Honda CRF250L
Honda CRF250L 2019: A2-friendly 24.7 hp, 146 kg dual-sport, replaced by the CRF300L. Full specs, press reviews, maintenance and recalls.
At a glance
The Honda CRF250L is a small 249 cc, 24.7 hp dual-sport bike that is A2-licence friendly without a restrictor, weighs 146 kg ready to ride and rolls on proper 21 and 18-inch off-road wheels. It is no longer sold new in France, where Honda replaced it in 2021 with the CRF300L (€6,199 as a 2025 model); this page covers the 2019 model year, its last European version, and a newer-generation CRF250L is still sold in Japan. Reviewers praise how easy, reliable and frugal it is, but criticise suspension that is too soft, an engine that runs out of breath on fast roads and a tall, hard seat.
World press review
Meta-score
5 sources
Press ratings
Covers the 2017 US model: very impressive on a twisty, broken road, engine a little short of power, feels small when standing on the pegs, front ABS cannot be switched off; "a true bargain".
Covers the 2017 US model: smooth, quiet and very reassuring for new or returning riders; suspension too soft for difficult terrain, front ABS always on.
Covers the 2017 model: easy to ride, intuitive chassis, willing engine and comfortable suspension; very hard seat, tall seat height, limited range and unclear positioning between small adventure bike and soft enduro.
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
The 90/100 meta-score is based on the only two numerical ratings we found: 4/5 from MCN and 5/5 from Bennetts BikeSocial. Neither covers the 2019 model year alone: MCN rates the 2012 to 2018 CRF250L, while BikeSocial covers the model’s whole career (2012-2020) in a used buying guide. The 2017 reviews by Cycle World, RevZilla Common Tread and France’s Le Repaire des Motards give no score.
What reviewers like: a welcoming bike that builds confidence. MCN calls it a “friendly” trail bike, ideal for novices and occasional off-roaders, with stable, neutral handling. RevZilla ranks it among the least intimidating street-legal bikes its tester had ridden and recommends it to new and returning riders. BikeSocial praises bulletproof reliability, a superb green-lane machine and very strong used values. Cycle World found it very impressive on a twisty, broken road and calls it “a true bargain”; Le Repaire des Motards highlights how easy and intuitive it is.
What they criticise: suspension that is too soft once the terrain gets serious (RevZilla, BikeSocial) and a modest engine, with Cycle World wishing for more power and BikeSocial finding it working hard at 70 mph. There is also a weak front brake (BikeSocial) and front ABS that cannot be disabled (Cycle World, RevZilla). Le Repaire des Motards criticises a very hard seat, a range that is a little short for real adventure riding and a positioning that hesitates between small adventure bike and soft enduro. MCN finds the bars rather low and tiring on the wrists.
Where they disagree is comfort. Le Repaire des Motards rates the suspension as excellent and comfortable, whereas BikeSocial finds it terribly soft; BikeSocial thinks the seat is well padded for this kind of bike, while MCN was sore after an hour.
Key quotes
"The CRF is a friendly trail bike, ideally suited to novice riders or occasional off roader, but lacks the focus of its relatives."
"The CRF250L is a brilliant example of a bike that while undeniably basic and fairly slow, absolutely hits the nail on the head when it comes to what matters in a lightweight dual purpose bike."
"In this type of riding the L was quite impressive. More power would have been appreciated, but this is a 250cc single after all."
"It won’t win any bike night awards, but it will turn anyone (except, perhaps, those who are short) into a confident and comfortable rider, whether that’s a first-time bike owner or someone returning after a long time away from two wheels."
"Likeable and back to basics: that is exactly what this little CRF250L is."
Pros
- Easy to ride, ideal for beginners (MCN, RevZilla)
- Renowned reliability (BikeSocial, MCN owners’ reviews)
- Light (146 kg kerb) and slim, in town and on trails
- Smooth, quiet and frugal engine (3.0 L/100 km claimed)
- Simple, widely spaced maintenance (oil change every 12,000 km)
- Very strong used values (BikeSocial)
Cons
- Suspension too soft for demanding off-road riding
- Modest, buzzy engine on fast roads
- Weak front brake, front ABS cannot be switched off
- Tall (875 mm) and hard seat
- Limited range from the 7.8-litre tank
- A favourite target for thieves (BikeSocial)
Our review
The Honda CRF250L is the small dual-sport bike that introduced a whole generation of riders to the dirt: a 249 cc, 24.7 hp single, 146 kg ready to ride and proper off-road wheels in 21 and 18-inch sizes. This page covers the 2019 model year, the last version built for Europe.
