2020 Honda CRF 250L Rally Full Test

[@JGJessome]

I bought a 2017 250l rally....... I have been riding for over 30 years and I love this little bike .. It is a great little bike its not a power house or a motocross.....but it does do everything it should for a little 250 and it does it for a very reasonable price with the option for more accessories than any other bike i think ..also very low maintenance and super easy on fuel .

[@ElementofKindness]

I'm waiting for delivery of a barely used 2018 Rally ABS. Can't wait to give it a spin. I'm a pretty lanky 150 pound dude, so I think it's going to work out very good for me.

[@allans7281]

Good to know. Thinkn of buyijg one too

[@fredo7482]

Wait 30 years🧐

[@sudenrajbhandari9158]

I have one and its pretty much fun bike. Change some gearing ratio, and its open up quite good. If you love riding easy, recommend to have one.

[@MrStopitclown]

Bought mine in 2017, I can get up to 77 MPG. You can tell when the tank is full vs empty because the acceleration changes. Seat gets uncomfortable on 100+ mile trips. I take it to Colorado and its power drops off pretty bad calling for low revs in low gears but still conquers the mountain passes. Any rider that is more in tune with what they can do and wont blame the bike will have a blast. This bike will surprise you if you know what you are doing! XD. I'll never sell this little gem of a bike.

[@fredburris5428]

DBT is the best source for moto reviews hands down. Jimmy Lewis knows what he's talking about. He's also working to bring new young riders into the sport.

[@TokyotimTech]

Hey guys if you want my opinion I have probably the most modified CRF250L Rally on the planet. I have spent 6300$ in upgrades so far not including the bike. I know I’m going to get comments on why I would put so much into a cheap bike and the answer is, I just like the bike and want it to be the best it can be. I wish it came in a 350 or 450 but I still love it and I’ll give you my thoughts. I have the Rally but all these points apply to the regular 250L (same bike basically)
1. -Price-I bought it brand new 4000$ from the dealer. Amazing price to get you into adventure riding for a brand new bike. Mine was two years old so the dealer needed to get rid of it. Those are the best deals.
2. -Parts-This is a global bike so parts are easy to get and dirt cheap if you break something. A huge plus for your first bike that you may be crashing a lot.
3. -Weight-At 350lbs this is a light bike for adventure riders to get started with before they upgrade to maybe a Tenere 700 or 790 KTM. No it’s not a light enduro bike like a 250 EXC BUT it isn’t marketed as such. It doesn’t give too much power to get new riders into trouble.
With all that being said you don’t have to spend as much as I did in upgrades but I will tell you what you absolutely MUST upgrade on this bike. Get a 13T up front. Get a FULL FMF exhaust and an EJK tuner. Get a full Racetech suspension if you’re over 150lbs. Change out the terrible stock tires for D606 and as with every bike get a Seatconcepts seat for comfort. I changed the bars immediately and put on Barkbusters as well but those are less important. The nice thing is you can buy the bike and the upgrade as you get money you don’t have to do it all at once. I built mine up over the course of one full year and I have nothing left to put on it. I will be making a video of it soon for my channel. The 250L is the perfect bike for 95% of dual sporters IMO because of its reliability and price. If I’m spending 10k OTD on a bike it will be a Beta 300 or Husky 2 stroke for a plated hard enduro bike. Thanks for reading

[@CallsItLikeISeizeIts]

Same thing car guys do, very rare to be able to get exactly what want off show room floor, and building it the way you want if part of the fun. And even if one buys top level $80K mustang, guess what, they start modding it immediately!

[@fredburris5428]

I've got a 2014 regular 250L with a 300 kit, Full FMF and EJK, Acerbis large tank and a Britania Composits faring, sort of a home made rally. I've got the weight right at 300lbs. I really like the bike, pretty good overall, just what a dual sport is meant to do.

[@sausagesandwichSA]

2017 model and have done almost 30,000km. Have done 600km on the highway through to single sandy tracks. Fun bike. 👍👍

[@diyfreediver]

Wow, this covered everything I wanted to know about the Rally. Thanks, I’m subscribing!

