CRF250L initial review

[888]

Picked up a new 2013 CRF250L and I am really impressed. Absolutely loving it. I'm about 5'9" and the seat height is perfect, I can touch both feet down but it still has good ground clearance. I have since put some Zeta bars/barkbusters and will later install a radiator guard and bashplate- I did change the 14T front sprocket to a 13T front sprocket and this has made a big difference off road. The speedo now reads about 15kms too fast at 100km (GPS compared) but no big deal. I can still cruise at 100kph and pass cars at up to 120kph. Stock IRC tires are fine on the road- absolutely amazing on gravel and on dry hard packed clay and dry paddocks more than acceptable. Bike has just over 1000k and is breaking in nicely, 200kms on a 7.7ltr tank is the max range. Will throw a FMF slip on shortly (will save a fair bit of weight, give a little bit more power and of course sound redonkulous) and later in the year add the header, do airbox mods, and order a EJK tuner from the states. Great all around dual sport, not as powerful or as fun on really long trips (like my 2007 KLR) but an outstanding 250cc duallie at a great price. I'm going to hit the 42nd Traverse and Fishers track this weekend, with the dry conditions the stock tires will do fine. I have added HD tubes but have not put any rimlocks in as I will keep the PSI at around 20. The axles were bone dry when I changed out the tubes and I will lube the linkage as other forums report that these bikes leave the factory with minimal grease...that's about the only negative! :headbang::headbang:

[Eddieb]

Whats the difference between the CRF230 and CRF250 besides the number, is it a different/bigger motor?

[clint640]

Whats the difference between the CRF230 and CRF250 besides the number, is it a different/bigger motor?

It's the new liquid cooled CBR250 mill IIRC. Word on the street is that it fills a nice niche between the cheap & cheerful XT250/SuperSherpa & the better suspended, more powerful but taller & more $$$$ WR-R.

Cheers
Clint

[888]

We use the CRF230's at work, asides from the air cooled/liquid cooled difference, the 250L has a higher and more comfortable seating position, better fuel distance, more power, digital dash and the aftermarket accessories are really starting to come on-board. I could not bear the thought of adventure riding on a crf230 due to the cramped seating and low power but the crf250L is no problem.

[pete-blen]

It's the new liquid cooled CBR250 mill IIRC. Word on the street is that it fills a nice niche between the cheap & cheerful XT250/SuperSherpa & the better suspended, more powerful but taller & more $$$$ WR-R.

Cheers
Clint

My XR250 Tornado has the DOHC air cooled CBR250 motor... even thow the new one has only .5hp more
I bet the injection makes it run alot sharper..
theres already a wire in gizzmo out that gives another 5hp..

[888]

My XR250 Tornado has the DOHC air cooled CBR250 motor... even thow the new one has only .5hp more
I bet the injection makes it run alot sharper..
theres already a wire in gizzmo out that gives another 5hp..


There are a couple of fuel tuners (EJK and another) that are plug and play that help hugely, as long as there are some air box mods and aftermarket exhaust. Best Dual Sport Bikes report up to 6hp with their improvements but I have yet to see any independant analysis. One thing is fer sure- the tuner makes a massive difference. Can't wait!:banana:

[brp]

and later in the year add the header

Congrats on the new bike

Are you going to whack in a bigger header pipe ? If so are you aware that with a bigger header pipe you risk losing bottom end torque ?

[ADVGD]

Are you going to whack in a bigger header pipe ? If so are you aware that with a bigger header pipe you risk losing bottom end torque ?

Are you referring to that bike/model specifically, or generally across all bikes? I am interested to hear the theory behind that if it is the latter. I used to work as a cylinder head specialist and modified heads for performance (over-sized valving, cam lift rates, porting, match porting, compression ratios, etc). Poorly matched (undersized or oversized) headers have a negative affect on performance, however I would be inclined to favour that it is bike/model specific rather than generically across the board for every bike.

