Launching the Honda CRF 250 Rally

[MaxThePanda]

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.

The bars and hand guars looked fine to me - yes they are not high end Rental 1 1/8 bars, but I don't see why they shouldn't last. Open hand guars vs. closed Cycras have pundits both ways and there are advantages and disadvantages to both.

I think crashbars are a mistake on a small, light bike like this. It didn't look vulnerable at all to me, and crash bars are expensive and heavy. You could probably replace plastics 2-3 times for the same price (that's a wild guess). There was a Africa Twin that was next to the Rally that had been outfitted for a customer - must have been at least 10kg, maybe much more, of bars, plates, racks and other heavy metal stuff attached to the bike - fine for a Sunday road cruise, but not great for offroad riding.

Someone posted an article on this thread or one of the other ones where a guy had taken the bash plate off and destruction tested it - thinking the same as you - and come back saying actually it was a solid piece of kit. I use plastic Hyde plates on all my bikes - don't like metal bash plates personally.

This bike has attachment points and heat shields for soft luggage. Personally I think a Giant Loop is the way to go for this kind of riding, and without racks.

I didn't look at the suspension spec (preload, sag etc.) on this bike, but it's possible it's been designed more towards enduro-type spec than traditional hard adventure bike (designed for two up and lots of luggage). The initial sag can be unnerving if one isn't used to it, and seem like it's too soft when it isn't. It felt fine on the road to me - at 83kg - although I didn't ride it offroad. Nevertheless a new rear spring is around R1500 I guess and that's needed on any bike when one is outside the weight parameters.

I honestly don't think this bike needs R15-20k spent on it - I would ride it on an decent adventure ride stock standard, perhaps with a 5l fuel bladder strapped to my Giant Loop. But then I'm used to touring on enduro bikes, so it's a different mindset.

Im quite interested there's so much vehement opposition to this bike - from what I can see there's nothing even remotely close to it on the new market price or features-wise in the adventure market. I hope it does extremely well - the dealer I spoke to thought they would sell every one they could get their hands on.

 

[billy-joe]

I don't think people are necessarily opposed to the bike, perhaps more the relatively high price for it. Max, you think it's worth the 80k?


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[BLK]

Thks for write up.Wish I was 20 years old again.

 

[MaxThePanda]

I don't think people are necessarily opposed to the bike, perhaps more the relatively high price for it. Max, you think it's worth the 80k?


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'Worth' is a highly relative term. Is a GSA worth R200k plus? Beauty is very much in the eye of the beholder.

I recently sold my Audi A4 2.0T wagon for R70k - only 155000km, all the fancy executive features, beautiful condition... But 12 years old. A new one is about R500k. Is it worth it?

People keep comparing this bike to DRZ's, TTRs and other used bikes. It's a silly comparison. Yes, it may be better value for you personally to buy a used bike at a cheaper price but that doesn't say anything at all about the value of this new bike. New is new and used is used, same as all other vehicles.

To my eye it's tremendous value for money. I can't think of any other NEW adventure bike even close to its R85k. It's a shame, but there's very little on the market now below a 690/701. Or am I missing something?

 

[billy-joe]

Good point, Max. That's pretty much what I eluded too in the thread in General section. Very little out there to compare with and I think the GS won't be as well received, even though it's cheaper and has more power, but because it's not as dirt and adventure focused as this scoot. I suppose the high prices must be accepted mostly due to our flailing currency.

If I have the right price then a 390 duke is R69k and it's not that difficult to see where another 10k goes into making an adventure bike with wire wheels etc.


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[MaxThePanda]

Ya. Look, if they bring the feted KTM 390 adventure out at a similar price that will be a much better bike for my money. But then until it's in the flesh and there's a sticker price on it, it's all conjecture.

The BMW 310GS doesn't have a fraction of the dirt cred of this bike from what I can make out.

 

[boland]

This looks like a bike that many people will (and currently are) rave about, but few people will actually go out and buy it for themselves. Maybe I'm completely wrong...

At least the market is moving this way so it's very exciting for the future.

 

[Kykdaar]

So when you buying this bargain Max?

 

[2StrokeDan]

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

Except for you not having ridden the 250Rally, have you even bothered to read anything about it on here, or elsewhere?

A dozen of these bikes tackled a route of which one of the up-country guys remarked; :They seem to farm with rocks here", and not a single breakage. Nothing.
I was riding the Rally over that postal route, and could feel the black covers at your knees bulge and move as rocks was slammed into it's belly, yet on close inspection, no damage except for expected scrapemarks. Your remark regarding the plastics is at the least an uninformed one.
Yes, the price is high, I agree, but so is the finishings and quality. It is a strong motorcycle.
In fact, I would like to see which of the other offerings on the market would take the same abuse over the same area, and suffer zero breakage.

BMW, KTM, wanna give us bikes to test for real?

 

[MaxThePanda]

So when you buying this bargain Max?

My main biking activity is enduro - for me a KTM 500 is a better choice - common parts, plastics and accessories wth my 300. And an almost identical ride, suspension setup etc. I love how these Enduro bikes handle.

I've also done a couple of rallies and consider myself reasonably experienced off-road. I prefer a little more power - if the fabled 450 rally comes out I may well buy one.

But the thought seriously crossed my mind. I do feel the price is fair for what is and certainly not the inflated rip off people are complaining about.

 

[WildWood]

Danie, if you ride the KTM at the same speed you rode the Honda it wouldn't break either.
I remember you using the same logic when you were on a BMW GS rant. Your logic is they are reliable because most owners don't ride them hard enough.
I'm watching you, Traitor.
Waar is jou blou bloed?

