Motorcycle specifications HondaCRF 250 L 2017 A walk in the undergrowth

After a short absence of a year, the Honda CRF 250 L is back. Time to reflect on its situation, requalify, adapt to standards, and 2017 marks the time to return to the catalog with a few tweaks.

the CRF 250 L plays an all-too-forgotten role among modern trail bikes. At last, a fun, lightweight machine, ready to go anywhere and ideal for weekend outings on the trails. A far cry from the crossovers that present themselves with majesty but start to freak out at the slightest curb. The CRF can't hold a candle to motorization, long distance and ego.... On the other hand, once you're out on the trails, you're going to want to follow an equally light, easy ride, with suspension that swallows up any section of the forest. The CRF 250 L is a morning jogger under streetlights and fir trees alike.

how does the comeback look? Apart from the new look, the Honda's plastics remain unchanged. The mechanical and technical aspects are the same, with a few changes. The engine? A single-cylinder engine with super-square dimensions (76 x 55 mm). It is fed by 38 mm fuel injection, has two ACT, liquid cooling and a 6-speed gearbox. Power output is in line with class standards, with a renewed punch. From 23, it climbs to 25 hp at 8,500 rpm. Torque is also boosted at low revs, then develops a maximum of 2.4 mkg at 6,750 rpm. This is still a long way from the violence of pure cross-country machines, but sufficient for playful use. And it avoids the need for an overhaul every 50 hours of use.
To achieve this power bonus despite the Euro4 adaptation, Honda has given it a 2 mm larger intake manifold, a lighter catalytic converter and a larger diameter exhaust manifold.

a new instrument cluster provides information on speed, rpm, fuel remaining and a clock. To support the CRF 250 L, Honda has retained the classic, efficient single-cradle, split-steel frame. It benefits from a 43 mm Showa inverted fork and a Pro-link monoshock. Now, a few figures will give you an idea of these all-round abilities. Suspension travel is generous, 240 mm at the front and 250 mm at the rear. Ground clearance is 255 mm, slightly higher than that of a 1000 Africa Twin. To judge, consider that the in-house crossover, the VFR 800 X Crossrunner, tops out at 165 mm. The 21" front wheel is fitted with a 256 mm brake disc, while the 18" rear wheel has a 220 mm disc. Weight has increased by just 2 kilos, with the addition of ABS. For greater rigidity, the front wheel axle has been increased by 2 mm (17 mm).

honda presented this trail bike as a distant descendant of the XL 250 S. Fortunately, the CRF has much more cachet. And if you're in the mood for a little extra adventure, a Rally version is on the horizon.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos