The CRF250L Owners thread

[gaw777]

So I have had mine a couple months now. Been on the trails 5-6 time. The only real performance mod is 13T front sprocket. I'm not an expert by any means and have found the bike to go everywhere I have asked it, so far, although somewhat slow at times. The big thing I really like is that being a bit vertically challenged, I like the seat height. But it is a bit under powered. Sometimes I have to down shift to 1st gear to finish the hill. I do realize that should get a bit better as I get better and feel comfortable carrying more speed. So I keep wondering, if it is worth spending the money to upgrade the bike with exhaust and suspension or ride it as is and think about buying a more powerful bike in a year or two, that already has the better suspension.

For those who have completed the upgrades, exhaust & suspension, does it really make that much of a difference.
Worth the money???
Will it improve the bike enough to keep it longer as my skills grow??
Mostly do trail riding and some limited street.

Thanks for the input.

[SugarDust]

Originally Posted by gaw777

...For those who have completed the upgrades, exhaust & suspension, does it really make that much of a difference.
Worth the money???
Will it improve the bike enough to keep it longer as my skills grow??
Mostly do trail riding and some limited street.

Thanks for the input.

I haven't done all the mods - just gearing/FI Controller/skid plate/guards and yes they have made a significant improvement, but will mods improve it as your skills improve enough to keep it? I would say that depends on your skills and your goals, if you find yourself wanting to do hardcore trail/enduro riding, and skillfull enough to do so, well maybe a different bike is in order - i had a CRF250X, it was great on trails much better than this bike, however, for the type of riding I want to do now this bike is much more suited for that, yes it has limitations, but thats ok, I love it for what it is....a great inexpensive, reliable 250cc dual sport.

[Just Bob]

Does anyone have a ramp I can borrow?

[Wargasm]

C'mon I see those Trials riders hoping gaps like that all the time on youtube, you can do it.

[Bake]

Originally Posted by viajerosolo

If Clarke or IMS can make some larger fuel tanks, it will be a win for the long distance ADV. My only other concern at this point is the lack of spares when abroad.... the CRFL isn't sold in central or South America yet; they still have the XR250 Tornado. Hope they end up replacing it!

It is routine for tank makers to be well into the second year of a bikes availabilty before selling product. Tooling always expensive plus the pattern making before any injection mold can be designed. They like to know sales numbers for the first years supply to justify the significant development costs way in advance of any sales. There are usually 3-4 major players, and if the first guy hits a homerun, then others risked a lot of money for nothing. 2 dozen owners asking for a tank in a forum doesnt hurry anything. Doesnt hurt I guess but you see a bunch of " group buy" talk and " they told me in an email.." And no tanks for a year and a half.
If you need extra fuel, I suggest you do a work around and figure on using that for a year, year and a half.

[G19Tony]

Originally Posted by Bake

It is routine for tank makers to be well into the second year of a bikes availabilty before selling product. Tooling always expensive plus the pattern making before any injection mold can be designed. They like to know sales numbers for the first years supply to justify the significant development costs way in advance of any sales. There are usually 3-4 major players, and if the first guy hits a homerun, then others risked a lot of money for nothing. 2 dozen owners asking for a tank in a forum doesnt hurry anything. Doesnt hurt I guess but you see a bunch of " group buy" talk and " they told me in an email.." And no tanks for a year and a half.
If you need extra fuel, I suggest you do a work around and figure on using that for a year, year and a half.

Agreed. I'd like to see a tank too. Until then, the Rotopax will do the job. Even then, unless it's a significant increase in fuel capacity, the Rotopax still may get the call.

[outdoornate65]

What are the after-market seat options available so far?

Sat on bike this morning at the shop and instantly knew what the first upgrade would be.

Funny, I had discounted the Honda CRF230 from my short-list of bikes in my search for a 250 DS.

Not sure how I missed the CRF250 in my initial research...anywho as I mentioned, I slung a stiff old leg over the bike this morning and really liked the feel/fit of the bike. I think it will be perfect for commuting to work and knocking around the back mountain roads. Price doesn't suck either. Imagine that bike will take me anywhere my old crusty ass decides to go.

Thanks guys....

[Ed@Ford]

http://www.seatconcepts.com/products...56&id=15889818

[outdoornate65]

Originally Posted by Ed@Ford

http://www.seatconcepts.com/products...56&id=15889818

Seems to be a popular answer for a lot of bikes these days.

[Bake]

I'll post some pics of the top end disassembled later tonight.

[CRFSoCal]

So I haven't been looking at how many miles I have put on the bike and I am over by 100 for the first servicing. Is that really bad. I received an estimate of $225 for the first servicing including all parts and labor. Is that high?

[bungie4]

Originally Posted by CRFSoCal

So I haven't been looking at how many miles I have put on the bike and I am over by 100 for the first servicing. Is that really bad. I received an estimate of $225 for the first servicing including all parts and labor. Is that high?

I brought my CBR250R in for it's first service (valve check, all other maint. was done by me), oh, about... 4000km overdue.

Dealer didn't care, they're more than happy to take my money.

Better late than never. Oh, btw, no adjustment required.

[goondock]

Originally Posted by CRFSoCal

So I haven't been looking at how many miles I have put on the bike and I am over by 100 for the first servicing. Is that really bad. I received an estimate of $225 for the first servicing including all parts and labor. Is that high?

I paid $300 total, would have rather paid $225.

[Harcomo]

Originally Posted by CRFSoCal

I received an estimate of $225 for the first servicing including all parts and labor. Is that high?

I believe my dealer quoted me about that same price for the valve clearance check and first oil and filter change.

[CRFSoCal]

Originally Posted by Harcomo

I believe my dealer quoted me about that same price for the valve clearance check and first oil and filter change.

Originally Posted by goondock

I paid $300 total, would have rather paid $225.

Originally Posted by bungie4

I brought my CBR250R in for it's first service (valve check, all other maint. was done by me), oh, about... 4000km overdue.

Dealer didn't care, they're more than happy to take my money.

Better late than never. Oh, btw, no adjustment required.

Sweet! I will have it done then asap. I have the oil, gasket and filter already. I wonder if that will cut the price a little.