I'm not trying to be a smartarse in any way, I'm genuinely interested in the source/theory behind what you are saying

[888]

When I have more cash hidden away I will get the header....but I have never heard of losing anything (powerwise) by adding a complete aftermarkey exhaust? As long as you rejet/retune then there are only gains. Certainly none of the posts on overseas forums have mentioned losing power (with aftermarket header). Prolly the only thing I will "lose" will be fuel efficiency, Best Dual Sport Bikes report about 10% loss with full exhaust/airbox mods.

[Transalper]

I've heard a nasty rumour that some of the power upgrades that can be done to the WRR give to the top but take from the bottom.
I definately don't want to loose any bottom end torque though a bit more up top would be nice on the highway when the head wind strikes... though it can still hold it's own if you just drop a gear.
I've not investigated too much as it all costs more money.

[brp]

There was a good discussion on here about torque, someone said thin header pipes good for low down torque - was told if ya want low down torque on a V8 ya make ya headers as long as you can get them, not try and expel emissions quickly, see there's a TL1000s on trademe with trick big pipes and the mechanic seller comment is it provides an endless rush of top end power.

I don't know the theory behind it - maybe good to have bit back pressue, some of the emissons get another go togo bang with new fuel :D seems to be some truth behind it.

Guess would apply to most basic motor configurations, my bike got two real small header pipes that look like they belong on a 250, Honda could of easily of whacked in big header pipes.

Guess Trans if ya went for more top end you might struggle more pushing through decent wind with the lost of torque ?

Think dude on here with the signature "Torque wins races , Horsepower for sales brochures" onto something ...

[pete-blen]

Next a CBR300 top end....:cool:
All the Honda componets may fit ...

There are kits out for mine complete CBR300 Honda ..
But the conrod has to be changed as the piston pin
is 1mm bigger in dia...
about $900NZ by the time it got here...

http://imageshack.us/a/img24/4187/3001zn.jpg

[brp]

Heresies: High-performance cams, ported heads, larger carburetors and wide-open exhaust systems add little useful power below 4,500 rpm. They can and often reduce power below 4,000 rpm. This may go against most of what you may have heard about cams, pipes, air cleaners and so on. But what I say has been verified many times on dynamometers and on the street: Displacement and compression are your best friends when it comes to getting more power between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm from your Big Twin Harley engine.

From

http://www.americanrider.com/output.cfm?id=1205749

--------

http://www.shop4exhaust.com/t-Long-and-Short-Tube-Headers.aspx


Nice one Pete

[dino3310]

Think dude on here with the signature "Torque wins races , Horsepower for sales brochures" onto something ...

heard that a few times on TT and ADV, "Torque wins races , Horsepower sells bikes"
which explains a bit of the XR Baja love affair:headbang:

[Waipukbiker]

Another one which is true, Horsepower determins your top speed, Torque determins how quick you can get to that speed.

[brp]

Seems from the harley blurb that a narrow header pipe good for better torque with exhaust emissions aiding in giving a better
seal for better compression, for a more efficient bigger explosion in the bore - then transmitted to ya rear wheel.

For top end you need a big header/exhaust system to keep up clearing all the emissions from higher RPM, more fuel ...

[Night Falcon]

Curious as to what the service intervals are? 200k range means carrying extra fuel most places i ride, is there an after market tank on the cards?

[andy mac]

888 have you found http://rickramsey.net/CRF250Lmods.htm yet? He seriously likes his farkles and rates the CFR (with big bore & replacement shock) better than WRR. But he also has a short inside leg measurement :lol:

[Waipukbiker]

There is a thread on the ADV Forum for this bike and things like a bigger tank are in the mill, It mentioned that IMS are going through the design stages for a bigger tank.
The bike seems to be gaining popularity in the states so the aftermarket bits should be starting to trickle through.

[mc4aregreat]

I had to put a new header pipe on my DRZ250. I bought a pipe from cycleworks that has a bigger Dia. and shorter length, so i guess the actual volume is similar, and needed no carby changes.

Whether it has more power i cannot tell, (it certainly hasn't lost any), but it deffernantly has more THUMP. I can now hear my exhaust, and sounds very similar to the sound of a WRF250. The new pipe fitted into the original muffler perfectly, because the original skinny pipe had a packer to make it fit tight.