[@wsl5585]

Great info from the perspective of a expert and a novice. It appears this 250 is an option for an old guy who is no longer comfortable riding race oriented dirt bikes.

[@angelteamnolimit624]

I got the 2017 model and im coming from the 250l in past which was a dream to drive now when I got the rally it drove amazing and I have the extra gas tank as well which helps i have abs model and full ohlins amd absolutely love it

[@dimbose9229]

Good overall review. Keep it going, guys.

[@fleshpie2129]

if it would be 500cc it would be an unicorn

[@jaype331]

My brother has one. First time he dropped it the entire headlight bent and broke the turn signal. Its a dirt bike with halfhearted attempt at being a tour bike. Expect tons of broke plastics if you trail ride.

[@1tufftjadventures879]

Love the review of this bike , especially because i am on the market for one as we speak , but the real price will be 8,400 dollars depending on your city tax .

[@gregchristie2763]

Probably the best professional, useful & informative review of this bike I've seen on UA-cam.. thanks.

[@KL-uu2vq]

Bought mine for full blown off road. I love it since I’ve put some killer tires on it.

[@lukefish7562]

Hey what up! I am picking one a 2020 tomorrow morning for that very reason as well. I knew tires would have to change. What type you’d get? And what other changes? Get something to protect your frame from getting what up? Thanks and congrats on your bike!

[@ethanlancaster76]

It’s definitely a dual sport in every sense of that bike class. It’s as good, if not a little better off-road as it is on the road with a new styling with the nod to the team rally bike. I guess you can call it an adventure bike but then you could say that the FZ07 with crash bars, skid plate, dirt bike handlebars and knobby tires is as well.

[@stevenhs8821]

Why do overweight bicyclists (especially) and motorcyclists care so much about the vehicle that they are riding when they could go on a 4-week diet and lose as much or more weight? And be healthier. I have a 19 lb steel bike, one of the lightest steel bikes, and people will console me that too bad you are riding such a heavy bike, saying "My bike only weighs only 16lbs." To which I answer, I weight 140lbs

[@allans7281]

Thanks guys great video you gave us a wealth of information to digest I do like the bike and for its intended purpose it’s a winner

[@KuhFladenFREEEIFEL]

I replace some heavy parts, AND put the CBR 300 Ecu on it. So it runs WAY better!

[@titoarifianto2037]

What parts you replaced

[@Thejohnmullen]

Solid review. Definitely defines the market.

[@highwayman1445]

I lowered mine by 50mm so I can get heels down. Great review

[@brianrichard1768]

Had a 85 xl250r back in the day. Honda dual sports have always been tractors.

[@sebastianchrist1972]

In Germany we don't have this cheap Version you Ride. Our Bikes all have Abs and LED Turn Lights.
The Bike chairs only the frame and engine with the l.
the Rally got skid Plate Led Lights, other Suspension with much more Clearance, more groundclearence, Higher seet, the Tool Box ist much bigger, the Brake Disk is a Lot larger, the bigger fuelltank.
So ist Shades only engine and frame.

[@ericwilliams626]

As they say, its not the size its what you do with it. Most of these discussions boils down to how the rider users the bike big or small displacement. Numbers only go so far. You have to ride the bike before you characterize it. Most UA-cam characterizations are unfair to the manufacturer and are based on self interests as a youtuber (complainer). If you want those snappy and powerful experiences spend twice as much and get a KTM.

[@TMAdventuresT7]

Excellent Review guys 👍🏼

[@walkerskii]

Wouldn't you be wide open and sixth gear on the freeway? seems to me that would be a super valuable adjustment that you would use frequently, humbly asking, am I wrong?

[@motovirus78]

Nice review

[@rlmartin1988]

Is that Logan riding down the road at 13:10? Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy, corrupting the youth. Well done!

[@Thomas-xn4tk]

Would you say this is a bit better performer in the dirt over the ktm 390 adventure but not as good on the pavement? Not as many gadgets (and suspension tweaks) but will be more reliable I would also hazard to guess.. thoughts?

[@pinkiewerewolf]

I'd like to see a comparable review on that Yamaha WR250R.

[@markodjurovic4343]

So what do you prefer ktm390Adv or honda crf250LRally?

