Honda CRF250L

The Honda CRF250L might not receive a second glance, as the overall design of this motorcycle looks slightly dated. However, the overall form of this motorcycle stays true to the ethos of the dual-purpose motorcycles, with more focused cycle parts and panels.

The front portion of the Honda CRF250L looks minimalist but looks quite appealing with a simple looking trapezoidal headlamp, which is laid vertically and tapers inwards while moving towards the bottom. Encased in a heavily clad small fairing which has a tapering upper surface, the headlamp is flanked by big amber coloured turn indicators.

The Honda CRF250L gets a very big front fender, which is positioned just below the headlamp and tapers while moving ahead. The front fender is placed above the tall off-road spec front tire. All the aforementioned aspects do lend a tall and slim profile to the motorcycle.

Like in all the dual-purpose motorcycles, the Honda CRF250L also gets very slim looking side body panels, including the high mounted fuel tank. To add in some visual appeal and sportiness, the Honda CRF250L gets boomerang-shaped fuel tank extensions placed ahead of it on either sides.

The high ground clearance and tubular bash plate placed below the engine add to the rugged look of the Honda CRF250L. The engine is finished in an all-grey theme, with the motorcycle getting functional spoke wheels. A part of the tubular frame is exposed from the sides too.

The Y-shaped side body panels flow towards the minimalist rear profile, which gets very sleek panels besides the pillion seat and a flat single-piece seat. The single exhaust pipe with grey coloured cover is placed just below the seat on the right side, thus exposing the rectangular swing-arms in their full glory. The tail lamp assembly looks small too, however, the turn indicators are large.

The tall single piece handlebar is placed behind the small fully digital instrument console, which has informative bits like speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, gear indicator, and clock. The switchgear is of optimum quality, while the rearview mirrors too are very ergonomically placed.

The Honda CRF250L is regarded as one capable off-road motorcycle, and the major credits go to the extremely worthy suspension setup it comes equipped with. The 43mm upside-down hydraulic telescopic forks at the front and pro link mono-shock with rectangular swing-arm are on a stiffer edge, which does make the ride quality and pillion comfort harsh at times. However, with wheel travels of 249mm at the front and 239mm at the rear, it feels ready to take on any kind of trails with ease.

The Honda CRF250L is powered by a four-stroke, four-valve, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 250cc engine, which is coupled to a 6-speed gearbox and pumps out a maximum power output of 23 PS and a peak torque output of 22 Nm.

The engine feels torquey in the lower rpms, which makes it very easy to ride in lower urban speeds as well as off-road trails. The engine feels tractable at varying speeds. The small 8-litre of fuel tank, however, fails in giving optimal tank range to the motorcycle.

The Honda CRF250L is only equipped with a dual-channel ABS operable on both the single disc brakes at the front and rear.

With very capable mechanical underpinnings, the Honda CRF250L feels like a perfect entry-level off-road motorcycle. The overall value for money proposition takes a hit for many, for they might believe the limited list of features, or the scarcity of them, makes this motorcycle feel slightly basic for e asking price. However, it packs in all the essential bits required, and factoring in the great factor of long term reliability, the Honda CRF250L is one practical package