Check your muffler Dia first before getting a bigger Dia. pipe.

[NordieBoy]

888 have you found http://rickramsey.net/CRF250Lmods.htm yet? He seriously likes his farkles and rates the CFR (with big bore & replacement shock) better than WRR. But he also has a short inside leg measurement :lol:

But the WRR with the Athena 290 kit looks the dogs bollocks.
Brings the power and more importantly the torque up into TT350 territory.

A TT350 in a modern chassis :drool:

[pipe]

I've heard a nasty rumour that some of the power upgrades that can be done to the WRR give to the top but take from the bottom.
I definately don't want to loose any bottom end torque though a bit more up top would be nice on the highway when the head wind strikes... though it can still hold it's own if you just drop a gear.
I've not investigated too much as it all costs more money.

Remove the emission gear add a FMF Q4 and the EFI programmer you will get an good increase across the rev range.

[brp]

Whether it has more power i cannot tell, (it certainly hasn't lost any), but it deffernantly has more THUMP. I can now hear my exhaust, and sounds very similar to the sound of a WRF250. The new pipe fitted into the original muffler perfectly, because the original skinny pipe had a packer to make it fit tight.

Check your muffler Dia first before getting a bigger Dia. pipe.

Good sound enhancement :wink:

Maybe larger header pipe does not make much difference on a 250 when not a torque machine to
begin with - may very well be more suited to a bigger header pipe to take advantage of mid to high rev range where its power developed ....

[NordieBoy]

Quite often the gains from a larger dia header are most noticeable on the top end but if you look at the dyno chart, it'll be better everywhere, just more pronounced up top.

[888]

I want to keep the excellent fuel efficiency (at least for the time being!) so while I have the FMF slip on coming, I won't be doing the whole re-map etc as one of the forums are reporting huge losses (25%!!!) in fuel efficiency when they installed a map that gave the bike the most power in all settings. The same fella has set up a switch wherby he can toggle between power/economy maps- now this sounds like an excellent "best of both world solution". Use the economy while I'm driving down to the 42nd Traverse (for example!) and then toggle on "kick ass" when the going gets tough.... My second mod (after replacing the 14T front sprocket with 13T) was to cut back the snorkel inside the air box- the bike sounds deeper and on my informal testing ground (paddock out front of the house) first and second felt a bit more powerful....is my "ass dyno" reliable?? At least this limited airbox mod does not require a re-map and it has not hurt the overall performance. Next mod is the disconnect the lamda probe- apparently this tricks the computer into making the fueling slightly more rich (which is good because the bike comes lean from the factory).

I can't wait to put the FMF Q4 (slip on) onto the bike- will it add any extra grunt? Or will I just sound like the most awesome biker ever without any real increase in performance?? Sounds like a "win-win".......:clap::clap:

[888]

I wonder if I could find a NZ made header for the CRF250L that was cheaper than buying the FMF header??

[NordieBoy]

You can only get a 25% loss in fuel economy if you're shoving 25% more fuel in.

Sticking a pipe on won't make much of a difference apart from sound and weight.
Opening up the intake as well though and you're into re-jetting/mapping territory.

[888]

You can only get a 25% loss in fuel economy if you're shoving 25% more fuel in.

Sticking a pipe on won't make much of a difference apart from sound and weight.
Opening up the intake as well though and you're into re-jetting/mapping territory.

Yup, I'm holding off doing any more airbox mods until I have a tuner- but there are good reports on the lamda probe disconnect, the extra fuel is in effect a cheap re-map. The only time this could be bad would be if one were to ride at high altitude then it might become way to rich.

[ADVGD]

I wonder if I could find a NZ made header for the CRF250L that was cheaper than buying the FMF header??

Cycleworks in NZ make custom headers and mufflers, he does a nice job, but I personally would use an FMF header with an FMF pipe, matching components is always my preference. A small NZ one man business would struggle to match FMF's R&D time, cost, equipment and knowledge base.

