2019-2023 Honda CRF250F review: is it the XR250R reborn?︱Cross Training Enduro
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- čas přidán 24. 04. 2021
- Dallas Shannon from Traction eRag reviews the Honda CRF250F after our crew spent a whole summer flogging this pint-sized workhorse! It ain't a high performance enduro bike. But it's surprisingly capable in the hands of a good rider and can take beginners a long way into dirt riding before they'll need to upgrade to a serious enduro bike - if ever. It's a return to the good old fashioned trail bike in our opinion. In this Honda CRF250F review, Dallas compares it to the old Honda XR250R (and you'll see some footage of our old Honda XR200 as well). Is it the modern version of this legend? As of 2021, the Honda CRF-F (-F stands for family) series includes the CRF50F, CRF110F, CRF125F, CRF125F(Big Wheel), and CRF250F. For the 2019 Model year the CRF250F comes standard with Electronic Fuel Injection. This improves cold weather starting and makes the bike easier to maintain because of the lack of a carburetor to clean. The CRF250F is a simple, air-cooled 4-stroke motorcycle. Typically, these bikes come in low-power and confidence inspiring configurations for new market entrants. In all, Honda has made a CRF50F, CRF70F, through to CRF150F, CRF230F. Read on for our Honda CRF250F review. The CRF250F looks, to the untrained eye, like a CRF230F with fuel injection. It’s a similar size (about three-quarters of full-size) with a low seat of 883mm and conventional suspension. Learning to ride on the Honda CRF250F is one of the smartest and safest ways for a first-time rider to hone off-road skills. A lot can go wrong with a first-timer behind the bars of a full-blown, 58-horsepower 450 race bike. The Honda CRF250F Bike all-new engine is designed with a wide powerband, and the new fuel-injected design makes starting simple and automatically compensates for cold weather or high altitudes. However, after a quick squirt up the driveway, it was obvious the CRF250F is significantly different. A bike like the CRF250F is a great family bike. Most of us have family and kids that we would like to share the sport with. This bike is a great way to do that on our off weekends, and all the Honda CRF250F reviews back this up. Fuel injection means the Honda CRF250F bike starts right up, even in cold weather. Compared to a carbureted bike, it also helps decrease emissions and enhance fuel efficiency and performance. And say goodbye to clogged pilot jets when you put this Honda CRF250F bike away for storage. It sports a smaller fuel tank than the 230F (down to 6L from 7L) but Honda claims the EFI system actually gives it more range than a 230 (there is no speedo so testing this is difficult) while also reducing weight up top. The Honda CRF250F bike gets a tubular-steel twin-spar frame that’s both light and tough. Honda CRF250F bike 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel give you a wide choice of tire selections for trail riding. It has more power than the 230F right through the rev range and the EFI makes it more responsive. Having EFI also means starting is a breeze. There’s no long waits to go riding on those cold mornings or if you’ve had a tip-over. The XR250R was introduced pre 1981 and was originally equipped with a variation of the engine that had powered the XL250S since 1978. For 1983 the model was dropped from Honda's line-up, but came back in 1984 with a completely new engine dubbed the "Radial Four Valve Chamber" (RFVC) engine. Although the XR250R was always quite heavy compared to its 2 stroke competition and both front and rear suspension were rather basic, it proved reliable and likable and was successful as an entry-level off-road machine. The XR250R was discontinued after 2004. The Honda XR series is a range of four-stroke off-road motorcycles that were designed in Japan but assembled all over the world. Some of the XR series came in two versions: R and L. The R version bikes were enduro machines designed for off-road competitive riding. They were fitted with knobby off-road tires and were not always street legal. The CRF line was launched in 2000 as a successor to the Honda XR series. The full sized motocross bikes are equipped with liquid-cooled, single cylinder four-stroke engines that are available from 149 cc (9.1 cu in) to 449 cc (27.4 cu in). They now have dual-sport motorcycles. The more trail friendly CRF's have simple air-cooled engines, and are available from 50 cc to 250 cc. The L version models were dual-sport trailbikes, fitted with lights, indicators, horn, and street-legal tyres. In 1996 the engine of the XR 250R, the mainstay of the XR range, was updated and now produced 19 hp (14 kW) at 8100 rpm.
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See our updated long-term review video here! czcams.com/video/wcO6ZFl2tfI/video.html It replaced this old review from our Canadian cousins.