 

[2StrokeDan]

Danie, if you ride the KTM at the same speed you rode the Honda it wouldn't break either.
I remember you using the same logic when you were on a BMW GS rant. Your logic is they are reliable because most owners don't ride them hard enough.
I'm watching you, Traitor.
Waar is jou blou bloed?

I am not even talking about taking the KTM offroad, it ill give some or other **** simply by being ridden anywhere.  ot: ot:

Remember that the Rallies were ridden quite hard, for it's engine size, and the KTM would possibly have a easier time going at a similar pace and being 150cc bigger. But then, the Honda has Japanese reliability, an undisputable given.

As good as any motorcycle can ever be, just remember that a Yamaha would have been better. :ricky:

 

[Kamanya]

Honda SA have sold 45 250 Rally's in the first week of availability. Their annual goal was 250 units. They've achieved 1/5 of their annual budget in a week.

I like them apples.

 

[Sardine]

Fantastic write-up.

Sorry if I missed it, but what's the seat height like?

 

[Shaun]

Andrew, as always a fantastic RR :thumleft: :thumleft:

Thanks too for all the other inputs & info on this thread. This "Little" bike sure seems to have a "HUGE" heart & a whole lot of fun to offer in great package, judging by all the positive feedback from all that rode it.

 

[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

Except for you not having ridden the 250Rally, have you even bothered to read anything about it on here, or elsewhere?

A dozen of these bikes tackled a route of which one of the up-country guys remarked; :They seem to farm with rocks here", and not a single breakage. Nothing.
I was riding the Rally over that postal route, and could feel the black covers at your knees bulge and move as rocks was slammed into it's belly, yet on close inspection, no damage except for expected scrapemarks. Your remark regarding the plastics is at the least an uninformed one.
Yes, the price is high, I agree, but so is the finishings and quality. It is a strong motorcycle.
In fact, I would like to see which of the other offerings on the market would take the same abuse over the same area, and suffer zero breakage.

BMW, KTM, wanna give us bikes to test for real?

I guarantee you that within 1 month of owning this "gem" you would have those plastics you are raving about off and a proper pucker Bashplate fitted mate. Those plastics wouldn't last 1 weekend in Lesotho.

I never ever said it was a bad bike so slow your roll old man and I made it clear I didn't ride it. What I did say is that at R85k I don't think it's all that and a bag of chips. I gave my opinion on the bike as I saw it.

I can also tell you confidently that the extras I mentioned are a must have if you want to ride this bike properly and get it to adventure trip spec. Not once did I say it's a bad bike.

You need a bashplate; you will want Protaper bars; you will need Handgaurds because the ones on this awesome bike are kak and going down will cost you a clutch or break lever; you will.need luggage racks and pannier brackets. Yes you can get away with crashbars but the side plastics Arnt all that hard so it's up to you.

I stand by what I say. It's not worth the R85k asking price...there is a Triumph scrambler on the forum today selling for R55k....you can pick up a XR650R for R55k same forum....I'm just saying

 

[2StrokeDan]

Well, if 12 bikes all ride the rocks, fast, and not one has damage, then your "horribly weak" bashplate is perhaps not that weak?

Of course, I have to agree, Lesotho's enduro conditions could call for a proper metal bashplate.

You also do not get the point about new and 2nd hand do you? :imaposer:

Why don't you make an effort and get to ride a Rally? You will be very pleasantly surprised.

I am not a Honda fan at all. This is simply a very good effort by Honda.

The price is steep, but so is R200 000 for a GS1200, or R260 000 for a R1. The price is also steep because it is new, not 2nd hand like your examples.

 

[Shaun]

Well, if 12 bikes all ride the rocks, fast, and not one has damage, then your "horribly weak" bashplate is perhaps not that weak?

Of course, I have to agree, Lesotho's enduro conditions could call for a proper metal bashplate.

You also do not get the point about new and 2nd hand do you? :imaposer:

Why don't you make an effort and get to ride a Rally? You will be very pleasantly surprised.

I am not a Honda fan at all. This is simply a very good effort by Honda.

The price is steep, but so is R200 000 for a GS1200, or R260 000 for a R1. The price is also steep because it is new, not 2nd hand like your examples.

All good points you made here...but really love the part above in bold
Could not have been said better  :thumleft: :thumleft: :thumleft:

 

[SteveD]

Just found this on ADV:

Just an update about Hellas Rally and the mighty CRF250rally. I had a challenge of building a bike provided by Honda Europe and Honda Greece and make it into a real Rally bike that could last the Hellas Rally. I have done it. I race it. And Finish 5th in the 450less category out of 12 riders and 70th out of 150 riders.
I have to say the bike was amazing. Thanks to DNAFilters, HyperPro suspension, IMS product, Zeta-DRC, F2R roadbook. RNS trip, Twisted Throttle (Denali lights) Dobeck (fuel management) and Enduro Greece wich provided the services.
By the way, Hellas Rally is an amazing rally wich just amazing scenery and such awesome mountain roads.

 

[Rynet]

Just found this on ADV:

Just an update about Hellas Rally and the mighty CRF250rally. I had a challenge of building a bike provided by Honda Europe and Honda Greece and make it into a real Rally bike that could last the Hellas Rally. I have done it. I race it. And Finish 5th in the 450less category out of 12 riders and 70th out of 150 riders.
I have to say the bike was amazing. Thanks to DNAFilters, HyperPro suspension, IMS product, Zeta-DRC, F2R roadbook. RNS trip, Twisted Throttle (Denali lights) Dobeck (fuel management) and Enduro Greece wich provided the services.
By the way, Hellas Rally is an amazing rally wich just amazing scenery and such awesome mountain roads.

:thumleft: :thumleft: Awesome . I still miss riding the Honda :ricky: but we may have another chance to do so before too long ...................