Honda XR250L
The weekender's weekend bike: Honda Australia's intro to this bike is: "Originally designed for the Japanese domestic market, we have decided to import this electric start model alongside our existing XR RangeAimed at more casual trail riding use this model will provide an opportunity to many riders who were intimidated or too short of leg to really feel comfortable on the current XR250R. The main features of this model are the electric start and low seat height. The electric start is something that has been requested for years and will be a big advantage for learner riders."
Point taken, but I reckon it undersells the bike to experienced people who might consider it as a weekend toy. What you get is a mix and match of XR branding, a medium-height mount, plus what used to be called an XL version of the powerplant. Nothing wrong with any of that.
Funny thing is that we took this along with the much more powerful XR650L on a quick trail ride through a mix of easy, and tricky, territory - all of it slow. Guess what. Both riders (though far from being trail gods, but not exactly new to the game) were faster on the humble 250. Much faster. In fact it became a joke.
And height had nothing to do with it. One of us is 5'10" and I'm 6'3". Nor did experience - up to a point - we have a combined 40-plus years of regular riding, though we both admit to being squids on the dirt.
The 250L is one of those unusual packages that is simply user-friendly. While lacking the latest trickery in suspension and some other areas, it simply handles predictably and goes where you point it. It runs out of puff on some of the bigger hills - there's only so much its mildy-tuned engine can produce. Though a determined rider will overcome that.
Performance is fine for amateurs, but those looking for a hi-po fix will be looking elsewhere - such as Suzuki's DRZ250, which has a more up to date four-valve powerplant.
Maybe we should mention it spat the front numberplate/instrument cowl, but that's about it when it comes to criticism. And a back-up kick start would be nice, given the tiny battery capacity.
It will never be a race-winner, but this is easily the most accessible dirt bike we've come across. And a willing rider will be pleasantly surprised by what it will do when given a chance.
Story: Guy Allen
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