NOTE We ran out of footage for this vid so there are a few clips of the CRF250X in this clip as well, with Tim Coleman doing his usual trick riding.
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Just thought you should know. Finally was at a point in life where i could afford a new bike. Got a 21 250f today because of this video. So i came back to watch it again on my way home and leave this comment!
Congrats Kyle, hope you enjoy it!
A year later. What are your thoughts on the bike now?
@@96wx3 i love it. Its everything that was great about the xr but with estart and efi. Ive riden it basically stock this whole year minus a sprocket change. Im getting ready to do fork springs and rear spring because it is very soft. Im not big on track riding and it’s definitely not an mx bike but i can have fun in c class with my buddies on the right track. Really phenomenal single track/woods bike. Little to no maintenance. Slightly heavy but im 6’5 200lbs so its not a huge deal to pick up or wrestle around.
@@kyleosbunat 5’9 I thought the bike was tiny and felt uncomfortable standing up, what do you think of the size at your height?
Love to see a "CRF 400f" I love my drz 400 but wish they would change a few things on it. The crf400f could be awesome
Me to! I love my XR400 and would like a modern version.
We’ve had ours for 18months now and we’ve put over 300hours on it and I love it just got my first chance in a few years to ride some single track and loved it!!! Wish I could get a bigger tank for it tho, love the bike so much my buddy ended up picking one up this year so no more alone rides lol
Holy you must do a lot of riding
@@liamlees5899 up too almost 550 lol
@@kyzer9144 I had it adjusted at like 150hrs just cuz I thought it was starting hard. ( Mainly do too the fact I did a money muddy race and held it on the limiter the hole time against a bunch of race bikes) doc said it was just a little out adjustment wouldn't have ever hurt anything just hard starts. But like I said that was cuz user error lol. But now approx 550 hrs on the bike it loves life!
I am so happy they are bringing bikes like this back on the market. I got a new KLX300R a couple months ago and have been having a blast. I am back riding again after a 10 year hiatus, and am so happy to have a bike I can roll out of my storage unit on weekends and have a blast without any fuss.
I don't know anything about the crf250f...
But 10 years later and my XR still sits in the shed confident i will take her for another ride. Many bikes have come and go but I just cant let go of her. She will probably be the last bike i own when I finally hang everything up.
Loved my old XR400 workhorse 20 years ago... czcams.com/video/MdWW1a1q7RI/video.html
Im going to have this story one day with a 2020 crf 250f
There is something to say about reliability and fun!
I agree. I can’t seem to let my XR400 go.
Due to the era it was produced in, they hated e-starters. Also, in the minds of the novice it didn't say 250cc so the best XR ever produced by Honda was over looked.
1. It was the only XR capable of serious MOTOCROSS work.
2. it didn't have a serial number that blocked it from being plated, thereby, it could be made street legal in California, the most difficult state to get a dirt bike plated.
3. One could use the 150F's dog bone to increase the rear-end's height by an inch. However, the mod required extending chain length by an inch to make wheel base longer.
4. Relocating the foot pegs, reward an inch allowed it to be rode like a motocross bike when needed, and a loss of 1lbs.
Then only XR capable of doing motocross work was the 230F.
czcams.com/video/vn8wgkmXwo8/video.html
My buddy just bought one for his beginner riding wife... fun all around bike. Does remind me of my 2003 xr250. A little less powered and smaller frame. The new crf250f is a great motorcycle does exactly what the old xr did. Lugs up hills with ease, smooth easy throttle control. Great all around for kids, women and even big guys can get on it an have fun. Definitely a good bike to have around!
This bike and the rest of them in the XR lineage is why I used to scoff at the idea of any thing other than a honda finding its way into my life!
From the very early 90s all I wanted was for the big wing to be on a high tech water pumper 4 stroke! All those untouchable euro bikes were so light and cool. (Still are) but I wanted the honda ultra reliability factor of the day. finally all these years later with honda building massively powerful machines with lines we could only dreamed of back then. I own 3 of the fin covered engined machines. Still have an 88 XR 600 that my dad bought used from the local shop for me. In 90 or 91.
That XR600 would be a collector's item nowadays, Dave!
I have a 2020 as my put around bike and I find myself riding it more than any of my other bikes. It’s reliable, great on fuel, easy to wheelie.
This is my first bike and I can say it's the perfect bike to start on.
That's what I'm worried about, how fast are you going to out grow it?
