I threw one of these 40ft down the side of a mountain in Vietnam a month ago, it had rear panniers on and a big heavy dry sack on the rear. The bike rolled over a few times and there was no damage to the rear subframe. To be fair the only damage was smashed rear view mirror glass. Amazing bike.
Thanks for a great video Kory. Bought my CRF last week to try something a little more gnarly after years of soft-roading on a GS, tarmac miles and trackdays, and your info is truly helpful. Gotta do the sprocket mod first. Totally agree with your comments on that one!
Hahahaha, first video I watched of yours and I'm listening to all the hits you took while riding...You've been through the grinder. I need to check out your riding!
No, I would not consider that as tires have no effect on your top speed. If you want more top speed, you need a bigger front sprocket or smaller rear sprocket. Street tires will only help you corner faster without falling down. Knobbies tend to slide out in paved corners.
If there is a lot of sand in the dirt, that's abrasive and will lower tire life. Concrete and blacktop eat knobbies really fast. No matter what the terrain, more aggressive tires wear faster. Dirt vs paved, dirt will give you more tire life.
All of the above except for embarrassing. Long distance rides with that pipe was annoying. Very annoying. I refuse to wear earplugs just because of the exhaust. [My seca is loud . . .incredibly loud, so I'm not being an old man about this] Also, some off road parks and tracks have decibel limits, which the FMF exceeded.
Your 6'2 so you are a good sized guy but how much do you weigh? That makes a big difference on how the power feels. Good to know the bike is holding up. Really hope honda makes a 350-500cc version of this bike.
190lbs. And don't hold your breath on the Honda thing, the XL650 might get fuel injected for better emissions, but it hasn't had an update in decades. The market is too saturated with ADV bikes for a 250 and a 350. They might make a 450 based on the Dakar bike, but again not very likely.
Yeah it sucks too because lots of people would want a reliable Japanese fuel injected 6 speed dual sport under 350lbs. Honestly even a fuel injected xr650l would be a hell of a nice start. At least then people would have a good base to work from. Bit too tall for most though.
Cynthia Sosa TCI makes one, but it's junk. Took a lot of bending and grinding to get it to fit. I also made one, it was a one-off custom that I put KC led lights on. Built that in my garage.
When you remove the emissions junk from the bike will you do a video about that process? I was thinking of doing the same to my bike but I haven't ever messed with any emissions junk besides on trucks.
What's up with the low maximum mileage on these tires. I'm very new to this. But car tires typically last 50k+ miles. Why do bike tires apparently only last 5k?
+Kory's Rides Oh so it's the tire material? Just like how ATV tires wear faster. I thought there was something with motorcycle tires as a whole. So then if I put street tires on the 250L for city riding, I assume their life would lengthen significantly?
Ballwiz 23 Depends on the brand. Pilot power tires have gone 10k-12k, but if you get kenda they may only go 3k or 4k. Depends more on the brand and quality. Dunlop 606 dual sport tires seem to go about 5k, mefo explorer dual sport tires seem to go about 8k-10k
Wow. I didn't realize tires would be that much of an expense. Still not sure why street tires last such a short time though. Seems they would be something similar to car tires. Thanks for the info though!
I think the theory is that softer compounds bring a safety factor; they stick to the road well and help you avoid sliding and spilling. So they are a bit sacrificial, you replace tires instead of replacing bodywork, handlebars, broken clutch and brake levers, or anything else that might snap and break, including your body. So a harder tire might last a long time but may slide more than one would like (my nemesis is wet leaves on a smooth steel manhole cover, in a turn, while rolling on the power again). That said, I've got Heidenau K60 Scout tires on my V-Strom, and the former owner said he drove across Canada and back to BC on them. A year later, I'm still using them. They are worn, but still work well enough, so the whole life of a tire question is a head scratcher. Canada is 7700 kms wide, give or take (5000+ miles). So around 10,000 miles on them! I don't corner agressively on them, and I wonder if I might carve turns more if I got sticker tires.
Did you buy this bike new? I'm getting mine in a few days and not sure what to do special for the break in time, can anyone offer advice? How long should you "break it in" for?
Neil Wilkes CRF250L Oil Change is the name of the video I posted for the first oil change. I changed it earlier than they say to, and I am glad I did. Just drive it normally, and don't bounce it off the rev limiter. If I had to do it again, I would change oil and filter at 300, then at 600 miles. After that drive it however you want. And yes I bought it new.
watched a RUclips video on this bike and guy was comparing it to a Yamaha 250 and said that the crf250l is made in CHINA & Yamaha was made in japan is this true ?
