The New Honda CRF 250 Rally

For the last 2 years, I have been riding a Honda CRF 250L in Thailand with nearly 40.000 km clocked up its fair to say I have gained a great liking for the bike.
With some importance modification done to make my bike more of an offroad/touring bike.

With the new Honda CRF 250 Rally bike being made in Thailand I had a chance to view the bike long before other countries have stock.

Just over the last few days, the local Honda dealers have been stocking the new bike.

On viewing the bike I can say I am very impressed with the overall design and layout of the bike .

The New Rally ABS version is not available in Thailand at the moment but I have been advised it will shortly be available.

Here is the full spec on the bike.

What is the 2017 CRF250 RALLY? It’s based on the updated 2017 CRF250L, the CRF250L RALLY adds a wide range of changes that make it a unique proposition in the market, with styling inspiration from the Team HRC CRF450 RALLY race machine. At the front, the rally-type “floating” screen, fairing and radiator shrouds provide wind protection, with the rest of the machine showing off minimal MX style. The asymmetric headlights are LED, as are the turn signals. A large fuel tank allows an extensive range, and the new digital dash includes a fuel gauge and tachometer. Long-travel suspension and high ground clearance enhance its long-distance off-road ability, and a larger floating front disc plus ABS that can be switched off for the rear brake. The engine boasts solid bottom-end torque coupled with substantial top-end power, thanks to updates from the original CRF250L including revised PGM-FI and throttle body, a new airbox and a lightweight exhaust.


2017 CRF250 RALLY Review Contents:

1. Introduction
1B. Quick Overview of Specs.
2. Model Overview
3. Key Features
4. Photo Gallery / Pictures
5. Technical Specifications

1. CRF250 RALLY Introduction

A 250cc dual purpose motorcycle covers many bases: it slips easily through congested city traffic thanks to lightweight and slim proportions matched with superb manoeuvrability, while its suspension, ground reach and seat height deliver a fun and comfortable ride on rough tarmac and trails. It opens up a whole new range of two-wheeled opportunities, whatever the rider’s experience level.

With styling DNA drawn directly from the HRC CRF450 RALLY Dakar racer, the CRF250 RALLY brings something new to the market. It not only looks ready to compete in a desert stage, but also delivers a real taste of adventure to riders who prefer a light, easy-to-manage machine. Around the world or around the block, the CRF250 RALLY is good to go.


1B. Quick Overview of Specs / Features

2017 CRF250 RALLY Engine / Drivetrain
Compact and sophisticated liquid-cooled DOHC 249cc single-cylinder four-stroke powerplant produces smooth and consistent torque at low rpm, plus excellent high-rpm performance.

A 38mm throttle body (up 2mm from the 2016 CRF250L) combines with a revised airbox, reshaped air boot, new muffler design and a larger-diameter exhaust head pipe to provide improved response and better power in the low and midranges.

Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI).

Extremely compact roller rocker arm design for the low-friction valve train allows the use of a smaller cylinder head.

Gear-driven counterbalancer shaft helps reduce vibrations for rider comfort.

Electric start for easy starting.

Lightweight aluminium crankcase.

Maintenance-free CD ignition.

Heavy-duty clutch offers smooth, progressive engagement.

Smooth-shifting, versatile six-speed transmission.

Heavy-duty O-ring–sealed chain for durability and reduced maintenance.

Quiet, USDA-qualified spark arrester/muffler.

Maintenance-free sealed battery.

2017 CRF250 RALLY Chassis / Suspension

Rally-type “floating” screen, fairing and radiator shrouds provide wind protection, with the rest of the machine showing off minimal MX style.

LED asymmetric headlights, as are the turn signals.

Large fuel tank allows extensive range.

Chassis developed specifically for the CRF250L provides excellent handling and agility.

Lightweight semi-double-cradle high-tensile steel frame.

Strong 43mm inverted fork provides 11 inches of travel.

The pro-link single-shock rear suspension delivers 10.3 inches of rear-wheel travel.

Tapered aluminium swingarm.

Powerful wave-design 256mm front disc brake, and 220mm rear disc brake provide strong and consistent stopping power.

Meter assembly, taillight and license-plate holder have all been updated for 2017.

Large floating front disc—plus ABS that can be switched off for the rear brake—delivers stopping power.

Front 21-inch wheel and 18-inch rear wheel with lightweight aluminium rims.

New digital dash includes a fuel gauge and tachometer.

Durable front and rear steel sprockets.

High-quality handlebar with comfortable grips.

2. CRF250 RALLY Model Overview

The CRF250 RALLY uses the CRF250L as its base, and adds a wide range of changes that make it a unique proposition in the market. Styling inspiration draws fully on the HRC CRF450 RALLY race machine. At the front, the ‘floating’ screen, fairing and radiator shrouds provide wind protection, with the rest of the machine showing off minimal MX style. The asymmetric headlights are LED, as are the indicators.



A large fuel tank allows the extensive range, and the new digital dash includes a fuel gauge and tachometer. Long-travel suspension and high ground clearance enhance its long-distance off-road ability and a larger floating front disc – plus ABS that can be switched off for the rear brake – delivers the stopping power. The EURO4-compliant engine boasts solid bottom-end torque coupled with substantial top end power thanks to changes compared to the original CRF250L, which include revised PGM-FI and throttle body, a new air box connecter tube and lightweight exhaust.
2017 CRF250 RALLY Colors: Red / White / Black
2017 CRF250 RALLY Price: $5,899
2017 CRF250 RALLY Release Date: March 2017

3. CRF250 RALLY Key Features

3.1 Styling & Equipment

The CRF250 RALLY is designed to cover the distance and its styling reflects this. Derived from the parts used by the CRF450 RALLY, the ‘floating’ screen, upper/lower fairing and side shrouds effectively shield the rider to offer excellent defence against the elements. Hand guards offer further protection, both for the hands and the brake and clutch levers.
From the machine’s mid-section back, the style is MX-sharp, with side panels and a seat/tank interface that help the rider move freely. A skid plate protects the machine’s underside and the gear lever features a folding tip. Seat height is 895mm, 20mm taller than the CRF250L.


