2016 Honda CRF250L quick spin

The Honda CRF250L has been on sale in Australia since February 2015. Despite the CRF prefix, synonymous with Honda's competition off-roaders, the L is more of a work horse and a real play machine. It's still more than capable of flying up trails or eating up bitumen miles though, and there's a huge amount of common sense with attributes like large mirrors, big lights and a good set of trail tyres.

HONDA CRF250L IN BIKE SHOWROOM

Although the CRF-L is a LAMS machine, it’s certainly good enough to keep just about anyone happy. My first trip on the CRF was on the freeway in abysmal weather, but I was relieved to find the Honda was quite capable in these conditions. There is enough zip from the 249cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine, and the higher seat (845mm) compared to a normal commuter provides really good vision. The gearbox is a five-speeder.

A potential lack of grip was my biggest worry, but the trail tyre pattern cleared water well and I probably had more grip than most road tyres. The brakes are good and not too sharp or grabby either, so I made it home rather relieved.

My next outing was in the dry through my local twisty patch, just to test the fun factor. After all, Honda claims it's an all-rounder, and enjoyment certainly fits into that. It’s definitely not a powerhouse and feels quite restricted, but that's neither here nor there. And it's quiet, which has its advantages for those living in built-up areas.

The frame is a steel spar design and not the alloy iteration found on the harder-edged CRF fare, but it feels good. The dimensions deliver a 'safe' feeling, and that is after all what this machine is all about. In fact, there’s nothing that stands out as being amazing on the CRF250L, except the price ($6099), but it's not cheap-looking either.

My last spin on the bike was in the paddock, and as soon as my son saw me roll up the driveway he got his CRF80F out and parked it up next to the 250. Although I was using the stock tyres, I really enjoyed my time on it. It’s very soft in the suspension to fit in all its other jobs, but that actually helps it when you just want to play around.

It turns well, brakes well (it has a disc and drum combo), and I even managed to drift the rear a bit to broaden my smile even further. The big advantage compared to a motocrosser though is its quietness and forgiveness.

The CRF250L is refreshing, and it's great that a bike can maintain the famed Honda 'XL' tradition of being an easy-to-use all-rounder. It's not fussy, doesn't excel at anything in particular, but does a good job at everything you throw at it.

TRANSMISSION
Type: Five-speed
Clutch: Hydraulic wet multi plate in oil bath
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Steel spine
Front suspension: Telescopic forks
Rear suspension: Monoshock
Front bakes: Disc
Rear brake: Drum
Tyres: 80/100-21 front, 120/80-19 rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed wet weight: 126kg
Wheelbase: 1445mm
Seat height: 845mm
Fuel capacity: 7.7 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $6099
Bike supplied by: Honda Australia, motorcycles.honda.com.au

Warranty: 24 months unlimited kilometres