@@dregsta i feel like right now I could get a bigger bike but in California its not ideal to upgrade from a green sticker bike like that because of the stupid CARB laws, if I bought a red sticker bike right now it Won't be red sticker legal in 2025, I'll have to get an expensive dual sport like a beta, ktm, or husqvarna If I wanna get a bigger bike and be able to ride it, it's whole life. Just my situation with the bike seeing I'm more or less forced to ride it, maybe different for you but you'll grow out of it in maybe a year then I'd be time for a new bike, I still love it nonetheless.
@@drpork1360 you need to move out from the lunatic asylum called commiefornia . Im in Quebec we dont have carb laws although our young up and coming university elites like to take cues from you guys .
@@dregsta trust me I know, Canada is no better but it's literally only California that has this bullshit, I could go a state over like Nevada and be totally good. California used to be the bees knees for offroad riding now its the total opposite you can't ride shit here if it doesn't meet a certain "EPA Requirement."
It’s a 250…
Had an XR200, XR250, XR350. I loved your review because i loved my XRs.
My grandparents just got me (13) this for my first bike. Thank you for teaching me more about my bike 😁
Born in 07 and on a 250! Wow I feel old. Be careful, bikes are fun but they can get out of hand some times. Remember the thing still weighs 270 pounds
Good for you kid.
I've had all sorts of xr's. 75, 80, 200, 500 and still have a 2002 xr250r parked in the garage. Some of the most fun times I've had on dirtbikes have been on xr's
Loved riding my xrs. Had the 250, 400, 600, 600 with 630 head, 650. All awesome with the exhaust bark you always know when an xr is coming up the valley
I rode the whole 2020 lineup from Honda and my favourite bike was the CRF250F by far because I had so much fun and confidence on it compared to the big enduro bikes they got
I bought a 2021 and love it as my first dirt bike. At 46 and 5'7" and 170lbs it lugs me around pretty well with out trying to kill me. I ride with a bunch of guys that have KTM's and Husqavarnas and they are all blown away with how fun it is to ride.
Same here, exactly the same. But I have a CRF230f 2020 which is the bike before the CRF250f this year
@@felipesuarezweb Another brilliant bike. Loving the FI and the extra pep of the 250F though...
I have this bike. I am by no means a skilled rider, but it does indeed live up to the hype. I've ridden more powerful motocross bikes that definitely can feel like they're trying to kill you...being less experienced this bike is perfect for me and likely always will be.
Got mine the fist year. Love it. Simple, inexpensive, uber reliable.
Only thing missing is a kickstart to make it truly bulletproof. Then I'm sold.
Don't think I'd ever buy a bike without a kick start... unless it's electric?!?
I thought the same thing but went ahead and bought one anyway. It's never failed to fire right up plus it's super easy to roll start, I've had 450s 2t 250s everything you can imagine and the 250f is by far my favorite
@@kennycutshall8368 Good to know I guess, thanks mate :)
Don't leave the key on!
I’d like to have it as a backup for sure
Nice video! It's my fun dirt bike here in Brazil!!!
I got a 125f as my first bike and loved it I now got a beta 125. Cant wait to go to my first trial.
I rode a 250F, loved it. I'm short, 28" inseam, the smaller frame is awesome for me.
I love my 2020 CRF250F. Yes I have bikes that are faster, but the fun factor on the CRF250F exceeds them all. I have added upside down forks from a 250R and a Pro Circuit pipe because its too quiet. It is an absolute billy goat. Im 6FT 250lbs and it does everything i ask it to do with ease.
Sweet! You can see the stock suspension is fine for Megs Braap but for anyone heavier it would badly need an upgrade if being ridden aggressively... those 250R forks must work well.
@@crosstrainingenduro I had the forks revlaved and sprung for the heavier bike. They work great. Im waiting for the Racing Bros rear shock to come off of backorder then it will be even better
Awesome video! Great info. Just what I'm looking for, easy to understand information about a bike that I have my eye on for my 13 year old son and even for myself now that I think about it. We both sat on this bike at a dealership and the height is perfect for both of us. Keep up the great work 👍😊
Glad the vid was helpful, Glenn! If you buy one I hope you both enjoy it.
Love this bike it was my first dirt bike it never let me down I got into track and got a R and today after almost a year of not starting this bike I charged a battery and put it in and she started
I am from Brazil, here we have crf230 which is already old, and now the new crf250f, cheap maintenance is very good, there is a lack of power sometimes, but it is an excellent way to have fun while spending little.
