No one expects a 25 bhp motorcycle to hold its own alongside bikes producing 160 bhp but in a group ride of 15 motorcycles, most of which were “big bikes”, the 250 rally was never left behind.
In actual fact I made up time and distance in the corners, where the 250 Rally is so easy to get the power down in comparison to the potential “liability” of excessive horsepower of the bigger bikes alongside me.
Don’t get me wrong, to keep the 250 moving I used full throttle acceleration almost all of the time. It’s the same sort of feeling as riding a 50 cc, or 125 – you use full throttle in a way you would not (or should not) when riding an Africa twin or Crosstourer.
For venturing off road, I would choose the 250L rather than the Rally as the slimmer bodywork of the 250 L allows easier movement when stood up on the pegs. On the tarmac however, I prefer the increased weather protection of the Rally fairing, which did a superb job of keeping the rain and wind in check, even at 80mph.
I do prefer the Dakar-chic styling of the 250 Rally, over the standard 250L – although that’s a personal choice.
One thing I do wish for in future is a bit more power. The CRF uses the engine from the previous generation CBR 250. The CBR has been “upgraded” to 300cc, and I hope the CRF gets the same treatment in due course. It could produce more horsepower and still be A2 compliant.
Don’t get me wrong, when grip is short (ice, rain, mud, sand etc) less power is far easier but when overtaking more power is almost always the way forward.
Overall, I am glad the CRF 250 is in the Honda line up. It is likely to surprise you, as much as it did me!
And now it’s got a big brother, the CRF 450L…
(Leonard Gingell)