+bldeagle10 the xrl is a perfect SM or street bike in general. it has a cruising speed of 70mph if you ditch the smogger junk and do the "daves mod" google it its a few easy and free mods for the stock carb. it has alot of scary low end power to keep it interesting and its very dependable :)
+Kory's Rides Those tires are 80% street 20% dirt, not 50/50. Which is why you don't like them off road. And you should get a lot more mileage out of them then that. I've got 6,000 miles on the set on my KLR-650 and haven't worn them near as far as you. I expect an easy 8,000 from the rear and 15-20,000 from the front. Do you air up when on the tarmac?
hey my US friends... its not the price what is higher, its the US Dollar who fucks up more and more like the EURO now at the moment... For example. a year ago you get 50 ThaiBaht for 1 EURO and 33 Baht for a USD ..... .now its 34 Thaibaht for an EURO and 30 for a USD ... so here in Thailand, the price did not change much...it became more CHEAP :D
XtremeGaming123 Depends on what you weigh. At 6'2", 190lbs, rear preload turned way up, and a seat concepts seat, I can only flat foot it if I slide to the front of the seat.
have you seen the new rally version? you think its worth spending the extra $1000 for a bigger tank, an LED light, and an adjustable windscreen? i think it has 15mm of extra ground clearance too
vehlajatt22 it's actually shorter then the normal version. I'd rather spend the money on suspension upgrades. rally has too much plastic body to break. to much weight too. it's a pretend rally bike just like the Kawasaki versys 300
your gona rip out the one pound emissions parts to save weight......and then add 40 pound luggage rack? good idea. a luggage rack on that bike is not going to work out well
Eric Dealano My IRC front has now 18 k kms and will still run 2-3 k kms more. Changed the original rear on 14 k kms just before a 3 k kms trip but Im sure it would have lasted through that trip. I ride 95 % on paved road though.
Great vid. Very informative. Thanks! You would have gotten a subscription from me if not for taking off the emissions control devices. It sucks, but there is a reason why LA used to look like China does now. Playing by the rules suck, but...
Kory's Rides hey Kory, what is your opinion can i make an adventure bike from this? check my list please. 1. acerbis tank 2. windshield (removeble from taobao, use for adventure only) 3. soft bags 4. rear plastic bag 5. tankbag 6. 12v plug 7. phone holder 8. hand guard 9. engine protection frame 10. laggage system I don't have so much money and time so i can't buy 2 bikes. I looked at versys 300 but suspension is horrible there and I don't trust Kawasaki. my target is to buy crf and use it in the city and in the forest but sometimes to go to the adventure trips (90% asphalt)
You want more power but mentioned nothing of the injection mapping. Maybe this would get you the power you seek? Also Acerbis is pronounced a-chair-bees. Some day I will teach every knucklehead on the Internet this.
More power for me would be like . . .40. Can't get that out of this engine short of a big bore kit, cams, etc. I'll just put around on this one until they do fuel injection on the 650L
Kory's Rides Stock is 19 hp at 8000 RPM. I have heard of people getting over 30 with K&N Air, Exhaust, and mapping. I think you have your gearing right though. That puts it in the range of a Stock CRF250 which is not shabby at all. www.honda-crf250l.com/crf250l-efi-programmer/ Fun channel man, I enjoy the videos.
I think 30 may be inflated a bit for those mods. I've seen dyno numbers for around 24 with those mods though. Somebody on ADV rider is doing a 350cc kit for it based on a big bore for the CBR. I think he was getting 35-40, but that is a lot of internal engine work and it doesn't seem like it will live long.
I threw one of these 40ft down the side of a mountain in Vietnam a month ago, it had rear panniers on and a big heavy dry sack on the rear. The bike rolled over a few times and there was no damage to the rear subframe. To be fair the only damage was smashed rear view mirror glass. Amazing bike.
Thanks for a great video Kory. Bought my CRF last week to try something a little more gnarly after years of soft-roading on a GS, tarmac miles and trackdays, and your info is truly helpful. Gotta do the sprocket mod first. Totally agree with your comments on that one!
Excellent review buddy, I like it.
Keep up the great work buddy.
I do like the kickstand plate you welded on, That is a nice addition.
I love the CRF 250 L. Could be my next bike trail.
This goes to show you guys Honda’s quality. This bike been through hell and back.
Hahahaha, first video I watched of yours and I'm listening to all the hits you took while riding...You've been through the grinder. I need to check out your riding!
mtd076 I have gotten better over the last two years . . .
good idea with those tie down points on the forks, always wondered why they don't come like that from the factory.
great review thanks
Fantastic information, thanks for sharing.
Lots o modz here. Luv it. Liked and subbed.
