Honda CRF 250 Rally - Test Ride & Review

The most beautiful lightweight motorcycle on the market in 2018

Finally I have got the chance to test this beautiful motorcycle. The new Honda CRF 250 Rally. For me this is the most beautiful bike on the market today. I love every detail on it. The shape, the colours, the lightweight and the 21-18 inch combination. I have it for test ride and I was a bit disappointed from the engine. I know that it was only 25 h.p, but some how I was expected that they will be enough. They might be, but definitely not for heavy guy like me. Also the suspension is very soft and the small tank, only 10,1 litters make the bike not so convenient for long motorcycle trips. Anyway, it is not my bike, but could be the perfect adventure machine for many of you.

[shid]

I've said it many times already and I'll say it again. Honda should make CRF500L :) Parallel twin - a half sized Africa Twin.

[petergoddard]

Hi Pavlin,
Thanks once again for a very accurate and honest review. This one is closer to my heart as I have this bike. Agreed, the power isn't great, but I do most of my riding on small rural lanes and in the hills and very little highway work. I use minimal luggage and a Giant Loop Coyote or the Kreiga OS Stuff is more than enough for my requirements and works perfectly on this bike. I'm not in any hurry and unlike you, I'm not tall (although I weigh too much!) at 5'9" and I find the screen ideal. Even with the suspension sag, I still find the bike a little tall although I'm getting used to her. I've dropped in power considerably and I haven't enjoyed my riding so much in years! I totally understand why the bike isn't for you (I think you'd love something halfway between the Africa Twin and this). Great review my friend.
Peter

[brianwhite]

Thank you, Pavlin for another great video! I've watched many CRF 250 Rally reviews and yours is one of the best! I'm 63 years old, 6 ft and 180 lb and I think this is the bike for me. I haven't ridden since the '70s when I rode my Honda Trail 90 around the Santa Monica mountains in California, Pacific Coast Highway and dirt roads were so much fun so I want another lightweight bike as I'm retired now and want that fun again. Thinking of Mexico or Portugal and this bike would be perfect.

[BruceDaughtry]

Last year I went on an 1800 mile bike trip with my son, who has a 2013 Honda CRF250L. When we finished the trip, I sold my bike and bought a 2017 CRF250L model ... too much plastic on the Rally model ... stuff that would have to be replaced for a serious off-road trip. I'm leaving in 2 weeks for an epic 5, 000+ mile Trans America Trail ride. Watch ANY video from the TAT, and no one ever says I wish I had a bigger bike. ;-)

[davidalcantara]

I have a CRF250L since two years ago and I have made long trips with it (heavy loaded with packages) around my country (Chile) in both on-road and off-road. Only one critic remains invariable in my mind: (very) bad pre-load of rear suspension shock, which isn't adjustable. Everything else is really good.

[boseisgood]

I am enjoying these reviews of smaller bikes. Thank you!

[martinpahl]

Hi Pavlin, thanks for the review. Rode two of these with my wife for 10 days with luggage in the hills of northern Thailand. I am 1, 90m/96kg, my wife 1, 66m/64kg - they were great for both of us, although she had the suspension dropped a little.
Power was a bit low for me - 10-15 hp more would be great (our usual bikes are old 50hp Transalps.)
Only problem: front brake to small for me.Coming down a long, narrow, winding road off a high ridge on the Burmese border, the brake fluid boiled and I had a total front brake failure! Luckily no crash, but if it were my bike I would fit a better brake.

[UhYeahWhateverDude]

Agreed! It’s a great bike. I have one that I travel around Thailand with. It meets all the basic needs and is reasonably priced.

[frankperham]

Hi from Australia Pavlin, I have watched other reviews of the CRF 250 Rally and apparently after 1000km the motor loosens up noticeably and the power is better. Also some have changed to one tooth extra on front sprocket which makes more relaxed riding on the motorway.
It will always be a bit underpowered being a 250 but like you I think it is a good looking bike and with some sensible modifications including fixing soft suspension it would make a fine bike for some people.
I would like you to do a review on Suzuki Vstrom XT 650 when you get the opportunity. I have a few bikes including 2018 model vstrom and I love it. Good power and road handling and set up properly could go most off road places. Great economy with 450km from 20 litre tank and comfortable for 120kph cruising.
I always look forward to notifications from you. One of the best if not the best YouTube motorcycle channels to watch from around the world. I hope you get to Australia some time.

[Szlejer]

I rode this bike, easy to handle, user friendly, the power is non-threatening and I'd highly recommend it for city commuting or for beginners.

[EnduroFunLife]

Thank you for the great review.
I have been riding the rally since one year and am very satisfied. However, after a short time I changed the exhaust (Arrow) and renewed the suspension (Hyperpro).
With this and some other mods, it is now an great bike!
And now I'm waiting for the CRF 450 Rally, or the T7;)

[nordic]

I am only 75 kilos and i love my crf250. Modification i did was a 13t front sprocket for more pull. Good bike.

[SuperLubot]

I have this bike. The front forks actually has springs on one side, the other is just gas. The small gas tank can be replaced by a larger aftermarket Acerbis transparent tank. Not much power yes, but it is light enough to get you through extremely muddy conditions. Good starter Adventure Bike if you ask me.

[thomasklagenfurt]

Thank you for this great video again!!

There are not enough light-weight adventure motorcycles - which can easily be upgraded with travel equipment (rear luggage/suitcase rack, high windshield and so on) - with approx. 450-500 ccm engine displacement on the market. The manufacturers should offer more of those bikes especially for people with short legs as well as for people with a SMALL budget...!!

[sausagesandwichSA]

Great bike. I have one and suits me perfectly, I'm only 73. kg and 5'11
Just got back from a week of camping on it with about a 20kg load.

[BIG-K]

Another excellent and very fair review. I was disappointed to hear you say that it's not really suitable for very tall guys like me (2m). I shall keep on looking! Thank you Pavlin 👍

[ihtishamulhaq]

It's a simple and peaceful bike.
🌻🇮🇸

[toodgs]

The CR is a downmarket XR. I have Baja 250 air cooled carb model rated at 28 but junk the factory muffler and it is probably good for 30 Hp. Ten position damping on the rear makes for easy adjustment the only real handling difference is the upside down forks on the front of the CR, but I can leave them behind with ease. You need to get to know the engine as it has a very small power band and you need to chase the gears. Mine has 12 litre tank standard and they also made a 400cc version. Sad that they stopped developing the Baja as it is an exceptional bike. I miss being able to pick up the front wheel with ease but the stock front end seems to absorb ridiculous stuff with a full throttle squirt. I weigh 79 kilos/182 cm.

[alyrealty]

I have a 2017 Rally. I have put about 2000 kms on it. I agree with you that it is under-powered, and that the windshield is too small. I am 5'7", 115 lbs so I had the bike lowered. Thanks for sharing that the suspension may be too soft for heavier people. Your review is very good.

[krasky]

You have really some great reviews on your channel! Very honest and detailed. Looking forward to new uploads!