I owned both bikes and this video is very accurate. I started on the 250L, rode it for two seasons about 7000 km, and then traded it in for the 250R. I am an intermediate skill rider and I only do day trips that involve everything from some pavement to rough single track The most important factors for me are weight and suspension. Unless you race the power difference in these two bikes is virtually irrelevant. Both bikes can be lightened by removing the road legal bits like tail gear and stock mufflers but ultimately the 250R will be about 20 lb lighter. Over the course of a day of trail riding the 20 lb is very noticeable specially when it is removed from high up like the tail and the mufler. if you adventure it like having the ability to carry extra 20 lb in gear and still be at the same weight as the 250L. At 205 lb (95 kg) with safety gear and max preload I kept bottoming out the CRF. This was the trigger for me to consider the 250R. Ultimately, the decision will come down to rider skill. The 250L is an beginner to intermediate skill motorcycle and the 250R is and intermediate to advanced skill moto. Both are well engineered machines but the extra money for the WR shows in parts quality and fit and finish. I prefer the seat on the 250R for the trail and the seat on the 250L for the road. 250R is more like a dirt bike seat but it is more padded near the tank thus more comfortable on the trail. I have no regrets owning either machine. Both are a pleasure to own.
At age 64 with a 30" inseam, and having ridden for 48 years, decided to get back into dirt/dual sport riding after a 30 year absence. Got a '17 CRF250L for $3,999 (US) when Honda was having a rebate program going. Of course, with delivery charge, dealer set up, and licensing it was $5,100 out the door. Did the usual stage 1 mods (13t countershaft, exhaust can, EJK controller, air filter mod) plus dual sport accessories (rear rack, RotoPax 1.75 gal, drybag, tank bag, skid plate, radiator guard, protaper bars, handguards, iphone mount, usb powerport). Put on about 3000 miles of mixed road and trail last year, including hundreds of miles on the MABD, an AMA adventure ride in Pennsylvania, forest trails in state forests, and country roads near where I live. Love the bike for all the reasons stated in this video, principally the relatively low seat height and the easy nature of the bike (instant start, featherweight clutch pull, slick gearbox [snick snick snick]) with total reliability. The only issue I had with it was the soft suspension when in tricky technical high speed offroad use. So, I bit the bullet and went with the RaceTech suspension upgrade (spring, gold valve, fork oil in front; new shock in back). Just did several more sections of the MABDR a few weeks ago, and it was a night and day difference offroad. Absolutely no bottoming, and potholes virtually disappeared. I've never ridden the WR so can't compare, but I find the limited but friendly nature of the CRF's power totally adequate. Have regularly done 200+ mile days of mixed road and trail. And lest you think that I don't know power or speed, I used to road race an RD350 and also own a '99 R1 with 55,000 miles on it and a Factory Five AC Cobra replica with 45,000 miles on it that I built , and used to play around in the Mojave with my '80 YZ465G set up for the desert. This "street bike dressed up for dirt" is just plain fun!
Excellent comparison, You hit 1 point after another after another that helps someone distinguish and pick between these two bikes. I kept thinking well for me that would be the better bike based on your real world observations. Great job.
Nice comparison sir. I've ridden both and own a WR250R. If you're 5' 9"-ish or taller and have the extra $$$ go with the WR. If not go with the CRF and have no worries either way. One thing I found mandatory on the WR was a seat replacement. The stock seat is not comfortable for long rides. I went with a Seat Concepts low-cut seat and did an 800 mile day on it last summer on a trip from Washington to Arizona and back.
I’m trying to decide between this, or DRZ400 or Versys X300 for first bike. Any tips? I don’t intend to do off road and would swap for street tires. I’m 5’8 and 175 lbs.
My 2014 CRF is being delivered this coming Wednesday and I CANNOT bear the wait !! She looks stunning, she feels solid and reliable and puts a massive grin on your face. All that from the test ride. I knew within half a mile of the dealership ( RPM Milton Keynes UK ) that I had found MY bike.
The lower price and my height (5'7") make the Honda a winner for me. I'm also a returning rider having had a 2000 KTM 300 EXC in the past. Thanks for the great vid and unbiased comparison!
Great vid! Really liked your comparision between the two and made excellent point on either machine. For having the chance of riding both, you are absolutely right! A friend and I bought last spring (in May) our first brand new bike ever. Me a CRF 250 Rally and my friend a WR250R. The Rally as a first bike (ever) wasn't a good choice at all, well in my case, cuz out of 5 000km put in it this summer, 4 000km (at least) out of it, was in the wood and some heavy terrain wich the bike as never been designed for... Dropped it again and again (its stock tires certainly didn't help) and broke the left side panel on my very first ride in a muddy/snowy trail. Hard motorbike lesson I must say! After the first 1000km, I was getting pretty use to it and dropping was less an issue of course. At the end of the summer I had the chance to try a 2017 CRF 250L and man, its day and night compared to the Rally. (Rally's fork is around 1 inch longer and 1 more degree inclined towards the front) As a result, the 250L is way more agressive than the Rally. That's the bike I should had bought in the first place. Now I'm looking for a 250L or the "brand new" KLX250, wich on paper, is superior to the Honda counter part and has some very similar spec to the Wr250r for around 2000$ cheaper. I think the Rally is the closest thing you can get for a true 50/50 dual-sport bike. Its windshield, high LED beams and larger fuel tank makes it a real comfortable bike for commuting and is more than capable for off-road riding. That being said, for hardcord dirt riding, it is not well suited as I previously mentioned but nevertheless, I was able to follow my friends somehow without any big struggle wich are riding WR250R, XT250, 250L and DRZ400.
Top notch review, and an exemplar for all such reviews, whatever the bike. Thanks so much for doing this, as it helped in my making a decision between the two.
Great review, you definitely changed my mindset being a returning rider. I’d previously owned a WR in the 90’s and loved it, it was the two stroke and was not street legal. So being vertically challenged the CRF makes a lot of sense for this 55 year old man who will see way more street than dirt . Thanks again
I've been looking for a small bike for the purpose of adventuring. I stumbled onto the CRF 250L, but you've opened some nice options avaliable, cheers man.
Excellent review. I like that you thoroughly and objectively explored the upsides and downsides of each, identifying the markets rather than concluding one as the 'winner' so to speak. I've owned the CRF250L since 2013 and love the bike. I've modified mine for increased, snappier power, especially at the low to mid range, and swapped the tank for the larger Acerbis tank. It's a go anywhere, do anything bike for sure. Cheers :-)
Thanks mate. Yer I hear the L really responds to being opened up. You hit the nail on the head regarding identifying the market. Some people discount a bike based on personal preference, failing to see that for its intended market it probably is perfect. Safe riding! COS
Just discovered your channel today and am considering a small dual sport, so this was extremely helpful--I know it's 3 1/2 years old now but very helpful nonetheless. Grew up riding dirt bikes, thought about buying a street bike 15 years ago but held off but glad I did as I think a small dual sport would be perfect. At my age, 59 (but in very fit), mostly want to ride forest/mountain rides and easy trails--nothing too technical or gnarly, just want to have some fun and enjoy riding again, as I've missed it. Hope to move to a small mountain town and then I'll pull the trigger. Thanks!