It's the quintessential Brazilian dirtbike... plenty of mods and parts there.
It would be nice if could get some of them part here in the states
I have a '22 250F. It's my first motorcycle. I picked it because compared to equally priced competing brands, it has fuel injection, rear disk brake, and electric start. And it's a Honda. Honda makes the best engines in the world. I don't need or want a race bike unless I'm racing, so if I ever decide to in the future, I'd look at the 250R as a second bike.
We just bought one of these for my wife and it is a blast to tide! Low maintenance and built well! It has great manageable power and will hill climb well! I wish they made these for bigger guys.
It's unfortunate they don't have this trail bike style in a bigger frame, you have to just to the RX model which is a full sized 250 but much closer to the motocross model.
My 87 XR200R is still my fav for technical trails. Empire Colorado.
My first dirt bike I absolutely love it . The biggest thing for me is the seat height I’m only 5’6” so it makes being a new rider so much easier especially when you can touch the ground
All the shorter riders LOVED the seat height, especially when they got into rocks and gnarly terrain.
At 26 years old and 5’7”, I bought a 2022 CRF250F off a buddy with 5-10 hours on it and this bike fits me PERFECTLY. I’ve never been a rider, besides the 15 hours I put on a 1981 DR250Z I bought and sold in 2016. The fuel injection was something to get used to, but on the second day I was on the back tire through forest trails of a veteran rider on a 2021 KLX300R with a full setup and tune. I will say that I have the need for speed, and this bike will get you moving on tight trails once you figure out how to dance with it (the rear Scorpion tire it comes with absolutely digs). Whether your style is technical or speed, the transmission will let you do it all.
You can really throw these around... even the little brother. We have a vid of Megs Braap on the CRF150F and I couldn't keep up with her lol.
Two bikes have stolen my heart... my XR 75 1974 and my XR 250R 1982. Many others have come into my life and left with no emotional connection. These bikes will be with me until I die... They will keep running long after I'm gone! I'll not have to look into the 250F again... my heart goes pitter patter!
Same here, Rob. Had an XR75 as a teenager, then an XR400 in the late 1990s. Loved them both...
I started my enduro days with a CRF 230F. Very similar but with less power and had drum brakes. Made in Brasil as well. It was the best bike to learn: low seat, very plush suspension, an engine that simply didn’t ever stall, enough power to go anywhere, minimum maintenance and absolutely indestructible!!! I absolutely recommend it for anyone interested in getting into this sport.
While Honda have neglected the enduro market for years, they have really covered the entry level well, Jorge. If I was a short rider I would love to have one of these and take it on our hard enduro rides... they are very capable bikes as long as your body weight or style of riding doesn't push the soft suspension too hard.
@@crosstrainingenduro Couldn't agree more! When I "graduated" from my CRF 230, I couldn't find a good honda bike to move to (even though I loved the brand)... no 2T available or no decent enduro bike then... Now they offer the 4T RX version in my country, which I think it is fairly good, but they should definitely have a 2T version availabe ... a CR250X (or even better a 300!). Something like the Yamaha YZ 250X... but with electric start, would be my ideal bike and I'm sure they would sell impresively well... but you know... they don't seem to bother reading these comments or listening to their potential customers.
I just picked up a used 2019 one. I’m on the east coast. We have tight single track riding. Lots of rocks and tree roots . We rarely get out of 3rd gear when riding. This is a fantastic bike for this type of riding. If you wanna hit jumps and blow through the sand in 5th gear this isn’t the bike for you. The suspension is limited to the riding I mentioned above. It does really feel like the modern xr250. I really really wish they there was a headlight and back up kickstarter from the factory. You can’t win them all.
I’ve never ridden a dirt bike but I’m absolutely in love with them and want to start in about two years I’ll have the money I mean I have it but can’t use it right now but this bike is the one I want is is meant to be best for beginners and I’ve seen a lot of positive reviews on it and I can’t wait until I have my hands on one
I"ve owned over 25 motorcycles. I bought a crf250f about 10 months ago and I agree that it is as close to my old xr250r as any bike I've been on. I have only two complaints...The old XRs had a head and tail light so you could easily make them street legal, and 1.6 gallon fuel cell is....well come on Honda. really? I think the after market guys will fix the the fuel tank problem sooner than later I hope. Great great trail bike.