Those tyres must be awful off-road, especially in the wet! My stock tyres are still good at 4000 miles..
I am wondering if adding the rox risers gave you any issues regarding cable and brake line lengths
Thanks, Rich
Ruth Squillace nope, all factory cables
With the aftermarket tank, does the fuel gauge still work? Or do you lose that gauge benefit with the new tank?
Still works, not accurate. check out my other videos on how to fix that
Very helpful and informative video! Thank you! Looking forward for more videos. Have a save and fun ride!
Would you consider changing to street tires if you wish to have more juice on the TOP SPEED on the streets?
No, I would not consider that as tires have no effect on your top speed. If you want more top speed, you need a bigger front sprocket or smaller rear sprocket. Street tires will only help you corner faster without falling down. Knobbies tend to slide out in paved corners.
How about Conti's?
For the mirrors, where can i find that ram mount/double take mirror combo? does it screw into where the stock mirror is? thanks
Stock location, got mine on eBay
I want this bike, I ride DIRT ROADS only, think il get more milage out of the tires if I stick to JUST dirt?
If there is a lot of sand in the dirt, that's abrasive and will lower tire life. Concrete and blacktop eat knobbies really fast. No matter what the terrain, more aggressive tires wear faster. Dirt vs paved, dirt will give you more tire life.
I like how you spell your name.
Hi! It is better to buy, Honda CRF 250L or Kawasaki KLX 250S? I plan to drive asphalt/off-road 50/50.
I have no experience with the KLX. No complaints about my Honda.
Could you please give a list of modifications and their brands at description section?
I don't want to do that. please visit my channel and see my crf playlist for all accessories and miss
+Kory's Rides mods not miss. sorry
Great video, thanks. How were the vales when you checked them? Yamaha claims 24K or something crazy, curious about Honda. Subscribed.
The valves were fine, checked them at 600 and at 4500
Have you or do you know of anyone who has installed an IMS 3.5 gallon fuel tank with a flat land radiator guard?
Sorry, can't help on that specific setup.
What's wrong with the FMF being loud? Was it fatiguing, annoying, embarrassing or were you just being kind to your neighbors by removing it?
All of the above except for embarrassing. Long distance rides with that pipe was annoying. Very annoying. I refuse to wear earplugs just because of the exhaust. [My seca is loud . . .incredibly loud, so I'm not being an old man about this] Also, some off road parks and tracks have decibel limits, which the FMF exceeded.
Does your fuel tanks work with your flatland radiator guard? Did you have to cut it on the rear brace?
I did have to notch it. I have another video for that.
@@KorysRides : Did you install a 3.5 gal tank? Does it fit with a flatland radiator guard (or other guard)? I don't know if it does.
Your 6'2 so you are a good sized guy but how much do you weigh? That makes a big difference on how the power feels. Good to know the bike is holding up. Really hope honda makes a 350-500cc version of this bike.
190lbs. And don't hold your breath on the Honda thing, the XL650 might get fuel injected for better emissions, but it hasn't had an update in decades. The market is too saturated with ADV bikes for a 250 and a 350. They might make a 450 based on the Dakar bike, but again not very likely.
Yeah it sucks too because lots of people would want a reliable Japanese fuel injected 6 speed dual sport under 350lbs.
Honestly even a fuel injected xr650l would be a hell of a nice start. At least then people would have a good base to work from. Bit too tall for most though.
i saw a front rack for lights where did you get it from?
Cynthia Sosa TCI makes one, but it's junk. Took a lot of bending and grinding to get it to fit. I also made one, it was a one-off custom that I put KC led lights on. Built that in my garage.
holy crap you go through tires quickly. is that because you do so much off road?
jeff ferguson no. I just use full throttle a lot
When you remove the emissions junk from the bike will you do a video about that process? I was thinking of doing the same to my bike but I haven't ever messed with any emissions junk besides on trucks.
Yes, there will be a video for it
thanks man
poggo45 Just removed all the PAIR and Evap stuff on the bike. There will be a video for it in the next week.
poggo45 ruclips.net/video/sHinun1fYBA/видео.html Video is up
What's up with the low maximum mileage on these tires. I'm very new to this. But car tires typically last 50k+ miles. Why do bike tires apparently only last 5k?
softer compounds mostly. dirt bike tires have more stress on smaller contact patches so they are even worse than street tires.
+Kory's Rides Oh so it's the tire material? Just like how ATV tires wear faster. I thought there was something with motorcycle tires as a whole. So then if I put street tires on the 250L for city riding, I assume their life would lengthen significantly?
