2017 Honda CRF250L/CRF250L Rally | VIDEO

Our first taste of a mini "rally" machine.

Sure, in the world of unicorns, puppy dogs, and ice cream, we would all love a 450 to 500cc street legal, dirt bike that magically comes in at 200 pounds and cost less than five grand. But we live in this world, the one where a couple bikes like that (not that light) do exist yet you have to pay dearly for them. The 2017 Honda CRF250L and CRF250L Rally are two bikes that, when you look at what you get for how much you have to spend, are actually a really good value. And if you are looking to race GNCCs or extreme enduros, then no, this bike isn’t for you. If, on the other hand, you are looking to get a taste of some long dirt rides, some light adventuring, and not having to stress about picking up your bike by yourself, the new CRF250L Rally is a steal. If you keep in mind that the motor and suspension force you to chill when the going gets rough, you’ll keep it on two wheels and get through gnarlier stuff than the big ADVs can tackle.