Honda is all set to unveil the CRF250 Rally concept at the upcoming Osaka Motorcycle show. The motorcycle takes styling cues from its bigger brother the CRF450 Rally that does duty at the Dakar. The base platform of the motorcycle is that of the popular CRF250L. It has been in production for couple of years now and for this same reason there is a good chance this CRF250 Rally could make it to production. Targeted at new riders who want to take up the all terrain route the CRF250 Rally could even be an easy, light and efficient option for the serious all terrain tourers as well. Although not a hardcore rally bike per say it sure looks like it could handle some bad terrain with ease.
Features that can be seen include – a high windscreen, full cover handlebar grips, bash plate for the engine, a large instrument panel with most likely navigation built in and LED headlights and indicators. The tank also seems to be of a bigger capacity and suspension duty seems to be done by Showa. In all probability it will have the same engine as that on the CRF250L, so expect the engine to put out about 23 horses of power and return a convenient 70 MPG. Actually it would be a whole lot better if Honda gave it the new 300cc engine that it has. The same engine doing duty on the CBR300R. It could provide with some much needed extra power. Weight wise, expect it to be around the 150 kg mark as the CRF250L version stood at 145 kg. We will know more about Honda’s plans with the CRF450 Rally once the Osaka Motorcycle Show commences. Stay tuned.
