Updates Will Make the Bikes Better
Honda isn’t rewriting the book on its 250cc off-roaders, but it is adding in some updates that should make them a little better. The company will add twin spark technology to the engines of the CRF250L and CRF250 Rally, making the motorcycles more efficient, according to a patent application spotted by MoreBikes. This will help keep the bikes good from an emissions standpoint and improve performance overall.
Honda didn’t stop there, though. The motorcycles also get a new mechanical fuel pump and direct injection. This should also help the bikes become more efficient. It should also help reduce the amount of service the bikes need over the long haul, which means the updates will make the bikes less expensive to own over a longer period of time.
These updates will help keep these 250cc bikes in Honda’s lineup as emissions tighten up around the world. It’ll be neat to see the performance gains, too. While horsepower won’t likely increase, the bikes should be a little peppier thanks to the new fuel pump and direct injection, which is welcomed. I’m a big fan of 250cc motorcycles, especially off-road-focused ones, so I’m thrilled to see Honda investing some money into them.
I wish they would bump to 300cc…
Likewise, I’d love a CRF with Honda’s 300cc motor. I believe it has longer stroke, so a torque boost in particular. I test rode CRF250L & disappointed it felt no more zip than my 20yr old low-tech Kawasaki 250 Sherpa, although smoother at highway speed.
Hey, Peter. A 300cc engine would be nice. A bit more torque is never a bad thing, especially for bikes like these.
somewhere out there exists a new dual sport bike with low weight and decent power- but doesn’t cost 10k
sorry, 20 hp pushing 140 kg just isn’t acceptable on tarmac, you become a mobile chicane for cars
and this goes for the new klx
Hey Darren, I like where your head is at, but I definitely think there’s a place in the market for smaller displacement bikes like these dual-sport models. A 300cc or 400cc would be great, but I don’t see much wrong with a 230cc or 250cc.
250L must change out both sprockets and beef up suspension… These are a must! Better on/off knobbies would be nice, as stock tires are almost dangerous…
If they’re not going to update the measly 8 liter fuel tank, they’re not winning more riders here.