"Honda’s smallest street legal dual sport began its life in 2008 as the Honda CRF230L. In 2012, it was updated with the engine from the CBR250R but was largely unchanged other than the motor, becoming the CRF250L. But then Honda began teasing something different. Something exciting.
First came an illustrated teaser in 2015, then a prototype in 2016, with Honda finally launching the new Honda CRF250L Rally in 2017 to massive interest. Our news story on the production model with the first specs was one of our most read stories of 2017.
The CRF250L Rally takes the existing Honda dual sport and adds radiator shrouds, a cute asymmetrical LED headlight, and a ""floating"" screen. The tank has been increased to 2.66 gallons which, at a claimed 94.1 mpg, should yield over 200 miles before requiring a fill up.
The motor has been revised, with new throttle bodies, a new airbox, new mapping, and a new exhaust system which Honda claim brings power up to 24.4 horsepower (up from 22.8 hp). The Rally also gets variable riding modes and two-channel ABS, which allows you to turn ABS off at the rear.
Compared to the regular CRF250L, the Rally has 15mm more ground clearance, a 20mm taller seat, and is 50 mm longer in overall length. The suspension has been completely revised, with a new 43mm Showa fork and new Pro-Link shock that has 25mm more axle stroke and that's been tuned for adventure duty."
“I spent a couple days riding the 250L Rally through the Sierras, and while it did lose some power with the altitude, this little bike is a workhorse!” Morgan Gales - Editor, Street Chopper Magazine
