From the Webike Community's My Bike, the "Owner Review Summary" introduces various motorcycles based on the voices of owners who actually ride or have ridden them. This time, here's what the owners have to say about Honda「CL250」
To be honest, the Honda "CL250" is this kind of bike!
The Honda Rebel 250 is extremely popular, and in 2023, a new 250cc model based on the Rebel, the CL250, will finally be released. The "CL" in the name is the name given to Honda's scrambler-type machines, which first appeared in 1962 with the Dream CL72. Based on the Dream CB72 road sport model, the CL250 featured a specially designed up exhaust system, large-diameter wheels, and block pattern, and was more suitable for off-road riding.
The CL250 introduced here is similarly based on the Rebel series, combining 19-inch front tires and a side-up muffler to create a scrambler style. What is interesting is that it is not just a form-fitting scrambler style, but a scrambler that can be used for off-road riding at the flat dirt level.
The suspension is stroked at both the front and rear, and the minimum ground clearance is 165mm, 31mm higher than that of the Rebel.
The engine is based on the Rebel, but the camshafts that control valve movement are from the CRF250L engine of the same family, in order to lower the maximum output revolution range and increase power at low and mid speeds. The maximum output has changed from the Rebel's 26ps/9500rpm to 24ps/8500rpm, but when actually driven, the CL250 has a torquey characteristic with a stronger engine pulse in the low and mid-rpm range, compared to the Rebel's engine that seems to rev well.
These characteristics make the CL250 a perfect model for active riders who want to ride on gravel roads while camping or touring, as well as for daily use such as commuting to work or school.
How do Webike users feel about the CL250?
CL250
Average price of the new model: (approx.) 4056 USD
Used model price: (approx.) 3726 USD
Number of reviews: 4
Data as of November 17, 2023
Average owner satisfaction is 3.99 out of 5 (75 people rated)
It should be noted that the scores for all items except loadability exceeded 4 points.
The high evaluation seems to be due to its performance which allows it to easily enter any place on any road, and to its lightweight and easy-to-maneuver chassis.
On the other hand, there were no negative comments about load ability, which was the only item that scored below 4. With its spacious seats and cargo hooks, it does not seem to be that bad in terms of loadability.
CL250, Quick Summary
Advantage
- Stronger than expected on rough roads, with good suspension and high stability
- Easy to steer as the front is reasonably light
- Easy to drive with light shifting and clutch operation
- Light and easy to turn in small circles
Disadvantage
- Meter display is difficult to see in bright light
- Tachometer would be nice.
- The low gear range is narrow, so changing gears when starting is busy.
- Buttons are on the top of the meter, so I have to reach out to operate them.
CL250 Owner's Voice
Here are some of the most impressive voices among the many reviews.
Tessar (2023 Model)
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | In order to expand the scope of our camping touring activities, we were considering a bike that can be ridden on the highway and can handle rough roads reasonably well. At first, the Serow was on my list of candidates, but when it was sold out, the price went up too much and I couldn't afford it. Then I saw information about the CL250 Release and decided to buy it because I thought this was the ministry for me. |
|---|---|
| Advantages/Satisfactory points | The bike is stronger on rough roads than expected, and the suspension works well and is very stable. Thanks to the 6-speed gear, highway cruising is not too hard for a 250CC. The large rear carrier, a factory-installed option, makes it easy to carry luggage. |
| Disadvantages/Dissatisfactory points | The low gear range is narrow, so changing gears when starting off is busy. The clutch lever is light and does not tire the hand, so it may not be that difficult once you get used to it. The buttons are located on the top of the meter, so you have to reach out to operate them. (The position is like the bell of an alarm clock.) It would have been easier to use if the buttons were on the left side of the meter like GB400. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | For those who want to go on long-distance camping tours using highways, its load capacity and strength against rough roads will be an ally. It can also be ridden on winding roads, so it can be recommended to those who want to ride to various places as a travel bike. |
COPO (2023 Model)
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | I was half nostalgic and half hopeful when I saw the CG images of the bike that had been rumored to be coming out, wondering if it would be anything like the Silk Road. I was half nostalgic and half hopeful, but then it was announced as CL250, and I became interested in it. After a while, while I was going around to several stores with my eldest daughter, the blur grew and I made a reservation at the same time as my eldest daughter's bike. (Sorry ADV!) |
|---|---|
| Advantages/Satisfactory points | The transmission is crossed with lower gearing for comfortable gear shifting. The front end is moderately light, so steering is easy, and the front end goes in smoothly, so there is a sense of security when entering a curve. The stock grips are gentle on the palms of the hands but bite into the fingers. I had no choice but to install heated grips. The headlights, which contain four LED projectors, have clean-cut lines, and the two low beams that fan out and the two high beams that are added in a concentrated manner are both bright and highly visible with effective light distribution. |
| Disadvantages/Dissatisfactory points | It is a small thing, but it is hard to see the meter display in bright light. (Later, when I looked at the instruction manual, I found out that the brightness can be adjusted. (I found out later in the instruction manual that the brightness can be adjusted, but it was already at its brightest.) The front fenders are short front and rear, so the spring extends to the stem under the bracket and headlight, not to mention the radiator. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | As the long tank indicates, it is a scrambler with a sitting riding position like a road bike, but it is still a scrambler and can handle well on hard-packed dirt roads. If you want to get into the mountains, you will be happier with an OFF vehicle. It has a quirky design, but when you see the actual bike in front of you, you will be thrilled with its simple yet impressive style, it is easy to maintain and will be with you for a long time. |
Uribo (2023 Model)
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | Suddenly I wanted to return and was looking for a 250cc machine that could handle rough roads and high speeds. I was looking for a 250cc bike for city riding and touring. There was no specific model for comparison, but I was also interested in monkey125. |
|---|---|
| Advantages/Satisfactory points | Easy to ride with light shifting and clutch operation. Easier to handle than expected. Low-speed torque makes it easy to start off. The crisp sound of the single-cylinder engine is pleasant. I can easily go anywhere I want to go, regardless of the road, and my range of activities has expanded. I think it is the best material to customize it to my taste. |
| Disadvantages/Dissatisfactory points | I would like to have a tachometer. Footpegs are a little painful against my shins. Vibration and wind pressure are hard when riding at high speeds. Knee grip is difficult. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | If you don't mind the suspension, return riders and beginners will find it easy to ride without any quirks. The unique sound of a single cylinder is the best. |
Check out CL250's competitors
Reflecting the recent outdoor boom, there is a growing number of scrambler-like models that are basically on-road bikes but can be ridden on flat dirt roads such as campgrounds. The way to distinguish such machines that may be useful for camping and touring is simply by the size of the front wheel diameter.
Pure off-road bikes often have a full-size 21-inch front wheel, but models that can be ridden on flat dirt roads such as campgrounds often have a slightly larger 19-inch front wheel. These models are often equipped with slightly larger 19-inch front wheels. Examples include Suzuki's V-Strom 250SX, Honda's 400X, and Kawasaki's Versys 250. The character of these bikes is such that they are sporty and comfortable on paved roads, but can also be ridden on unpaved roads.
Now, if you are interested in the reviews of our competitors, check here!
*Average owner satisfaction and number of reviews are as of November 17, 2023.
SUZUKI V-Strom 250sx
Average Owner Satisfaction: 4.29 (50 people rated)
Average price of new model: (approx.) 3690 USD
Average price of used model: -
Number of reviews: 7
HONDA 400X
Average Owner Satisfaction: 4.11 (357 people rated)
Average price of new model: (approx.) 5752 USD
Average price of used model: (approx.) 4241 USD
Number of reviews: 59
