What’s it all about?
At the opposite end of the motorcycle spectrum from the screaming superbikes is a collection of far more modest bikes designed to fill the role of simple, cost-effective transport yet with a bit of style.
Honda’s CRF250M is a prime example of the breed.
Based on the CBR250L, it has been remodelled for the road rather than the dirt track and concentrates on getting its rider from A to B without leaving a gaping hole in their finances or stirring up undue drama en route.
The 2013 fuel-injected CRF250M features everything you want in a first-time bike. It is lightweight, has a powerband that’s immensely user-friendly plus excellent fuel economy and unmatched reliability. And it looks pretty cool too.
What does it cost?
Price could be a problem for this newcomer as it goes head to head with the impressive new KTM 390 Duke at £4,500. The Honda will retail at £4,099, only £400 shy of the KTM. So would you choose the Honda over the KTM? What the CRF250M has going for it is Honda’s renowned quality and bullet-proof reliability.
How does it handle?
The 250cc engine has been set up to bring exceptional fuel economy rather than extreme performance. These days mpg is a bigger selling point than mph for buyers of this type of bike. You can expect upwards of 70mpg from this frugal unit. The top speed is around 78mph so the bike is up to the cut and thrust of city traffic where the 23bhp power output and 16lb/ft of torque provide punchy performance. Stopping duties are taken care of by a larger front disc than that of the CBR250L. The Honda CRF250M should make for a stylish and comfortable city commuter.
Where Honda’s CRF250M really scores is in its big-bike looks and excellent ride quality. The seating position has been lowered to 855mm, yet even tall riders find the bike has a comfortable riding position – there’s even enough seat room to move backwards to accommodate long arms.
Comfort is a major selling point for this bike yet it still gives the impression that you are sat astride something a little more serious than a street 250.
Verdict
The focus of this bike is quite rightly on minimising costs without sacrificing style and it is reassuringly cheap both to buy and to run. That means that sacrifices have to be made on performance and equipment but they are small ones and with its attractive design, the CRF250M doesn’t remind you of them too often. It’s another highly effective and competent bike from Honda and one that will probably sell in huge numbers.
Bike: Honda CRF250M 2013
Price: £4,099
Engine: 249cc 4-stroke single with fuel injection
Seat height: 855mm
Power: 22.7bhp@ 9,000rpm
Weight: 145kg
Tank size: 7.7 litres