I will post my opinion of it when it comes in and I get it installed.

[andyj812]

This bike has a more up ride position then Will had. Its comfortable but my back starts hurting after going 60+mph for a while. I believe it is do to the extra wind at higher speed pushing against me. My back never hurt when riding my Will but I rarely rode it at 55 for long periods of time. The sitting position is different between the 2 bikes also. But like I said I only notice it after riding a while at higher speeds.

I have ordered this windscreen to see if that helps. It is supposed to be easily removable for off roading.



Here is the information about the windscreen from the sight:
The wind screen mounting bracket are model specific, no generic one size fits all. The brackets become permanently mounted the upper triple clamp and handle bar riser bolts. The plastic is attached with nylon hardware and is easily removable in less than 1 minute with the use of a “coin”. The wind screen is a rigid mount non adjustable and is designed to relieve some on the upper body air pressure on the faster portions of your ride. Reduces upper body and back fatigue and allows for longer rides. Easy to look over even for the shortest riders.

The production brackets are powder coated flat black and the plastic is only available clear.

The plastic used in the T C I Products Adventure touring wind screens and headlight covers is produced by AeroFlow corp. and is DOT approved “IMPLEX” impact modified acrylic. No other aftermarket manufacturer uses the thick acrylic (Many OEMs do) and we are the only to use the impact modified acrylic. This stuff is not your off the shelf clear plastic.

Implex combines the U.V. stability (8 Years) and other physical properties of standard acrylic sheet with impact resistance that is 8 times greater than extruded acrylic and 6 times greater than cast acrylic.

It offers impact resistance along with excellent clarity and weather ability, resists hazing, surface dullness and progressive yellowing. If scratched, Implex can be rubbed out and if broken, will not shatter the way non-modified plastics do.

The plastic has a compound curve shape and provides very good air flow control. Looks great on the bike. The brackets are powder coated and install with no modifications to your bike.

Hand Made by Craftsman in the USA

[andyj812]

I ordered this brush guards from amazon. I hope they will fit ok. Once again, I'll post my opinion when I get them installed.

[andyj812]

Here is a pic of the "dash". The front break line rides kind of high above it and takes a little getting used to sticking up there but its not in the way of anything. The third picture from behind shows the height of the brake line.

[andyj812]

The 2.03 gallon gas tank has 2 bars going across the opening so you cant stick gas nozzle in real deep, its not a problem as long as you pay attention.

[andyj812]

The CRF has a small locking tool compartment on the left hand side. It did not come with much of a tool kit: 2 allen wrenches, and a fuse puller in a pouch.

[andyj812]

The owners manual came with a pouch to store it in with Velcro straps. Honda recommends that you store it under the seat. Other than where Honda provided to store the owner's manual there is no storage under the seat.

To remove the seat you have to remove 2 bolts at the rear of the seat that double as tie down points. This is also the place the rack mounts to.

[andyj812]

here are some pictures of the 22.8 hp engine.

[andyj812]

The stock tires so far seem to perform well on the road, other than that I have only rode in the yard but I think they will do well for my needs. The owners manual lists the front as: 3.00-21 51P and the rear as: 120/80-18M/C 62P

[andyj812]

The owner's manual suggest an oil change after 600 miles and then every 8000 miles or once a year after that. 8000 miles seems like a long distance for an engine that only holds 1.6 quarts of oil between oil changes. I will be changing it a lot more often then that.

[andyj812]

Along with the owners manual came a riding tips manual published by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). I actually read both of these manuals cover to cover. Anyway, I remember in another post there was a discussion about leaving the gear in first or in neutral when at a stop in traffic. The riding tips manual recommends leaving in first so that you can move quickly in an emergency.

[Weldangrind]

Thanks for the very informative thread! I covet your bike.

I leave the bike in first at a red light. Clutches are cheap.

I like the locking tool compartment and the rear rack you ordered. Let us know how the windshield works out for you.

[Darkrider]

Ok Andy...get out of my head!!!!! The mods you are doing are the exact same ones i wanted to do when i was looking at getting a CRF250 last fall lol. But im sure i will own one eventually. Funny enough you can get the same DRC Edge taillight that Spud has on his Sierra specifically for your CRF.

[SpudRider]

I always leave my bike in first gear at the stop lights. As a motorcycle safety instructor, I taught others to do this as well. As usual, Weld is correct; clutches are cheap.

You have a beautiful, well designed motorcycle. Your choice of modifications is thoughtful, and well chosen.