Is the CRF250L still on sale?
Not in France. Honda replaced it in 2021 with the CRF300L, which, according to Honda France’s press kit, “takes over for 2021”. The CRF250L’s last European update was the 2019 model year (“19YM” at Honda Motor Europe), unveiled in May 2019 with a new black colour option; Honda France’s press site closes the model’s career in 2020. Honda parts catalogues list no European CRF250L more recent than that 2019 type.
Today Honda France sells the CRF300L for €6,199 as a 2025 model (27.3 hp, 142 kg kerb) and its CRF300 Rally sibling for €7,199. The CRF250L lives on elsewhere, though: Honda Japan still sells a newer 249 cc, 24 hp version weighing 141 kg, with the CRF300L’s slipper clutch, from ¥649,000.
How much did it cost?
Honda France no longer lists its price, and its final French price could not be traced to a manufacturer source. In the UK, BikeSocial notes it always sold for around £5,000 new; in the US, the 2019 ABS model listed at $5,499 ($5,199 without ABS) according to Motorcycle.com. In Europe it came in a single version with standard ABS, in Extreme Red (R-292) or, new for 2019, black (NH-1).
New bikes registered through the Honda France network from 1 May 2020 benefited from the five-year warranty Honda launched on 11 May 2020, backdated to 1 May (two years from the manufacturer plus three from Honda France, unlimited mileage).
What did the 2017-2019 version bring?
The 2017 model year refreshed the CRF250L launched in 2012: CRF450R-inspired bodywork, a 38 mm throttle body (up from 36 mm), a new airbox and a silencer 450 g lighter. Power rose from 17.0 to 18.2 kW and torque from 22 to 22.6 Nm, with Euro 4 approval. ABS became standard, with the option of switching it off at the rear, and the dash gained a rev counter and a fuel gauge. Frame and suspension were unchanged. The 2019 model year only added the black colour.
How good is the engine?
The 249 cc twin-cam single (76 x 55 mm, 10.7:1 compression) with roller rocker arms makes 24.7 hp (18.2 kW) at 8,500 rpm and 22.6 Nm at 6,750 rpm, and a balancer shaft keeps vibration in check. MCN, which says it is derived from the CBR250R engine, finds it smooth, progressive and very quiet, never intimidating even on loose surfaces. Cycle World would have liked more power, “but this is a 250cc single after all”. On the road, BikeSocial says it will reach 70 mph, revving hard and with plenty of vibration.
How does it handle?
The steel frame combines twin oval-section spars with a semi-double cradle and an aluminium swingarm. The 43 mm Showa inverted fork (250 mm stroke) has no adjustment, while the Pro-Link shock (240 mm of wheel travel) is preload-adjustable only. Braking relies on a 256 mm wave disc with a twin-piston caliper up front and a 220 mm disc at the rear.
Reviewers praise how easy it is: MCN calls it stable and neutral, Cycle World found it very impressive on a twisty, broken back road, and RevZilla ranks it among the least intimidating street-legal bikes its tester had ridden. The criticisms:
- suspension too soft once the terrain gets serious (RevZilla, BikeSocial), with a fork that dives under braking;
- a weak front brake, according to BikeSocial;
- front ABS that cannot be switched off, unsettling on steep off-road descents (Cycle World, RevZilla);
- a slight weave above 65 mph, possibly down to the tyres (MCN).
What equipment does it have?
The bare essentials: two-channel ABS, an LCD screen with speed, rev counter, fuel gauge and clock, a bulb headlight and a folding gear lever tip. No riding modes, traction control or connectivity. BikeSocial sees that as a plus: less electronics means less to go wrong.
Who is it for?
The CRF250L suits new A2 licence holders, riders who want to explore trails without getting out of their depth, and anyone after a light, slim bike for town. It is less comfortable on fast roads or loaded up for a long trip, where the CRF300 Rally and its screen do better. New alternatives today include the CRF300L (€6,199), the CRF300 Rally (€7,199) and the KTM 390 Enduro R (€6,599, 45 hp).
What about fuel economy and maintenance?
Honda claims 33.3 km/L on the WMTC cycle, or 3.0 L/100 km, and more than 250 km of range from the 7.8-litre tank (including a 1.8-litre reserve). MCN recorded 90 mpg (UK), BikeSocial around 70 mpg, which means 190 to 250 km in real-world use. The manual calls for an oil change every 12,000 km or every year, a valve clearance check every 24,000 km and a new spark plug at 48,000 km.