[@andreibotezan3185]

Same dilemma here, both have pros and cons, not yet sure what to pick. :9

[@rickmanley767]

I chose the Honda because of the maintenance schedule.

[@zzxx33mh]

Go Red..
#soloride_zx

[@JohnMFlores]

Jimmy Lewis is legend. Subscribed.

[@DirtBikeTest]

You might be mistaken, Jimmy is more of a myth!

[@rickmanley767]

I agree with your assessment, but I do not find the seat comfortable at all.

[@markmtbrider]

Looks killer and plenty cheap enough to factor in a shock revalve or a complete suspension custom redo for a 200 lbs plus rider, just ride it as intended, not a one off factory $50k plus race bike.

[@joshuadodson6874]

I weigh 210lbs. I want a street legal bike that can get me down the dirt and gravel roads. most of the time i will be on the pavement. I was eyeballing this bike and the 450L?

[@vakantieman3270]

Don’t get the 450 unless you want to do maintenance every 1000miles. The engine is not a real street bike engine. Also it’s expensive your better of buying a tenere 700 for around the same price

[@samben6597]

this bike looks very capable

[@XBULLET200g]

Great videos and reviews. Where are you riding? California Imperial county? Thanks again

[@allans7281]

Do you prefer having the ABS option or not is it just one more thing to go out or it is a very useful feature I’m 50% dirt 50% road thank you great video

[@axecuttimber8307]

Do you have a test review on Yamaha WR250 ?

[@DirtBikeTest]

We do not. Or not yet...

[@climbmotoadv1550]

cool. solid information

[@walkerskii]

Please reply about why do you think Honda didn't put a 300cc or a 350cc into a bike they knew full well would be underpowered for its weight? Is it just that they took the very much underpowered wimpy Honda 230 & upgraded it a bit? I don't think Honda is into playing games, but shouldn't they have called the 250 rally a 220 or 200, so people were excited by the power, instead of disappointed (even though they might have sold a few less). I know you can't please everyone, but there really should be a strongly powered 200 and a very nicely powered 300 not just a wimpy 250 in the middle.

[@DirtBikeTest]

Did we answer this last week on TTTT#70? Maybe this week on #71

[@lukefish7562]

@@DirtBikeTest 🤣 no offense but any chance y’all EVER just answer any of the questions in here like everyone else on YT. You’d have so many more people communicating, What if we don’t want to come back later for taco Tuesday. 😂

[@brucebillb]

I heard they have different, trickier policies to get through in Japan when a bike exceeds 250cc. At least now they listened and upped the displacement to 300 in the new model

[@mitcho399]

ok, 1st thing is Gabe just seems so not impressed with this bike from the start of this video that this video is hard to watch. This kid sorry to say should not be doing this video. I get he is not a real rider but WOW just not the guy to be talking about this bike with you Jimmy! This kid does not even know what you are talking about when you are talking about old carbs ROFLOL this was so hard to watch. Jimmy should have done this video without this kid.

[@allans7281]

Do you prefer the ABS option or not is it just another feature to go out on 50% or 50% Road thank you very much

[@canamdennis6829]

Here i have one for you guys why has yamaha quit making the WR250 R for 2021

[@DirtBikeTest]

Still trying to get an official response....

[@tomkauffman9687]

Any opinion on the DRZ400S? Maybe a full test?

[@johng6369]

Great review. Thanks.

[@allans7281]

I’m 50% dirt 50% Road do you consider it an invaluable feature

[@greywings6605]

I will get a rally mostly because it looks good.

[@jimsnider3971]

I've never owned a dirt bike but I'm a longtime GoldWing rider, so not a novice to bikes by any means. Will I get bored with this bike too quickly?

[@DirtBikeTest]

Jim, Dirt Bikes are fun and there are way more dirt roads than you know! We'll discuss this tonight on Tech Talk Taco Tuesday.

[@belanger.fran6]

where is all that wait come from, not from plastic parts? Motor and frame I guess.

[@jusride7]

Aloha my braddah

[@allans7281]

I don’t do hard-core off roading is there a way just to tighten the back spring up a little bit with the one adjustment

[@SprocketN]

allan Shuben I have one. There is rear preload adjustment. Tricky to get to but it can be done. I love it, though I don’t do ‘hard’ off road. Much easier to ride than my Africa Twin (1000cc). In the UK it’s ok on the ‘highways’ I ride on. Done 300+ (road) miles in one day with no issues.

