I think the frustrating part is how the big four don't seem to understand what so many avid riders are looking for in a dual sport. The Europeans are getting it. The japanese have the bikes they just aren't making them road legal. I went from my KLX250 to a plated KLX450r, and even though the 450 would probably be too intimidating for an entry level bike, it is so much easier to ride offroad. I'd be willing to bet that there is no competition between a TE250 and this new CRF. It's all great to have bikes geared towards the beginner rider, but they need something to grow into as well. So far it sounds like this new 250 is going to be a letdown for just about everybody. If this new bike isn't lighter and better handling than the WR250 and the KLX250 than there really isn't a reason to build it. Who knows, maybe they'll surprise us.
Magnesium also doesn't require a foundry to supply the presses or a shotblast to process the finished product. I installed a couple of presses manufacturing this sort of thing and its amazing the difference in production between magnesium and die cast aluminium. I can see why they use it
Well the yanks finally have it up on there website starting at $4499! I'm sure air conditioning and automatic tranny would put it over 6 grand :lol: http://powersports.honda.com/2013/crf250L.aspx It doesn't seem to be up on Honda Canada yet.
I like the look of it and as a entry level DS bike i think its a good value. It would be nice to see more of these type of bikes. Something in the 450 cc range would be sweet. Randy
A couple of us are eating our words at that price (Can should be $500 higher?) These should sell very well! Lets hope this brings some more people out riding the back roads trails!
http://powersports.honda.com/2013/crf250L/compare.aspx 60lbs heavier then the old model, only 26lbs lighter then the 650. Not to sure what to think of it... it's like they took 1 step forward and 2 steps back. FI isn't really a plus for me, I'd rather have a carb it's not like i'm going to run it in cold weather. I am in the market for my first bike (have been for 20 years LOL) and am looking at buying a used 400 or 650 but with the higher seat high and lower price this is something to consider. Would you guys say a 650 would be to much for a beginning rider? I had a few dirt bikes growing up, but only 80-100cc bikes. If it isn't to much then what is the point of these 250s? I was set on a used DRZ400S for around $4500 range... but now this has me tempted to go brand new 250...
Probably 3/4 of the folks that have gotten into DS riding have similar backgrounds as you: Rode as a kid, hit the late 30's/early 40's and remember how much fun it was. My only advice is- Do it! Get a versatile bike like a DRZ, or this CRF or a KLX, WR or? etc. & ride everything you can for the first year. The offroad stuff will be a bit tougher than you remember, but that's OK, as once you crest the learning curve, it's one of the best things you'll have done. Take one of the offroad training schools (we do one every spring), as it will save you a lot 'trial and error' type learning. You'll meet a lot of great folks and have a lot of fun.
thanks! I can't wait to get one but i'm going to take my time and do some research over the next few weeks before I take the plunge. I need to get all the gear, bike, etc. I am really starting to lean towards a newer 250. Physically they look to be as big as the 650s, seat height wise anyways. Just less power, but i'm not overly worried about power for my first bike. There are some really good deals on used klx250s right now on Kijiji.
I have an 07 KLX 250 with all the normal mods. Unlike most people that buy them, I'm happy with the power. I also weigh 120 lbs less than you. The reason there are so many good deals on them, is that most people that buy them, soon find out that they're not enough bike, and want something bigger. At your size, and weight, I suspect that time would come sooner than later. You are more than welcome to try mine, and see if you like it. If I were looking right now, I'd want to see this first viewtopic.php?f=7&t=18968
I stopped at the Honda exhibit at the Indy today and the CRF250 was on display. non-NA VIN...000006. the rep said they were expected to go on sale in August here. More comfortable seat height but felt a bit heavy trying to tug the back end around. still expected to be around $5000.
The bike is now on the Cdn site. http://motorcycle.honda.ca/dual-sport/crf250l No msrp, US msrp is $4499. I have my name down for one at a dealer, hoping August sometime.
Right you are Randy, I think it's awesome that Honda is allowing one of its representatives to bring this pre-production bike to SCORRA's fun day. Even though we can't ride her at least we can check her out and sling a leg over on it! So come on out and take a look at her. There will also be many other bikes on display and some to test out. The weather will be great, the tracks are in good shape and the single track will challenge even the best riders. Hope to see you there!!
Does anybody else think it's odd that Honda's not selling this bike until the end of the riding season?
