Honda's new street legal CRF250l

I doubt the CRF250L is aimed at the same market as the KTM, Husaberg, or even the Husky 250 dual sports. This bike isn't aimed at 95% of us.

I think the price mark is somewhere around $4000. That would make a good ol' lady bike or beginner bike. Something that could be beat to shit and keep on coming back for more.

The idea of a plated 450X isn't aimed at this market, either.

BTW, I don't believe manufacturers need to make 49 state street bikes anymore. CARB and the EPA standards have been on the same page since the 2010 model year bikes.

Dave

I've owned 2 KTMs and I won't be owning any more.

Thus, I'm left with Husky and Beta as serious dual sport brands; I like the Beta a lot, but the price point is steep, and the Husky is too funky for a dirt bike with that under seat fuel cell nonsense!

So, when I'm ready to buy a serious dual sport, I'll look for a plated 450X or WR450.

Didn't mean to detract from the thread, I'm sure this little bike will be a terrific and inexpensive starter/play bike.

+1
It will make a great starter bike and will most likely have a low seat height for those vertically challenged.

I like it and would consider buying it for my son or the wif, or as a second bike for me after I buy a VFR1200X.

The Big 4 are going after the biggest sector of the market, intentionally ignoring bikes for us FFs in the minority. The Big Red Pig is among the best selling bikes of all time, as much as its disrespected here. Also just smogging and street lighting a CRF450X or WR does not make a viable dual sport. Honda street bike buyers expect longer maintenance intervals and higher MTBF.

And that's the truth!

1) I own one and love it!

With just a few inexpensive mods, it's a capable dual sport, as long as one understands the bike's limitations!

2) True, but I'll be in the market for a serious dual sport next year, and would buy a street legal CRF450X in a heart beat, if such a factory standard bike was available!

I'm sure this bike is aimed at the wr250r. And if Honda or Yamaha would get their heads out of their asses and build a street legal 450 out of thier existing models, ktm would go belly up.

So, how do you REALLY feel about the Big 4 not producing a serious street legal 450+ dual sport bike?

Maybe if the market is big enough for the supermoto and DS crowd?

im bummed because it forces me to buy a piece of shit KTM. or somebody elses used up japanese 450 with a plate

Agreed!

I would be a pig in slop if Honda Fing plated their CRF450X, which shouldn't be difficult to do since it's already green sticker legal!

TOKYO, Japan, April 13, 2012 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced the start of sales in Japan on May 14, 2012, of a new 250-cc on/off-road model, the CRF250L, which offers an agile ride in a wide range of riding environments from urban to off road riding.

Lol I'm more of a Yamaha fan.

I started out a Honda man (CT70, MT125, XL500 & CR125s), went Yamaha (DT250s, YZ125s, YZ250s, IT175, IT200 & XT600) for decades, and am now warming back up to Honda after my terrific XR650L experience!

With a capable rider won't this new bike go anywhere anything else can go except the freeway (well and a motocross track!) I could ride a Honda 50 Step Through up Cleghorn and down to Ushuai.

Just like my dr 650 I'm sure it would do anything with 1000 bucks worth of suspension. Give me a wr250r still if I was going to buy one. Me likey 26000 mile valve adjustment intervals.

I spent all of $200 on my XR650L for new fork springs and a brace, the rear suspension is actually pretty darn good and still stock! I can adjust my valves in 30 minutes or less!

I was thinking of picking up a Beta in the future, but am now thinking about a plated XR650R or CRF450X!

I'm just not sold on a 250 4T as a serious dual sport machine.

yea me either earl, im 225 pounds and need a 450. i have an 05 wr450 just not plated. my parents just bought a place at the river in parker so if i put on some blinkers and a brake light i might just take it out there and tell the arizona dmv im going to be keeping it in parker. i dont see how i could get in trouble for that, its my bike and i own it and im going to be out there a lot but i will be riding it here also. also its over 7 years old so its not "new"

I like power, so a 250 just won't cut it for me either.

Nice, now you can ride Big Bear, then head for the river!

Sure, if you register the bike to your parent's home, that shouldn't be an issue in Az. Maybe even get an Az drivers license? That way, if you ride it here and get stopped, you can show that you're an Az state resident on vacation.

Yes officer dick, it's my bike and I keep it in Arizona. It is just being ridden here in california for the day and will be returning to Arizona tonight. Who is he to say otherwise.

It's now on Honda website. http://powersports.honda.com/2013/crf250l.aspx

$4500 MSRP

Steel frame and CBR250 engine explain 320lbs weight. That's only 40lbs less than a wet DR650se :eek1

I like the UD forks and the engine should have longer valve adjustment intervals.
It clearly is marketed as a beginner bike and as such it is meant to compete with Kawasaki KLX250 rather than WRR.

Let's see who buys it first.