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Photo of a Honda CRF250L

Honda CRF250L

The original CRF250L: CBR250R DNA and a 4 mm cylinder offset to cut friction.1

Researched November 9, 2026 from 30 sources

At a glance

0100200
22.7–25.3 hpPower
07.515
10.9 s0–100 km/h
0100200
121–137 km/hTop speed
0150300
22–23.1 N·mTorque
05001,000
140–157 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.579121415

Engine
249 cc liquid-cooled DOHC four-valve single; CBR250R-derived1612
Layout
Steel semi-double-cradle frame; chain final drive113
Gearbox
6-speed; assist/slipper clutch on Japan's late-2020 redesign712
Built at
Thai Honda Manufacturing, Thailand12

The story

2012: 200 Mugen Specials in black and gold20122013: CRF250M swaps dirt wheels for 17s20132017: Rally joins the L; ABS becomes optional20172020: Japan redesign: 4 kg off, 12 L for Rally20202023: Emissions update, handguards included20232024: 10.9 seconds to 100 km/h in testing20242025: Japan keeps the 250; Rally seat turns blue2025 Honda XL250 Motosport: Introduced 1972Honda XL250 MotosportHonda XR250L: Introduced 1991Honda XR250LHonda CRF230L: 2008–2009Honda CRF250L (2017 update) (MD44): 2017–2020MD44Honda CRF250L (Japan redesign) (MD47): From 2020 (Japan)MD47 19801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones14678111316172223
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
Introduced 1972Honda XL250 Motosport
Introduced 1991Honda XR250L
2008–2009Honda CRF230L
2017–2020Honda CRF250L (2017 update) (MD44)
From 2020 (Japan)Honda CRF250L (Japan redesign) (MD47)
2012200 Mugen Specials in black and gold
2013CRF250M swaps dirt wheels for 17s
2017Rally joins the L; ABS becomes optional
2020Japan redesign: 4 kg off, 12 L for Rally
2023Emissions update, handguards included
202410.9 seconds to 100 km/h in testing
2025Japan keeps the 250; Rally seat turns blue
  1. 2012

    200 Mugen Specials in black and gold

    The CRF250L Special Edition launches December 20 with black bodywork, gold rims, red stripes and a Mugen slip-on exhaust, limited to 200 bikes.2

  2. 2013

    CRF250M swaps dirt wheels for 17s

    Japan's CRF250M arrives April 25 with 17-inch road tires, a 296 mm front disc and street suspension settings; its seat is 855 mm high.3

  3. 2017

    Rally joins the L; ABS becomes optional

    A 38 mm throttle body and revised intake and exhaust boost the L. The new Rally adds a screen, LED headlights and a 10.1 L tank; both offer optional ABS.45

  4. 2020

    Japan redesign: 4 kg off, 12 L for Rally

    The L loses 4 kg with ABS after engine/frame revisions. L seat height/clearance: 830/245 mm; <s>: 880/285 mm. Rally tank: 12 L.67

  5. 2023

    Emissions update, handguards included

    Japan's L and L<s> gain standard handguards; all L/Rally versions meet revised emissions rules. Swift Gray joins the standard L.8

  6. 2024

    10.9 seconds to 100 km/h in testing

    The Indonesian CRF250L clocks 10.9 seconds to 100 km/h and 18.7 seconds over 402 m. A separate economy ride returns 39.5 km/L, capped at 70 km/h.910

  7. 2025

    Japan keeps the 250; Rally seat turns blue

    The Japanese 250 family returns March 20. The Rally gets a blue seat; revised radiator grilles, side covers and suspension settings target heat and comfort.11

Power over the years

From 23 hp to 25 hp in 12 years.