Most comprehensive and usable comparison I’ve found with the 2 bikes !! I would like to hear your thoughts about the CRF250L and the KLX250 too. Im from Canada btw and we roughly have the same prices you mentioned between the WR and the CFR. actually the WR is a bit cheaper here but the CRF is the same price (even tho Canadian dollar worths less).
absolutely beautiful review from start 2 finish! thank you so much for being so thorough & taking your time. The way u feel about your WR Is similar to the way I would describe the motor & a few other things but mine was the street version & yours was dirt so obviously I don't know how it rode in the dirt. 😂 I used to have the '08 wr250x supermoto I absolutely love that bike it was 100% stock so beautiful even when I sold it I regretted it, I missed it so much over the years, now I purchased a 2018 CRF250 rally. (2 fill that void) I wanted to get the 300 rally but they literally wanted $1,900 more & I decided for that kind of 💰 I'm getting the 250 it's a 2018 but only had 172 miles. Possibly not the best bike compared to the KLX 300, WR & a few other ones but it will hold its own & still have a good time with my friends riding 🤷🏻💯% God bless all🙏
If you did sell your WR what do you ride now? & while you had the WR how many miles did you put on it & how reliable was that motorcycle for you? Thx & Good 2 chat with you if possible 👍👍💯%
I think this video is absolutely spot on, and the thing that really struck a chord with me is your quote that the "WR250R has more potential to allow you to grow as a rider". I've just clocked 1000 km on my new WR250R purchased a few weeks ago. This bike gives you more and more confidence off-road every time you go out. Whenever I park it up after a day's ride, I just want to get back out there again and try out a few more challenges. Yamaha have produced an absolute gem. It's extremely capable off-road and is also a lot of fun on the tar and twisties. Thanks COS for an great review, which helped me make a very good decision.
Great bike review! Tried dirt last spring on a YZ250...and yeah that bike tried to kill me!! you have helped me confirm the CRF direction I was leaning towards
Wr250 all day, nothing really compares to it. However, you must mod the wr250r to get it proper. I put about 4k in mods and my bike is awesome now, rips compared to stock.
I feel that with a new comfy lower seat and a big bore kit, it would do good. Along with other upgrades such as intake, exhaust, maybe some suspension mods etc
Thank you very much for this completely review. That was really nice to watch this video, with a little bit sightseeing of Australia. I used to own a XT 600 and now I'm looking around for a WR. I am interested in capability of dual sport and reliability of course. Greetings from Poland.
I will pass on your regards. The south is really beautiful, you are lucky! I have been in that area of Poland before down to Krakow, Wieliczka and regularly we go to Zakopane. COS
Man that was the best comparisons video i have ever seen :) you can tell you put a lot of time to getting to know each bikes good and bad points. 2 thumbs up :)
The price difference is almost enough to get the parts to make the CRF just as capable as the WR, a tuner and some front shocks would be almost enough to equalize them. Of course the 17 model would only need the adjustable front forks, as it will have basically equal power to the WR.
yep, i got a CRF250L too, you save about 3000$, with that money, you can buy an exhaust, EJK, even Big Bore kit, Sprockets, Airfilter etc. In the end, it would still be cheaper than the WR250R but i would say the same power and lots of fun and the fact, that you have a nice custom bike :)
If you weren't planning to mod the WR, ever... Then yes I could agree. But most people end up doing that to any bike they purchase despite the cost, so for most, it's a mute point to make. Plus the weight difference is something that you can't make up.
My buddy fully modded his CRF250L, fuel programmer, header, pipe and $2,000 Race Tech suspension. I weigh 35 lbs more than him and my WR250R was still well faster. He also constantly smashed the skid plate into everything bottoming out the suspension. My skid plate still looks new, don't underestimate the significant extra ground clearance on the WR. Also his motor mounts vibrated loose, he sold the CRF and I still love my WR. Spent all that money, he could have just had the WR and it's still heavier, slower and way less clearance.
Spend all that money and you still have a honda with 2 " less ground clearence, less power, and much more weight. What happens when your freind with a yamaha decides to spend a little money to upgrade the yamaha? You are left with $2000 unspent and a bike that won't come close to keeping up with the yamaha. I guess you can go shoping with your $2000 while your freinds go riding...
65 year old 250lb rider here. Love my WR250R. I’ve ridden both these and Honda is just a more primitive machine. The fuel injection is worth it’s weight in gold. So is additional ground clearance.
Love your videos/reviews COS. You have a talent for this medium. I'm currently working out a deal for a WRR for all the reasons you mentioned but I liked your assessment - it reinforces my thoughts. Blessings to you mate (I'm American but Matt Mladin is still loved over here) :-) Merry CHRISTmas!
chroniclesofsolid Its actually pretty sad that no big motorcycle-company sees the demand in light 30-40hp adv-bikes that are able to keep up on the highway. I happen to live in the Netherlands where you need to ride a few km's to find nice adv riding spots (alps, croatia etc). But a 250 just wont do it :/ Regardless..have you seen the new CRF250 Rallye? Seems like a nice effort from honda :)
I am a 58 year old recreational off road rider who has been riding off road for nearly 50 years. I have severe arthritis, so the high seat height rules out the WR for me. I can't even get on it. For the past several years I have been riding a modified Yamaha XT225, and it has been a great off road bike for non hardcore riding, with one exception. The wheels. They simply don't hold up. I do weigh 240 pounds, but the load capacity of the XT225 is rated at 397 pounds. I have had broken spokes over and over again, I finally had them replaced with high dollar much stronger spokes from Buchanan's. The spokes quit breaking, now they were pulling through the rim. I had top of the line rims installed, and thought I had the problem fixed. Wrong. Now the spokes started elongating the holes in the soft aluminum hubs. I finally gave up, replaced the hubs with good stock hubs from a parts bike, and accepted the fact that this bike has to be ridden VERY gently. I have become interested in the CRF250L. But it being a budget bike, I am concerned about the wheels. I noticed that the supermoto version of the Honda CRF230 has straight pull spokes instead of J bend spokes. So do BMWs. This would seem to be a much stronger design. I wish all spoke wheeled bike had this type of spoke. The spokes on my XT were breaking at the hub, where the bend was. Anyway, have you had any issues with the wheels on the CRF250L?
G'day Gerald I am a feather weight so not really a good metric for testing rim strength. Dave (who owns the bike) is also fairly light but with himself, the gear, all the crap for camping, the weight does get up there and there have been no issues so far. He has taken it loaded with gear through single track etc and so far so good. Sorry I cannot give you a definitive answer, hopefully someone else with a 250L can chime in here.
What a great review. I've looked at both bikes but in the end, my wallet dictated which I could buy, so Honda it was. After owning it and modding it up a bit, the Honda has been a fun bike to own, though I wish it had just a bit more horses to play with.
Thanks mate! Yer I think it is inevitable that we reach that point where we want more horses on these type of bikes. But for me 98% of the time it is enough for my skill level :P
Just watched the video again, I'm 5'6" & get on ok with the WRR yes it's tall but I also have a TTR & before that a XR400RC so used to a tall bike. However I adjusted the yoke on the rear shock & slipped the forks through the triples & I can touch tippy toe with both feet in sneakers so should be easier with boots on. Agreed with the rear shock, it's not as good as the TTR in the rear standard but the front is pretty good. Lucky enough to own both a TTR & WRR & each bike has it's own strong points, in fact I took the TTR over the WRR to the Flinders late April...plenty of videos of both the TTR & WRR on my channel if anyone is interested. Cheers Terry
Thank you for that review. I am going for the Honda CRF250L as I am coming back to motorbike riding. I find that the Hondas are generally heavier because there is more materials in them making them stronger. Hondas are generally less powerful but appear to have stronger longer lasting engines.