I've got a 16 230f for my dad, but I love to ride it for all the reasons you stated
I got this bike 2 years ago at 12. It was my first full-sized bike and I learned a lot from it and I think it was the best bike for me to have gotten at the time. Now I'm on a 450x but I wouldn't have got here without that 250.
Yep, Honda do some great 'in between' bikes.
Loved my xr’s and would love to have the crf.
Getting mine this weekend and can’t wait, was a challenge to find one! First bike ever and stoked to really learn how to ride 🤙🏻
Congrats, they are certainly great bikes to learn on... and it would probably be quite a while before you really felt the need to upgrade.
What’s your thoughts on taking this to a track and riding it even just learning, I feel like I’m gonna catch on quick on want to start doing corners and work on shifting and braking
No idea, we can't make recommendations without a pile of questions and actually seeing you ride too.
I bought a 2021 250f and it's been a great fun bike. I ride through trails and hit the tracks on it it does great for whatever I feel I want to do with it. I didn't have to buy different bikes for trail riding or motocross and it's good to know that the 250f can do it all.
Did you upgrade the suspension for motocross? Megs Braap was doing small jumps without problems but she's very light...
@@crosstrainingenduro only thing I did was replace the front fork fluid from a 5 weight to 10 weight to have it a little stiffer in the front. I also chipped it so I can get a little more power.
Upgraded my suspension to bbr springs that are 30% stiffer and geared it down to 13t in the front. Highly recommend it.
Im getting my 2022 crf250f Saturday i cant wait
I came from a yz125 of the 90’s now in my mid 40’s I think this is my bike!
My xr400r is my daily ride. I'm currently using it for city commuting and as a grocery getter. Me and the bike are more at home in the bush but with some slick tyres on a second set of rims with changed sprockets it is an excellent road bike and takes minutes to switch back to the off road tractor I can put up steep dirt hills on. Starts 1st or at worst 2nd kick when it's cold every time. Sometimes I stall the cold engine at the first set of lights around the corner, but it is yet to embarrass me and starts again first kick before the lights change. I've had a few bikes but this one is sticking around for the long haul.
Appreciate the look at the CRF250f. I'm concerned it's a bit small of an engine for my multi faceted use but I might get a more modern XR like ride yet. Really do wishit had a kickstart and a 350-400 air cooled engine, that would convince me.
ROAD LEGAL!!!!! 😁
I gotta add. I have this bike with about a 100 hours. I had a gap of almost 30 plus years not on a bike, the last one I owned was a yz125. Ya know what......I ride with guys on 250 to 350 ktm's and they're quicker on straight sections but when "in the shit" I'll take this. It's lights, it's easy to throw around and it never ever feels like it's trying to kill me. I ride this bike hard and when I'm done I change the oil, give it a wash and put it away.
Great to hear, Bram. Yes it's great how capable these are if you aren't in terrain needing huge power or big suspension.
Except for the low foot pegs and that long neck below the axel line in the front forks, it's all thumbs up.
Thinking of getting one as a spare for my high maintenance Husaberg TE300...Too often I can't ride because of some kind of maintenance
Own two of these. Excellent machine
I'm not very old only 21. But my dad introduced me too his old 86 xr250r. I now own a 2001 xr250r and have been loving it since. I've rode many other bikes and for me it just works better than any of them. KTM 300 xc. Yz125 (I plan to get one of these it was the only thing that really peaked my interest in a different way than the XR). Drz400. Xr400. Beta 250 2 stroke. And a crf250r. Nothing even compares
I’m 15 and my first bike with a clutch was a 1983 Honda xr200r and it was my grandfathers bike that he bought brand new in 1983 and it lasted until 2005 then it blew up and it was left in his basement until 2019 when I got it out, rebuilt it and it rides smooth as a baby’s but
These kinds of bikes are a hoot. For those who prefer green, Kawasaki has updated their trail bike line too with the KLX230 and KLX300. Waiting for Yamaha to update their line with fuel injected trail bikes. 👍
I was wondering how it stacks up with the Kawaka KLX230
@@philipmarr7325 Kawi is lighter and has 6 gears. Honda makes a couple more ponies.
Different categories mate, klx are dual sports, the “f”s are trail bikes, huge weight difference and more suspension travel for the Hondas.