Ballwiz 23 Depends on the brand. Pilot power tires have gone 10k-12k, but if you get kenda they may only go 3k or 4k. Depends more on the brand and quality. Dunlop 606 dual sport tires seem to go about 5k, mefo explorer dual sport tires seem to go about 8k-10k
Wow. I didn't realize tires would be that much of an expense. Still not sure why street tires last such a short time though. Seems they would be something similar to car tires. Thanks for the info though!
I think the theory is that softer compounds bring a safety factor; they stick to the road well and help you avoid sliding and spilling. So they are a bit sacrificial, you replace tires instead of replacing bodywork, handlebars, broken clutch and brake levers, or anything else that might snap and break, including your body. So a harder tire might last a long time but may slide more than one would like (my nemesis is wet leaves on a smooth steel manhole cover, in a turn, while rolling on the power again). That said, I've got Heidenau K60 Scout tires on my V-Strom, and the former owner said he drove across Canada and back to BC on them. A year later, I'm still using them. They are worn, but still work well enough, so the whole life of a tire question is a head scratcher. Canada is 7700 kms wide, give or take (5000+ miles). So around 10,000 miles on them! I don't corner agressively on them, and I wonder if I might carve turns more if I got sticker tires.
Did you buy this bike new? I'm getting mine in a few days and not sure what to do special for the break in time, can anyone offer advice? How long should you "break it in" for?
Neil Wilkes CRF250L Oil Change is the name of the video I posted for the first oil change. I changed it earlier than they say to, and I am glad I did. Just drive it normally, and don't bounce it off the rev limiter. If I had to do it again, I would change oil and filter at 300, then at 600 miles. After that drive it however you want. And yes I bought it new.
Isn't the initial oil designed for running-in and therefore shouldn't be changed early?
Not that I've ever heard of. Manual doesnt say anything about either that I have found.
im gonna order yellow plastics for mine :D
Have an photos/videos of your sub-frame bracing?
yes, I have videos on my RUclips channel. check out my other videos. there is one that is a quick overview, & a longer one that shows me building it.
Great video pal! Any news on the subframe brace?
The one I had before did very well. I'm currently messing around with new designs that will incorporate a saddlebag support on each side.
Would be really interested in that design I'm currently preparing a CRF for Alaska -> Panama very conscious of the subframe weakness. :)
Neil's in... I would like to see what you are coming up with. Feel free to share on my Kory's Rides facebook page
Get a set of pro tapers, my mates got some and has layed his bike down about 10 times and his still havnt bent
I had pro tapers before. bent them and don't care to spend 70 bucks to replace them. factory bars are only $14
How would it handle a 2 hours ride on the road?
No problem. I rode it basically full throttle from Oacma SD to Hawarden IA (200 miles) and it didn't get hot or go bad in any way.
Nicely done. I thought you installed a fuel controller. That would help with a little power. It is a great trail bike.
watched a RUclips video on this bike and guy was comparing it to a Yamaha 250 and said that the crf250l is made in CHINA & Yamaha was made in japan is this true ?
The CRF250L is made in Thailand, which is not China. Who said that? Guy certainly doesn't have his facts straight.
Cool first name...
Could two people ride on it
James Osborne if they aren't both heavy, then yes.
Hows it do on highway? Looking for a dual sport to ride cross country on.
+bldeagle10 If you will do more pavement than offroad, get something else. It struggles on the highway.
+Kory's Rides may go for a XR650L in that cass
+bldeagle10 the xrl is a perfect SM or street bike in general. it has a cruising speed of 70mph if you ditch the smogger junk and do the "daves mod" google it its a few easy and free mods for the stock carb. it has alot of scary low end power to keep it interesting and its very dependable :)
thelaughingman79 yea I had an xr650r for awhile and loved it on the street, but the L would be more comfortable I think.
i was talkin about the xr650l
I have to ask... If you knew 80% of your riding was off rd, gravel ect why oh why buy 50/50 tyres?
Most gravel around here is very hard packed and 50/50 tires work better
+Kory's Rides Those tires are 80% street 20% dirt, not 50/50. Which is why you don't like them off road. And you should get a lot more mileage out of them then that. I've got 6,000 miles on the set on my KLR-650 and haven't worn them near as far as you. I expect an easy 8,000 from the rear and 15-20,000 from the front. Do you air up when on the tarmac?
Eric Adams They were advertised as 50-50. I run the same psi on and off, 18 psi
how tall are u ?? im 171cm .. this bike is tall ... would i reach this bike ?? tell me ur opinion ..
both your feet won't be on the ground at the same time
Im 173cm and I can touch both feet almost flat
hey my US friends... its not the price what is higher, its the US Dollar who fucks up more and more like the EURO now at the moment... For example. a year ago you get 50 ThaiBaht for 1 EURO and 33 Baht for a USD ..... .now its 34 Thaibaht for an EURO and 30 for a USD ... so here in Thailand, the price did not change much...it became more CHEAP :D
Try Dunlop d606.
what size Michelin T63 do you use?
