Launching the Honda CRF 250 Rally

[MaxThePanda]

Sign me up.

 

[blauth]

Excellent review and cool launch video.

Sounds very much like this little Honda is more than the sum of its parts.

Quick question; is the primary chain an o-ring or x-ring chain?

What does the Honda manual say with regards to setting the rear preload....in terms of how. Sounds like it may be a bit tricky. If all else fails, RTFM......


You bunch of hooligans racing each other reminds me of when we went to the scooter rally. There were scooter races and what a blast! You seriously don't need cc's to have a joll.

 

[1ougat]

:thumleft: Naise report K

 

[billy-joe]

Sign me up.

me three! 

forgive my ignorance but would the little 250 still be better than a 600/650 with a similar weight?  after all this hype, i'm also keen for a little go. haven't ridden in a loooong time though!

 

[sidetrack]

Sign me up.

me three! 

forgive my ignorance but would the little 250 still be better than a 600/650 with a similar weight?  after all this hype, i'm also keen for a little go. haven't ridden in a loooong time though!

Being physically smaller would help but if they made a 650 Rally with same weight very few 250's will be sold. In fact the KTM 640 Adventure weighs about the same as this Honda 250 from what I remember

 

[billy-joe]

same thing i'm thinking.  the 650 might be a little more intimidating too but not all that much.  but the 250 is receiving high praise here so it must be good at some things.  as far as I can see its only the top end that's the problem and as 2sd says, its just a mind shift from the usual 150km/h cruising speed.

 

[Kortbroek]

same thing i'm thinking.  the 650 might be a little more intimidating too but not all that much.  but the 250 is receiving high praise here so it must be good at some things.  as far as I can see its only the top end that's the problem and as 2sd says, its just a mind shift from the usual 150km/h cruising speed.

On my XR650R, although I can keep it pinned at a 150 all day, it is actually very nice to cruise along at 100/110kph and see the sights. Makes covering long distances very relaxing I found. Off course when the terrain gets twisty and fun I have bucket loads of power left to play a bit.

What I'm getting at is that making the shift to cruising at a 100 all day is not that hard(for me at least) and because it takes less concentration I find myself looking around more.

 

[Kamanya]

Cyrils - LuckyStrikers video's!

This is belting along on the Postal Route and Wuppertal sections

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNxMu84FQas&feature=youtu.be

How fast will it go...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da1YkGsXS5E

 

[Rynet]

We would be Sir, very much so..... :ricky:

Me too please . I have been dreaming about riding that Honda Rally again .  :ricky:

 

[Rynet]

A friend of mine is looking at a new GS800, apparently on special no at Donny's Ford for R136000?

As I know Emile well, and know ho he has just chopped off big time doing the war trail with 2 buddies on 70's XT500's, I mentioned the 250Rally, and Emile was very interested.

But.....and this Kamanya pointed out in his last paragraph above, can Emile make the mindshift to cruise home at 110kmh?

This is why I have always maintained that while it is nice to have lots of bikes [ and as few BMW's as possible ot: ] , the 2bike argument for D/S riding is a senseless one, because
to choose your big bike for the long haul will put the tech paths out of reach again for most riders.

This is , especially to me, the beauty of the small bike, a small sacrifice in open road pace and the world is your oyster.

Well said , Danie .  :thumleft: best post on the small bike / big bike saga.  Riding to Hermanus on Sunday we never went over 120 as we did about 4/5 tar passes and some gravel and twee spoor too .  The Rally would have been in home territory and I wished I was on her , she is just so much fun .  Coming back Kevin needed to catch a flight back to JHB so we went a tad fast , but really I am starting to get my mind around arriving back in Cape Town 30 minutes later on a more decent 120 km speed.  One just needs to get up 30 minutes earlier . Power at top end is nice , but there is nothing skilled about it .

Ok I must admit the combined sound of my 990 with Wings and the 950 SE with Akros roaring through the tunnel at Chapmans Peak will stay with me for days  :drif: , but I can really see myself going smaller . Now just to convince my riding buddies that life is not necessarily better over 140.  :biggrin:

 

[AfricaMike]

What does this 'little' bike cost?  Great writeup - thanks.  Looks like it will also have the offroad edge on the expected GS310 from BMW.

