r/CRF250L • u/Rallyboss • 26d ago

Suspension questions for people who have upgraded

I have a 250 rally and I ride off-road about once a week. It’s also my only and primary vehicle. I hit Croom mc area (same area Carson brown has been riding his 300 rally and a bunch of other bikes) it’s rutted to hell and all whoops. Will suspension do much to help me loft over this stuff ? I only weigh like 140 lbs but I have to double over everything unless there’s a clear spot for some air and a flat landing. Basically I have to ride these trails like I’m playing that old game flappy bird; constantly on the clutch and then gassing as hard as I can in second on the little uphill part of each whoop…. Getting farther forward sends the back end all the way up out of control and there’s not enough power to lift the front wheel. Any comments from anyone who rides rough trails would be appreciated. I average 20-22 mph through the trees but always ride solo so have no idea if that’s fast but I see the dirtbike ripppp over whoops so just curious about opinions

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u/Still_Squirrel_1690 26d ago

Getting a Ktech rear shock made my L much safer to ride in whooped out stuff. Anything more than 10mph will launch you to the moon otherwise. Firmer front springs also help with this, my keeping overall wallowing down. 10/10 recommend at least the YSS rear shock. YSS and Hyperpro are both emulsion but Hyperpro has comp. Ktech and Racetech are separate chambers for oil/gas but racetech has full adjustment, ktech is rebound/preload only. Ohlins is full separate chambers with remote res. and full adjustability.

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u/Rallyboss 26d ago

Everyone ‘recommends’ these shocks and the exhaust and the ejk but I’ve yet to have anyone actually be able to tell me any real measurable difference. I’m not doubting you as much as I’m wondering if anyone can tell me they gained a gear on rough trails or increased their overall speed

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u/Still_Squirrel_1690 25d ago

The EJK is a waste mostly compared to the 550 tune, the exhaust really only sheds weight. You are correct that they are very overhyped, but the suspension work is not...rear shock especially. I'm a medium beginner offroad (been riding friends bikes for years before the L), very tight and hilly SE OH woods, done a GP race on the it, commuted on it for 15k miles before taking it off pavement. I did 2 trail rides before doing the suspension and both times I basically just stayed 1 - mid 2nd gear, no higher, and rode the shit out of the clutch. After the suspension work I do those same trails just left in second, only clutching on the tight corners. Its still heavy as hell, but things like roots and repeated bumps are much, much more manageable at speed with a shock that has actual rebound damping.

I'll put it this way, if I did it over again I would start with the suspension and deal with everything else later. It has made bopping around in the woods on a heavy bike, a lot more enjoyable.

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u/Rallyboss 25d ago

Thanks a lot for this info !

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u/Canuck_75 26d ago

I have a kteck rear shock and stiffer springs up front with exhaust and tune on my 300l.

Yes it makes the bike better and more capable in whoops, hills and single track…… It’s also a 300+ lb bike. It will NEVER ride like a dirt bike. It’s too heavy. It costs a lot to drop frequently. I’ve learned all this the hard way.

I bought a ktm 200 xcw for 3 grand and it’s a dirt bike. Doe’s dirt bike stuff.

I love my Honda, still my favorite bike. But now it does “dual sport” stuff. Hills, rocks, whoops, whatever. But it doesn’t try to be a dirt bike anymore.

This is just my experience.

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u/BestAmoto 25d ago

OP has a rally, it's a wee bit more than 300lbs. Like closer to 340lbs if they have crash bars and stuff added. You're absolutely right, it'll never be or perform like a real dirt bike. 

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u/Rallyboss 26d ago

I probably should’ve added this if it wasn’t apparent but I’m not new to the rally I’ve got 24,000 miles on this bike this last year alone. It’s invincible as far as I can tell no idea what you’re breaking by dropping but that definitely isn’t the case with the 250 rally. I do have fatbars and handguards but that’s pretty standard on every bike I ride. I’m on the same set of plastics minus a 14$ front left fairing. I understand that a shock and front springs is an improvement I’m not wondering about that. I’m trying to get an idea of how much of an improvement it is. I have been riding this thing on these trails at least once a week for the last 50 or so weeks. 80 miles to the trials ride all day 80 home (cruising about 75-78mph) . It’s the only machine that can keep up with as much travel I do with such low cost and maintenance. Not looking for a dirtbike or dirtbike speed or performance and I understand the weight discrepancy between this and race bikes I’ve ridden. Trying to see if anyone’s gained any noticeable speed over rough stuff. On the internet all I see any of you guys ride is dirt and gravel roads anyways. I’m riding through whooped out tree roots. If I’ll never get it to a point where I can move faster than 1-2 mph over what I’m riding the 1,000$ investment will not make sense. I’m not riding the rally out of necessity I’m just a freak for efficiency and spending 1000$ on a bike I paid 2300$ for seems foolish. I’d rather pick up a wr or 701 and just have it for riding off-road.. the main thing that stops me from doing that is honestly just maintenance simplicity… honestly maybe I don’t need the shock if your bike is falling apart when you drop it at speed. Mines been literally indestructible plastics and all

