Dirt and Trail Dec 2019

The CRF250L – now in Black.
From R74999.00.
This one from Honda Wing
Centurion (012) 663-8718
The CRF 250L saw the first major update
for the family in 2017. Among the changes,
the factory added another 1.6 horsepower
over the previous generation, and it added
the “Rally” to the lineup for even more
capacity for fun when potholes appear or
the tar disappears completely.
The 1.6 horses did not make a massive
difference, and we doubt that you’ll be
entering this one into any races – but the
bike has a bit of poke that you’ll enjoy.
In 2018 or so, we were treated to a
launch of the updated bikes somewhere
down in the Cape where we got to ride
them through the Karoo for something like
500KM’s. That was seriously good fun and
I don’t think that a single bike suffered a
puncture or a breakdown.
Honda does build quality motorcycles.
The bike is quite beefy – taller than
the XT and it feels physically larger and a
bit heavier at 146 KG’s. It looks a bit more
modern than the XT - and it is faster. We
did quite a few rolling and static drag races
and swapped the bikes between us – and
proved it over and over.
This is awesome for street commuting.
Top speed is just on 130kph but she’ll chug
happily along all day at 120.
On the trails, the XL is excellent fun.
The suspension is adequate, but because it
is bigger and taller than the XT, it’s maybe
not quite as nimble.
On the up-side, however riding two-up
is a bit more comfortable thanks to the
larger size.
The 8 litre tank is adequate because the
consumption is negligible. ABS is a nice
touch.
At a glance:
These two bikes share a 250cc engine –
and that’s where the similarities stop.
Both bikes are excellent fun on the road
or in the dirt.
The Honda is a bit bigger, a bit more
modern and it is faster.
The Yamaha has a 5-speed gearbox, the
Honda has a sixth gear.
The Honda looks more modern and it is
physically larger and heavier – and, out of
the box, it is notably faster than the little
Yamaha.
To us, the Yamaha seems to be a bit
more comfortable and nimble. It holds the
edge in the fun department.
Both bikes are backed by giants in the
motorcycle industry, so you can buy either
of them with peace of mind in terms of
parts backup and service.
Go and visit your dealer.
That’s Richie VDW
without the shirt.
68 DIRT & TRAIL MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019