2012 Honda CRF250L: A Dual Sport CBR250R!

[FastDoc]

It's a steal. No two ways about it.

I'd be looking for a $1,000 rebate on the KLX this winter...

[pete]

just noticed Honda NZ has the CRF250L on there
site now.... $8995.00... same as the Yamaha WR250...
$500 more than the air cooled Suzuki DR250..
& $1000 cheaper than the KLX250... no wonder
you don't see KLX250s around...

[FastDoc]

The KLX is a goner. Unless Kawasaki AT LEAST drops their price to match the Honda I think mine will be a collector's item. 8)

[SuperTimmy]

I think the bike looks nice for the most part. Isn't the suspension non adjustable? I can see how the FI would be great with the elevation changes you guys ride....but for me here in NC, just something else to go wrong-I bet it's expensive to fix!

So, I understand why Honda did what they did...to bring a new pricepoint entry level bike into the market to drive up sales...but.....Man, I would have loved to see them bring a CRF400L off the floor! There is not another bike really that competes with the DRZ400S. Yeah, KTM, Husky.....but they are in a different ball park and in my opinion, for someone who is either rich, or a great mechanic....
I loved my XR400R....that bike was so much fun to ride it was just silly....but the kick got to me as I commute on my bike as well. A couple of accidental turn offs and having to kick it (although it was one kick every time) in traffic with cars behind me, was kind of scary at times. Never know if someone on a cell texting is coming up behind you and not see you kicking your bike!

So it is safe to say, I got rid of it and got a 2006 DRZ400S with plenty of mods. ! I sold my XR for $500 more than I paid for it, as I have been able to with all the bikes I have had so far! I will post some photos in a different thread when I get a chance! Didn't mean to hijack this thread!
~Happy Riding

[SpudRider]

Motorcycle.com has posted a glowing review of the Honda CRF250L.

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufactur...iew-91418.html

Spud

[FastDoc]

Indeed an excellent review. Very good website I go there, and their sister website, Offroad.com almost daily.

[SuperTimmy]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Motorcycle.com has posted a glowing review of the Honda CRF250L.

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufactur...iew-91418.html

Spud

Yeah, I like that site. It is a pretty nice review. I will tell you this though, they should put some more average sized human beings for these tests

The bike looks great and you know it has the Honda reliability. I didn't realize they were outing the CRF230L....so that makes sense bringing this bike in. Also....This is from the ride review from the link I have here. It is a great ride review of this bike.

http://www.visordown.com/road-tests-...iew/21256.html
But where in the market does this new bike fit?

Well, whilst extreme enduro is for a select (very fit) few – usually people with a completely different DNA to normal human beings – trail riding is a pastime many unhealthier or less adept people could (and should) take up if the right bike existed. Let’s face it, it’s a fantastic way to see scenery that’s well off the normal beaten track – kind of like rambling for people with less time and more of a sense of adventure. And humour.

That bike does exist and it’s the new, 21st century XL185. It is of no coincidence that it’s also made by Honda.

The Thai-built CRF250L Honda is available to purchase in August at a price of £3,950. I reckon it may just be the ideal economical commuter/weekend recreational tool that Honda claim.

A little bit more horsepower wouldn’t go amiss, though…

This seems to hit the market on the dot.

I'd be curious to hear your ride review of one Spud!

Happy Riding...



Read more: http://www.visordown.com/road-tests-...#ixzz27Qk9sYeo

[FastDoc]

Hey I like that website too!

I plan to browse it more!

[SpudRider]

Thanks for posting the link to the nice review, Tim.

Accessories are arriving rapidly for this bike. Luggage racks, skid plates, mufflers, and EFI programmers are either available now, or will be available very soon.

Spud

[FastDoc]

http://yakima.craigslist.org/mcd/3474458810.html

Showing up on CL. The price is real, and excellent.

I see Kawasaki set up another $1,000 rebate on the KLX. This is the deal I cased in on a couple of years ago when I bought mine. They have to do this to undercut the Honda's price or they won't sell any. :wink:

[FastDoc]

In a head to head comparison the CRF outclassed the KLX. No surprises. The KLX gets the nod for lighter weight (quite a bit as it turns out) and better suspension. The CRF, as anticipated, gets the nod for the motor. Most of this benefit, as expected, if from the EFI.

Now, I can't help but wonder, how would a piped and jetted KLX compare? I bet the extra 3-5 HP would make a big difference, as it would also help the cold starting misbehavior found on their test bike. :P

On the other hand to be fait the CRF would also have to be piped and programmed (I'm sure the aftermarket will come up with something soon), and as such may remain on top.

The lower (pre rebate) price of the Honda is the coup de grace putting the KLX on the trailer though. :?

IF I didn't have a KLX now, and I had to buy one of these two now, I'd have gotten the Honda. Or saved a bit (a lot, actually) more for the Husqvarna. :wink:

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

http://yakima.craigslist.org/mcd/3474458810.html

Showing up on CL. The price is real, and excellent.

I see Kawasaki set up another $1,000 rebate on the KLX. This is the deal I cased in on a couple of years ago when I bought mine. They have to do this to undercut the Honda's price or they won't sell any. :wink:

Thanks for the tips, Doc! Returning from a recent trip to Pennsylvania, I saw the CRF250L selling for $4,269 at Honda East, near Toledo, Ohio.

http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2...250L-105026084

Check you PMs, Bill. I might be ready to pull the trigger on either of those deals!

Spud

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

In a head to head comparison the CRF outclassed the KLX. No surprises. The KLX gets the nod for lighter weight (quite a bit as it turns out) and better suspension. The CRF, as anticipated, gets the nod for the motor. Most of this benefit, as expected, if from the EFI.

Now, I can't help but wonder, how would a piped and jetted KLX compare? I bet the extra 3-5 HP would make a big difference, as it would also help the cold starting misbehavior found on their test bike. :P

On the other hand to be fait the CRF would also have to be piped and programmed (I'm sure the aftermarket will come up with something soon), and as such may remain on top.

The lower (pre rebate) price of the Honda is the coup de grace putting the KLX on the trailer though. :?

IF I didn't have a KLX now, and I had to buy one of these two now, I'd have gotten the Honda. Or saved a bit (a lot, actually) more for the Husqvarna. :wink:

A fuel programmer is available for the Honda for $209, Doc. The CRF250L engine is making an addition 5 horsepower with the EFI programmer.

The CRF250L actually weighs 210 pounds, curb weight. You can remove 8 pounds from the bike by ditching the huge muffler. If you remove the evaporative cannister and install a Shorai battery, the CRF250L will weigh less than 300 pounds.

Please check your PMs, Bill.

Spud

[SpudRider]

Motorcycle.com has an article and video comparison of the Kawasaki KLX250S versus the Honda CRF250L. Here's a link to the video.



Here's a link to the written comparison.

http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs...ampaign=weekly

Here's the conclusion; the CRF250L wins. Motorcycle.com says the Honda suspension performs well enough compared to the Kawasaki. Therefore, the lower price of the Honda, combined with its high tech, fuel injected engine, makes it the winner over the Kawasaki.

Spud

[katoranger]

I like the gas guage.