Really well done. I've researched both of these bikes extensively and I'm pretty sure you covered everything. I like the crf250L because, well it's Honda, and also I tend to ride along slow and easy enjoying the scenery. I like the wr250r mostly for the seat height and somewhat for the adjustable suspension. I haven't sat on a wr250r but I did get a chance to sit on a crf250L and at 6'5" I can easily flat foot it with bent knees.
+Byoexile Thanks! Yer its a tough choice when they are so evenly matched. Sometimes you just have to go with your heart with a tough choice like this. Good luck!
Good review. I'm looking at selling my CRF and getting something a little more powerful and adept at loading on some camping gear and going in to the mountains for the weekend!
The biggest factor that pushed me to get a WR250R over the KLX250 and CRF250L was my height. Being 6’2”, the KLX and CRF felt so small under me. I can stand flat foot over the WRR. The KLX wasn’t as bad, but the only bikes that felt truly comfortable were the WR250R and DRZ400, and who wants carb in 2020? Yamaha it was 😎
grumpysquid depends. If you plan to do a lot of highway riding and no trail riding, the Versys is probably the best out of the 3. Lightweight dual sports are very fatiguing to ride at high speeds for long periods of time. Can’t speak for the DRZ, but my WRR can keep up on most highways-it’s just tiring. The Versys should feel more planted due to its weight and less fatiguing due to the ergonomics, weight, and windscreen. Now, if you’re doing mostly backroad or in town riding and no so much highway, the WRR is awesome. The maneuverability due to its lighter weight makes it super fun! It definitely suffices as a hooligan bike if you want it to be. If you’re not going above 45mph often, the WRR is really awesome 👍🏻
Matt Pierce that about answers my question, thank you. The WR fits my needs better. I just have to confirm the seat height in case I need to install lowering links/change seat, etc. The DR200 I sat was spec’d at 33.3” seat height and I was able to MORE than flat foot it.
I had the 2013 CRF250l Honda. It's fun, easier for me to touch the ground, less expensive, looks great, and gets great gas mileage. Once I got use to it, I wished I had a little bit more punch. It could barely raise the front end. I know the Yamaha WR250r is a little tall for me and they make a yamalink adjustment that should get it close to the Honda's height. I've seen on quite a few videos of the Yamaha leaving the Honda. I've seen the WR hanging with 400's. That YZ frame makes it a good bit lighter than most dual sports. I know they're not meant to be really fast, but I would like to try that Yamaha one day. I also had an XT225 and XT250. They were just too low to the ground. The 250XT was a good bit heavier than the 225xt. For adventure, all dual sports are fun. The fuel injected is more responsive than the carburetor. I would like to see the KLX250 upgraded to fuel injected.
Que buen video, aunque mucho no entendí . Tuve un WR 400 pero cometí un error al no comprar la xr 400 allá por el año 1998. El wr supera en prestaciones a la Xr pero la sensación que daba era que estaba pensada para la competición en cambio la xr 400 iba dirigida a un público más amplio o personas que se iniciaban en el enduro. Gracias. Thank You. Un saludo desde Argentina!
There is no comparison between the two. The Yamaha is in a completely different league than the Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki 250s. The Yamaha is a dirt bike you can run on the street. The others are street bikes you can take off road. The WR costs more for every reason it should.
I was in my local Yamaha dealership talking to them about the WR250R, and the XT250. You're exactly right about the WR250R being in a different league. The dealer told me the WR250R is a street legal enduro bike. The XT250 would be a more apt comparison with the CRF250L. The XT250 is also $2000 cheaper (here in Canada) that its WR250R big brother.
The wr250r is definitely not a dirtbike you can ride on the street. It's a dual sport, and a damn good one. I love it, but it's no where close to hp or maintenance of a dirtbike. Not to mention it has a wide ratio transmission. 4th gear is 1:1. 5th and 6th are overdrives.
I have owned the Honda crf250L for 4 years now. For ripping around old logging road and gentle single track it a lot of fun. However for steep technical climbs you really notice the lack of power. I swapped out the gearing to a 13/44 and that really helped but I still have to dodge some hills I would really like to climb. I have 24k km on it with out a single problem. I am very glad I started on this bike but I think I have out grown it and am checking out the crf450L.
Great video dude. I own a WR450F and I'm about 5'10 and need to stand on my tippy toes. I also have the Highway Dirt Bikes bark busters, They are awesome but at $300 AU they're a bit pricey.
hey buddy great comparison of the CRF 250L VS the WR250r me and my buddy are starting a tour company here in alaska and have bought 4 WR250r's but we were looking for a more user friendly bike ,like a few CRF 250L's or a few XT250's,they are so easy to ride (lower Ht) enjoyed watching the video ( which one would you pick )ride safe my motorcycle brother,,liked (thumbs up )
+Alaskan dual sport Thanks mate! Great choice of bikes for touring ☺ If i had to pick it would be the WR but if I was just starting out it would be the CRF. Out of the XT and the CRF it would be the CRF for me.
Alaskan dual sport: hey do you guys have a website? Also, I'd like to give a thumbs up to the Honda - the lower seat height and center of gravity are great for me at 69 inches tall and 30 inch inseam.
Great video. It helped me make a decision between these two bikes. I'm an old guy and a beginner, so it's the Honda for now. I do like the specs on the Yamaha, but it may be too much for me. Thanks. ;-)
Would you really recommend the CRF for someone who only has onroad experience? I am kind of hesitating a little bit because I don't want to spend money twice. Regarding the CRF being pretty cheap you certainly will lose money selling it, so why not buy a WR in first place? Will it be that hard to learn riding offroad with the WR?
great review! never drive one or the other but always pending of those bike on the web. if you see at my videos i'm now a Yamaha material .. . but at a smaller scall :) but still, that CRF is a great machine !
For most people it will come down to what they can afford or what they want to pay. For me the honda makes sence. It allows gou to get in on the low end. You can still have a ton of fun. If in a year ir so you find it lacking then you can upgrade exhaust, header, springs, mapping whatever and keep the fun alive. I get the wr us better out the box but you are paying extra for what yama is giving you. Id rather uprade to what i want down the road. 2k can do alot to a bike. Id rather spend it on customizing it 4 me
I have the Honda it's great but it lacks on the power but with intake exhaust and ejk your great I cruise at 70mph all day hit 90 mph and let off could have gone more, stock 2016crf250lg
You did a fantastic job on your review. I greatly appreciate your time,effort and knowledge base. It is such a tough choice. It probably can come down to a decision of money ? Since both suspensions need aftermarket work, can the CRF. With the full Race Tech suspension treatment front and rear get the CRF up to par and still be below The out the door price of the WR ? Only time will tell how the new 2017 CRF engine upgrades will shake out, add that it has ABS makes it an even tougher choice Good work my friend. Be safe Rich
Thanks Rich, some of your questions helped crystallise some of the topics I needed to address :-) When I was choosing I wrote up a Modification Budget. I listed and priced everything I would likely need to modify the bike to get it where I wanted. Then added it to the bike cost and compared the different bikes like that. Of course I did all that, convinced I was going to get the Suzuki DRZ400 and the little WR just won my heart. So ultimately go with the one that puts a smile on your face :-)
Thanks for the comparison. I'm in the market for a small displacement dual sport. Would you elaborate on the "major problem" with the rear suspension of the WR? I'm leaning toward the WR and know of a good suspension specialist who could make the mod. I'm 145 lbs (65 kg).
