Adventure bikes are becoming increasingly popular because of their versatility, affordability, and robust features.
If you’re in the market for such a motorcycle, you’ve probably come across Yamaha XT250 and Honda CRF250L.
These two bikes have gained a strong reputation for their off-road capabilities, fuel efficiency, and affordable price tags.
Many riders who are looking to buy an adventure bike have a hard time choosing between these two machines.
Contents
Design and Build Quality
The Yamaha XT250 features a straightforward, tried-and-true design that’s been around for decades.
It’s a lightweight bike with a low seat height that’s easy to maneuver, even in the toughest terrain. It has a rear mono-shock suspension with 7.1 inches of travel and a 35mm fork with 8.9 inches of travel.
The Honda CRF250L, on the other hand, has a more modern design that’s in line with Honda’s current lineup of adventure bikes.
It has a 43mm fork with 9.8 inches of travel and a Pro-Link® rear suspension with 9.4 inches of travel. It has a high seat height, which can be a bit challenging for shorter riders.
When it comes to building quality, both bikes are well-built with high-quality components. Yamaha has a reputation for building durable machines, and the XT250 is no exception.
It has a steel frame, aluminum swingarm, and a reliable, air-cooled, fuel-injected 249cc engine.
Honda, on the other hand, has been making reliable machines for decades. The CRF250L has a rugged steel frame, a fuel-injected, liquid-cooled 249cc engine, and high-quality components throughout the bike.
Performance and Power
The Yamaha XT250 and Honda CRF250L are both designed for off-road adventures, but they have different approaches to performance and power.
The Yamaha XT250 is a torque machine that’s designed to excel in low-speed situations. It has a 249cc engine that produces 16 horsepower and 16 lb-ft of torque.
While the power output may not be impressive compared to other adventure bikes, the low-end torque makes it ideal for off-road riding.
The Honda CRF250L, on the other hand, is designed for high-speed adventures. It has a 249cc engine that produces 24 horsepower and 16 lb-ft of torque.
The power delivery is smooth and progressive, which makes it easy to ride at high speeds on the highway or off-road.
Both bikes have excellent off-road capabilities thanks to their lightweight design, long-travel suspension, and ground clearance.
However, the Yamaha XT250’s low-end torque gives it an advantage in rough terrain, while the Honda CRF250L’s higher horsepower makes it better for long-distance travel.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is a crucial aspect of adventure bikes, especially when you’re going on long-distance trips.
The Yamaha XT250 is known for its exceptional fuel efficiency, thanks to its lightweight design and fuel-injected engine. It has an estimated fuel economy of 76 MPG.
The Honda CRF250L is also fuel-efficient, but not as much as the Yamaha. It has an estimated fuel economy of 64 MPG, which is still pretty good considering its high-speed capabilities.
Price
When it comes to price, both bikes are affordable compared to other adventure bikes in the market.
The Yamaha XT250 has a starting price of $5,199, while the Honda CRF250L has a starting price of $5,149.
| Feature | Yamaha XT250 | Honda CRF250L |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 249cc, air-cooled, SOHC, single-cylinder | 249.6cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, single-cylinder |
| Power Output | Approximately 21 horsepower | Approximately 24 horsepower |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Seat Height | 31.9 inches | 34.4 inches |
| Suspension | Telescopic front fork, adjustable rear monoshock | Showa inverted front fork, Pro-Link rear suspension |
| Brakes | Front disc brake, rear disc brake | Front disc brake, rear disc brake |
| Tires | Front: 2.75-21, Rear: 120/80-18 | Front: 3.00-21, Rear: 120/80-18 |
| Fuel Capacity | 2.6 gallons | 2.1 gallons |
| Weight | 291 lbs | 317 lbs |
| Off-road Focus | Suitable for both on-road and off-road riding | Suitable for both on-road and off-road riding |
| Additional Features | Fuel injection, larger fuel capacity, electric start | Fuel injection, slightly higher power output, greater ground clearance |
Conclusion
Whether you choose the Yamaha XT250 or the Honda CRF250L, you can’t go wrong. These bikes are well-built, fuel-efficient, and designed for off-road adventures. However, your choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
If you’re looking for a bike that’s easy to maneuver in tight spaces and has exceptional low-end torque, the Yamaha XT250 is the ideal choice.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a bike that can handle high-speed adventures with ease, the Honda CRF250L is the way to go.
Ultimately, both bikes offer excellent value for money and are worthy of consideration for anyone in the market for an adventure bike.