@@visuart Kawasaki has trail bike (non road legal) 230 and 300 now. They also have dual sport versions.
I've had one, the forks are one step removed from an old mountain bike fork with the rubber cones, the fact they managed to make a fork that doesn't absorb small bumps yet has no resistance to bottoming is a feat in itself.
While the engine response is better than an XR250R it falls short everywhere else, compliance lights and switchgear, airfilter and airbox design, 5 speed, build quality, fuel tank size, the biggest thing is the suspension, for 25+ years advancement they've managed to go backwards a lot in the suspension dept
The suspension is atrocious with any little jumps. With a big jump youre really gonna feel that big jump hard
Agree. When I'm out riding in the desert and I'm in 5th gear on regular truck trail those little bumps give me speed wobbles. I'm going to see if I can add a steering stabilizer to help.
Sounds fun! Newer Crf230f undoubtedly
Had both - this one is better! FI really works!
@@dallas_shannon I think there is a lot to be said for these bikes. You can ride these hard and still not be getting to fast. My bike now is a bit much for my needs but throttle control makes it ridable.
I think you've answered the question I've been asking myself, "What is there that is the equivalent of my trusty old XR###R?" Though I feel the CRF is more aligned with the downtuned and softer XL###R. My old XR200RD had about the power of the CRF300 and was only about 100kg.
I’ve got an old 300mxc. And that bike is great as long as I don’t make a mistake and it tries to kill me. Cause I’m an average Dirtbike rider at best. Mainly road experience. Been thinking about a Crf for a while. I really think it’s the bike for me. I do all trails and have kids. Don’t like getting hurt. Thanks for the great review.
Just rode hatfield mccoy trails over weekend on my 21 crf250f....she kicked ass all weekend..wonderful bike very glad I got it
Fun little bikes for sure, Keenan! I hope the Traction eRag crew get another fleet of Hondas once the virus situation settles down, they are a pile of fun to wheelie. 😎
Great trail system!
nice review
My crf250x 04 looks after me it's a great all round enduro bike yehaaa ✊👍
I have an 05 and I can’t help grinning like an idiot when I ride it on single track
Such a great bike!!
Your videos are the only ones I will take the time to go back to and give a thumbs up if I forget... I dont even think I'd do it for that dodgy Cross Training Enduro guy lol!
I won't either. His bad Canadian accent is just too much.
I've been intrigued by this bike having owned a CRF230F and still owning a XR200R. My only complaint with the CRF230 was the weight, something I've addressed considerably on my XR200. I know that they don't feel as heavy as paper shows but it would be nice if Honda was mindful of the fact that a new or smaller rider may have to pick one of these 251LBS machines up off it's side. Great video
We had both 230F and 200R. This is better. FI, disc brakes make a big difference.
The weight surprised me too, I thought the 114kg dry weight had to be a mistake... but they feel so light when you are riding them. 🤔
My impressions as well. Fantastic bike!
It’s a Great bike!
I have a TTR230. That I have changed just about everything...best it can be.
My brother just got a CRF250F and it’s as good as my bike right out the dealer floor. Great price as well. If one complaint. He’s brakes could be upgraded. That’s it! I’m heavy 275lbs and 6’ tall so my weight might be a bit much for the Honda’s brakes.... although they seem a bit thin/chincy. That’s my only area I’d spend a single $ on. And they are not “Bad” just not GREAT.
Ordered mine last week, I can't fuckin wait
"riders who enjoy bikes that start." LOL
my father had the 250r I have some memories with it when i was a kid then he sold it, 18 years later now we ride together time to time, me in my well used, rusty connectors, faulty tps.... 2007 990 adv and him in an spanking new bmw f850gs
Honda is a red carpet for people to learn to ride!
i just traded my 2006 crf450r for a 2021 crf250f because the majority of my riding is in the trails and i could not be more pleased with this bike
Great to hear!
I got a hummed up XR350R among 30 other bikes but I got my XR650L dialed in so well it's my only go to bike even over the XRR's at the moment anyway I am addicted to the torque
I wish we could still get the XR650L in Australia, for some unknown reason they discontinued it back in 2012... and I suspect then DR650 really took off as as result.
