Firestyle Magazine Issue 3 - Spring 2016 | Page 47

The engine was at all times extremely responsive, the gearbox is an absolute delight to operate and unlike most Honda gear boxes it didn’t clunk when you selected 1st gear. The bike has very narrow dimensions and it is almost like riding a mountain bike, its manoeuvrability was superb it could be stopped and turned on a six pence, to appreciate the balance and poise you have to ride it to experience it. Whether you choose to ride the bike on a rough off road adventure or a very busy traffic ride to work the bike will reassure you and adequately reward you. From a commuting purpose I used the machine several times in and around the busy city centre and it enabled me to thread my way through busy traffic comfortably and easily, the performance of the engine was more than adequate to keep up with traffic flows when out on the open road. The instrumentation was clear and easy to understand and the digital dashboard really gave you what you needed to be fully aware of, including a countdown graphic for when the fuel level was getting low. The 7.7 litre fuel tank is not huge, but the economics of this particular machine are not one of a touring bike where you need a big capacity and it was more than sufficient for off-roading and riding to work situations. With a price of £4,399 I am reasonably confident that the CRF 250 L will be yet another of the successes for the Honda stable and with their excellent warranty and after sales service, I can see nothing but success for this machine. 47