The Honda CRF250L (model designations MD38 and MD44) is a dual-sport motorcycle, part of their CRF series, manufactured for a global market. It was first released in 2012 for the 2013 model year.

Honda CRF250L
ManufacturerHonda
Production2012–2020
AssemblyJapan
ClassDual-sport[1]
Engine249.6 cc (15.23 cu in) liquid-cooled 4-stroke 4-valve DOHC single
Top speed130 km/h (80 mph)[2]

It combines a high-efficiency, fuel-injected DOHC single-cylinder counterbalanced engine, and electric starter with a comfortable, neutral seating position, headlight, taillight, turn signals, mirrors, EPA and California Air Resources Board compliant exhaust system.[3]

In 2021 it was replaced by Honda CRF300L. The engine was replaced to be compliant with EURO 5 emissions standard.

Revision history

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2012–2016

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The original CRF250L was an evolution of the CRF230L incorporating a de-tuned version of the proven engine from the CBR250R (2011) road motorcycle, a redesigned frame, and suspension implementation.

2017

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For the 2017 model year, the CRF250L continued to compete with the other 250cc dual-sport motorcycles. There were two additional models the CRF250LA (ABS) and the CRF250L Rally. The rear brake ABS can be deactivated quickly via a handlebar button.

Along with the Rally, the standard model took on the following changes; the engine gained a larger throttle body, new muffler design, revised PGM-FI and airbox, and a larger diameter exhaust header, which increased the engine output by 2HP over the earlier design. Styling changes include a revised speedometer with an rpm counter (tachometer), a folding gear lever, and a changed tail light, and the graphics were also changed to fall in line with the new CRF450R MX bike.[4]

Inspired by the factory CRF450 Rally machine raced in the Dakar by Team HRC, the CRF250L Rally gets the same updated engine as the standard 250L, but it also gets a larger fuel tank, totally new Dakar-style bodywork, handguards, a floating windscreen, skid plate, and even more suspension travel.[5]

2021

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For the 2021 model year, the CRF300L and CRF300 Rally replaced the 250 versions.

Changes included the increase in capacity, weight reduction, front-end geometry, and increased fuel capacity (Rally only).

Differences between L and Rally versions

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The bikes share most of the parts, but there are some obvious differences and some incompatibilities that may be surprising. The Rally version has a completely different optic block, windshield, fairing, and a larger tank. The seat looks very similar, but due to the tank differences, it is not compatible with L version. The suspension is also different, the 250 Rally has different travel than the 250L.

While a few parts are compatible between the 250 and 300 versions, many are different. Even neutral parts like rear luggage racks are not compatible due to differences in the mount points.

Specifications

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250 300
2012–2016[6][7][8] L (2017–2020)[9][10] Rally (2017 - 2021)[10][11] L (2021 - now)[12][13] Rally (2021 - now)[14][15]
Engine 249.6 cc (15.23 cu in) single cylinder 4-stroke liquid-cooled 286 cc (17.5 cu in) single cylinder 4-stroke liquid-cooled
Bore x stroke 76 mm × 55 mm (3.0 in × 2.2 in) 76 mm × 63 mm (3.0 in × 2.5 in)
Compression ratio 10.7:1
Valvetrain DOHC 4-valve
Fuel system Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Ignition Computer-controlled digital transistorized with electronic advance
Power 22.8 hp (17.0 kW) 24.4 hp (18.2 kW) @ 8,500 rpm 27.0 hp (20.1 kW) @ 8,500 rpm
Torque 16.2 lb⋅ft (22.0 N⋅m) 16.7 lbf⋅ft (22.6 N⋅m) @ 6,750 rpm 19.6 lbf⋅ft (26.6 N⋅m) @ 6,500 rpm
Transmission Wet multi-plate hydraulic, constant mesh 6-speed, chain 14T/40T Wet multi-plate hydraulic, constant mesh 6-speed, #520 chain 14T/40T
Front suspension Showa telescopic upside down 43mm Showa telescopic upside down 43mm; 260 mm (10.2 in)
Rear suspension Showa mono-shock Pro-Link with preload adjustability Showa mono-shock Pro-Link with preload adjustability; 260 mm (10.2 in)
Brakes Nissin hydraulic single wave disc,ABS for 2017 model
Front : dual piston
Rear : single piston
Nissin hydraulic single wave disc,ABS available

