Peter,
Thanks for the comprehensive review and update on your long term CRF250's.
Excellent! Despite the issues you've had, I'm still impressed overall with the reliability of these Hondas.
That Solar Brine is a killer ... no wonder you've got corrosion. You are not the first to get bit by this. We have similar Salt Lakes here in Nevada, my former XR250 had similar problems. Really bad on Aluminum as well.
The leaking air filter is a good lesson to everyone. In my dirt bike riding days I learned the importance of applying a small bead of grease along the sealing outer edge of your foam air filter where it makes contact with air box. ALL the dirt bike guys do this to give extra protection. IT WORKS!
(No surprise dirt got in without the grease seal)
Before doing this my 2 Stroke race bike engines would only last maybe one season at best. With proper air filter and sealed air box, 2 or even 3 season on one piston, rings, cylinder.  (good synthetic oil helps too)
I think you could write a good maintenance book on how to take care of the CRF250L when on a RTW ride! I'm sure all the lessons you've learned will be shared by others! Not just on the CRF, but many things apply to almost all bikes. Thinking outside the box!
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