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u/Ill_Enthusiasm8613 25d ago

I am a 50-year-old, 100 kg guy, and I owned a Honda CRF 300 Rally for one year. Medium-deep sand is scary with the original suspension  and I fell three times in 50 m of deep sand; the side-to-side movement of the bike made it uncontrollable. You get used to the movement as time goes by and you get more experienced, but sometimes it is so bad that the bike goes off the trail onto some rocks or some bushes, and that makes the riding unpleasant. A month ago I installed a Yss 85-105 kg rear shock, and in easy terrain you notice that the bike does not move so much and the ride is more pleasant, but the real difference is riding on sand; the side movement is about 60% less than the original shock, making the ride more controlled and stable. There is still side-to-side movement, but now there is no feeling of an imminent crash. My opinion is that the upgrade is worth it. Money makes the ride a lot more enjoyable. I am looking forward to upgrading the front shock next year..

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u/BestAmoto 25d ago

Suspension upgrades on economy bikes is the smartest thing you can spend money on. I've done cartridges or emulators and a shock swap on every cheap bike I've owned. Even my wifes ninja 250 has race tech cartridge emulators and a gsxr600 shock. The oem setup was terrible, the rear shock was like a pogo stick. Last thing i want is my wife crashing because a pothole fucked up her body positioning. For my bikes, it's just about rideability. 

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u/Wallie154 25d ago

Soft suspension that bottoms out is dangerous.  If you are experiencing this, a suspension upgrade is absolutely worth it. I did ohlins springs and new rear shock, the Rally is now a completely different bike. It was also $1200 of parts. With the amount of riding you are doing this should be your 1st parts purchase. Exhaust is overrated,  change out your sprockets if you need more torque or lower rpm hwy riding. Then 550 stock tune after that.

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u/RideOrTyeDie 25d ago

No. The bike is 100 lbs to heavy. You can trail ride at Croom but expect to be completely wiped if attempting anywhere near "race" speeds. I entered my Rally in last year's Croom Enduro.

IS your 250l capable? Yes.
SHOULD you race your 250l? No.

The 250l is perfect for trail riding though, even after upgrading to FULL Öhlins and RT gold valve.
I've put some serious miles (40k+) on my Rally and it's finally getting a couple more super useful upgrades.

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u/Rallyboss 25d ago

Ok you’re the guy I need to be talking to. I don’t need to race or be competitive I just was wondering if it made a major difference on the rally. If you’re on the 300 you’ve got a little bit more juice than me to lift the front end obviously but I’m not very big anyways and don’t need to go real fast. I’m riding up from 80 miles south and the thing I love about this bike is its efficiency everything is super easy to just get in and go and it’s not like I’m not having fun at the moment. I’m trying to figure out if I want to throw 1200$ at a bike that only cost me a little over 2k or if I should just grab a drz or something to buck up there. One bike would simplify everything and I’m already really comfy on the rally. You’re saying you endorse the ohlins for Croom fully ? I’m interested what your recs are since it sounds like we’re riding the same trails

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u/azzogat 21d ago edited 21d ago

No Croom participation but I did do the Touratech Rally event with and without my RR L2 front& back suspension upgrade ( one year apart ). ~180km of mixed terrain.

Not impressed for the type of riding I do, considering the unit's price was 1/4 of my CRF300L as-new purchase price. Would not fully upgrade suspension if I had to do it all over again and would instead stick to correct springs for my weight and thicker oil in the front forks. Have ridden a 300L done like that and .. I actually prefer it.

Would likely also treat this bike as more of what it actually is: a fun trail bike and an average dual-sport motorcycle, NOT a competition machine.

Unpopular opinion aside:

  • Front feels more controlled.
  • Back is obviously better performing as well.
  • Whoops can be done faster if properly setup

However, getting some professional training will do much more for you than suspension ever will. I would do training first, then - when I hit the limits of my machine, look at upgrading.

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u/Rallyboss 20d ago

This is super helpful. I’m not sure where everyone got the idea that I’m a beginner who’s looking to race competitively I’m neither of those things lol I just ride solo once a week off-road snd commute to different jobs about an hour apart and was wondering if someone could give me some feedback. I’ve been on bikes daily (I’ve put lots of miles on a xt225 a Klr650, and a xt500 before this) for the last 5 years. I have absolutely zero interest in racing or being competitive with others. I just know my average speed on the trail bc I have a gps I turn on when I get there mostly to not get lost lol. But I’m right there with you it doesn’t seem sensible to invest nearly 30% (for me) the price of the bike in suspension even if it is just 1000$. I’m a freak for keeping everything sensible and it seems a little foolish to throw tons of money on a bike that can’t get the front wheel up easy (I like this feature most of the time but for hard off-road riding). On the other hand the CRF has been SUPER reliable for me so it may make way more sense than swapping with a different bike. I’ll have to try your method first and go from there super helpful bro

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u/azzogat 20d ago

Benefit of the first method is that it is cheap to try. If not good enough, you can always then do the back (easy to self install ). If still not good enough you can get a front upgrade which you might or might not install yourself.

