Honda CRF250L [2012-2020]: The Swiss Army Knife of Dual-Sport Motorcycles

Introduction

The Honda CRF250L stands as one of the most compelling arguments for "do-it-all" motorcycling. From its 2012 debut to its 2020 model year swan song, this 250cc dual-sport carved out a reputation as the Goldilocks bike of lightweight adventure – not too aggressive for pavement, not too soft for dirt, but just right for riders seeking versatility. After spending a week with a well-maintained 2017 example (complete with that iconic red/white livery), it's clear why this machine developed a cult following that still drives robust aftermarket support today.

Design Philosophy: Approachable Adventure

At first glance, the CRF250L doesn't scream "race-ready enduro." The 881mm (34.7") seat height feels surprisingly manageable thanks to a narrow waist, letting average-height riders plant both boots firmly on terra firma. Honda's designers clearly prioritized accessibility – the handlebar bend puts shoulders in a natural upright position, while the 2.9-gallon (11L) tank's flattened sides create an ergonomic sweet spot for both seated cruising and standing attacks on trails.

The digital dash – a basic LCD with speedometer, odometer, and twin trip meters – keeps things simple. No flashy TFT displays here, just crisp white backlighting that remains legible under harsh sunlight. It's a refreshingly honest interface that matches the bike's "focus on riding" ethos.

Engine Performance: Smooth Operator

Firing up the liquid-cooled 249.6cc single reveals Honda's secret sauce. The fuel-injected mill (36mm throttle body in most model years) settles into a relaxed 1,450 rpm idle with barely a hint of vibration through the rubber-mounted pegs. This isn't some fire-breathing MX transplant – power builds linearly, delivering 22.8 HP (16.6 kW) at 8,500 rpm and 16.2 lb-ft (22 Nm) torque at 7,000 rpm.

On pavement, the CRF250L feels happiest between 50-65 mph (80-105 km/h). The six-speed box's tall sixth gear keeps vibrations in check during highway stints, though overtaking requires planning. Where this engine truly shines is technical trail work. The counterbalanced single pulls cleanly from as low as 2,500 rpm, allowing second-gear crawls over rocky steps without clutch abuse.

Fuel economy remains a strong suit – our test bike averaged 73 mpg (3.22 L/100km) during mixed riding. That translates to 220+ mile (354 km) range from the 2.1-gallon (7.95L) tank in later models, a godsend when exploring remote fire roads.

Chassis Dynamics: Jack of All Trades

The CRF250L's steel diamond frame strikes a clever balance between off-road flex and on-road stability. At 144.5 cm (56.9") wheelbase, it's 2" shorter than a Yamaha WR250R, contributing to surprisingly agile pavement manners. Push hard into a corner, and the IRC Trail Winner tires (3.00-21 front/120/80-18 rear) communicate enough grip to inspire confidence, though serious canyon carvers will want sportier rubber.

Off-road credentials come alive in the suspension department. The 43mm USD forks offer 249mm (9.8") of travel – not quite motocross territory, but ample for blitzing whoops at sane speeds. Out back, the Pro-Link shock serves up 239mm (9.4") of controlled stroke. Preload adjustment is tool-free on most models, letting riders dial in sag for loaded touring or solo trail duty.

Braking performance varies by year. Early models used a single 256mm front disc with two-piston caliper, while ABS-equipped variants arrived later. Our non-ABS test bike required a firm pull on the lever for hard stops, but never felt dangerously undergunned.

The Riding Experience: Where Compromises Shine

Urban Combat: Filtering through traffic reveals the CRF's slim profile and upright sightlines. The 320-lb (145 kg) wet weight feels lighter than spec sheets suggest, thanks to low COG. Clutch action borders on featherlight – a blessing in stop-and-go chaos.

Fire Road Freedom: Unpaved surfaces are where the CRF250L transforms. Standing on the pegs reveals well-judged bar/footpeg relationship, while the 254mm (10") ground clearance shrugs off embedded rocks. The engine's tractable nature encourages momentum preservation over heroic revs.

Long-Haul Comfort: Two hours into a backroad blast, the seat's firm foam remains tolerable – no small feat in this class. Wind protection is nonexistent, but the neutral riding position avoids pressure points.

Competition

Yamaha WR250R (2008-2020)
The WR's 27.6 HP engine and KYB suspension out-spec the Honda, but comes at a cost – literally. Yamaha's entry weighs 295 lbs (134 kg) dry vs the CRF's 320 lbs (145 kg) wet, yet feels taller and more committed to dirt use. Maintenance intervals are similar, but the WR's higher-strung nature demands premium fuel.

Kawasaki KLX250S (2009-2018)
Kawi's carbureted contender undercuts the CRF on price but trails in refinement. The lack of fuel injection shows at altitude, and suspension feels plusher but less precise. Both share similar weight and ergos, making the Honda's smoother power delivery the tiebreaker.

Suzuki DR-Z400S (2000-Present)
Suzuki's 398cc thumper offers more highway passing power, but its 317 lb (144 kg) dry weight and shorter service intervals (oil changes every 3,500 miles vs Honda's 8,000) appeal to a different buyer. The CRF counters with modern electronics and better fuel range.

Maintenance: Keeping the Legend Alive

Valve Checks: Every 16,000 km (10,000 miles) seems generous until you see the 0.13-0.19mm (0.005-0.0075") intake and 0.24-0.30mm (0.009-0.012") exhaust specs. Shimming requires patience, not skill. Consider a valve adjustment kit from MOTOPARTS.store – our Pro Shim Kits include all necessary thicknesses.

Chain Care: The 520 chain demands regular cleaning, especially after muddy rides. Our X-Ring Chain + Sprocket Kits (14T/40T) restore crisp shifting when stock components wear.

Oil Changes: 1.5L of 10W-30 keeps the DOHC engine happy. For extreme conditions, try our Synthetic ADV Blend – it withstands sustained high rpm better than mineral oils.

Air Filter Upgrades: The stock paper element works, but a washable Twin-Air Foam Filter (available for all model years) pays dividends in dusty environments.

Suspension Tweaks: Riders over 180 lbs (82 kg) benefit from fork spring upgrades. Our Progressive Rate Spring Kit maintains plush small-bump compliance while preventing bottom-outs.

The Verdict

The CRF250L's genius lies in resisting specialization. It's not the fastest, lightest, or most radical dual-sport ever made. What it offers is a masterclass in balanced engineering – a machine equally capable of commuting duties, continental crossings, and weekend trail raids. While later models (2017+) gained ABS and slight ergonomic tweaks, the core formula remained gloriously intact throughout its eight-year run.

For riders seeking a low-fuss gateway to adventure – or seasoned veterans wanting a "back to basics" steed – few motorcycles blend capability and civility as seamlessly as Honda's quarter-liter champion. Just don't blame us when that first gravel detour leads to a full set of crash bars and a lifelong dirt addiction.

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Specifications sheet

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