The headlight is a compact, asymmetric dual LED unit while the rear light, LED indicators and number plate bracket tuck discreetly away. Cohesively laid-out, the digital dash features a speedometer, tachometer plus fuel gauge and clock.
The CRF250 RALLY has a 2.66 gallon (10.1L) (including 0.42 gallon / 1.6L reserve) fuel tank that delivers a range of over 198 miles (320 km) thanks to fuel consumption of 78 MPG (33.3km/l WMTC mode). The flat filler cap is hinged for convenience.
The CRF250 RALLY comes finished in Honda’s Extreme Red racing color as a base, with black and white accents inspired by the HRC factory machines.


3.2 Chassis

The CRF250 RALLY’s frame is constructed from steel, with twin oval-section main spars and a semi-double cradle. A wheelbase of 1,455mm is matched to a 28.1° rake with 114mm trail and ground clearance of 270mm (15mm more than the CRF250L). Wet weight is 157kg.
A new 43mm Showa inverted fork shares the same 250mm stroke as its sibling, but with 50mm extra overall length. Light weight and rigid, one side houses the spring while the other provides damping control. Both spring rate and damping have been optimised to suit the CRF250 RALLY’s adventurous long-distance aspirations. A 17mm front wheel spindle (2mm larger in diameter) improves strength and handling feel.




The pro-link rear suspension features a 265mm axle stroke, 25mm more than the CRF250L plus a leverage ratio revised for ride comfort. The Showa shock absorber is a single tube design with 40mm diameter cylinder.
The tapered aluminium swingarm incorporates a monoblock casting that provides the correct rigidity balance and reduces un-sprung mass. Extruded aluminium is used for the chain adjustment collar.


For extra braking power, a 296mm floating wave-style disc is worked by a two-piston calliper. Two-channel ABS are fitted as standard and give the rider the option to switch it off for the rear calliper.
Stylish black aluminium rims (21-inch front/18 rear) mark the CRF250 RALLY out and wear block pattern enduro-style tyres (front: 3.00-21 51P, rear: 120/80-18M/C 62P).

3.2 Engine

The CRF250 RALLY’s 250cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder DOHC engine’s performance is focused on bottom-end torque and high rpm power, plus a linear delivery. Peak power of 24 HP (18.2kW) is delivered @ 8,500rpm with peak torque of 16.7 ft/lb TQ (22.6Nm) arriving @ 6,750rpm.
The PGM-FI feeds the fuel/air mixture through a 38mm throttle body and draws air from the airbox via a direct connecting tube. The exhaust muffler has a diameter of 115mm, houses the catalyzer and uses two chambers. A large-bore downpipe helps the engine breathe and make more power.


The engine uses a compact roller/rocker arm valve train and cylinder head, with bore and stroke of 76x55mm. An offset cylinder reduces frictional losses while the piston itself incorporates a special surface material, plus a molybdenum coating. The oil pump features an internal relief structure that prevents aeration of relieved oil.
The crank journal employs a half-split, press-fit metal bearing while the crank bearing uses a cast-iron bush, reducing weight, smoothing the engine and strengthening the rigidity of the case housing, minimising the internal diameter change due to thermal expansion.


A primary balance shaft further reduces vibration and the six-speed gearbox and clutch are manufactured to cope with the extra stress of riding off-road. The 10.7 kW heat-release radiator features a thin guide-ring cooling fan to maintain even temperatures at low speeds.
The CRF250 RALLY engine is EURO4 compliant.

5. CRF250 RALLY Technical Specifications

ENGINE
Type Liquid-cooled, Single, DOHC
Engine Displacement (cm³) 250cc
No. of Valves per Cylinder 4
Bore ´ Stroke (mm) 76.0 x 55.0
Compression Ratio 10.7:1
Max. Power Output 24 HP (18.2kW) @ 8500rpm
Max. Torque 16.7 ft/lb TQ (22.6Nm) @ 6750rpm
Oil Capacity 1.8L
FUEL SYSTEM
Carburation PGM-FI
Fuel Tank Capacity 2.66 gallons (10.1L)
Fuel Consumption 78 MPG (33.3L/100km)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Starter Electric
Battery Capacity 12V-7AH
ACG Output 324W / 5000rpm
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch Type Wet multiplate hydraulic
Transmission Type 6-speed
Final Drive Chain
FRAME
Type Steel Twin Tube
CHASSIS
Dimensions (LxWxH) 2210 x 900 x 1425mm
Wheelbase 1455mm
Caster Angle 28.1°
Trail 114mm
Seat Height 895mm
Ground Clearance 270mm
Kerb Weight 157kg
Turning radius 2.3m
SUSPENSION
Type Front 43mm Telescopic Upsidedown
Type Rear Prolink
WHEELS
Rim Size Front 21 inch
Rim Size Rear 18 inch
Tyres Front 3.00-21 51P
Tyres Rear 120/80-18M/C 62P
BRAKES
ABS System Type 2 channel
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS
Instruments Digital
Headlight LED
Taillight Bulb


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Today cost in Thailand is 170.000 THB none ABS with ABS i think it will be sold around the 185.000 THB price

My order is in the the Rally with ABS.