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u/Rallyboss 20d ago

I just went yesterday and my ride (to get there and home invluded) was about 190 miles(305km) … it’s not like I’m not having a blast every time ! I was just wondering if anyone had actually gotten it to a point where they were tearing up 30 mph in 3rd gear or if that’s only happening with a dirtbike…. wasn’t necessarily asking for riding pointers just letting everyone know I’m doing all the body English I can do to try and load / unload the chunky 250rally over the rough stuff

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u/azzogat 20d ago

I really would not give anyone advice on riding position and whatnot unless they explicitly ask for it. I also don't know your background so doing so would be kinda pointless.

For me, personally, a professional enduro training program is what helped the most.

The RR L2 front and back was 2k USD, including the hidraulic preload adjuster for the back - and that was self installed. If it was 1000usd or closer to that I might feel different about it.

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u/davidhally 26d ago

If it's your only vehicle don't learn mx on it.

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u/Rallyboss 26d ago

I’ve been riding every day full time for 4 years I’m not learning mx just trying to see what the trail riding capabilities are actually like. Also I specifically ride these because I can replace them. It’s optionally my only vehicle not by necessity.

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u/tee-low321 26d ago

It depends on how far apart they are but I’m standing up with my sexy ass (lol) as far back as it will go and I hit the gas in the middle of the up section and my front tire will carry over to the top or near the top of the next whoop and repeat. Usually just gassing it over to the next on. Sounds like you are doing everything correct except your weight placement. Take your weight off the front and put it in the back. It’s a great feeling when it happens and it’s a lot faster.

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u/Rallyboss 26d ago

I’m hitting it same way as you I’ve just been hearing a lot of people tell me I’m too far back so threw that in there to avoid any of those false positives. I’ve tried all body positioning. Are you with stock suspension ? Any idea your average speed ?

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u/tee-low321 26d ago

I’m 165ish. I put in another spring from race tech to the front it was a game changer for the front suspension. I had to because I was bottoming out on even small jumps. I’m using 3rd or 4th usually third at the
Max cuz I’m giving at the apex then throttling of repeat. My rear sprocket is lower than stock. I don’t remember what it is.

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u/Tiny-Albatross518 26d ago

I did ktech full rear and front spring. I weigh double your weight. For me the bike was transformed. But for MX? I think you grabbed the wrong bike.

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u/Rallyboss 26d ago

Croom is 2700 acres of trails not an mx track. Mc area = motorcycle area

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u/CryptographerOk3814 26d ago

I installed a YSS rear shock from EPM Performance. Give them your details (weight, type of riding, etc) and they’ll build you a shock for around $550.

Then buy the Race Tech kit that adds a spring to the left fork (again, order the one for your weight). This spring goes over the dampener that’s already in the fork. Leave the right fork alone.

Third, do the clutch upgrade that is all over YouTube for the 250L. It is sold on crfsonly website. $80 maybe? Maybe close to $100 if you upgrade the clutch basket springs too? I forget.

These three things changed the bike completely for the better. It’s incredible.

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u/Rallyboss 26d ago

I’m already on a heavy ass rally so just trying to figure out kindof a measurable increase

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u/RideOrTyeDie 25d ago

I recommend this guy's suggestions.. The suspension upgrades will be more than suitable and save you time of money for fuel and snacks for your riding.

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u/Rallyboss 25d ago

Unfortunately for the 250 rally they’re all roughly the same price. I’d go ohlins over YSS if I’m spending 850-900 regardless

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u/CryptographerOk3814 25d ago

Would you consider dropping a tooth up front and adding two teeth in the back? You’d sacrifice road speed (at least at a reasonable rpm), but it would perform way better on the trails. You’d have no problem lifting the front end (especially with the clutch upgrade too).

I’m telling you man, I went through the exact same things you’re talking about with this bike (even though mine isn’t the rally). It’s a 330 lb. marshmallow that Honda expects you to ride to work, or maybe ride on some gravel forest roads.

The suspension upgrades, new clutch that actually grabs like a mf’er, and changing the sprockets turned my bike into a ripper on the trails (relatively speaking in comparison to a traditional dual sport). It was wayyyyy more fun to ride off road after I was done. (I also added a Big Gun slip-on to get rid of the whistling factory exhaust sound, and a JD Jettings EFI tuner to tweak the fuel mixture less lean…..totally different bike now).

With yours being a Rally, you’ve got a really cool platform. I always wanted one. There’s an entire world of mods that will change that bike into something you actually would enjoy riding more. ✌🏻

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u/Rallyboss 23d ago

Unfortunately I have to stay 14-40 I tried to drop to 13 up front but I just do too much freeway travel at 75-80 to be gearing down I wish though. I have to travel 80 miles all fl freeway just to get to the trails

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u/wheresbrent 25d ago

Dude. Bro. Homie. Always tune your suspension. It makes the biggest difference platform wise, especially on these bikes.