Getting rid of the 250... for a 250

patw · February 25th, 2013, 11:25 AM

2013 CRF250L

Ninja's not sold yet, but she's financing this madness. I did a ton of off-road with the KLR, in the last two seasons, and I'm pretty much in love with the dirt.

Here she is.

SMman · February 25th, 2013, 11:50 AM

Congrats on the CRF. I've been contemplating selling my CRF450R and buying the CRF250L which would be great to use around town and ride with my kids. So far, all the reviews have been great so I hope you feel the same way about it.

patw · February 25th, 2013, 11:58 AM

It has a cush drive, and proper gearing/rpm range for a street bike, so I'm hoping it's more comfy than a conversion.

How's the CFR450F? I was also considering getting a CRF450X for the cottage, if I can find a cheap used one.

SMman · February 25th, 2013, 03:15 PM

I absolutely love my CRF450R in motard trim for the track but its overkill in the dirt. Granted, I ran it in the dirt with supermoto gearing so was only able to use the 1st 2 gears. It is a maintenance pig compared to my DR-Z400SM. I do enjoy the extra power, lighter weight, better brakes, and amazing slipper clutch on the CRF. Right now my job makes it tough to ride the track so a 250 like yours would make more sense. I'm sure you'll have a blast with it.

Jono · February 25th, 2013, 09:25 PM

Nice bike! I was going to get one myself but decided not to buy new. I went with a KLX250SF since a used one with very low miles cost me a little over 3k. These little 250 thumpers are great commuters and just a blast to ride around on in general.

Here is mine:

Sometimes I wish I had the S model and not the SF, but I really don't have anywhere to ride off road so I am happy with the little motard.

Eagle981 · February 25th, 2013, 10:38 PM

I'm super jealous of all the SuMo action

patw · February 26th, 2013, 05:45 AM

The klx is really nice. One of the guys we trail ride with has a nice 2012. It's crazy fast of road

choneofakind · February 26th, 2013, 09:28 AM

I think I'd rather pay for a WR250X over a KLX250SF. Better everything and well worth it in my eyes. Read through the comparos between the SF and the WR.

Jono · February 26th, 2013, 09:29 AM

I have only taken mine off-road a few times. It handled it very nicely, although it was pretty mild off-roading. Haha. But it was still super fun. I can see myself getting a proper dirt bike in the future.

Jono · February 26th, 2013, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by choneofakind

I think I'd rather pay for a WR250X over a KLX250SF. Better everything and well worth it in my eyes. Read through the comparos between the SF and the WR.

Yeah the WR has a better engine. FI and more power. So what? Suspension wise they are about tied. WR's are crazy expensive and hard to find a good deal on a used one. For the price difference the KLX can have serious engine upgrades to make it just as powerful/more powerful.

I'm sure both are equally as fun!

And I'd rather buy the CRF250L over the WR just because of the huge price difference. $4,499 vs $6,690

patw · February 26th, 2013, 11:52 AM

Same logic I had. The WR guys I know were livid when they heard that I was looking at the Honda. But the real world reviews on ADV Rider are showing it's comparable to the WR in many ways and better than an uncorked KLX.

Snake · February 26th, 2013, 11:57 AM

Congratulations on the new bike! I so much would like to get back into trail riding and catching air. Unfortunately there is no where to off-road ride out here.

patw · February 26th, 2013, 12:01 PM

Thanks Snake. It's more of a trail riding, and less of a "catching air" machine

I did plenty of jumping with the KLR, and it was utterly terrifying

choneofakind · February 26th, 2013, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jono

Suspension wise they are about tied.

...

I'm sure both are equally as fun!

From what I've read, not really. The reviews said that the WR dove less and was more composed. Granted, I totally agree with you; all the faults I've been able to think up are easily fixed with some basic knowledge of how to work on bikes. The ninjette teaches this well, just look at my bike

But heck yeaH! I would ride either without a single complaint, and likely giggle like a little girl from being on a new bike.

patw · February 26th, 2013, 12:15 PM

The great thing is, I'll be able to find this out for sure. My riding group has one of each low displacement DS bike now, minus the DR400.

choneofakind · February 26th, 2013, 12:30 PM

Cool! See if you can get some time swapping bikes with the other riders. I'd love to hear some impressions from somewhere other than just the magazines.