This is an article I wrote a while back about getting more performance from a 250cc bike, it may not be one that you like, but should be of interest as extra pieces of the 250cc performance improvement puzzle:

Improving engine performance or 250cc bikes (http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/250/performance-increase-250cc.php)

[888]

I had read that article awhile back! Yeah, I reckon that I won't put any more money into the CRF asides from tires (at least for now). It is a massively fun 250cc as is. Should I have bought the slip on FMF? There will be a definate weight savings and it will look and sound awesome (always guaranteed to get respect from "senior" riders when you come blasting past......!) but if I decide to boost it up a bit (hey, 4-6hp extra is a fair bit on a small bike) then at least I'll be well down the road! My greatest concern is losing fuel efficiency, that is why I love the concept of switching between two maps.

[brp]

it'll be better everywhere, just more pronounced up top.

Not always - as ya know honda purposely built the XR650R to win Baja - being the best engine builders in the world
they would have put on big header pipes if it was advantageous to do so.

Good article Josh - yeah yah want more bang just buy a bike with a bigger bore to provide so.

Want lightness and power buy a 2 stroke

[NordieBoy]

Not always - as ya know honda purposely built the XR650R to win Baja - being the best engine builders in the world
they would have put on big header pipes if it was advantageous to do so.

As they wanted a torquey motor with a bit more fuel efficiency, they went with smaller headers.

I would go even further that direction...
Velocity porting FTW.

I wanted to do that to my XR250 but the ports were too small to get a finger in to smooth out the epoxy...

[brp]

Exactly - opposite to what the guy I quoted said :bleh:


Quite often the gains from a larger dia header are most noticeable on the top end but if you look at the dyno chart, it'll be better everywhere, just more pronounced up top.

Don't think they did well on the economy front with average of 10L for 150km

[NordieBoy]

Don't think they did well on the economy front with average of 10L for 150km

It could have been worse tho :devil2:

[888]

I understand Josh's frustration with modding a 250cc- but he is missing the point. If you have a crf250l and you want to improve it- go for it! All reports show that with a EJK tuner and perhaps some cheap sprocket changes one has a vastly improved bike. I have cancelled the order for my FMF slip on and ordered a EJK tuner instead. I am entirely confident that this upgrade will make my Crf kick just enough ass to keep me happy. The overall cost for this is pretty low...

[Night Falcon]

I tried to find out about after market tanks but it seems they are not there just yet. A 300 klm plus range and you'd have a great little adventure bike. :corn:

[888]

Yeah, this bike is just pure fun- I am heading out tomoro to run the 42nd traverse- conditions are so dry that I am running the stock tires....!

[Night Falcon]

Yeah, this bike is just pure fun- I am heading out tomoro to run the 42nd traverse- conditions are so dry that I am running the stock tires....!

You'll have no worries, just watch the steep clay down hills, they have been known to catch the odd rider out :facepalm: Don't imagine the river crossing will be up to much either.

[thommo77]

It's the new liquid cooled CBR250 mill IIRC. Word on the street is that it fills a nice niche between the cheap & cheerful XT250/SuperSherpa & the better suspended, more powerful but taller & more $$$$ WR-R.

Cheers
Clint

Probably closer to the KLX than Super Sherpa in comparison. Price similar and only major diff being the EFI. All the comparo tests I've read place the two of them pretty much on a par. WR is altogether way different than the CR & KLX.

[brp]

It could have been worse tho :devil2:

Yeah that economy is not the hanging about type - get 60 MPG plus with 38 rear motard set up


Prob good call 888 forgetting about the slip on - Harris pipes did a test (could be bias) and found most bikes perform
worse with after market slip on's - more noise confuses some brains that they have more power ...

He's not missing the point but speaking the common sense gospel - guess beg to differ on this one .....


