Honda Introduces Dakar Inspired CRF 250L Rally

Honda recently unveiled a new adventure-focused model known as the 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 is ready for weekend adventure, long-distance tour or the daily commute. Featuring styling that evokes images of adventure and travel, the bike has long-travel suspension, large-disk ABS brakes, excellent weather protection and an impressive cruising range. Engine performance combines solid bottom-end torque 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."

CRF250L Rally

Based on the updated CRF250L, the CRF250L Rally adds a wide range of changes that make it a unique proposition in the market, with styling inspiration from 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 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.

Engine/Drivetrain

Compact and sophisticated liquid-cooled DOHC 249cc single-cylinder four-stroke powerplant produces smooth and consistent torque at low rpm, plus excellent high-rpm performance.
A 38mm throttle body (up 2mm from the 2016 CRF250L) 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.
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI).
Extremely compact roller rocker arm design for the low-friction valve train allows the use of a smaller cylinder head.
Gear-driven counterbalancer shaft helps reduce vibrations for rider comfort.
Electric start for easy starting.
Lightweight aluminum crankcase.
Maintenance-free CD ignition.
Heavy-duty clutch offers smooth, progressive engagement.
Smooth-shifting, versatile six-speed transmission.
Heavy-duty O-ring-sealed chain for durability and reduced maintenance.
Quiet, USDA-qualified spark arrester/muffler.
Maintenance-free sealed battery.

Chassis/Suspension

Rally-type "floating" screen, fairing and radiator shrouds provide wind protection, with the rest of the machine showing off minimal MX style.
LED asymmetric headlights, as are the turn signals.
Large fuel tank allows extensive range.
Chassis developed specifically for the CRF250L provides excellent handling and agility.
Lightweight semi-double-cradle high-tensile steel frame.
Strong 43mm inverted fork provides 11 inches of travel.
Pro-Link single-shock rear suspension delivers 10.3 inches of rear-wheel travel.
Tapered aluminum swingarm.
Powerful wave-design 256mm front disc brake, and 220mm rear disc brake provide strong and consistent stopping power.
Meter assembly, taillight and license-plate holder have all been updated for 2017.
Large floating front disc-plus ABS that can be switched off for the rear brake-delivers stopping power.
Front 21-inch wheel and 18-inch rear wheel with lightweight aluminum rims.
New digital dash includes a fuel gauge and tachometer.
Durable front and rear steel sprockets.
High-quality handlebar with comfortable grips.

Specs

Model CRF250L Rally ABS CRF250L Rally
Engine Type 249.6cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore x Stroke 76.0mm x 55.0mm
Compression Ratio 10.7:1
Induction PGM-FI; 38mm throttle body
Ignition Full transistorized ignition
Transmission Six-speed
Final Drive Chain
Valve Train DOHC; four valves
SUSPENSION
Front 43mm telescopic inverted fork; 11.0 in. travel
Rear Pro-Link® single shock; 10.3 in. travel
BRAKES
Front Single 296mm disc w/ twin-piston caliper; ABS Single 296mm disc w/ twin-piston caliber
Rear Single 220mm disc; ABS Single 220mm disc
TIRES
Front 3.00-21
Rear 120/80-18
Rake (Caster Angle) 28.1°
Trail 114mm
Seat Height 35.2 in.
Ground Clearance 10.6 in.
Wheelbase 57.3 in.
Fuel Capacity 2.7 gal.
Color Black/Red/White
Curb Weight* 346.1 lbs. 341.7 lbs.
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel-ready to ride

• Colors: Red/Black/White
  
• Price: $5,899
  
• Availability: March 2017
  

Chaparral Motorsports is an authorized Honda dealer.