Discussions and Questions - Honda Honda - Page 32
Does the CRF250L's soft suspension make the bike a no go for serious off road use?
24 January 2025 09:44
The suspension issue is overblown. I've had a blast on 100 miles off road on my bone stock CRF250L. How does it compare to a $10,000 enduro bike? No. It’s more than capable of the kind of off roading that most people actually do.
Does the CRF250L's soft suspension make the bike a no go for serious off road use?
24 January 2025 09:44
The truth is, the CRF250L never was (and never will be) a hardcore off road bike. It’s a Swiss Army knife of a motorcycle. It’s a compromise on the soft suspension, which makes it more versatile. It’s not the bike for serious off road performance.
But how does the CRF250L stack up as a beginner bike against the usual suspects of starter motorcycles?
24 January 2025 09:44
I began on a CRF250L and think it’s the perfect beginner bike. It’s light enough to handle, it’s manageable power, and if you drop it (which you will) it's no big deal. And trying both road and dirt riding lets you know what you really like.
But how does the CRF250L stack up as a beginner bike against the usual suspects of starter motorcycles?
24 January 2025 09:44
If I were the guy teaching new riders, I wouldn’t recommend the CRF250L to everyone as a first bike. The off road capability might tempt new riders into situations that they aren’t ready for and the seat height can be intimidating. Pure beginners often are better off on a standard street bike.
But how does the CRF250L stack up as a beginner bike against the usual suspects of starter motorcycles?
24 January 2025 09:44
The previous comment does not agree with me. In fact, the height of the CRF250L actually forces new riders to learn proper technique for mounting and dismounting which is critical. That means you can practice in dirt so you can learn to deal with slides and loose surfaces in a safer environment than the street.
But how does the CRF250L stack up as a beginner bike against the usual suspects of starter motorcycles?
24 January 2025 09:44
I started on a Ninja 250, then went on a CRF250L. I wish I’d started on the CRF honestly. It's just so much more versatile, and you get a better view of traffic from the upright seating position. Plus, it's way more fun!
But how does the CRF250L stack up as a beginner bike against the usual suspects of starter motorcycles?
24 January 2025 09:44
The CRF250L is a great beginner bike, but only if you’re a beginner who wants to do a little bit of road riding and a little bit of off road riding. They may not be the best if you’re only going to ride on the street. All it comes down to is finding a bike that matches your goals.
But how does the CRF250L stack up as a beginner bike against the usual suspects of starter motorcycles?
24 January 2025 09:44
The CRF250L is simple for a beginner — one big advantage. It’s easy to work on, which is great for new riders to learn basic maintenance. That knowledge is priceless as you move up the ranks as a rider.
But how does the CRF250L stack up as a beginner bike against the usual suspects of starter motorcycles?
24 January 2025 09:44
The CRF250L, I think, is a great bike for beginners. It's not so powerful that it's dangerous, but powerful enough that you won't be outgrowing it any time soon. You can begin on the road, work your way to gravel and eventually some trails all on the same bike.
Is the CRF250L a ‘Jack of all trades and master of none’?
24 January 2025 09:44
I've ridden my CRF250L for two years now and I have to say: It was a blast. Yes, it’s not going to win any races, but that’s not the point. It’s a great commuter bike, I can do some light touring, hit some trails on the weekend, and commute to work during the week. It's the Swiss Army knife of motorcycles.
Is the CRF250L a ‘Jack of all trades and master of none’?
24 January 2025 09:44
I have to disagree, having owned both dedicated dirt bikes and street bikes. The CRF250L attempts to do everything and does a lousy job at it all. For serious off roading the suspension is too soft and for comfortable highway riding its too underpowered. It’s better to get two specialized bikes.
Is the CRF250L a ‘Jack of all trades and master of none’?
24 January 2025 09:44
I think people don’t understand the CRF250L. It’s not supposed to be the best at anything, it’s supposed to be good enough at everything. It’s perfect for new riders or those who can only afford one bike. It allows you to try new types of riding without spending money.
Is the CRF250L a ‘Jack of all trades and master of none’?
24 January 2025 09:44
The label of "Jack of all trades" is spot on, but I wouldn't consider that a bad thing. I've done mine on 500 mile road trips and through gnarly single track trails. Is it the best at either? Nope. It’s amazing that it can do both. It's all about managing expectations.
Is the CRF250L a ‘Jack of all trades and master of none’?
24 January 2025 09:44
I went from a CRF250L to a CRF300L and sometimes I miss my 250. On paper, the 300 is better, but the 250 had this underdog charm. Because you were always pushing it to the edge every single ride felt like an adventure.
Is the CRF250L a ‘Jack of all trades and master of none’?
24 January 2025 09:44
Being a tall rider (6'2") I found the CRF250L to be a bit on the small side for me and hence a bit lacking in versatility. The city and trails were great, but highways were uncomfortable. I think how 'jack of all trades' it is depends a lot on your size and what kind of riding you do.
Is the CRF250L a ‘Jack of all trades and master of none’?
24 January 2025 09:44
I’ve ridden my CRF250L 30,000 miles and can say with confidence, it’s a master of one thing: reliability. It's not going to be great at any particular type of riding, but it will always get you home. To me that peace of mind is worth more than any specialized performance.
Is the CRF250L a better adventure riding bike than the legendary XR650L?
24 January 2025 09:44
I've ridden both and for adventure riding, the XR650L any day. That thumper engine is a bulletproof engine and it has enough power to get you and your gear through anything. Comparatively, the CRF250L feels underpowered, especially if you’ve taken it off on a fully loaded shopping trip to the store and back.
Is the CRF250L a better adventure riding bike than the legendary XR650L?
24 January 2025 09:44
I have to disagree, because I’ve done a 3,000 mile trip on a CRF250L. It makes it so much lighter weight and so much more manageable in tight spots and because it fuel injected it runs perfectly at any altitude. And better fuel economy means you can go farther on a tank of gas.
Is the CRF250L a better adventure riding bike than the legendary XR650L?
24 January 2025 09:44
That really depends on your definition of 'adventure riding'. If you are talking about crossing the Sahara, yeah, maybe the XR650L is better. The CRF250L is designed for exploring backroads and moderate trails but with the occasional highway stretch. The bike is all about matching it to your adventure style.
Is the CRF250L a better adventure riding bike than the legendary XR650L?
24 January 2025 09:44
People romanticize the XR650L too much, I think. It's a legend, and it's also a dinosaur. Less power, but ABS (which you can turn off) and better ergonomics for long rides makes the CRF250L a good option. Sometimes less is more.
Ask a Question