0102030 2012201420162018202020222024 hp 2012 · 23 hp · Japan L (23 PS factory rating)2017 · 24 hp · Japan L/M (24 PS factory rating)2020 · 24 hp · Japan L/Rally (24 PS factory rating)2024 · 25 hp · Indonesia L (18.9 kW rating) 25 hp Indonesia L (18.9 kW rating) 23 hp Japan L (23 PS factory rating)
791216
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
201223Japan L (23 PS factory rating)
201724Japan L/M (24 PS factory rating)
202024Japan L/Rally (24 PS factory rating)
202425Indonesia L (18.9 kW rating)

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    CRF250L (original, Japan)

    2012–2016

    23 hp

  • Standard

    CRF250L (2017 US update)

    2017–2020

    24 hp

  • Standard

    CRF250L (Japanese redesign)

    2020–2025

    24 hp

  • Standard

    CRF250L / CRF250L Rally ABS

  • Standard

    CRF250L Type LD (Japan)

    24 hp
  • CRF250M

    Standard

    CRF250M

  • Standard

    CRF250 RALLY (Japanese redesign)

    2020–2025

    24 hp

  • Standard

    CRF250 RALLY Type LD (Japan)

    24 hp

  • Standard

    CRF250L<s> (Japan)

    2020–2025

    24 hp

  • Standard

    CRF250 RALLY<s> (Japan)

    2020–2025

    24 hp

  • Limited

    CRF250L MUGEN Special Edition

    2012

How to spot one

Look for

  • Original L: sharp motocross panels with flush tank shrouds, side covers and rear fender.12
  • Original L: visor-topped multi-reflector headlight.12
  • Rally: tall screen, front fairing and asymmetric twin LED headlights.47

Year by year

  1. 2015

    Japanese black L gets black fork outers and rims; both M colors use black frames, fork outers and rims.19

  2. 2017

    L gains a tachometer, LED taillight and new plate holder; its Japanese rear fender becomes sharper.1618

  3. 2019

    Japanese L gets bronze forks, black rims and a body-colored headlight cowl; Rally forks also turn bronze.15

  4. Late 2020

    Japanese L gains a slim LED headlight, LED indicators and sharper CRF450R-inspired bodywork.7

  5. 2023

    Swift Gray arrives on the Japanese standard L; handguards become standard on L and L<s>.8

  6. 2025

    Rally models gain blue seats and new graphics; all Japanese versions get reshaped radiator grilles and side covers.11

Don’t confuse it with

  • Kawasaki KLX250 (2020)

    For 2020, green or camouflage bodywork points to the KLX250; the Honda in the same comparison wore red.20

  • Yamaha XT250 (2020)

    XT250 sits lower and looks more conservative, with conventional forks; the CRF250L has inverted forks.20

  • Photo of a Honda CRF250L
    CRF250L
    Photo of a Honda CRF450R
    Honda CRF450R

    Honda CRF450R

    The 2013 L borrows CRF450R styling; its mirrors, indicators and rear license plate mark it as the street-equipped dual-sport.131721

Against its rivals

  • Yamaha WR250R

    CRF250L vs Yamaha WR250R

    New price lower is better

    CRF250L$4,499
    Yamaha WR250R$6,590
    13

  • CRF250L vs Kawasaki KLX250 (2020)

    Base MSRP lower is better

    CRF250L$5,199
    Kawasaki KLX250 (2020)$5,399
    20

  • CRF250L vs Yamaha XT250 (2020)

    Test-bike MSRP lower is better

    CRF250L$5,499
    Yamaha XT250 (2020)$5,199
    20

Prices

Value today $3.6K–$4.4K30

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$2K$4K$6K$8K 2016201820202022202420262028 Value today: $3,630–$4,400 2017 · $5,099 · US base, announced MSRP2017 · $5,899 · US base, Rally2017 · $6,199 · US base, Rally ABS 2025 · $4,500 · 2015 CRF250L, 237 miles, Bring a Trailer $4.5K Bring a Trailer, 2025
4529
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2017Price when new$5,099US base, announced MSRP
2017Price when new$5,899US base, Rally
2017Price when new$6,199US base, Rally ABS
2025Auction sale$4,5002015 CRF250L, 237 miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Value today$3,630–$4,400

