2017 Honda CRF250L Rally | First Look Review

Honda today unveiled a new adventure-focused model, the 2017 CRF250L Rally. Inspired by the factory CRF450 Rally machine raced in the Dakar by Team HRC and based on the standard CRF250L (which has also been updated for the new model year), the CRF250L Rally has long-travel suspension, large-disc ABS brakes, good weather protection and an impressive cruising range.

Read our 2013 Honda CRF250L vs. 2013 Kawasaki KLX250S vs. 2013 Yamaha WR250R comparison review

“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.”

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2017 Honda CRF250L Rally
2017 Honda CRF250L Rally

2017 Honda CRF250L Rally
Based on the updated CRF250L (see below), the CRF250L Rally adds a wide range of changes and styling inspired by the Team HRC CRF450 Rally race machine. At the front, the rally-type “floating” screen, fairing and radiator shrouds provide wind protection, with the rest of the machine showing off minimal MX style. The asymmetric headlights are LED, as are the turn signals. A large fuel tank allows extensive range, and the new digital dash includes a fuel gauge and tachometer. Long-travel suspension and high ground clearance enhance its long-distance off-road ability, and a larger floating front disc—plus ABS that can be switched off for the rear brake—delivers stopping power. The liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 249.6cc single-cylinder engine boasts solid bottom-end torque coupled with substantial top-end power, thanks to updates from the original CRF250L including revised PGM-FI and throttle body, a new airbox and a lightweight exhaust.

The new Honda CRF250L Rally will available in a red/white/black color scheme for $5,899 starting in March 2017.

2017 Honda CRF250L
2017 Honda CRF250L

2017 Honda CRF250L
With a light, slim package that’s able to easily maneuver through urban traffic or rural trails, the popular CRF250L dual-sport has been updated for 2017. Visually, has new graphics that match the 2017 CRF450R motocrosser. Technically, the liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 249.6cc single-cylinder engine’s 38mm throttle body (up 2mm) combines with a revised airbox, reshaped air boot, new muffler design and a larger-diameter exhaust head pipe to provide improved response and better power in the low and midranges. There’s a new ECU as well, and the meter assembly, taillight and license-plate holder have all been updated as well.

The updated Honda CRF250L will be available in red for $5,099 starting in March 2017.

9 COMMENTS

  1. Why doesn’t Honda or somebody make a duel purpose motorcycle that is fit for the North American market, I mean a 250 motorcycle no matter how upgraded it is will always be just a 250, (and though off road worthy will never really be highway or interstate capable), while the 1000cc Africa twin though very capable in both categories is also well over 13 thousand dollars where I live and is big jump from a 250, both in terms of power and weight. While the CB 500x is only a glorified street bike, and xr650 is just an overpriced air cooled dinosaur. Why not then do as their race team did and take the crf 450 and make a true 500cc duel purpose machine out of that, which would be the perfect bike to have between the crf 250 and the Africa twin 1000 both in terms of cost and power.

  2. THANK YOU. I’ve been waiting for something like this, and then they go and slap a 250 motor in it. blah. I know it will do fine in the dirt, but im also positive that if (and only if) i buy one, they’ll announce the 450 version for 2018.

  3. Dont know what people are crowing about, i toured all over on my little Honda 125 and held highway speeds fully loaded for thousands of miles, people dont need what they think they need, i’ll take one of these, fantastic little bike

    • I have a 2018 250 rally and absolutely lobe it. The ejk and airbox fixed the speed and i drive mine everywhere. I mean everywhere!!! Freeway highway off road alot and i wouldnt want a heavier bike. This thing is perfect in every way. I go 0 to 60 in 11 seconds and can get up to 93 mph. You dont need more than that. If you do you are doing the wrong kind of riding. Must be drag racing ar something lol. Perfect bike all around.

  4. Just bought one today and love it. Took it through some trails by my house today and realized I’ve been needing this bike in my life. On road it’s a 250, not much goin on there but that’s where my f800gsa comes into play. Great little bike so far!

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