Have there been any recalls?
A European recall (Safety Gate A12/0904/19, June 2019) covers CRF250LA bikes built between 1 June and 9 November 2018: the transmission mainshaft circlip can come out of its groove and break gear teeth. In the US, NHTSA published the same recall (19V-412) and another one for the wiring harness (18V-630) on 2018 US-market CRF250Ls. If you are buying used, ask a Honda dealer to confirm the work has been done.
Specifications
| Displacement | 249 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 24.7 hp (18.2 kW) @ 8,500 rpm |
| Torque | 22.6 Nm @ 6,750 rpm |
| Weight | 146 kg (kerb, CRF250LA ABS version) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 5.91 |
| Seat height | 875 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 7.8 L |
| Fuel consumption | 3.0 L/100 km (33.3 km/L, WMTC cycle, Honda figure) |
| Maintenance interval | Oil change every 12,000 km or 1 year — Valves: 24,000 km — Spark plug: 48,000 km (Honda CRF250LA owner's manual, European version) |
| Engine type | 4-stroke single, DOHC, 4 valves, balancer shaft, liquid-cooled |
| Cooling | liquide |
| Transmission | 6-speed, chain drive |
| License | A2 |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 76 x 55 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 10,7:1 |
| Fuel system | PGM-FI electronic fuel injection, 38 mm throttle body |
| Valve train | DOHC, 4 valves, roller rocker arms |
| Max power RPM | 8500 units.rpm |
| Max torque RPM | 6750 units.rpm |
| Starter | Electric |
| Euro standard | Euro 4 |
Chassis & running gear
| Frame type | Steel, twin oval-section spars and semi-double cradle; aluminium swingarm |
|---|---|
| Rake angle | 27.6 ° |
| Trail | 113 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1445 mm |
| Ground clearance | 255 mm |
| Front suspension | 43 mm Showa inverted fork, non-adjustable, 250 mm stroke |
| Rear suspension | Showa single-tube Pro-Link monoshock, preload-adjustable, 240 mm travel |
| Front brake | Single 256 mm floating wave disc, two-piston caliper |
| Rear brake | Single 220 mm disc, single-piston caliper |
| Front tire | 3.00-21 51P (IRC GP-21F, tube type) |
| Rear tire | 120/80-18M/C 62P (IRC GP-22R, tube type) |
| ABS system | Standard two-channel ABS, rear can be switched off |
Electronics & rider aids
| Traction control | No |
|---|---|
| Anti-wheelie | No |
| Quickshifter | No |
| Cruise control | No |
| Dashboard | LCD (speed, rev counter, fuel gauge, clock) |
| Connectivity | None |
| Other features | Two-channel ABS, rear can be switched off, Bulb headlight (60/55 W), LED licence plate light, Folding gear lever tip, Balancer shaft |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Off-road trail: upright, long flat seat, rather low handlebars (MCN) |
|---|---|
| Passenger comfort | Limited |
| Wind protection | None (no screen or fairing) |
| Payload | 159 kg |
The CRF250L sits you upright on a long, flat seat 875 mm off the ground. According to Honda, the smooth seat-to-tank junction and very narrow tank let you shift your weight freely when riding off-road. RevZilla’s 5 ft 10 in tester could put both feet flat with a bend in his knees, while Le Repaire des Motards warns that the seat height may be a stretch for some riders. Standing on the pegs, Cycle World found the bike a little small, and MCN thinks the bars are rather low, which is tiring on the wrists.
Comfort divides opinion: MCN was sore after an hour and Le Repaire des Motards finds the seat very hard, for the passenger too, whereas BikeSocial thinks it is well padded for this type of bike. There is no wind protection at all; that is precisely what the CRF250 Rally and its screen were designed for, as MCN points out. Honda allows a passenger and a maximum load of 159 kg including rider, passenger and luggage, so keep two-up riding for short trips.