Hi Kevin, the rear has trouble dampening rebound in hard riding scenarios. Easy fix with a revalve of the rear. There are a few vids on it and lots of info on thumpertalk and ADVrider regarding the issue. Other than that the WR’s suspension is pretty good for a dual sport 👍
I owned the Yamaha WR for 1 year. Great bike if you like to ring out the motor. Suspension on the Yamaha was very good. But I was very disappointed with the WR motor in the low rpm power category. Like I said great bike until you get into the slow technical stuff then i was on the clutch all the time because of the lack of low rpm torque. Four strokes suck compared to a good 2 stroke.
I just bought a WR and they are getting hard to find. Around here you can find lightly used and new looking examples for around $5500-$6500... with under 2K miles. For me, the WR is what you're going to want if you are an experienced rider. If you're a noobie, the Honda is certainly a good bike but you'll probably be looking to upgrade then in a year or two.... and too bad the WR is out of production now. Still you can probably upgrade the suspension and maybe tune the motor on the CRF and end up with an ok bike.
"I do regret not getting the Honda as my first dual sport, because for a beginner the CRF250L is hands down the better of the two bikes" I've been debating WR vs CRF for days, and this sentence has me set on the Honda. I've never done offroad, and currently my only plans are fire roads and maybe some offroad, probably never single track. I want a commuter first and foremost, so the gas mileage will also be good.
I have had an xt 250 for a few years now. I love it so much, but just wish it had a little more. I have spent some time on the crf and it is quite nice in comparison, I am eyeing the wr, or a 350.
Could you stand up comfortably on your CRF250L? I'm 6"5 (196 cm) and thinking about getting the new CRF300L for a 9.000 km trip through some rough roads. I have ~50.000 km on-road experience and some off-road (but mostly cross country bicycle) experience. My only doubt is the standing position of the Honda. I hope CRF300L is more accommodating because I stood on a 250L and didn't seem too good for standing up (for my height). I weigh around 90-93 kg with full gear on. Otherwise I'd be using it mostly for commuting and I guess some smaller adventures during free weekends, staying within the country (Hungary). So that's why I kind of am torn between these two. I might be too tall for the CRF but I might not use the WR to its full potential as I'm not really planning on riding single tracks or other, more technical off-roads.
With bar risers and taller handlebars you might be OK. I am yet to find a dual sport that was OK for me standing. All of them require bar risers and sometimes lowering the pegs as well. The CRF was no better or worse in fitment then the WR or any other dual sport in that regard. My brother is 190 and fits the WR fine with risers. So in theory with the correct risers/high bend bars/pegs you should be able to fit the CRF, though I wont say its a certainty. Considering your size the more torque the engine has the better for you, so the CRF will probably give you a better power to weight. WR will have suspension that is more suited to your weight though. CRF is squidgy but that's an easy fix if you have $$.
@@chroniclesofsolid thanks for the really valuable insight! Yea, I would definitely get the bar raisers and lowered pegs. I might get the suspension changed if I find it too soft. I hope I don't have to, though :) The only bike I could stand up on and was *really* comfortable is my borther's F650GS Dakar with lowered pegs. It's awesome.
I owned both bikes and this video is very accurate. I started on the 250L, rode it for two seasons about 7000 km, and then traded it in for the 250R. I am an intermediate skill rider and I only do day trips that involve everything from some pavement to rough single track The most important factors for me are weight and suspension. Unless you race the power difference in these two bikes is virtually irrelevant. Both bikes can be lightened by removing the road legal bits like tail gear and stock mufflers but ultimately the 250R will be about 20 lb lighter. Over the course of a day of trail riding the 20 lb is very noticeable specially when it is removed from high up like the tail and the mufler. if you adventure it like having the ability to carry extra 20 lb in gear and still be at the same weight as the 250L. At 205 lb (95 kg) with safety gear and max preload I kept bottoming out the CRF. This was the trigger for me to consider the 250R. Ultimately, the decision will come down to rider skill. The 250L is an beginner to intermediate skill motorcycle and the 250R is and intermediate to advanced skill moto. Both are well engineered machines but the extra money for the WR shows in parts quality and fit and finish. I prefer the seat on the 250R for the trail and the seat on the 250L for the road. 250R is more like a dirt bike seat but it is more padded near the tank thus more comfortable on the trail. I have no regrets owning either machine. Both are a pleasure to own.
Very much agree with your synopsis. Really insightful Ed, thanks mate!
Did u have to write a whole novel
@@masonbamford5666
That was a paragraph. I know you probably read slow, but try not to be a dick just because you're not very bright.
disagree. Mod the wr it's awesome. Proof. ua-cam.com/video/qruM24Ifrw4/v-deo.html
@@masonbamford5666 you got burned, bad.
At age 64 with a 30" inseam, and having ridden for 48 years, decided to get back into dirt/dual sport riding after a 30 year absence. Got a '17 CRF250L for $3,999 (US) when Honda was having a rebate program going. Of course, with delivery charge, dealer set up, and licensing it was $5,100 out the door. Did the usual stage 1 mods (13t countershaft, exhaust can, EJK controller, air filter mod) plus dual sport accessories (rear rack, RotoPax 1.75 gal, drybag, tank bag, skid plate, radiator guard, protaper bars, handguards, iphone mount, usb powerport). Put on about 3000 miles of mixed road and trail last year, including hundreds of miles on the MABD, an AMA adventure ride in Pennsylvania, forest trails in state forests, and country roads near where I live. Love the bike for all the reasons stated in this video, principally the relatively low seat height and the easy nature of the bike (instant start, featherweight clutch pull, slick gearbox [snick snick snick]) with total reliability. The only issue I had with it was the soft suspension when in tricky technical high speed offroad use. So, I bit the bullet and went with the RaceTech suspension upgrade (spring, gold valve, fork oil in front; new shock in back). Just did several more sections of the MABDR a few weeks ago, and it was a night and day difference offroad. Absolutely no bottoming, and potholes virtually disappeared. I've never ridden the WR so can't compare, but I find the limited but friendly nature of the CRF's power totally adequate. Have regularly done 200+ mile days of mixed road and trail. And lest you think that I don't know power or speed, I used to road race an RD350 and also own a '99 R1 with 55,000 miles on it and a Factory Five AC Cobra replica with 45,000 miles on it that I built , and used to play around in the Mojave with my '80 YZ465G set up for the desert. This "street bike dressed up for dirt" is just plain fun!
In this video, I learned I can adjust the suspension on my bike!
ZackGoes how the hell did you only get 7 likes
Not read the Handbook then?
@@HORNET6 learned something in the comments bikes have handbooks 😂
Really good review, very balanced and very informative. If you're looking to buy either of the bikes you need to watch this! Good job
Thanks Phil!
Agreed, very pleasant narrating and very informative!
By far the best comparison review I've seen of the two bikes. Great job!
Thanks mate 👍
Excellent comparison, You hit 1 point after another after another that helps someone distinguish and pick between these two bikes. I kept thinking well for me that would be the better bike based on your real world observations. Great job.
Excellent job I was really going between these two bikes you’ve help me make my decision going with the Honda thank you
was thinking of a WR , but now going with the CRF ,thankyou , very good video, not too long and good points of review.