Yeah those WR's shod with the R1 piston impressive for a 250 - was overtaking transalper going up the steep hill from Governors Bay and went
to hook another gear, for a moment was not exactly tearing pass him but I was already in top, cubic inch took over as it should but I was well impressed - hate to think what rev's that wee piston was doing - 11000 RPM at a guess - 2500 RPM up his sleeve - 13500 RPM same limit as me old KT100 2 stroke go-kart motor :D

[NordieBoy]

Yeah those WR's shod with the R1 piston impressive for a 250 - was overtaking transalper going up the steep hill from Governors Bay and went
to hook another gear, for a moment was not exactly tearing pass him but I was already in top, cubic inch took over as it should but I was well impressed - hate to think what rev's that wee piston was doing - 11000 RPM at a guess - 2500 RPM up his sleeve - 13500 RPM same limit as me old KT100 2 stroke go-kart motor :D

My 350 only goes to 8,300rpm.

A guy here in Nelson loves his WRR. Gets used for day to day, laid-backs, even clerk-of-the-course's x-countries and enduro's on it.
Best general purpose bike around for that sort of stuff.

[CrazyFrog]

My 350 only goes to 8,300rpm.

A guy here in Nelson loves his WRR. Gets used for day to day, laid-backs, even clerk-of-the-course's x-countries and enduro's on it.
Best general purpose bike around for that sort of stuff.

Wonder if he's the same bloke who lives up The Brook. A motard set up WR-R goes past my house twice daily.
Just between us, he rides "most enthusiastically" and makes me smile every time I see him ride. Hard on the gas, hard on the brakes :clap:

It's not my licence at stake, it's his, that behaviour is prolly best left at the track not in town, but still a joy to watch nonetheless.

[NordieBoy]

Wonder if he's the same bloke who lives up The Brook. A motard set up WR-R goes past my house twice daily.
Just between us, he rides "most enthusiastically" and makes me smile every time I see him ride. Hard on the gas, hard on the brakes :clap:

Nope, full dirt setup.

Hard on the gas and hard on the brakes and its probably still getting better mileage than our bikes :(

[pete-blen]

My 350 only goes to 8,300rpm


My XR250 put out its whole 23.5hp at 7,500.
sits on 5,600rpm @ 100kph...

[888]

Great ride on the 42nd Traverse today, figured it would be nice and dry so I didn't bother changing the stock IRC trail tires or change the pressure from the 22psi recommended. The CRF had no problems at all, I started from the Owhango side which worked out perfect as all the tourists come the other way (so you can see their horrified looks when you ride past :crazy:). There is a rock wall bit about half way through that had me a bit worried but the CRF just mountain goat-ed it with only the slightest of wheel spin. I tended to ride a bit cautious due to the mountain bikers and the ride took 1hr 50 minutes (stopped five times to take photos). The creek crossings were dead easy, I imagine that after a heavy rain I might walk the bike through the deepest but I doubt it. The track gets progressively worse as you go through (or more fun?) with loads of sections that would be pretty slippery after any sort of rain. Lots of blackberry hanging right around eye level so I highly recommend eye protection! Some branches are pretty low as well- took a couple of good hits on my helmet. I can't wait to put my MotoZ Tractionators on and try this ride again later into winter, should be way more fun when it's wet! Just as I got out on the Kapoors side I passed some dude on a Yamaha XTZ 660 going in; given the choice I would stick with my CRF on a tight track like this! Having said that, I do want to take my 2007 KLR650 through...:eek5::eek5: I did not feel that I needed any more power at any given time, but I did have to clutch it a bit (in 2nd gear) on some of the inclines. The EJK fuel programmer should help in that area. After around 350k round trip I felt great. What an awesome bike!!:headbang: (I should note that I strapped on a pack with about 25lbs worth of tools, tubes, first aid, food/water, boots, etc and I never even noticed the extra weight out back).

[NordieBoy]

If you start loosing traction with those tyres,16f/14-16r psi would help no end.

[888]

yeah, next time I do the 42nd I will have rimlocks front / rear, once it starts getting wet on this track I imagine the stock tires @ 22psi would be, well, challenging!:eek5:

[NordieBoy]

yeah, next time I do the 42nd I will have rimlocks front / rear, once it starts getting wet on this track I imagine the stock tires @ 22psi would be, well, challenging!:eek5:

I'd only go for rimlocks in the rear.