SMman · February 26th, 2013, 03:16 PM

WR250X is a good bike but WAY OVERPRICED. I looked at one, plus the KTM690. I ended up with the DR-Z400SM because of the price and performance it offered.

I wish the Japanese would step up and offer more sutting edge supermotos like KTM, Husaberg, Husqvarna, etc.

The DR-Z is a good machine but it would be nice to have a 6th gear, fuel injection, and a bit more power. I use mine to commute to the airport and around town and it serves its purpose very well. I even did a 1300km day so it can tour and is so much fun in the twisties. I tracked it 4 times and it was a blast but no match for my CRF450R.

I think the CRF250L is a bargain. Its cheaper than the old carbed, air cooled CRF230! I might get one soon before Honda raises the price. Wonder if my 17" motard tires from my CRF450R would fit?

Jono · February 26th, 2013, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patw

Same logic I had. The WR guys I know were livid when they heard that I was looking at the Honda. But the real world reviews on ADV Rider are showing it's comparable to the WR in many ways and better than an uncorked KLX.

The great thing is, I'll be able to find this out for sure. My riding group has one of each low displacement DS bike now, minus the DR400.

Can't wait to hear your comparison. And I haven't read any bad reviews of the CRF250L. When I was looking at getting one, my only complaint was that it didn't come with a folding shift lever. But that is a cheap fix.

I still need to un-cork my KLX.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMman

I think the CRF250L is a bargain. Its cheaper than the old carbed, air cooled CRF230! I might get one soon before Honda raises the price. Wonder if my 17" motard tires from my CRF would fit?

You know that they are coming out with a sumo version, right? Not sure how much more it is going to cost but it might be cheaper than converting. Also don't know if it will make it's way to North America since there doesn't seem to be that big of a market for small motards. Just look at their last attempt. The CRF230M was a failure. And Kawasaki only offered the KLXSF here for 2 years and some of those bikes still sit on showroom floors today.

http://hellforleathermagazine.com/20...ble-supermoto/

Like you, I wish the Japanese would make real supermoto's.

Heck, I wish Yamaha would give us this big turd.

alex.s · February 26th, 2013, 04:22 PM

booooo! VIVA LA NINJA!

SMman · February 26th, 2013, 07:14 PM

I did read about the CRF supermoto but I already have 2 sumos. I would want the 250L for some light off roading, riding with my kids, and for my wife to use around the city. I have a feeling the wheels from my CRF450R and DR-Z400SM wouldn't fit but no big deal. I'm still torn on what to do with my 450R. It belonged to a friend of mine who passed away so I'm attached to it.

patw · February 27th, 2013, 08:39 AM

http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/02/27...t/?src=twitter

Pretty good comparison of the 3 competing bikes, in case anyone was confused by this whole thread.

Jono · February 27th, 2013, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patw

http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/02/27...t/?src=twitter

Pretty good comparison of the 3 competing bikes, in case anyone was confused by this whole thread.

How convenient. I think it just about sums up what we already knew. The WR is way too expensive and the KLX needs FI and a little more power. Honda doesn't have great suspension but that price tag is hard to beat.

subxero · February 27th, 2013, 05:28 PM

I could never buy into the dual purpose bikes still can't. I guess i think they are good if you are just going to ride it offroad on old mine roads/dirtroads and decent trails but then whats the point? With the kind of dirt riding i like to do i would be replacing mirrors and signals every other day on a dual purpose. But then again thats me.

The idea of ripping around on the street with a dirtbike then being able to just pop onto a trail is awesome but somewhat imperfect....unless you like running from the cops on the MX bike but even then it only takes them a few times till they figure out where you live.

keep us posted how it goes and what you think

patw · March 23rd, 2013, 07:59 PM

And it's final now. The Ninja just got sold for $3500 to a younger guy, as his first bike. Hopefully he shows up here one day to talk about the bike.

Sad day

YunMing · March 23rd, 2013, 08:18 PM

I really wish I had a sumo as a starter bike. I still want a DRZ400 SM or even a CRF250L still. No way I can afford a WR250 it's just too costly.

patw · March 23rd, 2013, 08:29 PM

I had the CRF250L out for the first real ride today and I was shocked at how easy it was to ride. Nice amounts of torque everywhere in the RPM range, super easy clutch throw, positive shifting, and almost perfectly linear power delivery. I hope the Ninja 300 feels that way.