Nice comparison sir. I've ridden both and own a WR250R. If you're 5' 9"-ish or taller and have the extra $$$ go with the WR. If not go with the CRF and have no worries either way. One thing I found mandatory on the WR was a seat replacement. The stock seat is not comfortable for long rides. I went with a Seat Concepts low-cut seat and did an 800 mile day on it last summer on a trip from Washington to Arizona and back.
Thanks John, thanks for sharing you’re insight.
I’m trying to decide between this, or DRZ400 or Versys X300 for first bike. Any tips?
I don’t intend to do off road and would swap for street tires.
I’m 5’8 and 175 lbs.
I find this review to be very objective and well-thought-out - congratulations!
My 2014 CRF is being delivered this coming Wednesday and I CANNOT bear the wait !! She looks stunning, she feels solid and reliable and puts a massive grin on your face. All that from the test ride. I knew within half a mile of the dealership ( RPM Milton Keynes UK ) that I had found MY bike.
The lower price and my height (5'7") make the Honda a winner for me. I'm also a returning rider having had a 2000 KTM 300 EXC in the past. Thanks for the great vid and unbiased comparison!
Be aware it’s a heavy thing to lug around compared to a ktm 300 almost a 100 pounds more
Each vid is better than the previous one! You seem so relaxed and having fun in front of your camera. Well done :)
Thanks Goska :-)
Decided on the 250L since a beginner
Your mate on the KTM 690 at 12:50 is hilarious!
Haha yer was a good laugh. I took a KTM right in the gonads! And he learnt to respect big puddles.
chroniclesofsolid what do you think of the 690? Have you ever ridden it?
Have not had a chance to swing a leg over it yet. Mark will be lending it to me in January/Febuary for an in depth review :-)
Lmao
I laughed soo loud at that!!
Very nice video. I just bought a wr250r last week. Probably won’t get to ride it much until spring. I also just subscribed. Thank you for sharing
I know this is an old(ish) video, but it is a great comparison. Thanks much!
Great review! Thanks for posting. I hope you’re still doing videos like this. Much better than most.
Great vid! Really liked your comparision between the two and made excellent point on either machine. For having the chance of riding both, you are absolutely right!
A friend and I bought last spring (in May) our first brand new bike ever. Me a CRF 250 Rally and my friend a WR250R. The Rally as a first bike (ever) wasn't a good choice at all, well in my case, cuz out of 5 000km put in it this summer, 4 000km (at least) out of it, was in the wood and some heavy terrain wich the bike as never been designed for... Dropped it again and again (its stock tires certainly didn't help) and broke the left side panel on my very first ride in a muddy/snowy trail. Hard motorbike lesson I must say! After the first 1000km, I was getting pretty use to it and dropping was less an issue of course. At the end of the summer I had the chance to try a 2017 CRF 250L and man, its day and night compared to the Rally. (Rally's fork is around 1 inch longer and 1 more degree inclined towards the front) As a result, the 250L is way more agressive than the Rally. That's the bike I should had bought in the first place.
Now I'm looking for a 250L or the "brand new" KLX250, wich on paper, is superior to the Honda counter part and has some very similar spec to the Wr250r for around 2000$ cheaper.
I think the Rally is the closest thing you can get for a true 50/50 dual-sport bike. Its windshield, high LED beams and larger fuel tank makes it a real comfortable bike for commuting and is more than capable for off-road riding. That being said, for hardcord dirt riding, it is not well suited as I previously mentioned but nevertheless, I was able to follow my friends somehow without any big struggle wich are riding WR250R, XT250, 250L and DRZ400.
Thanks mate :-) Yep the lighter the bike the better for me off road as I know I will be picking the bugger up all the time :-P
Top notch review, and an exemplar for all such reviews, whatever the bike. Thanks so much for doing this, as it helped in my making a decision between the two.
Glad it was helpful! Happy trails 👍
One of the greatest reviews I have seen!! Deserved LIKE!
Thanks Taras :-)
Great review, you definitely changed my mindset being a returning rider. I’d previously owned a WR in the 90’s and loved it, it was the two stroke and was not street legal. So being vertically challenged the CRF makes a lot of sense for this 55 year old man who will see way more street than dirt . Thanks again
Thanks mate, enjoy the trails 👍
I've been looking for a small bike for the purpose of adventuring. I stumbled onto the CRF 250L, but you've opened some nice options avaliable, cheers man.
No worries Jacob, enjoy the search!
Excellent review. I like that you thoroughly and objectively explored the upsides and downsides of each, identifying the markets rather than concluding one as the 'winner' so to speak. I've owned the CRF250L since 2013 and love the bike. I've modified mine for increased, snappier power, especially at the low to mid range, and swapped the tank for the larger Acerbis tank. It's a go anywhere, do anything bike for sure. Cheers :-)
Thanks mate. Yer I hear the L really responds to being opened up. You hit the nail on the head regarding identifying the market. Some people discount a bike based on personal preference, failing to see that for its intended market it probably is perfect.
Safe riding!
COS
Just discovered your channel today and am considering a small dual sport, so this was extremely helpful--I know it's 3 1/2 years old now but very helpful nonetheless. Grew up riding dirt bikes, thought about buying a street bike 15 years ago but held off but glad I did as I think a small dual sport would be perfect. At my age, 59 (but in very fit), mostly want to ride forest/mountain rides and easy trails--nothing too technical or gnarly, just want to have some fun and enjoy riding again, as I've missed it. Hope to move to a small mountain town and then I'll pull the trigger. Thanks!
Good luck on the hunt mate👍
Most comprehensive and usable comparison I’ve found with the 2 bikes !! I would like to hear your thoughts about the CRF250L and the KLX250 too. Im from Canada btw and we roughly have the same prices you mentioned between the WR and the CFR. actually the WR is a bit cheaper here but the CRF is the same price (even tho Canadian dollar worths less).
Thanks Gabriel, If I get the chance to have a KLX250S loaned to me I will certainly put together a video 👍
absolutely beautiful review from start 2 finish! thank you so much for being so thorough & taking your time. The way u feel about your WR Is similar to the way I would describe the motor & a few other things but mine was the street version & yours was dirt so obviously I don't know how it rode in the dirt. 😂 I used to have the '08 wr250x supermoto I absolutely love that bike it was 100% stock so beautiful even when I sold it I regretted it, I missed it so much over the years, now I purchased a 2018 CRF250 rally. (2 fill that void) I wanted to get the 300 rally but they literally wanted $1,900 more & I decided for that kind of 💰 I'm getting the 250 it's a 2018 but only had 172 miles. Possibly not the best bike compared to the KLX 300, WR & a few other ones but it will hold its own & still have a good time with my friends riding 🤷🏻💯% God bless all🙏
If you did sell your WR what do you ride now? & while you had the WR how many miles did you put on it & how reliable was that motorcycle for you? Thx & Good 2 chat with you if possible 👍👍💯%
Yes. this is probably the best comparison video of two competitive bikes
Thanks mate!
Awesome review thanks so much. Just subscribed. Looks like the Honda for me based on your feedback. Cheers!
thank you, one of the best comparisons I have watched yet
Thanks Vim!
best review I've come across of the two
Cheers Brandon
I think this video is absolutely spot on, and the thing that really struck a chord with me is your quote that the "WR250R has more potential to allow you to grow as a rider". I've just clocked 1000 km on my new WR250R purchased a few weeks ago. This bike gives you more and more confidence off-road every time you go out. Whenever I park it up after a day's ride, I just want to get back out there again and try out a few more challenges. Yamaha have produced an absolute gem. It's extremely capable off-road and is also a lot of fun on the tar and twisties. Thanks COS for an great review, which helped me make a very good decision.