Went with the Klx300r only because of my size. Both bikes are fab and should last a long time
I have the 2022 250 F to ride with my wife and five kids on their CRFs as well. The whole lineup of trail bikes aside from the little 50 or fuel injected and are awesome. Don’t waste your time on the 50cc CRF but all the others are great little bikes for families to ride together. My wife wants a little bigger bike than the 125 big wheel so we are going to get her the Kawasaki KLX 140RF mild motor with full size bike wheel set only 205 pounds…
Great review I need something I can work on and he’s ready for a bigger bike than the 125le
I have a 150f and just recently got a 250x, im wondering if the 250f wouldve been a nice middle ground with less maintenance 😂
Have a 230F with modded suspension (XR250R fork and aftermarket piggyback shock) Have not ridden a 250F but my sense is that the XR series has better stock suspension than the 250F. What are your thoughts on suspension out of the box?
The XR has longer travel which should immediately make it better. We did have an XR200 handy but it's so old and never had the suspension overhauled so it wasn't useful in a comparison.
Loved my 1990 XR250. This newer version just needs some modern adjustable suspension.
The FI and the disc brakes are brilliant!
@@dallas_shannon - My 1990 had disc brakes on both ends. The fuel injection and electric start are nice, but most other areas are a step backwards, especially compared to the model that came out in ‘96 (?).
They should have put the A-Loop plastic kit and tank on it and called it the CRF.. I’d buy one in an instant..
Great video as always!! I love your DS impersonation :-)
Heh heh. Miss you JJ! Someday you need to come visit us!
@@dallas_shannon I'd love to!! Miss you guys too!!
Hey John, I watch that vid occasionally where I was going flat out trying to keep up with you and then finding out at the end you were just cruising along enjoying the scenery. 😂
@@crosstrainingenduro Well you get the last laugh... Last November I was being an idiot on my YZ and ended up breaking 3 vertebrae. Now the wife has banned me from everything except my trials bike lol
@@crosstrainingenduro I'm moving back home at the end of the year, so hopefully you can come over for a visit?? I'll hook you up with a bike or two.
I have an XR 250 (s)( with the electric starter)
And I’m doing pretty hard Enduro with it.. it’s a war dog !! and it may be a bit “soft and slow” but it will get you through anything !!💪🏽
What xr do u have w elec start?
They still get up and go! We put Megs Braap on our 1986 model and I could barely keep up with her on that racetrack....
@@dualsportrider3221 it's the XR250 S , somthing like "city edition" with electric starter , steel tank , and a 39teeth sprocket xD
Ah. Ok. I had an 02 xr250 r and no way to get elec starter. I've gotten old and ride 09klx250s and a 13 drz400s due to elec start. I miss my xr. I think u got a xr250L I hear less performance and heavier fly wheel. I kinda always wanted to take and 250r and a 250l and build a 250r w elec start. 25hp, 219lbs 6sped no radiators what a bike
@@dualsportrider3221 you're pretty much right
I owned this bike for a year. The weight at 265 pounds with a full tank and the suspension was the breaking point for me. Moved up to a Te250i
Yep, if you keep progressing and getting faster/more aggressive there will come a point you'll need to move on.
I recently bought a slightly used 2020 CRF250F from my nephew, who only had about 20 hours on it. I’m really enjoying this bike. As a fifty year old who took about thirty years off from riding, I wanted something that wasn’t going to get away from me. Also, I’m a shorter rider, and the 34.8” seat height is quite doable for me. I don’t quite have the confidence yet to try a KTM or Husqvarna with a 37”+ seat height. Eventually I might, but for now I’m digging the 250F.
Great to hear! I think if the right person buys this bike they will enjoy it. There are few criticisms in the comments but it's always from guys expecting it to perform like a high performance enduro bike... or they were learning on a CRF250F and are now starting to ride it more aggressively than the designers intended.
You show us the XR200R ha ha a realy fun playbike .A CRF230F with a bit more bore up too 250cc was my wish.A bike bring you in gnarly rough section an even back with no technical fails.
I own an 2008 xr250l and love it to bits, e start and slightly more modern suspension than the pre 2004 xr's its lighter and I imagine quicker than the crf250l's. Would definitely give one of these a go but get the feeling I might not be able to register one for the road like my bike.
You'll never get this on the road without some serious creativity. We have the 250L here as well - much heavier and lower. The F is a much better dirtbike but the 250L will haul our carcass to ALASKA and back!