 

[Kamanya]

What does this 'little' bike cost?  Great writeup - thanks.  Looks like it will also have the offroad edge on the expected GS310 from BMW.

It is in the R80k region.

Go try one out, you'll love it!

 

[ClimbingTurtle]

What does this 'little' bike cost?  Great writeup - thanks.  Looks like it will also have the offroad edge on the expected GS310 from BMW.

It is in the R80k region.

Go try one out, you'll love it!

There was one at the NAMPO show this week, so I got to look good & proper - I think I might have to get one. At some Point.....

 

[KLRFegen]

Went and had a proper look at the Honda 25p Rally...very very very dissapointing. R85k for that bike is taking the piss mate. Seriously what the ****? You will need to drop another R15k to R20k on her to get her to do a proper DS trip. That means you looking at near on R100k for this bike 

I can find a good condition XTZ on thsi forum for R55k; a DRZ400 for R22k and two posts above this a Honda 400 for R30k....it just does not make any financial sense to buy the 250 Rally. The bottom plastic bit is terrible; it's not even a quality hard piece of plastic; first serious rock you throw up onto that and you can pull over remove it and toss it onto the side of the road.

I mean really Honda.

In the looks department it is awesome but I can't just and I really tried but I just can't justify dropping that amount of money on the bike I was looking at this morning when there is so much more out there for so much less. And it's a pity because I really was trying to convince myself it's time to get a small quality DS bike. Sorry but that's just my opinion of the bike

 

[Kamanya]

Went and had a proper look at the Honda 25p Rally...very very very dissapointing. R85k for that bike is taking the piss mate. Seriously what the ****? You will need to drop another R15k to R20k on her to get her to do a proper DS trip. That means you looking at near on R100k for this bike 

I can find a good condition XTZ on thsi forum for R55k; a DRZ400 for R22k and two posts above this a Honda 400 for R30k....it just does not make any financial sense to buy the 250 Rally. The bottom plastic bit is terrible; it's not even a quality hard piece of plastic; first serious rock you throw up onto that and you can pull over remove it and toss it onto the side of the road.

I mean really Honda.

In the looks department it is awesome but I can't just and I really tried but I just can't justify dropping that amount of money on the bike I was looking at this morning when there is so much more out there for so much less. And it's a pity because I really was trying to convince myself it's time to get a small quality DS bike. Sorry but that's just my opinion of the bike

Did you take it for a ride?

 

[KLRFegen]

Went and had a proper look at the Honda 25p Rally...very very very dissapointing. R85k for that bike is taking the piss mate. Seriously what the ****? You will need to drop another R15k to R20k on her to get her to do a proper DS trip. That means you looking at near on R100k for this bike 

I can find a good condition XTZ on thsi forum for R55k; a DRZ400 for R22k and two posts above this a Honda 400 for R30k....it just does not make any financial sense to buy the 250 Rally. The bottom plastic bit is terrible; it's not even a quality hard piece of plastic; first serious rock you throw up onto that and you can pull over remove it and toss it onto the side of the road.

I mean really Honda.

In the looks department it is awesome but I can't just and I really tried but I just can't justify dropping that amount of money on the bike I was looking at this morning when there is so much more out there for so much less. And it's a pity because I really was trying to convince myself it's time to get a small quality DS bike. Sorry but that's just my opinion of the bike

Did you take it for a ride?

Nope. Didn't see the point unfortunately; no use in wasting everyone's time if I know I'm not going to make a deal. As I said it's just my opinion of the bike and what I saw when looking at it.

 

[WildWood]

A stroke of genius from Honda to invite a couple of riders with cred to the launch  I've done bike reviews and although I'll never write an untruth it's expected you point out the positives and ignore the bikes shortcomings. Andrew, Danie and Renette who is going up be the first to buy the Honda?

 

[Rynet]

A stroke of genius from Honda to invite a couple of riders with cred to the launch  I've done bike reviews and although I'll never write an untruth it's expected you point out the positives and ignore the bikes shortcomings. Andrew, Danie and Renette who is going up be the first to buy the Honda?

I really want to buy the Honda . I dream about her all the time in the background.  It has interfered in my enjoyment of the 990 as I could ride the Honda at higher confidence and skill level than I can the 990 in technical and even on normal gravel .