Glad it helped you out :-) May the mighty WR serve you well!
Great review, thanks for sharing, unfortunatly that Yamaha is not sold in Mexico. Congratulations very solid information.
Great bike review! Tried dirt last spring on a YZ250...and yeah that bike tried to kill me!! you have helped me confirm the CRF direction I was leaning towards
Haha yer those bikes are hard core! Glad the video helped.
Wr250 all day, nothing really compares to it. However, you must mod the wr250r to get it proper. I put about 4k in mods and my bike is awesome now, rips compared to stock.
Yer the little whizzer is unparalleled in capability for a 250 dual sport, love mine! BTW nice van setup, merges #vanlife with adv nicely.
Yet a stock 450 would walk it. And you can get a 450 for under 4k all together.
I feel that with a new comfy lower seat and a big bore kit, it would do good. Along with other upgrades such as intake, exhaust, maybe some suspension mods etc
Might as well just build your own bike! Hahahaha
What a great detailed review. Hope someday the WR250R and KLX250 will receive the same review.
Just waiting for someone careless enough to loan me a KLX250S :-D
excellent comparison, and excellent review of both bikes!!!!!!!
Excellent review. Probably the most informative I have ever seen on You Tube.
Appreciate it mate, thanks!
Good revue, a very confident assessment of the two bikes. Thank's.
That was a cool video liked it a lot, keep them coming
Thank you very much for this completely review. That was really nice to watch this video, with a little bit sightseeing of Australia. I used to own a XT 600 and now I'm looking around for a WR. I am interested in capability of dual sport and reliability of course. Greetings from Poland.
Czesc Marian, thanks very much :-) My wife is Polish I have been many times, great country.
Oh, really, she is from Poland? World is so small. I'll have maybe some opportunity to visit Australia. Best regards!
Yep Warsaw :-) Should be getting closer to riding weather over there?
Safe riding,
COS
I live in the south, Chorzów. Weather? It should be better, but it is not.. So, once again, greetings to you and your wife. Pozdrawiam!
I will pass on your regards. The south is really beautiful, you are lucky! I have been in that area of Poland before down to Krakow, Wieliczka and regularly we go to Zakopane.
COS
Best review I have seen! Keep up the great work.
Cheers Brock.
Man that was the best comparisons video i have ever seen :)
you can tell you put a lot of time to getting to know each bikes good and bad points.
2 thumbs up :)
Thanks Jeff! appreciate it :-) How is the mighty 650GS treating you?
she keeps putting me on the ground :)
but that is life . :)
But i did get it on camera :)
Haha well that is the important part! :P
Just subscribed after watching a couple of your videos, and i can say, i will definitely share some of them
Cheers Martin, glad you liked them :-)
Excellent review there....looking to get the WR here in Canada.
Thanks mate. Good luck with the purchase :-)
The price difference is almost enough to get the parts to make the CRF just as capable as the WR, a tuner and some front shocks would be almost enough to equalize them. Of course the 17 model would only need the adjustable front forks, as it will have basically equal power to the WR.
yep, i got a CRF250L too, you save about 3000$, with that money, you can buy an exhaust, EJK, even Big Bore kit, Sprockets, Airfilter etc.
In the end, it would still be cheaper than the WR250R but i would say the same power and lots of fun and the fact, that you have a nice custom bike :)
Doesn't it already have them?
If you weren't planning to mod the WR, ever... Then yes I could agree. But most people end up doing that to any bike they purchase despite the cost, so for most, it's a mute point to make. Plus the weight difference is something that you can't make up.
My buddy fully modded his CRF250L, fuel programmer, header, pipe and $2,000 Race Tech suspension. I weigh 35 lbs more than him and my WR250R was still well faster. He also constantly smashed the skid plate into everything bottoming out the suspension. My skid plate still looks new, don't underestimate the significant extra ground clearance on the WR. Also his motor mounts vibrated loose, he sold the CRF and I still love my WR. Spent all that money, he could have just had the WR and it's still heavier, slower and way less clearance.
Spend all that money and you still have a honda with 2 " less ground clearence, less power, and much more weight. What happens when your freind with a yamaha decides to spend a little money to upgrade the yamaha? You are left with $2000 unspent and a bike that won't come close to keeping up with the yamaha. I guess you can go shoping with your $2000 while your freinds go riding...
Wouldn't the Yamaha XT250 be a closer comparison to the CRL250L? Just seems the WR250R is such a different ride.
Caz Gerald that would be a decent comparison. I have a XT250. It's a great bike.
Thank you for the excellent comparison. You did not leave anything out. CRF it is, since I am vertically challenged.
Cheers Dave!
65 year old 250lb rider here. Love my WR250R. I’ve ridden both these and Honda is just a more primitive machine. The fuel injection is worth it’s weight in gold. So is additional ground clearance.
Excellent video mate, just what I was looking for now I think I have my top pick
Thanks mate, good luck with the search!
Great review, thanks. Also great comedy moment at 12.48, WTF. Thanks :)
Love your videos/reviews COS. You have a talent for this medium. I'm currently working out a deal for a WRR for all the reasons you mentioned but I liked your assessment - it reinforces my thoughts. Blessings to you mate (I'm American but Matt Mladin is still loved over here) :-) Merry CHRISTmas!
Thanks PlowHand, Merry Christmas to you too.
P.S. go Mladin!
I really enjoyed this review! But the best bit was at 12:50😂😂couldn't stop watching it a pissin' myself!!
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Wardiup ... Whiskey Throttle !
nice video champ.
seems like those bikes together with the DRZ400 are the main competitors in the small everyday adv bikes!
Thanks mate! Yep those three bikes are hard to look past.
chroniclesofsolid Its actually pretty sad that no big motorcycle-company sees the demand in light 30-40hp adv-bikes that are able to keep up on the highway.
I happen to live in the Netherlands where you need to ride a few km's to find nice adv riding spots (alps, croatia etc). But a 250 just wont do it :/
Regardless..have you seen the new CRF250 Rallye? Seems like a nice effort from honda :)
I am a 58 year old recreational off road rider who has been riding off road for nearly 50 years. I have severe arthritis, so the high seat height rules out the WR for me. I can't even get on it. For the past several years I have been riding a modified Yamaha XT225, and it has been a great off road bike for non hardcore riding, with one exception. The wheels. They simply don't hold up. I do weigh 240 pounds, but the load capacity of the XT225 is rated at 397 pounds. I have had broken spokes over and over again, I finally had them replaced with high dollar much stronger spokes from Buchanan's. The spokes quit breaking, now they were pulling through the rim. I had top of the line rims installed, and thought I had the problem fixed. Wrong. Now the spokes started elongating the holes in the soft aluminum hubs. I finally gave up, replaced the hubs with good stock hubs from a parts bike, and accepted the fact that this bike has to be ridden VERY gently. I have become interested in the CRF250L. But it being a budget bike, I am concerned about the wheels. I noticed that the supermoto version of the Honda CRF230 has straight pull spokes instead of J bend spokes. So do BMWs. This would seem to be a much stronger design. I wish all spoke wheeled bike had this type of spoke. The spokes on my XT were breaking at the hub, where the bend was. Anyway, have you had any issues with the wheels on the CRF250L?