90/90-21 and 120/80-18
thx, the front tire factory recommendation was in inches so i wasn't sure
kory- what s the speed of this bike in the highway.
C 19 It goes the speed limit on the highway. It will go up to about 80 if I don't have luggage and skip breakfast and have a tail wind
Kory's Rides sweeeeeeeeeeeeet-thanks
Does it do good in the freeway
no
Yeah, wind really gets you on this bike, and it struggles around 70mph.
You must ride a lot! You have modified almost everything!
+Andy Ballard I left the engine mostly alone. Only took off the emissions junk. This is my favorite bike.
I'm 6,2 and my waist is 34 or 36, could I flat foot this easily?
Yes, I can at 5ft 11.
XtremeGaming123 Depends on what you weigh. At 6'2", 190lbs, rear preload turned way up, and a seat concepts seat, I can only flat foot it if I slide to the front of the seat.
Of course being 240lb might help!
Kory's Rides I weigh 220 most of the time lol
***** what?
bruh
you beat the shit out of this bike
vehlajatt22 yep, it likes it
have you seen the new rally version? you think its worth spending the extra $1000 for a bigger tank, an LED light, and an adjustable windscreen? i think it has 15mm of extra ground clearance too
vehlajatt22 it's actually shorter then the normal version. I'd rather spend the money on suspension upgrades. rally has too much plastic body to break. to much weight too. it's a pretend rally bike just like the Kawasaki versys 300
your gona rip out the one pound emissions parts to save weight......and then add 40 pound luggage rack? good idea. a luggage rack on that bike is not going to work out well
Jmuney22Trike works just fine. Haven't had a single issue with it yet.
You can sell the bike one day under the "well lived" section. Thats what these bikes are made for after all "living"
I put 12K miles on my factory IRC front tire, and it could have gone longer.....but....I ride on pavement mostly....
Eric Dealano My IRC front has now 18 k kms and will still run 2-3 k kms more. Changed the original rear on 14 k kms just before a 3 k kms trip but Im sure it would have lasted through that trip. I ride 95 % on paved road though.
Good lord that poor bike, lol
Great vid. Very informative. Thanks!
You would have gotten a subscription from me if not for taking off the emissions control devices.
It sucks, but there is a reason why LA used to look like China does now. Playing by the rules suck, but...
I really don't care if you subscribe or not.
5,000 miles in two years? u barely ride it u should pass it on to me!! ;)
+Riding Gravity 3 motorcycles dude . . . .I get around 10k a year across the board
Lucky bastard I wish I had three motorcycles
Riding Gravity That's 3, down to that from 9.
I have a friend who has a bunch of bikes like that he likes to share so I luck out sometimes lol
Kory's Rides hey Kory, what is your opinion can i make an adventure bike from this? check my list please.
1. acerbis tank
2. windshield (removeble from taobao, use for adventure only)
3. soft bags
4. rear plastic bag
5. tankbag
6. 12v plug
7. phone holder
8. hand guard
9. engine protection frame
10. laggage system
I don't have so much money and time so i can't buy 2 bikes. I looked at versys 300 but suspension is horrible there and I don't trust Kawasaki.
my target is to buy crf and use it in the city and in the forest but sometimes to go to the adventure trips (90% asphalt)
more like 75 25
You want more power but mentioned nothing of the injection mapping. Maybe this would get you the power you seek?
Also Acerbis is pronounced a-chair-bees.
Some day I will teach every knucklehead on the Internet this.
More power for me would be like . . .40. Can't get that out of this engine short of a big bore kit, cams, etc. I'll just put around on this one until they do fuel injection on the 650L
Kory's Rides Stock is 19 hp at 8000 RPM. I have heard of people getting over 30 with K&N Air, Exhaust, and mapping. I think you have your gearing right though.
That puts it in the range of a Stock CRF250 which is not shabby at all.
www.honda-crf250l.com/crf250l-efi-programmer/
Fun channel man, I enjoy the videos.
I think 30 may be inflated a bit for those mods. I've seen dyno numbers for around 24 with those mods though. Somebody on ADV rider is doing a 350cc kit for it based on a big bore for the CBR. I think he was getting 35-40, but that is a lot of internal engine work and it doesn't seem like it will live long.
Would have been easier to just buy a different bike
80sruler and have to modify that to suit myself too
You care about the planet, but not that much?