Anyone in MA/NH have a 2013 CRF250L?

[schleppy]

I'm getting pretty desperate to try one of these. I'm at the point now where I will pay for the gas I use, as well as throw $20 and a ride on my FZ1 to anyone who can set me up with a 2013 CRF250L test ride. Preferably a bike with at least 1000 miles on it. I don't want to ride a bike that's not broken in yet. I'm really interested in the bike, and I want to see if it has the power to lug me around.

Anyone know anyone?

Thanks gang!

[dankatz]

My friends rented ones for a trip in Vietnam and they liked them. I rented a month ago an XR250 Tornado in Costa Rica for a trip which is slightly similar in idea but very different engine. Both of these bikes are fine for those countries and roads. As an owner of a CRF230L, I can tell you that those are more powerful, but still not enough for US roads. For local commuting it's plenty, but for highways not. What did you think of your previous DR650? I am thinking of getting one...

[Not Sure]

If it doesn't have the power, I have a WR250 (only 400 miles though) you could take for a spin.

[Doc]

There is a street legal one for sale on the VT craigslist.

[schleppy]

My friends rented ones for a trip in Vietnam and they liked them. I rented a month ago an XR250 Tornado in Costa Rica for a trip which is slightly similar in idea but very different engine. Both of these bikes are fine for those countries and roads. As an owner of a CRF230L, I can tell you that those are more powerful, but still not enough for US roads. For local commuting it's plenty, but for highways not. What did you think of your previous DR650? I am thinking of getting one...

From what I've read on advrider, there are some big dudes doing highway on the 2013 250L and loving it. I really enjoyed the DR650 a lot. The only reason I traded it was because I could never get the carb to be as smooth as I wanted it to be. I didn't feel like dropping the money for the big pumper carb + tuning. Besides that the bike was an absolute blast to ride around, especially with 17" wheels on it.

If it doesn't have the power, I have a WR250 (only 400 miles though) you could take for a spin.

I may take you up on that!

[sveesix]

I don't think you will find a "2103 CRF250L" for close to 100 years.

[schleppy]

I don't think you will find a "2103 CRF250L" for close to 100 years.

har har har. Edited!

[Doc]

And the one on CL is not that new. Sorry.

[schleppy]

No problem Doc, thanks for trying!

[xxaarraa]

The Honda dealer doesn't have a demo bike for you? Break-in doesn't make that much of a difference. ADV has a zillion page thread on them, you can get all the info you need there, short of riding one.

[schleppy]

The Honda dealer doesn't have a demo bike for you? Break-in doesn't make that much of a difference. ADV has a zillion page thread on them, you can get all the info you need there, short of riding one.

I've gained all the knowledge I'm going to from ADVRider, etc. It's time to ride one.

The local dealer has the "sure you can test ride it so long as you buy it right after" mentality. I also don't like test riding low mile bikes, since I feel like I can't wind it out. Who am I to decide how the bike is broken in? Especially if I may not end up buying it...

[nhbubba]

I've never met a Japanese motorcycle dealer that offered test rides. I still don't believe they exist.

[breakdirt916]

unicorn...

nobody here has one so that you can have your way with it...the only way to test is to buy...

[feralchimp]

Have a deposit down on one; should arrive at the dealership within a week or so. They didn't even have one I could look at, let alone test ride, but it's the cheapest bike in its class, fuel injected, and has a gas gauge. I love my ZRX, but something about this bike just has "reliable twisting and grinning" written all over it.

Edited to add: Shouldn't take me long to put 1k on it and Wenham doesn't look that far. Holler in a month or so and we'll figure out a way for you to hoon around on it.

[schleppy]

You made my day feralchimp! I'll be in touch.

[dankatz]

Cool -congrats feralchimp! I have a 2009 CRF230L. I wonder how the two compare. I saw the weight difference (267 vs 320), but FI, better looks, more power should go a long way!

[SquadraCorse]

Looking at the specs I'm shocked to hear such good feedback on the 250L. I have a DRZ400 with a heap of mods and I think it's is a dog and is miserable on the highway. The DRZ probably has about 15-20hp more than a stock 250L at the same weight or a little under. I'm 170 lbs and the thing barely gets out of it's own way. FI is a great selling point as well as the 6 speed box. I'm interested to see what you guys think of the 250L, definitely post up your thoughts after you get to ride them!