YunMing · March 23rd, 2013, 08:31 PM

Yeah Single Cylinders should be like that. Honestly I'd like a sumo to just do wheelies and ride hard.

patw · March 23rd, 2013, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YunMing

Yeah Single Cylinders should be like that. Honestly I'd like a sumo to just do wheelies and ride hard.

I had a KLR 650 for a while, and it's also a single. The torque was awesome, but it wasn't really smooth or consistent power

Carbs suck.

YunMing · March 23rd, 2013, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patw

I had a KLR 650 for a while, and it's also a single. The torque was awesome, but it wasn't really smooth or consistent power

Carbs suck.

Yeah my brother has a 08 KLR650. Singles are pretty vibey.

Snake · March 23rd, 2013, 08:55 PM

Congratulations on the new bike. I so miss dirt bikes.

choneofakind · March 24th, 2013, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patw

Carbs suck.

Nicely tuned carbs aren't bad. But a moderately tuned fuel injection system is still better.

patw · March 24th, 2013, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snake

Congratulations on the new bike. I so miss dirt bikes.

Thanks! No idea what the trails are like in Louisiana, but I'm sure there's some good ones.

Alex · July 24th, 2013, 11:57 PM

I'm picking up a CRF-250L on Saturday. It's time to spend some time on dirt! Our five-year-old had a great time this past weekend zipping around on some tiny 50's at MotoGP in Monterey, so we're finally to the point where family dirtbiking is a real possibility. Right now we're thinking about a mini-fleet of Honda machines (that 250L for me, the 125 "Big Wheel" for the wife when it is released in August, and a 50 for the little monster). The 250 is plated, and the other two are green-sticker so they can be ridden year-round in most dirt parks. Wish me luck!

ninjamunky85 · July 25th, 2013, 01:12 AM

Nice ride. Nothin' wrong with wanting to do some off roading.

If anyone is interested here's a thread of one that has beem sumo'd.

http://www.supermotojunkie.com/showt...hlight=crf250l

choneofakind · July 25th, 2013, 07:21 PM

Family dirt riding would be awesome!! I wish my family was interested in that when I was little. Then I could be a better rider now.

Alex · August 21st, 2013, 11:16 PM

@patw - do you still have the 250L?

February 25th, 2013, 11:25 AM	#1
patw ninjette.org guru Name: Pat Location: Barrie, Ontario Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 SE Posts: 338	Getting rid of the 250... for a 250 2013 CRF250L Ninja's not sold yet, but she's financing this madness. I did a ton of off-road with the KLR, in the last two seasons, and I'm pretty much in love with the dirt. Here she is. __________________________________________________ 2013 CRF250L 1985 GL1200 Interstate

February 25th, 2013, 11:50 AM	#2
SMman ninjette.org guru Name: Danger Location: Canada Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): 15 CBR300R, 14 BWS50, 09 FZ1, 09 Ninja 250, 06 CRF450R Motard, 03 ZX-6R Posts: 422	Congrats on the CRF. I've been contemplating selling my CRF450R and buying the CRF250L which would be great to use around town and ride with my kids. So far, all the reviews have been great so I hope you feel the same way about it. __________________________________________________ 15 CBR300R, 14 BWS50, 09 FZ1, 09 Ninja 250, 06 CRF450R Motard, 03 ZX-6R 636

February 25th, 2013, 11:58 AM	#3
patw ninjette.org guru Name: Pat Location: Barrie, Ontario Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 SE Posts: 338	It has a cush drive, and proper gearing/rpm range for a street bike, so I'm hoping it's more comfy than a conversion. How's the CFR450F? I was also considering getting a CRF450X for the cottage, if I can find a cheap used one. __________________________________________________ 2013 CRF250L 1985 GL1200 Interstate

February 25th, 2013, 03:15 PM	#4
SMman ninjette.org guru Name: Danger Location: Canada Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): 15 CBR300R, 14 BWS50, 09 FZ1, 09 Ninja 250, 06 CRF450R Motard, 03 ZX-6R Posts: 422	I absolutely love my CRF450R in motard trim for the track but its overkill in the dirt. Granted, I ran it in the dirt with supermoto gearing so was only able to use the 1st 2 gears. It is a maintenance pig compared to my DR-Z400SM. I do enjoy the extra power, lighter weight, better brakes, and amazing slipper clutch on the CRF. Right now my job makes it tough to ride the track so a 250 like yours would make more sense. I'm sure you'll have a blast with it. __________________________________________________ 15 CBR300R, 14 BWS50, 09 FZ1, 09 Ninja 250, 06 CRF450R Motard, 03 ZX-6R 636

