2017 Honda CRF250L Rally Preview
A quarter-liter ADV from Big Red
Hot on the heels of its popular new Africa Twin model introduced last year comes a lighter-weight adventure-focused motorcycle from Honda, the CRF250L Rally. The Rally is based on the updated-for-2017 CRF250L and inspired by the factory CRF450 Rally machine raced in the Dakar by Team HRC.
Up front, the rally-type “floating” screen, fairing and radiator shrouds provide wind protection, while the asymmetric headlights and turn signals are of the LED variety. The Rally features a digital dash including a fuel gauge and tachometer, long-travel suspension, and a single large floating front disc with switchable ABS. A 2.7 gallon fuel tank is claimed, offering an extra 0.6 gallons above the regular CRF250L’s tank.
A bump in power is promised via a larger throttle body, revised airbox and a wider exhaust header, with Big Red claiming ”solid bottom-end torque coupled with substantial top-end power.”
“We’re pleased to announce this exciting new CRF250L Rally for 2017,” said Lee Edmunds, Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications at American Honda. “Adventure touring continues to grow in popularity, and our customers have shown that small-displacement motorcycles can be extremely effective in this application, whether that means making epic journeys or the daily urban commute. We really wanted to build on the capabilities of the CRF250L and open up new opportunities for riders both young and old, and the CRF250 Rally brings the spirit of rally-raid racing to every ride.”
The CRF250L Rally will come in Red/Black/White for $5,899, and will be available in March of next year. Full specifications are below.
2017 Honda CRF250L Updates
Along with the 250L Rally is a revised CRF250L for the 2017 model year. It includes the engine mods given to the Rally, plus new graphics, ECU and instruments. It will retail for $5,099 when it hits dealers next March.
2017 Honda CRF250L Rally | 2017 Honda CRF250L | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, Single, DOHC | Liquid-cooled, Single, DOHC |
| Engine Displacement | 250cc | 250cc |
| No. of Valves per Cylinder | 4 | 4 |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 76.0 x 55.0 | 76.0 x 55.0 |
| Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Max. Power Output | 24.4 hp at 8500 rpm | 24.4 hp at 8500 rpm |
| Max. Torque | 16.7 lb-ft at 6750 rpm | 16.7 lb-ft at 6750 rpm |
| Oil Capacity | 0.5 gallons | 0.5 gallons |
| Carburation | PGM-FI | PGM-FI |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 2.7 gallons | 2.0 gallons |
| Fuel Consumption | 78.3 mpg | 78.3 mpg |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Battery Capacity | 12V-7AH | 12V-7AH |
| ACG Output | 324W / 5000rpm | 324W / 5000rpm |
| Clutch Type | Wet multiplate hydraulic | Wet multiplate hydraulic |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Final Drive | Chain | Chain |
| Chassis Type | Steel Twin Tube | Steel Twin Tube |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 87.0 in. x 35.4 in. x 56.1 in. | 86.4 in. x 32.1 in. x 47.0 in. |
| Wheelbase | 57.3 in. | 56.9 in. |
| Caster Angle | 28.1° | 27.6° |
| Trail | 4.5 in. | 4.4 in. |
| Seat Height | 35.2 in. | 34.4 in. |
| Ground Clearance | 10.6 in. | 10.0 in. |
| Kerb Weight | 346 pounds (claimed) | 322 pounds (claimed) |
| Turning radius | 7.5 ft. | 7.5 ft. |
| Front Suspension | 43mm telescopic uUpside-down fork | 43mm telescopic upside-down fork |
| Rear Suspension | Prolink | Prolink |
| Front Wheel | 21 inch | 21 inch |
| Rear Wheel | 18 inch | 18 inch |
| Tyres Front | 3.00-21 51P | 3.00-21 51P |
| Tyres Rear | 120/80-18M/C 62P | 120/80-18M/C 62P |
| ABS System Type | 2 channel | |
| Instruments | Digital | Digital |
| Headlight | LED | Bulb |
| Taillight | Bulb | Bulb |
A former Motorcycle.com staffer who has gone on to greener pastures, Tom Roderick still can't get the motorcycle bug out of his system. And honestly, we still miss having him around. Tom is now a regular freelance writer and tester for Motorcycle.com when his schedule allows, and his experience, riding ability, writing talent, and quick wit are still a joy to have – even if we don't get to experience it as much as we used to.
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Only $800 more than the base seems like a great deal.
Okay, as a Harley guy who still freaks out a bit when passing or passed by large vehicles(DON'TCRUSHMEDON'TCRUSHMEOHGOD), I seriously can't concieve of riding a bike this small on any highway, freeway or interstate! Any MOrons ever travel across state on a 250 enduro/moto? Is it as awful as I think it is?
Anyway, I see this being more popular with the urban motocross fan who lives by a decent trail than the long trekker who might run out of road before he reaches his rest stop, and I hope they market it appropriately.