Only thing is I have thrown so much money on my 990 already and I know she is in good mechanical quality and has a great engine so reluctant to part with her.

But I do dream about owning the Honda 250 Rally . I think it is a good investment . Once you pay for it , you don't need to spend much on maintenance and parts and petrol . Certainly not as much as on a KTM!

I would get bar raisers and probably new bars, but otherwise she is fine for me.

So yes I would dearly like to own one , but would have to sell my 990.  If I do that I will miss high speed racing along Rooi Els .  I would be impatient going up a steep pass like Sir Lowry's in the wind . But on commuting, gravel and technical rides the Honda performs as well or better for me . Twee spoor the Honda is a dream, but haven't tested her in deep sand yet .  Not that I ever take my 990 in deep sand either so that is a moot point.

 

[KLRFegen]

Rynet you need the following on your Rally if you want to enjoy her properly:

Handgaurds
Protaper handle bars
Crashbars
Bashplate - extended because it comes right up the front of the bike. When you ride it off the shop floor and get it home first thing is to get ride of that cheap plastic underneath; it's really ******* awful. Minus 20 points
Luggage rack
Pannier rack. The bike already has two points for the luggage and pannier racks so well done to them there. 10 points.
Rear suspension is soft so make sure your gym contract is up to date or know someone who can tighten it up.

Afyer you have done the abov4 you good to go and yes I agree with you about the confidence it gives because it is a super light bike and it was a major reason I went to look at it. I'm tired of riding in remote areas and having to pick up these heavy bikes and break my back. 300km to a tank apparently....

What also put me off was there was a NC750 next to the rally. The NC is alot more bike and the price tag on that bike was just under R110k also brand new. When you compare the two bikes I just cant; and this is me I agree not everyone; I just can't see the value in the Rally at almost R85k plus randelas.

I really walked in ready to trade up and get onto a Rally because I am also a small frame light guy but I just can't at that price. I will be on the look out for a decent second hand one in a year or two time and then it's on line donkey Kong.

But don't let my comments damper anyone's enthusiasm for this bike. If you have the cash and really want her go get it I dont think think you will be unhappy.

 

[Rynet]

Rynet you need the following on your Rally if you want to enjoy her properly:

Handgaurds
Protaper handle bars
Crashbars
Bashplate - extended because it comes right up the front of the bike. When you ride it off the shop floor and get it home first thing is to get ride of that cheap plastic underneath; it's really ******* awful. Minus 20 points
Luggage rack
Pannier rack. The bike already has two points for the luggage and pannier racks so well done to them there. 10 points.
Rear suspension is soft so make sure your gym contract is up to date or know someone who can tighten it up.

Afyer you have done the abov4 you good to go and yes I agree with you about the confidence it gives because it is a super light bike and it was a major reason I went to look at it. I'm tired of riding in remote areas and having to pick up these heavy bikes and break my back. 300km to a tank apparently....

What also put me off was there was a NC750 next to the rally. The NC is alot more bike and the price tag on that bike was just under R110k also brand new. When you compare the two bikes I just cant; and this is me I agree not everyone; I just can't see the value in the Rally at almost R85k plus randelas.

I really walked in ready to trade up and get onto a Rally because I am also a small frame light guy but I just can't at that price. I will be on the look out for a decent second hand one in a year or two time and then it's on line donkey Kong.

But don't let my comments damper anyone's enthusiasm for this bike. If you have the cash and really want her go get it I dont think think you will be unhappy.

Thanks , but she does have handguards

the bash is high , we went over some pretty high rocks on the Postal Route which is dry at the moment
Don't most bikes need crash bars when you buy them new
I have the Big Loop so don't need much else

Crash bars I may get at some point but not essential as they crash well.

As for suspension , everyone always complains about suspension on all bikes  ot:

Since you didn't actually ride the bike I take what you said about the suspension as guessing ?  :biggrin: >


If you want to compare her to the NC then you are comparing apples to pears.

I like new technology , I like to upgrade my cell phones and my computers and my internet connection etc, with the times . But that is just me. I know there are many camel men who love old tecnology and kudos to them .  Breaking down next to the side of the road on old technology and then fixing it in Mc Guiver style and writing a great RR is just not me.

I like things to work well , most of all my ride.  :thumleft: :thumleft: