Honda's CRF 250L Lightweight Dual Sport Contender

For years, Honda’s air-cooled CRF230L has been their entry-level dua- sport, but that’s about to change, with news of the CRF250L introduction. This new quarter-liter dual-sport is based on the same competent four-stroke liquid-cooled, single-cylinder mill that powers the CBR250R, While many of the high revving power characteristics stay the same, the EFI has been reconfigured to make it more suitable for trail work.

Like the CBR, it’ll have a six-speed transmission, a steel twin-spar frame and inverted 43mm forks with 8.7 inches of travel. The Pro-Link rear suspension has 9.4 inches of travel keeping the around 22 horsepower connected to the ground.

With a curb weight of 320 pounds, the 250L is about 50 pounds heavier than the CRF230L it’s replacing but hopefully a higher output motor should offset the weight difference. Also gone from the 230L is the 32” seat height. The 250L’s targeted at the long inseam riders and is now almost 2 inches taller (34.7” seat height) than the previous model. Looking at the specs, much of this change comes from an added 3” of rear suspension travel. Fuel mileage is a claimed 77 mpg and tank capacity is two gallons.

But numbers are just one side of the story. At a time when the Big Four are seeing flagging sales, the introduction of a small, affordable bike that can do anything makes perfect sense. Motorcyclists and journalists have been begging the manufacturers to re-configure their 250cc street bikes for dual sport use for years; it’s nice that Honda’s decided to listen.

The CRF250L is scheduled as a 2013 model, and should be available in August. We can likely expect to see aftermarket accessories available shortly afterward. Tom Miller at TCI Products says his company is going to adapt their lineup of luggage and armor for the bike as soon as they get their hands on one.

Last, but not least, the CRF250L comes with an attractive price tag of $4,499, several hundred less that the 230L. With a peppier fuel injected motor and updated suspension appeal to the modern market? Considering the added value and lower cost, we’re bound to see more 250Ls on the streets and trails soon. Powersports.Honda.com