I'm beyond confused by Honda's naming schemes. Is the 2020+ 250F completely different line from the 2018- CRF 250F? Those were carburated and I think air cooled. So is it a continuation of CRF 230F? Because that was a clear XR250R successor, amazing bike, we have one, I don't get why it wasn't more popular. Are engine parts interchangeable between the 230F and the 250F?
It would be a great alternative to my AJP PR4, but it doesn't have plates, it's heavier and it has worse suspension. Still an interesting bike though.
We just picked one up and I’ve put about 160 miles on it in Northern Utah. Just point and shoot and this thing goes. That’s all. Simple as.
that Megatron track looks so fun i wish i had somewhere to ride like that
Definitely makes a difference when you have friends with big private properties, Jarred!
Can the CRF250F be used on an MX track if not racing, and using the correct suspension spring stiffness for my weight? I know this doesn't perform like a race bike, but I also don't want the bike to bottom out and break in 2. I may also need Racetech valving.
I don't really know, there's less travel than a full blown dirt bike and that will probably be the main issue.
Got a 19 for 3500, threw in custom g3 race tech shock for motocross hits, fork springs and emulator valves with holes drilled in damper rods, yoshi pipe, pro taper bars and 1in suspension lift front and rear to upgrade the ground clearance. This thing is an absolute weapon and I haven’t touched the cylinder yet once I trash the stock one I’m going with a 280cc kit and going to make her a mean machine!
Where did you buy all of this stuff
Anyone know if you can register one of these in Australia?
Crf250f for an adult who is an experienced motoeryclist and wants to get into dirt riding? Good choice, or too quickly outgrown? Looking for bike that can go on trails and faster single track, and fun laps at small mx tracks.
i love my crf250f it was my first dirtbike and man it’s just so fun and requires no matnance or skill to ride
Do you know if there are aftermarket springs? I weigh 230 pounds, and think I will need to up the spring weight.
I don't know James but a Honda dealer would for sure.
i am a short time away from buying the 2022 250. and cant wait, it is like the XR series which was
the best series since the beginning of time .wish they called it XR series still..or XRF maybe.
Loved my old XR400... what a wheelie machine.
That’s funny I don’t remember ever starting an XR with the push of a button.
However I do recall quite a bit of kicking....
Especially when they fall over!
I would always try to stop my XR400 on a slope so I could kickstart the bugger lol.
@@crosstrainingenduro I must be doing some thing wrong? my 400 starts first kick every time, but then i have removed the auto decomp.
There is a "sacred ritual" to starting thumpers. Once you figure your bikes ritual out, it'll start fine pretty much every time.
Just been working on a X-r250 Baja .only has a electric start
Awesome bike. And the ttr230.
I recommend both to friends that want their 1st dirtbike
Generally they'll learn way faster on these, Ernie. If I had kids learning to ride I'd definitely put them on these before going to a proper enduro bike.
@@crosstrainingenduro yup I made that mistake with my daughter, 09 kx100 for her first real bike. After the first whiskey throttle cowboy / lazyboy FMX stunt, she never rode it again. I started my wife on a 03 xr100 and now she's friggin awesome on a 18 kx100. Tiny 5 footer mighty motor of a woman.
2 years riding and she's progressing like crazy
The mighty XR100 eh? I rode one as a teenager, great little wheelie machines. Great to hear the missus is doing well!
@@crosstrainingenduro @jessie.moto_ on Instagram if you want to follow her journey. I take all the pics.
“Reprobate”and “the cat’s ass” definitely writing those down. Thank you 😎
you're 100% right
Is there a huge difference between CRF250f and cRF230f?
I'm not sure, I've never ridden the 230F
i got the 2020 crf250f for my first bike i liked it
Would you recommend this bike for a first time Rider
Rode XR's for most of my life. That fuel injection would be neat: XR's were real bastards for restarting when you dropped them once hot. Oh, and it would be interesting to know what the oil capacity of the latest version is. The XR's longevity was down in part to having a decent amount of oil sloshing around in that unstressed motor: 1.8L in my 1990 XR 250 from memory.
Strangely Honda don't list the oil capacity on their website specs but I reckon it would have to be similar...
Looks like a great bike. How does it compare with the Yamaha yz250fx? Big price difference for sure. For 190lb noob rider. Want to ride trails etc. No Moto track.
Completely different bikes, I think. The FX is designed to race but also makes a good everyday enduro bike. Lighter, way more powerful, more suspension, more maintenance needed etc.
I put a Yoshimura exhaust and programmer on mines its a whole different beast