For those looking for a small, lightweight, mini-ADV bike, then the new Honda CRF250 Rally revealed at the EICMA motorcycle show ticks all the right boxes - it's even got the right look and equipment for off-road use.
The new Honda CRF250 Rally's design takes inspiration directly from HRC's CRF450 Dakar racer, getting a similar windscreen, but gets LED headlights and indicators for practicality. The engine is the same 249cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder of the Honda CRF250L (also on the Honda CBR250R) which makes around 24.4bhp at 8500rpm, with 22.6Nm of peak torque kicking in at 6750rpm.
(Designed inspired by HRC 450 Rally bike)
The engine has been revised with new throttle bodies, a new airbox, new mapping and a new exhausts system. The Rally gets a 10.1 litre fuel tank, which Honda says is good for a range of around 320km before requiring a refill.
There's more suspension travel and high ground clearance for long-distance off-road ability, with a high quality 43mm Showa fork at the front. Wheels are spoked with a 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear shod on off-road focussed tyres. ABS is available with the option to switch it off for the rear wheel while riding off-road.
(2017 Honda CRF250 Rally)
The Rally gets 15mm more ground clearance, a 20mm taller seat and is 50mm longer than the standard 250L. The gear lever gets a folding tip, to give it a fighting chance in case of a fall or even hitting a rock while riding off-road. It certainly is the ideal bike for Indian conditions, as a commuter, tourer and can even double up as the trail bike. So far though, there's no news about the CRF250 Rally being introduced in India.