February 26th, 2013, 05:45 AM	#7
patw ninjette.org guru Name: Pat Location: Barrie, Ontario Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 SE Posts: 338	The klx is really nice. One of the guys we trail ride with has a nice 2012. It's crazy fast of road __________________________________________________ 2013 CRF250L 1985 GL1200 Interstate

February 25th, 2013, 09:25 PM	#5
Jono ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jono Location: Memphis, TN Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Triumph Street Triple, 2009 KLX250SF, 2003 Suzuki SV650S (Sold), 2006 Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: A lot.	Nice bike! I was going to get one myself but decided not to buy new. I went with a KLX250SF since a used one with very low miles cost me a little over 3k. These little 250 thumpers are great commuters and just a blast to ride around on in general. Here is mine: Sometimes I wish I had the S model and not the SF, but I really don't have anywhere to ride off road so I am happy with the little motard.

February 25th, 2013, 10:38 PM	#6
Eagle981 ninjette.org member Name: Guy Location: Arizona Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250R Posts: 57	I'm super jealous of all the SuMo action

February 26th, 2013, 09:28 AM	#8
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	I think I'd rather pay for a WR250X over a KLX250SF. Better everything and well worth it in my eyes. Read through the comparos between the SF and the WR.

February 26th, 2013, 09:29 AM	#9
Jono ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jono Location: Memphis, TN Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Triumph Street Triple, 2009 KLX250SF, 2003 Suzuki SV650S (Sold), 2006 Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: A lot.	I have only taken mine off-road a few times. It handled it very nicely, although it was pretty mild off-roading. Haha. But it was still super fun. I can see myself getting a proper dirt bike in the future.

February 26th, 2013, 11:52 AM	#11
patw ninjette.org guru Name: Pat Location: Barrie, Ontario Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 SE Posts: 338	Same logic I had. The WR guys I know were livid when they heard that I was looking at the Honda. But the real world reviews on ADV Rider are showing it's comparable to the WR in many ways and better than an uncorked KLX. __________________________________________________ 2013 CRF250L 1985 GL1200 Interstate

February 26th, 2013, 11:57 AM	#12
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	Congratulations on the new bike! I so much would like to get back into trail riding and catching air. Unfortunately there is no where to off-road ride out here.

February 26th, 2013, 12:01 PM	#13
patw ninjette.org guru Name: Pat Location: Barrie, Ontario Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 SE Posts: 338	Thanks Snake. It's more of a trail riding, and less of a "catching air" machine I did plenty of jumping with the KLR, and it was utterly terrifying __________________________________________________ 2013 CRF250L 1985 GL1200 Interstate

February 26th, 2013, 12:15 PM	#15
patw ninjette.org guru Name: Pat Location: Barrie, Ontario Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 SE Posts: 338	The great thing is, I'll be able to find this out for sure. My riding group has one of each low displacement DS bike now, minus the DR400. __________________________________________________ 2013 CRF250L 1985 GL1200 Interstate

February 26th, 2013, 12:30 PM	#16
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	Cool! See if you can get some time swapping bikes with the other riders. I'd love to hear some impressions from somewhere other than just the magazines.

February 26th, 2013, 04:22 PM	#19
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	booooo! VIVA LA NINJA! __________________________________________________

February 26th, 2013, 07:14 PM	#20
SMman ninjette.org guru Name: Danger Location: Canada Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): 15 CBR300R, 14 BWS50, 09 FZ1, 09 Ninja 250, 06 CRF450R Motard, 03 ZX-6R Posts: 422	I did read about the CRF supermoto but I already have 2 sumos. I would want the 250L for some light off roading, riding with my kids, and for my wife to use around the city. I have a feeling the wheels from my CRF450R and DR-Z400SM wouldn't fit but no big deal. I'm still torn on what to do with my 450R. It belonged to a friend of mine who passed away so I'm attached to it. __________________________________________________ 15 CBR300R, 14 BWS50, 09 FZ1, 09 Ninja 250, 06 CRF450R Motard, 03 ZX-6R 636