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “Rhonda crossed all seven continents”
    • “Trahan's 250 reached 18th at Merzouga”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 5 generations

  • Market

    • 5 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 30 sources
  1. 2013 CRF250L Development Story hondanews.com
  2. ブラックカラーに“無限パーツ”を採用したコンプリートCRF250L Special Edition登場 | WEB Mr.BIKE mr-bike.jp
  3. スポーツモデル「CRF250M」を新発売 | Honda 企業情報サイト global.honda
  4. Honda Introduces CRF250L Rally hondanews.com
  5. First Ride: 8 Things to Know About the Honda CRF250L Rally - ADV Pulse advpulse.com
  6. 【開発者インタビュー】ホンダ新型「CRF250L」「CRF250ラリー」／オンもオフも楽しめる“頼れる相棒” - webオートバイ autoby.jp
  7. 「CRF250L」「CRF250 RALLY」をフルモデルチェンジし発売 | Honda 企業情報サイト global.honda
  8. 「CRF250L」「CRF250L＜s＞」と「CRF250 RALLY」「CRF250 RALLY＜s＞」の仕様を一部変更し発売 | Honda 企業情報サイト global.honda
  9. Tes Akselerasi Honda CRF250L, Seberapa Kencang? otorider.com
  10. Hasil Tes Konsumsi Bensin Honda CRF250L, Tergolong Irit? otorider.com
  11. 「CRF250L」「CRF250L＜s＞」と「CRF250 RALLY」「CRF250 RALLY＜s＞」のカラーリング設定と仕様を一部変更し発売 | Honda 企業情報サイト global.honda
  12. Honda to Launch the New CRF250L On/Off-Road Model | Honda Global Corporate Website global.honda
  13. 2013 Honda CRF250L Dual Sport: FIRST RIDE - Cycle News cyclenews.com
  14. Honda CRF250L (2012-2020) - Review & Buying Guide bennetts.co.uk
  15. 「CRF250 RALLY」「CRF250L」のカラーリングを変更し発売 | Honda 企業情報サイト global.honda
  16. 軽二輪スポーツモデル「CRF250L」「CRF250M」の熟成を図り発売 | Honda 企業情報サイト global.honda
  17. Honda CRF250L - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  18. 2017 Honda CRF250L Features and Benefits hondanews.com
  19. 軽二輪スポーツモデル「CRF250L」「CRF250M」のカラーリングを変更し発売 | Honda 企業情報サイト global.honda
  20. 2020 Kawasaki KLX250 vs. Honda CRF250L vs. Yamaha XT250 Comparison - Cycle News cyclenews.com
  21. 2017 Honda CRF250L Rally & CRF250L First Ride - Cycle News cyclenews.com
  22. Honda XR250R and XR250L - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  23. Honda CRF230L - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  24. Projet CRF250L Rally par Patrick Trahan - Moto Journal motojournalweb.com
  25. Globe-trotting Honda joins Beaulieu’s Motorcycle Story beaulieu.co.uk
  26. Itchy Boots itchyboots.com
  27. Film moto : Largo Winch - Le Prix de l'Argent lerepairedesmotards.com
  28. Switch Assy, Starter Magnetic Recall Campaign - Honda Motorcycle: Impian X - Honda Motorcycle: Impian X boonsiewhonda.com.my
  29. No Reserve: 237-Mile 2015 Honda CRF250L for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $4,500 on April 11, 2025 (Lot #187,141) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. ¿Cuánto vale una Honda CRF250L de segunda mano? Precios 2026 | Precios de motos enduro y trail en España motoradar.es
  • hondanews.com
  • mr-bike.jp
  • global.honda
  • advpulse.com
  • autoby.jp
  • otorider.com
  • cyclenews.com
  • bennetts.co.uk
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • motojournalweb.com
  • beaulieu.co.uk
  • itchyboots.com
  • lerepairedesmotards.com
  • boonsiewhonda.com.my

Photo credits

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