G'day Gerald I am a feather weight so not really a good metric for testing rim strength. Dave (who owns the bike) is also fairly light but with himself, the gear, all the crap for camping, the weight does get up there and there have been no issues so far. He has taken it loaded with gear through single track etc and so far so good. Sorry I cannot give you a definitive answer, hopefully someone else with a 250L can chime in here.
What a great review. I've looked at both bikes but in the end, my wallet dictated which I could buy, so Honda it was. After owning it and modding it up a bit, the Honda has been a fun bike to own, though I wish it had just a bit more horses to play with.
Thanks mate! Yer I think it is inevitable that we reach that point where we want more horses on these type of bikes. But for me 98% of the time it is enough for my skill level :P
Just watched the video again, I'm 5'6" & get on ok with the WRR yes it's tall but I also have a TTR & before that a XR400RC so used to a tall bike. However I adjusted the yoke on the rear shock & slipped the forks through the triples & I can touch tippy toe with both feet in sneakers so should be easier with boots on. Agreed with the rear shock, it's not as good as the TTR in the rear standard but the front is pretty good. Lucky enough to own both a TTR & WRR & each bike has it's own strong points, in fact I took the TTR over the WRR to the Flinders late April...plenty of videos of both the TTR & WRR on my channel if anyone is interested.
Cheers Terry
Thanks for the insight mate, should be helpful for those looking to buy :-)
Thank you for that review. I am going for the Honda CRF250L as I am coming back to motorbike riding. I find that the Hondas are generally heavier because there is more materials in them making them stronger. Hondas are generally less powerful but appear to have stronger longer lasting engines.
You are right, Honda have sth special...well desined, economic and strong.
Drinking the marketing Kool-Aid.
Really well done. I've researched both of these bikes extensively and I'm pretty sure you covered everything.
I like the crf250L because, well it's Honda, and also I tend to ride along slow and easy enjoying the scenery.
I like the wr250r mostly for the seat height and somewhat for the adjustable suspension. I haven't sat on a wr250r but I did get a chance to sit on a crf250L and at 6'5" I can easily flat foot it with bent knees.
+Byoexile Thanks! Yer its a tough choice when they are so evenly matched. Sometimes you just have to go with your heart with a tough choice like this. Good luck!
Very informative and unbiased. Thanks!
Thanks for watching.
Really good video - helped me to decide. Thanks!
Thanks Thomas, good luck on your travels :-)
Good review. I'm looking at selling my CRF and getting something a little more powerful and adept at loading on some camping gear and going in to the mountains for the weekend!
Thanks mate, good luck on your mountain adventures!
I love my WR, much like everyone else I just wish it had a bit more power. Great review, thanks!
Yer I would be happy with 5 more hp and torques :) Thanks for watching!
I feel that is the catch with bikes... you get CC-itis... it not long before you crave more CC's.
Great comparison bro!! I concur with almost everything you said.
Thanks dude!
The biggest factor that pushed me to get a WR250R over the KLX250 and CRF250L was my height. Being 6’2”, the KLX and CRF felt so small under me. I can stand flat foot over the WRR.
The KLX wasn’t as bad, but the only bikes that felt truly comfortable were the WR250R and DRZ400, and who wants carb in 2020? Yamaha it was 😎
Good point about rider size and ergonomics 👍
I’m trying to decide between this, or DRZ400 or Versys X300 for first bike. Any tips?
I don’t intend to do off road and would swap for street tires
grumpysquid depends. If you plan to do a lot of highway riding and no trail riding, the Versys is probably the best out of the 3. Lightweight dual sports are very fatiguing to ride at high speeds for long periods of time. Can’t speak for the DRZ, but my WRR can keep up on most highways-it’s just tiring. The Versys should feel more planted due to its weight and less fatiguing due to the ergonomics, weight, and windscreen.
Now, if you’re doing mostly backroad or in town riding and no so much highway, the WRR is awesome. The maneuverability due to its lighter weight makes it super fun! It definitely suffices as a hooligan bike if you want it to be. If you’re not going above 45mph often, the WRR is really awesome 👍🏻
Matt Pierce that about answers my question, thank you. The WR fits my needs better. I just have to confirm the seat height in case I need to install lowering links/change seat, etc. The DR200 I sat was spec’d at 33.3” seat height and I was able to MORE than flat foot it.
I had the 2013 CRF250l Honda. It's fun, easier for me to touch the ground, less expensive, looks great, and gets great gas mileage. Once I got use to it, I wished I had a little bit more punch. It could barely raise the front end. I know the Yamaha WR250r is a little tall for me and they make a yamalink adjustment that should get it close to the Honda's height. I've seen on quite a few videos of the Yamaha leaving the Honda. I've seen the WR hanging with 400's. That YZ frame makes it a good bit lighter than most dual sports. I know they're not meant to be really fast, but I would like to try that Yamaha one day. I also had an XT225 and XT250. They were just too low to the ground. The 250XT was a good bit heavier than the 225xt. For adventure, all dual sports are fun. The fuel injected is more responsive than the carburetor. I would like to see the KLX250 upgraded to fuel injected.
Que buen video, aunque mucho no entendí . Tuve un WR 400 pero cometí un error al no comprar la xr 400 allá por el año 1998. El wr supera en prestaciones a la Xr pero la sensación que daba era que estaba pensada para la competición en cambio la xr 400 iba dirigida a un público más amplio o personas que se iniciaban en el enduro. Gracias. Thank You. Un saludo desde Argentina!
There is no comparison between the two. The Yamaha is in a completely different league than the Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki 250s. The Yamaha is a dirt bike you can run on the street. The others are street bikes you can take off road. The WR costs more for every reason it should.
I was in my local Yamaha dealership talking to them about the WR250R, and the XT250. You're exactly right about the WR250R being in a different league. The dealer told me the WR250R is a street legal enduro bike.
The XT250 would be a more apt comparison with the CRF250L. The XT250 is also $2000 cheaper (here in Canada) that its WR250R big brother.
what makes the wr250r worth 2500$ more than say the crf or the new klx? the specs on the new klx are almost identical other than the front shocks
The wr250r is definitely not a dirtbike you can ride on the street. It's a dual sport, and a damn good one. I love it, but it's no where close to hp or maintenance of a dirtbike. Not to mention it has a wide ratio transmission. 4th gear is 1:1. 5th and 6th are overdrives.
I have owned the Honda crf250L for 4 years now. For ripping around old logging road and gentle single track it a lot of fun. However for steep technical climbs you really notice the lack of power. I swapped out the gearing to a 13/44 and that really helped but I still have to dodge some hills I would really like to climb. I have 24k km on it with out a single problem. I am very glad I started on this bike but I think I have out grown it and am checking out the crf450L.
replacing the clutch friction plate(s) is much easier on the WR250R than on the CRF250L. The clutch plates on the CRF250L is not as durable.
thanks man, that was very helpful and informative review.
Glad it helped :-)
Great video dude. I own a WR450F and I'm about 5'10 and need to stand on my tippy toes. I also have the Highway Dirt Bikes bark busters, They are awesome but at $300 AU they're a bit pricey.