[@hardtrance9]

Nice video. What are the differences between the 250 rally 2020 vs 2019 vs 2018 vs 2017?

[@DirtBikeTest]

Can't say for certain on small year-to-year changes but there have not been any major updates.

[@CollinMac96]

Color

[@Swizzenator]

Hi all. Is this bike a hair too small for a 6'2" 220lb intermediate rider?

[@DirtBikeTest]

We'll discus on Tech Talk Taco Tuesday #76 tonight

[@Duality_XVI]

I'm 5'8 can I ride it?

[@h3ngyt212]

Please let me know the gas mileage

[@h3ngyt212]

Km/l

[@rondonato7443]

I am looking to get into dual sport and weight 250. Is a 250 too small and should I be looking for a 650?

[@DirtBikeTest]

At that weight you will tax the power of the 250 but no to the point it won't get you where you want to go. It is more about how you fit on the bike. Seat height, bar position and being comfortable.

[@rondonato7443]

@@DirtBikeTest I am 6'2" and hopefully loose weight by the time I can buy one. I like the klx250, but is there a better choice that's not a heavy 650 that won't break the bank?

[@Celtics20]

Is a 200lb rider too heavy for this bike? I’m a new rider

[@rickmanley767]

I weigh 230 and it works for me

[@KuhFladenFREEEIFEL]

A guy who is 250 lbs shouldnt do reviews for little 250er bike...

[@florme6494]

Probably helpful for other larger guys who are thinking about this bike.

[@TokyotimTech]

Dumbest comment I have read today

[@lukefish7562]

@@TokyotimTech yeah that’s some ignorant sh|t.🤣 including myself half the comments are from 200lb plus riders.

[@semiprofessional8470]

I can't imagine it puts out 28 hp.

[@DirtBikeTest]

I know, its way more that most can handle...

[@jusride7]

Subbed

[@ecopeland1321]

I thought DBT was for Dirt Bike Test , but now I guess it means Dirt Bike TALK . Just opinions from obvious novices.

[@guillaumebourque9048]

Uncross your arms dude, it looks like you don't want to be there.

[@TheFbiFilesRepeat]

He is just relaxed, which is good

[@skipwalker3269]

When you keep saying "entry level" and "beginner" I know you are being PAID to say what you say. YOU are ruining motorcycling for EVERYONE when you are this DISCRIMINATIVE!!!
YOU should be banned from motorcycle journalism.
NOT everyone wants to operate at 300% !! WE want to see things and experience them!
SO if you must be-little people who want to explore the world at an enjoyable pace, PISS OFF!

[@DirtBikeTest]

Skip, you need to cut and paste this onto the KTM 390 review as well. We need the views to get paid more.
On a serious note, Entry Level and Beginner are market segments important to the growth of the sport/segment of transportation. Even if the side effect is producing a great motorcycle for seasoned riders who understand they have different needs than what everyone thinks they need (70 HP 500cc race bikes with a license plate handing off the back.) If you think little people suffer with motorcycles that fit them try and find a bike for a big person...

[@Kurtis.E]

Style over performance.....its a 250cc comparing it to 450 rally or adventure bikes 600cc and over waste of my time not watchin this channel again

[@DirtBikeTest]

So, this direction in the review was largely because of the questions asked of us when viewers saw other posts about the bike. You may know more than the average viewer or our typical audience looking at this bike. Try on Tech Talk Taco Tuesday for more focused and wide ranging content that gets very specific. Just like the way we will address this question on tonight's show #71. And maybe we'll take calls!

[@canamdennis6829]

you guys talk like you no bikes and you dont no if its 5 or 6 speed what a joke that guy with the glasses will make you lose all of your subcribers get that guy out of your videos please he should not have anything to do with bike videos wow

[@DirtBikeTest]

When can you come by to fill in? We need qualified test riders!

[@canamdennis6829]

@@DirtBikeTest A Robot would be better

[@siimtuulik6344]

Nice review