February 27th, 2013, 08:39 AM	#21
patw ninjette.org guru Name: Pat Location: Barrie, Ontario Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 SE Posts: 338	http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/02/27...t/?src=twitter Pretty good comparison of the 3 competing bikes, in case anyone was confused by this whole thread. __________________________________________________ 2013 CRF250L 1985 GL1200 Interstate

February 27th, 2013, 05:28 PM	#23
subxero dirty boy Name: Joe Location: Johnstown, PA Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): I don't even know anymore?? Posts: A lot. MOTM - Apr '14	I could never buy into the dual purpose bikes still can't. I guess i think they are good if you are just going to ride it offroad on old mine roads/dirtroads and decent trails but then whats the point? With the kind of dirt riding i like to do i would be replacing mirrors and signals every other day on a dual purpose. But then again thats me. The idea of ripping around on the street with a dirtbike then being able to just pop onto a trail is awesome but somewhat imperfect....unless you like running from the cops on the MX bike but even then it only takes them a few times till they figure out where you live. keep us posted how it goes and what you think

March 23rd, 2013, 07:59 PM	#24
patw ninjette.org guru Name: Pat Location: Barrie, Ontario Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 SE Posts: 338	And it's final now. The Ninja just got sold for $3500 to a younger guy, as his first bike. Hopefully he shows up here one day to talk about the bike. Sad day __________________________________________________ 2013 CRF250L 1985 GL1200 Interstate

March 23rd, 2013, 08:18 PM	#25
YunMing ninjette.org member Name: Alexander Location: Santa Rosa Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): (Sold) 2007 Red Ninja 250r, 2003 Cbr 600 F4i Posts: 137	I really wish I had a sumo as a starter bike. I still want a DRZ400 SM or even a CRF250L still. No way I can afford a WR250 it's just too costly.

March 23rd, 2013, 08:29 PM	#26
patw ninjette.org guru Name: Pat Location: Barrie, Ontario Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 SE Posts: 338	I had the CRF250L out for the first real ride today and I was shocked at how easy it was to ride. Nice amounts of torque everywhere in the RPM range, super easy clutch throw, positive shifting, and almost perfectly linear power delivery. I hope the Ninja 300 feels that way. __________________________________________________ 2013 CRF250L 1985 GL1200 Interstate

March 23rd, 2013, 08:31 PM	#27
YunMing ninjette.org member Name: Alexander Location: Santa Rosa Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): (Sold) 2007 Red Ninja 250r, 2003 Cbr 600 F4i Posts: 137	Yeah Single Cylinders should be like that. Honestly I'd like a sumo to just do wheelies and ride hard.

March 23rd, 2013, 08:55 PM	#30
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	Congratulations on the new bike. I so miss dirt bikes.

July 24th, 2013, 11:57 PM	#33
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	I'm picking up a CRF-250L on Saturday. It's time to spend some time on dirt! Our five-year-old had a great time this past weekend zipping around on some tiny 50's at MotoGP in Monterey, so we're finally to the point where family dirtbiking is a real possibility. Right now we're thinking about a mini-fleet of Honda machines (that 250L for me, the 125 "Big Wheel" for the wife when it is released in August, and a 50 for the little monster). The 250 is plated, and the other two are green-sticker so they can be ridden year-round in most dirt parks. Wish me luck! __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

July 25th, 2013, 01:12 AM	#34
ninjamunky85 Que Buenos Son!!! Name: Ryan Location: Grovetucky, OH Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia Shiver 750, Husaberg FE 450, Ninja 300 (sold), xr100 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Nov '14	Nice ride. Nothin' wrong with wanting to do some off roading. If anyone is interested here's a thread of one that has beem sumo'd. http://www.supermotojunkie.com/showt...hlight=crf250l __________________________________________________ Don't do something because it's easy,.. Do it because it's not! If you aren't going forward, then you're falling behind. "Drive it like you stole it"!!!

July 25th, 2013, 07:21 PM	#35
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	Family dirt riding would be awesome!! I wish my family was interested in that when I was little. Then I could be a better rider now.

August 21st, 2013, 11:16 PM	#36
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	@patw - do you still have the 250L? __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)