Yamaha’s WR250X finally receives some serious competition.
Wayne Gerdes -
CleanMPG - April 13, 2012
2012 CRF250L – Pricing is unknown but how about a 104 mpg spec at a steady state 36 mph… A gearing change with smart riding and we’ll get that up to at least 50
While some may not remember my speculation on the
Next Gen of the Most Fuel Efficient Motorcycle We Have Ever Reviewed. Tomorrow, Honda will begin offering this all-new 250cc on/off-road CRF250L to customers in Japan with the details now fully exposed.
The CRF250L is powered by the same liquid-cooled .25L 4-stroke DOHC single-cylinder engine of its sport bike counterpart. Low-friction technologies including an offset cylinder are also employed to realize the excellent fuel economy of 104 mpgUS at a constant speed of 36 mph on a level road.
The newly-designed steel frame and adoption of an inverted suspension with a 9.8” of travel up front and 9.4” out back is a welcome respite from the minimalistic CRF230L that went before it.
The basic concept of Honda’s CRF arises from the motocross series with a choice of two colors, Extreme Red or Ross White.
Main Features
The engine provides a class leading 22.7 HP and a new found smoothness thanks to its liquid-cooled DOHC engine with Programmed Fuel Injection System (PGM-FI). On the emissions front, there is an O2 sensor and TWC fitted within the muffler. Low-friction surface technologies embedded in the offset cylinder and the roller rocker arm all provide the best fuel efficiency Honda has ever delivered in the quarter liter class.
The all-new twin-tube steel frame was designed to be more rigid to ensuring a new found agility and stability while still offering a slim profile. The inverted front end employs a Separate Function Front Fork having an inner tube diameter of 43 mm that provides high speed stability. The aluminum monoblock cast swing arm yields high strength and proper rigidity to handle on and off-road capability.
Key equipment- A headlight visor surrounding a multi-reflector 60/55 W Halogen
- A multifunctional digital meter that incorporates a fuel meter, a clock, and trip/odometer. Hopes for an i and aFCD were overly optimistic
- OEM Skid plates
- A handle turning angle that extends to 45° to both the left and right
- Cargo hooks in the rear fender section to make loading convenient
- A 2.0 gallon fuel tank <-- The aftermarket will have to cure this problem.
2012 Honda CRF250L Specifications
Dimensions (L×W×H) (in): 86.4”×32”×47”
Wheelbase (in): 56.9”
Ground clearance (in): 10.0”
Seat height (in): 34.4”
Curb weight (lb): 315 pounds <-- This one is a bit more than I had hoped.
As soon as Honda releases an on-road M, maybe we’ll get the chance for a review ride locally?
Linear Mode
