2012 Honda CRF250L: A Dual Sport CBR250R!

[FastDoc]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

I'd love it but I still vote for higher.

The CR250F is $7,420 MSRP.

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/20.../05/index.html

Quoting myself.

Is this a first?

Anyways looking at that number makes me think that's a stupid amount of money to pay for a 250cc dirtbike.

JMHO. :wink:

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

Quoting myself.

Is this a first?

Anyways looking at that number makes me think that's a stupid amount of money to pay for a 250cc dirtbike.

JMHO. :wink:

I'm quoting you quoting yourself. 8O Now you've got me confused!

Yes, $7,420 for a 250cc dirt bike is obscene! Honda is manufacturing the CRF250L with dirt cheap labor costs in Thailand. If Honda can overcome corporate greed, it can sell the CRF250L for $4,600 in the United States, and capture a huge market. Would you buy a CRF250L for $4,600, Doc?

Spud

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I always thought one of the reasons for the relatively high cost of dual sport bikes was the superior suspension. Also, the manufacturers need to meet EPA restrictions for noise, pollution, et cetera. In addition, the manufacturers need to meet DOT standards for exhaust sound levels, lighting, et cetera. In this instance, all the EPA and DOT criteria have been met with the introduction of the CBR250R. The CRF250L has a new frame, and a better suspension than the CBR250R. However, I think Honda can sell the CRF250L for about the same price as the CBR250R; whether they choose to do so is an entirely different matter. :roll:

Spud

I agree with you, Spud. I was responding to Doc's question about the cost of MX bikes, not DS.

[SpudRider]

I know, Weld; I was replying to FastDoc. I think the CRF250L will be very popular in North America if it sells for CN$5,000 and $4,600 USD. If the bike costs $6,000 USD, as FastDoc predicts, I think it will be much less popular. :(

Spud

[SpudRider]

I found several posts that indicate the CRF250L is selling in Thailand for 138,00 baht.

http://rideasia.net/forum/bike-talk/...-t1044-60.html
http://www.motorcycle.in.th/forum/vi...ic=4261&page=3
http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/.../page__st__425

At the current exchange rate, 138,000 baht is equal to $4,468 USD. I am hopeful the CRF250L will sell in the United States for about $4,600. However, FastDoc might be correct when he predicts $5,999 USD. :( Only time will tell.

Spud

[FastDoc]

Would you buy a CRF250L for $4,600, Doc?

Perhaps. :wink:

If I didn't already have a new KLX, and the price difference would have been lets say, $600 or less I very well may have gone Red on my last D/S purchase. :P

If the price difference is in the thousands, however, I'd have stayed with my excellent KLX and its dated carburetor. 8)

Also my local Honda dealer is a d$%# with a very poor reputation. The local Kawasaki and Yamaha dealer has an excellent reputation for being helpful in the community and providing good service and support for his customers and good prices also.

It all factors in.

Also factoring in is I paid MUCH less than list for my KLX, in the area of $4,000 OTD because it was a 1.5-2 year old leftover model. Note however there have been NO changes to the KLX other than color from 2009 (my model) through 2012. There are no planned changes for the forseeable future either. This bodes well for me.

If the Honda is priced as low as we hope, however, I bet Kawasaki will use the European FI system already in use on their KLX's.

[FastDoc]

Here's an unusual bargin on a CRF250R:

http://kpr.craigslist.org/mcd/2993909419.html

[SpudRider]

Please don't detour the thread to a discussion of dirt bikes! I don't want a high maintenance, dirt-only bike. The maintenance interval and ease of maintenance for the CRF250L/CRB250R engine is superb! Also, the bike is street legal from the factory. The CRF250L makes lots of power for the dual sport riding I prefer, and I really enjoy all the new technology designed into this 21-century engine.

Spud

[FastDoc]

Oh I agree Spud, it's not a fair apples to apples comparison. I was just pointing out that there are deals out there on new leftover bikes, like my KLX. This is not an option on a newly introduced bike though.

Motocrossers are a riot but cannot be expected to last on the street like a D/S. The CRF250R is one of the most prone to puking. I am pleased to say the YZ and the KX are the least (KTM is in this catergory also but a heck of a lot more money up front.)

[SpudRider]

Even the most reliable motorcycles require much more maintenance than an automobile. I would much rather ride, than wrench on my bike. :roll: I don't mind changing the engine oil regularly, and adjusting the valve clearance periodically, but I don't want to be maintain a "racing queen."

Changing tires, adjusting and lubricating the drive chain, hosing off the mud, repairing damage from falls, replacing sprockets, changing fork oil, changing brake fluid, lubricating the chassis, and occasional repairs take up enough time; I want to ride! Merely having fuel injection instead of carburetion is a blessing.

If you ride a lot of miles you will need to do an occasional, top end rebuild of the engine as well. That's why I like single cylinder, small displacement motorcycles! I only need to rebuild one cylinder instead of several; therefore the labor, and the cost is greatly reduced.

Also, I don't want to mess with carburetors. I don't want to screw around with the jetting. I don't want the bike's performance affected by elevation and temperature differences. I certainly dont want to synchronize multiple carburetors. :roll: I want the maximum performance, fuel mileage, and minimum maintenance of fuel injection! As much as possible, I want merely to turn the key and ride!

For all these reasons I really like the new, Honda CBR250R. I'm very pleased Honda is introducing the CRF250L with the same engine. I hope Honda U.S.A. keeps the cost of the CRF250L at $4,600.

Spud

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

Also my local Honda dealer is a d$%# with a very poor reputation. The local Kawasaki and Yamaha dealer has an excellent reputation for being helpful in the community and providing good service and support for his customers and good prices also.

I wonder if that's universal. It's exactly the same in Abbotsford.

[SpudRider]

In general, I think high prices and poor service are universal. :( I'm glad FastDoc has two good dealers in his area.

Spud

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

In general, I think high prices and poor service are universal. :( I'm glad FastDoc has two good dealers in his area.

Spud

It seems fitting that FastDoc calls them stealers, not dealers.

[FastDoc]

Everyone's entitled to make a profit from their work, myself included. The things that I look for are character, after sales support, reasonableness, and lack of greed or pride.

Some of those things are lacking to some extent at my local Honda dealer.

I flew commercial to Seattle to buy my Gold Wing in 2007....

[SpudRider]

I wonder when the CRF250L will make it's appearance in North America? I think a read a report we will probably need to wait until late summer. :roll:

Spud