Does the CRF250L's soft suspension make the bike a no go for serious off road use?

Question

The Honda CRF250L has one of the most common complaints of its soft suspension, especially when it comes to off road use. If you tend to ride the stock suspension, expert riders will scoff at you; many riders complain that the stock suspension bottom out easily on rough terrain and not give support enough for aggressive riding. As such, there has been a debate as to whether or not the CRF250L can accurately be called a dual sport motorcycle, or if it is more of a road biased bike with a little bit of off road capability. The soft suspension, though, is argued by some to be more comfortable for everyday riding and upgradable for serious off road use. Some argue the suspension limitations are inherent in the design of the bike and that riders looking for real off road performance should seek elsewhere.

Monalisa · Accepted Answer

I can say that the soft suspension is noticeable for sure, but it's not a deal breaker because as a guy that has taken his stock CRF250L on some gnarly trails I can attest. All you have to do is ride differently and choose your lines better. It’s about the rider, not the bike.

Anika · Answer

I disagree. While I attempted to use my CRF250L for some moderate off roading, the suspension was a huge let down. On rocky terrain it doesn’t inspire confidence and bottoms out on even small jumps. If you want to ride off road, get a dirt oriented bike.

Gazal · Answer

In fact, the soft suspension is actually a blessing in disguise. I find it makes the bike a lot more comfortable for daily riding and long trips. Not everyone needs a race ready, stiff suspension on their dual sport. It’s perfect for the average rider who hits dirt roads every now and again.

Nakul · Answer

I also believe people forget that the CRF250L is supposed to be a beginner dual sport. It's not going to have top notch suspension out of the box of course. The beauty of that, though, is that you can upgrade the suspension as you get better. It's a bike that you grow with.

Bhramita · Answer

Upgrading the springs and having the suspension professionally set up, my CRF250L is a beast off road. So, yeah, it’s an extra expense, but it’s still cheaper than buying a more expensive bike from the start. Just because it has stock suspension, don’t write it off.

Ashish · Answer

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.

Divya · Answer

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.

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