2016 EICMA: Honda Unveils CRF250 Rally

The rally-inspired bike is based on the CRF250L dual sport bike platform

Dual sport bikes make some awesome ADV bikes. Take the Honda CRF450 for example which has a rally version that HRC also races the Dakar. Now honda has been expanding its ADV segment and concentrating on entry level as well. They recently unveiled the CBF190X adventure that takes styling cues from the Africa Twin. This though is inspired by the Honda CRF450 Rally but is based on a smaller CRF240L platform. This conversion makes it apealing who want off-road and overlanding capability but dont want large, bulky bikes.

The 2017 Honda CRF250L Rally gets a floating windscreen, radiator shrouds, LED headlamps in addition to a Rally inspire bodywork.

The CRF250 Rally is powered by a 249cc liquid-cooled, single of the Honda CRF250L similar to the Honda CBR250R but which gets new ECU maps, throttle bodies, airbox and new lightweight exhaust system. It is good for 25Ps at 8500rpm and 23Nm of torque at 6750rpm. The bike has a 10 litre fuel tank, which according to Honda should give the bike a range of around 320km.

As for suspension setup, the bike has 43mm Showa fork upfront with a mono setup at the rear. The Wheels are a spoked affair with a 21-inch front and 18-inch rears shod with off-road tyres. It gets dual channel ABS which can be switched off for some dirt riding.

Such a bike would make a lot of sense here in India but The chances of honda not getting it here are high as Indian's have yet to accept the idea of a dual purpose bike (remember the Hero Impulse?)