No worries mate, it's how things go round here. For us ... IT"S FUN! :rofl:
We like "arguing" about bikes. :thumbup1: And we all get along pretty well in the end. :thumbup1:

The good news for you ... is that if you have a problem there are many here with LOTS of experience both traveling ... and working on bikes and keeping them going on a long run OUTSIDE the UK.

Some of the chatter can be pedantic and irritating at times ... but one can learn a lot too. Do your own research ... then ask questions about issues you don't understand or need opinions on. (lots of those on HUBB!)

Good luck with whatever you end up with. Hope you will check back in here ... so we can argue some more! bier

(all in good fun!) :D

48 HP? Did you Dyno your bike to get that figure?
If true, then that is pretty impressive. :thumbup1:

My modded DR650 only puts out 40 HP (rear wheel). But my bike is a bit lighter weight than the Tenere' 660. bier

Crf250l
 

We bought a 2017 CRF250L (not rally) about one year ago to use as a travel bike. The Rally version had just been launched at the time, but we chose the 'standard' version for the lower height. We've done the following modifications:

Hyperpro fork springs and shock.
Renthal handlebars.
Koubalink lowering link.
Acerbis hand guards (the metal reinforced type).
Oxford heated grips.
Engine guard/skid plate.
Accessory socket.

Next will be an IMS tank and maybe some pannier racks, though we may go rackless, and an upgraded seat. No plans to fit a screen at this stage.

The bike has done some long trips including substantial amounts on and off tarmac and it's a keeper. It replaced a BMW G650 XCountry which was a great bike but a bit too tall and powerful for the rider.

I hope that helps.

The L version pros:
Lighter, lower, cheaper, longer range if you add an aftermarket fuel tank which you imo will need if you are thinking about going on any overland or RTW trip.
Cons: No windscreen, short range if no aftermarket tank, shorter ground clearance

The Rally version:
Pros: better fuel range than original L version, better wind protection, higher ground clearance.
Cons: heavier, more expensive, higher if youre a short person.

Personally I think I would have gone with the L-version, its lighter, but for sure it would need a bigger gas tank. The Acerbis aftermarket tank for the Crf is said to take 13,5 liters and you would then be good for at least 400 kms range if ridden reasonably. The Rally has a gas tank who takes 10,1 liter and that would give a range of around 300 kms if reasonably ridden. And a good loooong range is imo a very good feature to have on a travel bike. I would add other things to such as a windscreen, handguards and upgrade other things too, so it wouldnt come out cheaper than the Rally. But it would be more useful. Just my 5 cents though

PS A little bird whispered in my ear that Honda will come with 450 Rally version next year....:scooter:

Great opinion on both CRF from a person who knows?

With over 58.000 km ridden on my modified 2016 CRF L and apart from the fuel tank size (which was not needed in Thailand) you are spot on, but if I may add 1 extra item, the lights on the old and the new "L" version and just SHIT.
So a good set of 60 W LED spotlights are a must IMO.

CRF with a 450cc that would be nice, so now it will have as much HP as a 190cc bike.:oops2:

Honda already make a 450 Rally bike ... but you have to be a HRC race team rider to get hold of one or an approved AA Enduro racer pro. :D
Probably cost about $100K USD per copy. :oops2:

If you're talking about a CRF450L (road version) ... well, now THAT would be interesting! I'd love to see a reliable 450 Adventure spec bike from Honda.

Until Honda improve the valve gear design on these CRF's ... I would steer clear. They don't last. :nono:

It was not the already exisiting Rally 450 with race specs that was mentioned, it was a totally new 450 L model. But the rumours have gone through a few links so take it for that....

I own a Crf and have ridden a few kms on it. You are right about the lights. Im thinking about getting some extra LEDs, just dont know where to mount them.

Hi

Cant work out how to load pictures on the HUBB
So the best I can do is post a link to where I have posted a few pictures of my CRF with the spotlights mounted.

Maybe it will help in your discussion.

The brackets were custom made by me if you need further details just ask.
Location is spot on and gives very good light coverage.


Pictures posted om next post.

Load picture here now.


https://s19.postimg.cc/bz4ke8qar/CRF.jpg

https://s19.postimg.cc/ipl1nny0z/light.jpg


https://s19.postimg.cc/d1eqws1eb/lights1.jpg


https://s19.postimg.cc/cd5we2nbn/20161228_163849.jpg


https://s19.postimg.cc/96bcuh5gj/20161228_163856.jpg


https://s19.postimg.cc/p4k2kmujn/20161228_163902.jpg


https://s19.postimg.cc/vv0ju2pf7/20161228_163919.jpg


The last few pictures should give you a better idea how I fix them.

Brackets are very strong and no light movement.

Also no damage with a fall which in my case is often

Looks great those lights. What brand are they and where did you purchase them?
And the softbags, what brand and where did you buy them?

Live in China mate.
All item was purchased from the online store Taobao (Chinese Ebay)

All item are very good quality if you know what to buy from Taobao
People, who live outside China can buy but by way of an agent?
If you wish to purchase these items please let me know and I dig out the links for you ok.

Well; I took a test ride (on an L, no rally available for testing). Really liked it, so I bought a Rally. Early days, but for me, it's an excellent little bike. Great fun to ride and I actually enjoyed the slower pace (breaking in the engine, so not revving the tits off it yet). Not for everyone I know, and I'm sure other bikes are "better", but I'm a very happy camper at the moment.