Front : 256 mm (10.1 in) disc; dual piston
Rear : 220 mm (8.7 in) disc; single piston

Nissin hydraulic single wave disc,ABS available

Front : 296 mm (11.7 in) disc; dual piston
Rear : 220 mm (8.7 in) disc; single piston

Tires Front : 3.00-21 51P
Rear : 120/80-18 62P
Front : 80/100-21 51P
Rear : 120/80-18 62P
Frame Steel twin tube
Wheelbase 1,445 mm (56.9 in) 1,455 mm (57.3 in)
Ground clearance 255 mm (10.0 in) 270 mm (11 in) 285 mm (11.2 in) 275 mm (10.8 in)
Curb weight 144 kg (317 lb) 146 kg (322 lb) 157 kg (346 lb) 142 kg (313 lb) 153 kg (337 lb)
Maximum load 145 kg (320 lb) 145 kg (320 lb) 145 kg (320 lb) 160 kg (350 lb) 160 kg (350 lb)
Fuel capacity 7.7 L (1.7 imp gal; 2.0 US gal) 7.8 L (1.7 imp gal; 2.1 US gal) 10.1 L (2.2 imp gal; 2.7 US gal) 7.8 L (1.7 imp gal; 2.1 US gal) 12.8 L (2.8 imp gal; 3.4 US gal)
Fuel Consumption ? 32.3 km/L (91 mpg‑imp; 76 mpg‑US) *claimed
Oil capacity 1.8 L (0.40 imp gal; 0.48 US gal)
Dimension L : 2,195 mm (86.4 in)
W : 815 mm (32.1 in)
H : 1,195 mm (47.0 in)
L : 2,210 mm (87 in)
W : 900 mm (35 in)
H : 1,425 mm (56.1 in)
L : 2,230 mm (88 in)
W : 820 mm (32 in)
H : 1,200 mm (47 in)
L : 2,230 mm (88 in)
W : 920 mm (36 in)
H : 1,415 mm (55.7 in)
Seat height 875 mm (34.4 in) 895 mm (35.2 in) 880 mm (35 in) 885 mm (34.8 in)
Rake, Trail 27.6°, 113 mm (4.4 in) 28.1°, 114 mm (4.5 in) 27.5°, 109 mm (4.3 in)

References

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  1. ^ Callan, Kelly (August 26, 2016). "2016 Honda CRF250L Review". Ultimate Motorcycling. Archived from the original on May 28, 2018. Retrieved May 28, 2018.
  2. ^ "Dual-Sport Budget Bashers". Archived from the original on September 13, 2017. Retrieved May 28, 2018.
  3. ^ "2017 Honda CRF250L Specifications". November 7, 2016. Archived from the original on May 3, 2018. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  4. ^ "2017 CRF250L Motorcycle Buyer's Guide". November 8, 2016. Archived from the original on August 8, 2020. Retrieved April 16, 2020.
  5. ^ "Honda Introduces CRF250L Rally". November 7, 2016. Archived from the original on May 3, 2018. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  6. ^ "CRF250L Technical Specifications". Archived from the original on April 11, 2018. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
  7. ^ "2013 Honda CRF250L - Specifications". April 30, 2012. Archived from the original on May 3, 2018. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
  8. ^ "2016 Honda CRF250L Review of Specs / Development – Dual Sport Motorcycle". December 9, 2015. Archived from the original on May 2, 2018. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
  9. ^ Honda UK Motorcycles - CRF250L - 2017, archived from the original on May 2, 2018, retrieved May 2, 2018
  10. ^ a b Honda US Motorcycles - CRF250L - 2017, archived from the original on February 26, 2017, retrieved May 2, 2018
  11. ^ Honda UK Motorcycles - CRF250 Rally - 2017, archived from the original on May 2, 2018, retrieved May 2, 2018
  12. ^ "CRF300L Tech Specs - UK". Archived from the original on November 24, 2021. Retrieved January 28, 2022.
  13. ^ "CRF300L Specifications - US". Archived from the original on January 18, 2021. Retrieved January 28, 2022.
  14. ^ "CRF300L Rally Tech Specs - UK". Archived from the original on January 28, 2022. Retrieved January 28, 2022.
  15. ^ "CRF300L Rally Specifications - US". Archived from the original on January 28, 2022. Retrieved January 28, 2022.