The "Oreo" bike
Honda CRF250 Rally (2017) - Red Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada
I decided to get into some off-roading/mild adventure riding - but didn't want whole-hog motocross. And I didn't want hugely powerful or heavy adventure-tourer. Ergo, Honda CRF250 Rally. The challenge of an enduro like this is trying to do a lot of different things at once - gutsy enough for the dirt yet comfortable for road speeds. It's a wide spectrum. And of course it is going to come up short at either end of the spectrum. That's why I call it the "Oreo" - the good stuff is in the middle.
Trail and gravel roads for long-ish periods is where it belongs and what I want to explore. One thing: it is TALL - 1" taller than the CRF250L which is tall enough already. And Honda goofed - the sidestand is too long. As you mount, it feels like it is going to tip over to the opposite side. I've bought a Kouba lowering link and will be ordering a standard CRF250L side stand to replace the stock ones. Not sure if I'll go so far as to lower the forks just yet.
Adapting to off-roading is going to be a challenge. I've already discovered on some local trails the importance of standing up - especially in rutty mud (dropped it three times). However, being able to swerve off the asphalt to explore some leafy side road less-traveled, rather than whizzing on by and only wondering, is just awesome!
Cheers!
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18 months ago
Nice!
48 months ago
@PowerRider187 Cheers! thanks! I did some mods to it - check out https://eatsleepride.com/c/304101/2017_crf250_rally_the_oreo_bike_gets_stuffed
48 months ago
@zyonsdream oooh I had to look up the 450 Rally Dakar - looks interesting, and serious. Thanks! Cheers!
49 months ago
nice bike.
49 months ago
I love this bike. I’m holding out for the 450 Rally Dakar edition but once the world gets back to normal, this is on my short list if that 450 doesn’t show up soon.
59 months ago
btw I've dropped the Rally four times now - the last time when my boot caught on the foot peg as I was making a u-turn. The Barkbusters I added saved the levers!
59 months ago
@jackb Hi! I find it hard to give up bikes - hence I have a "relaxed/sporty" Ninja 650R and old Virago 750. Confidence is key when it comes to riding, so whatever it takes to get you confident is great. I'm early 50's (although my brain refuses to acknowledge it) and I worry about knees when I will be required to stand on the pegs for long periods of time. Frankly I worry about getting hurt while riding off road, but I still want to make the effort and plan to take some instruction this summer (vacation and finances willing lol). Nothing wrong with an H-D Sportster - whatever puts a smile on your face and keeps you riding! Cheers and thanks for your comments!
59 months ago
@Chadnv I hear you - it really depends on the type of riding you'll be doing. The Rally is a little pricey to be honest - but the GS310, being a BMW, comes with a significant price tag too. The Rally leans more to off-road, whereas the GS is a bit more road-oriented. I can get the Rally up to 130 km/h (80-ish mph) on the highway, but not something I'd want to do all day. The GS is likely to be more plush and have a bit more "oomph".
59 months ago
@TimHuber yes please!
59 months ago
Had not ridden for 30 years - bought the Rally - liked the look - didn’t want something too powerful - wanted to explore the off roads when I felt confident enough. I made the right choice - great all rounder for inexperienced rider - my confidence quickly restored. Yes - too high for me standard but only a pain when getting on and off. Problem was as time went by - approx 5000km - I was starting to take more risks off road. At 67years wasn’t recovering from the bumps and bruises as quickly as I would have liked. Found a 2013 Harley Sporster - 150km - genuine - a couple of months ago - clearly height not a problem - enjoying the power - not missing the bruising. Having said that still miss the Rally at times.
60 months ago
I’m so on the fence with this and the 310gs. Just love the look of this out of the box, the HS I think will leave me wanting more clearance and seat height.
61 months ago
Hey dude, do you want a kickstand plate or two? I’ve gotten some free ones as swag at events and have a few spares