Thanks mate. Nope other side, WA.
hey buddy
great comparison of the CRF 250L VS the WR250r
me and my buddy are starting a tour company here in alaska and have bought 4 WR250r's
but we were looking for a more user friendly bike ,like a few CRF 250L's or a few XT250's,they are so easy to ride (lower Ht)
enjoyed watching the video ( which one would you pick )ride safe my motorcycle brother,,liked (thumbs up )
+Alaskan dual sport Thanks mate! Great choice of bikes for touring ☺ If i had to pick it would be the WR but if I was just starting out it would be the CRF. Out of the XT and the CRF it would be the CRF for me.
Alaskan dual sport: hey do you guys have a website? Also, I'd like to give a thumbs up to the Honda - the lower seat height and center of gravity are great for me at 69 inches tall and 30 inch inseam.
parol de ley
We will have one up within a week or two
Thanks I'll let you know
how about that website
Dang that's cool I want to rent one :)
wow this was very comprehensive, congrats!
Cheers :-)
Thank you for an awesome review!
Glad it helped :-)
Great video. It helped me make a decision between these two bikes. I'm an old guy and a beginner, so it's the Honda for now. I do like the specs on the Yamaha, but it may be too much for me. Thanks. ;-)
Thanks mate, Good luck on the hunt!
Would you really recommend the CRF for someone who only has onroad experience? I am kind of hesitating a little bit because I don't want to spend money twice. Regarding the CRF being pretty cheap you certainly will lose money selling it, so why not buy a WR in first place? Will it be that hard to learn riding offroad with the WR?
great review! never drive one or the other but always pending of those bike on the web. if you see at my videos i'm now a Yamaha material .. . but at a smaller scall :) but still, that CRF is a great machine !
+POP Rider Cheers!
For most people it will come down to what they can afford or what they want to pay. For me the honda makes sence. It allows gou to get in on the low end. You can still have a ton of fun. If in a year ir so you find it lacking then you can upgrade exhaust, header, springs, mapping whatever and keep the fun alive. I get the wr us better out the box but you are paying extra for what yama is giving you. Id rather uprade to what i want down the road. 2k can do alot to a bike. Id rather spend it on customizing it 4 me
I have the Honda it's great but it lacks on the power but with intake exhaust and ejk your great I cruise at 70mph all day hit 90 mph and let off could have gone more, stock 2016crf250lg
Thanks for the info! will be helpful to those reading :-)
You did a fantastic job on your review. I greatly appreciate your time,effort and knowledge base.
It is such a tough choice. It probably can come down to a decision of money ? Since both suspensions need aftermarket work, can the CRF. With the full Race Tech suspension treatment front and rear get the CRF up to par and still be below The out the door price of the WR ?
Only time will tell how the new 2017 CRF engine upgrades will shake out, add that it has ABS makes it an even tougher choice
Good work my friend. Be safe
Rich
Thanks Rich, some of your questions helped crystallise some of the topics I needed to address :-)
When I was choosing I wrote up a Modification Budget. I listed and priced everything I would likely need to modify the bike to get it where I wanted. Then added it to the bike cost and compared the different bikes like that.
Of course I did all that, convinced I was going to get the Suzuki DRZ400 and the little WR just won my heart. So ultimately go with the one that puts a smile on your face :-)
with racetech suspension it will be a Better Trial bike than a stock WR.
Outstanding comparison. Thanks.
Thanks Stephen.
Thanks for the comparison. I'm in the market for a small displacement dual sport. Would you elaborate on the "major problem" with the rear suspension of the WR? I'm leaning toward the WR and know of a good suspension specialist who could make the mod. I'm 145 lbs (65 kg).
Hi Kevin, the rear has trouble dampening rebound in hard riding scenarios. Easy fix with a revalve of the rear. There are a few vids on it and lots of info on thumpertalk and ADVrider regarding the issue. Other than that the WR’s suspension is pretty good for a dual sport 👍
Yes, safety is a big concern when your out in the dirt. Especially when your with your Kato handicap.
both great rides, comes down to color preference
Very well done comparison! Agree on all points!
Thanks mate!
Great review!
I owned the Yamaha WR for 1 year. Great bike if you like to ring out the motor. Suspension on the Yamaha was very good. But I was very disappointed with the WR motor in the low rpm power category. Like I said great bike until you get into the slow technical stuff then i was on the clutch all the time because of the lack of low rpm torque. Four strokes suck compared to a good 2 stroke.
Thank you for a great review, the Honda's for me.
Thanks Duncan, enjoy the CRF :)
very informative reviews,.
I just bought a WR and they are getting hard to find. Around here you can find lightly used and new looking examples for around $5500-$6500... with under 2K miles. For me, the WR is what you're going to want if you are an experienced rider. If you're a noobie, the Honda is certainly a good bike but you'll probably be looking to upgrade then in a year or two.... and too bad the WR is out of production now. Still you can probably upgrade the suspension and maybe tune the motor on the CRF and end up with an ok bike.
Very excellent presentation. Thanks very much.
30” inseam and I’m just fine on my stock wr250r.
do the wr250r vs the new klx250.
I'm curious is the wr250r is worth the extra 2500$(cdn market) over the new klx250.
"I do regret not getting the Honda as my first dual sport, because for a beginner the CRF250L is hands down the better of the two bikes"
I've been debating WR vs CRF for days, and this sentence has me set on the Honda. I've never done offroad, and currently my only plans are fire roads and maybe some offroad, probably never single track. I want a commuter first and foremost, so the gas mileage will also be good.
Wouldn’t it be better to just get a Drz400? It’s lighter and has more power?
jim perry I'm amazed honda hasn't upgraded the 250cc motor with a 300cc and be done with the old size.
@@wickedleeloopy2115 they upgraded to a 450 now haha
3:38 what beast landcruiser is this !??!! Awesome !
The legendary 79 series with 6 wheel kit 👍
Good video man👍
I have had an xt 250 for a few years now. I love it so much, but just wish it had a little more. I have spent some time on the crf and it is quite nice in comparison, I am eyeing the wr, or a 350.
Could you stand up comfortably on your CRF250L?
I'm 6"5 (196 cm) and thinking about getting the new CRF300L for a 9.000 km trip through some rough roads. I have ~50.000 km on-road experience and some off-road (but mostly cross country bicycle) experience. My only doubt is the standing position of the Honda. I hope CRF300L is more accommodating because I stood on a 250L and didn't seem too good for standing up (for my height). I weigh around 90-93 kg with full gear on.
Otherwise I'd be using it mostly for commuting and I guess some smaller adventures during free weekends, staying within the country (Hungary). So that's why I kind of am torn between these two. I might be too tall for the CRF but I might not use the WR to its full potential as I'm not really planning on riding single tracks or other, more technical off-roads.
With bar risers and taller handlebars you might be OK. I am yet to find a dual sport that was OK for me standing. All of them require bar risers and sometimes lowering the pegs as well. The CRF was no better or worse in fitment then the WR or any other dual sport in that regard. My brother is 190 and fits the WR fine with risers. So in theory with the correct risers/high bend bars/pegs you should be able to fit the CRF, though I wont say its a certainty. Considering your size the more torque the engine has the better for you, so the CRF will probably give you a better power to weight. WR will have suspension that is more suited to your weight though. CRF is squidgy but that's an easy fix if you have $$.
@@chroniclesofsolid thanks for the really valuable insight! Yea, I would definitely get the bar raisers and lowered pegs. I might get the suspension changed if I find it too soft. I hope I don't have to, though :)
The only bike I could stand up on and was *really* comfortable is my borther's F650GS Dakar with lowered pegs. It's awesome.