Ownership & maintenance
3.1 to 4.0 L/100 km (MCN: 90 mpg UK; BikeSocial: around 70 mpg)
L/100km
Real-world consumption
~Over 250 km according to Honda (7.8 L, WMTC cycle); around 190 to 250 km in real-world use (calculated from 3.1-4.0 L/100 km)
km
Estimated range
| Oil change | every 12,000 km or every 12 months |
|---|---|
| Valve check | every 24,000 km |
| Spark plugs | every 48,000 km |
| Chain | Check and lubricate every 1,000 km (DID 520VF chain, 106 links, 14/40 sprockets) |
Average service cost
Around £130 a year in the UK (MCN)
Warranty
2 years / Unlimited mileage; 5 years (2-year manufacturer + 3-year Honda France) for new bikes registered in France from 1 May 2020
Honda’s owner’s manual (European CRF250LA) calls for a first oil and filter change at 1,000 km, then an oil change every 12,000 km or every year; the oil filter and air filter are replaced every 24,000 km. Valve clearances are checked every 24,000 km and the spark plug is replaced at 48,000 km. Coolant is changed every three years, brake fluid every two years, and the chain (DID 520VF) should be checked and lubricated every 1,000 km. BikeSocial mentions 4,000-mile service intervals in the UK, shorter than the European manual specifies.
Reliability is its big strength: BikeSocial calls it bulletproof, and owners surveyed by MCN give it 4.6/5 for reliability. Things to watch, according to BikeSocial: oil leaks from the oil filter cover gasket on the right-hand side, an over-tightened sump plug (the specified torque is 24 Nm) damaging the sump, and the oil level, as the engine only holds around 1.5 litres. Many owners replace the shock and have the fork revalved. MCN puts annual servicing at £130 in the UK.
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda CRF250L | — | 24.7 hp (18.2 kW) @ 8,500 rpm | 146 kg (kerb, CRF250LA ABS version) |
| Honda CRF300L2025 | €6,199 | 27.3 hp | 142 kg (kerb) |
| Honda CRF300 Rally2025 | €7,199 | 27.3 hp | 153 kg (kerb) |
| KTM 390 Enduro R2026 | €6,599 | 45 hp | 159 kg (without fuel) |
Generations
- CRF250L (1re génération)2012 – 2016
249 cc · 23.1 hp · 22 Nm · 144 kg (road-ready)
European launch in 2012: dual-purpose bike with a 249 cc fuel-injected single, steel semi-double cradle frame, 43 mm Showa inverted fork and 21/18-inch wheels.
- CRF250L (2e génération)2017 – 2020
249 cc · 24.7 hp · 22.6 Nm · 146 kg (road-ready)
CRF450R-inspired bodywork, 38 mm throttle body, new airbox and lighter exhaust (+1.2 kW), standard ABS switchable at the rear, rev counter and fuel gauge, Euro 4 compliance; black colour added for 2019.
- CRF300L2021 – today
286 cc · 27.3 hp · 26.6 Nm · 142 kg (road-ready)
Stroke lengthened to 63 mm (286 cc, 10% more power and 18% more torque), assist/slipper clutch, lighter frame and swingarm (4 kg saved), 260 mm suspension travel, 285 mm ground clearance and Euro 5 compliance.
| Generation | Displacement | Power | Torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRF250L (1re génération)2012 – 2016 European launch in 2012: dual-purpose bike with a 249 cc fuel-injected single, steel semi-double cradle frame, 43 mm Showa inverted fork and 21/18-inch wheels. | 249 cc | 23.1 hp | 22 Nm | 144 kg road-ready |
| CRF250L (2e génération)2017 – 2020 CRF450R-inspired bodywork, 38 mm throttle body, new airbox and lighter exhaust (+1.2 kW), standard ABS switchable at the rear, rev counter and fuel gauge, Euro 4 compliance; black colour added for 2019. | 249 cc | 24.7 hp | 22.6 Nm | 146 kg road-ready |
| CRF300L2021 – today Stroke lengthened to 63 mm (286 cc, 10% more power and 18% more torque), assist/slipper clutch, lighter frame and swingarm (4 kg saved), 260 mm suspension travel, 285 mm ground clearance and Euro 5 compliance. | 286 cc | 27.3 hp | 26.6 Nm | 142 kg road-ready |
Manufacturer figures (otherwise specialist press). Weighing conditions differ between generations: compare weights with care.
Available colors
Manufacturer recalls
Transmission mainshaft circlip may come out of its groove (broken gear teeth, risk of injury) — CRF250LA built from 01/06/2018 to 09/11/2018 (type MD44), Honda recall code 3KS; also affects the CRF250 Rally
Voir le rappel →Same mainshaft circlip defect on 2018 US-market CRF250Ls built from 13/06/2018 to 09/11/2018 (bike may shift into gear at start-up or the rear wheel may lock)
Voir le rappel →Wiring harness may have been damaged during assembly (lights, horn, instruments, engine stall) — 2018 US-market CRF250Ls built from 30/04/2018 to 21/07/2018