[888]

Next weekend s mission will be the Maihihi trail ride (with MotoZ Tractionators!) or if I can find the extra cash......head down to Waiuru for the Tussock two day ride....

[Eddieb]

Just as I got out on the Kapoors side I passed some dude on a Yamaha XTZ 660 going in; given the choice I would stick with my CRF on a tight track like this! Having said that, I do want to take my 2007 KLR650 through...:eek5::eek5:

I took my 250kg GS through there a few times, usually road pressures on legal knobblies like E-09. It's good fun. In winter the streams can get up to mid thigh height before they are pretty difficult to cross.

Have a look at this trip, particularly the stream crossing from about 2'10". Excuse the quality, it was filmed using a first generation GoPro which was picking up interference from the motor.

<iframe width="960" height="720" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gkqiOU7dtFc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[nzspokes]

Ive done this a few times on my MTB. Never thought of doing it on a trail bike. Having a car at both ends may be a pain though.

[888]

Brilliant video, certainly more water when you guys did it! I notice you started on the kapoors side, when I head back in later this winter I will still come from the Owhango side so as to do more uphill on the clay than downhill!

[brp]

My 350 only goes to 8,300rpm.

I've ridden one - thought the timing chain was going to head north and take out the "family jewels" - so I was pulling 8300 RPM ;)

[888]

Just installed the EJK fuel tuner, super easy to install. Only additional mods is I've cut back the snorkel so there is only the external part and removed the airfilter backfire screen. Holy crap I've got a new bike! This is the best mod you can do (asides from the 13t front sprocket) on the CRF250L. More power everywhere, overseas dyno reports show that with this mod I'm almost at the power of a WR, but with a lower center of gravity and better manners on the road. I took the CRF back up the gravel roads to Mt Pirongia and basically destroyed the stock rear tire, the new power is great. The bike was great beforehand and now it is awesome. Only waiting for radiator guard and bash plate now. Next rear tire is a slightly used T63 that's been sitting around. Can't wait to hit the 42nd Traverse again this weekend......

[Transalper]

...and removed the airfilter backfire screen......Um, pardon my ignorance but what have you done to stop the air filter catching fire now the screen's out?
Did you get a flame retarding air filter instead or something?

[888]

Um, pardon my ignorance but what have you done to stop the air filter catching fire now the screen's out?
Did you get a flame retarding air filter instead or something?

Good question! removing the backfire screen is a common mod on the CRF (once fuel tuner is installed) and (so far!) no reports of any negative or flaming incidents. Check out the "Best Dual Sport Bikes" website, that is where I got the idea from. Many other users have done the same thing with no issues other than improved airflow. To counter the painful thought of my bike catching fire, I've attached a photo from Mt. Pirongia looking down to Kawhia. :niceone:

[ADVGD]

More power everywhere, overseas dyno reports show that with this mod I'm almost at the power of a WR

That's great news you are happy with your new mod, I don't mean to burst your bubble but if you believe your CRF250L stock 18hp has been increased to the same as a WR250R stock 30.7 hp with the addition of just a fuel tuner, you may want to cut down on your daytime drinking. An improvement it may be, but nearly doubling the hp? Not a shit show in hell

Not tying to be a prick, jus sayin

[NordieBoy]

Um, pardon my ignorance but what have you done to stop the air filter catching fire now the screen's out?
Did you get a flame retarding air filter instead or something?

Dyno reports say no difference on the DR.

My screen has been out for more than 100,000km now.

[888]

Dyno reports say no difference on the DR.

My screen has been out for more than 100,000km now.

Do I read this correct: you checked whether removing the backfire screen made a difference and it didn't? Mind you, Suzuki screens could be less restrictive than Honda's, the CRF backfire screen was like a whole other airfilter. I've contacted EJK and will report back on their opinions as to whether airbox & screen mods help/harm/do nothing to assist the EJK tuner. It certainly "felt" better with the screen removed, but my butt has not officially qualified as a dyno.....yet!:weep:

[888]

That's great news you are happy with your new mod, I don't mean to burst your bubble but if you believe your CRF250L stock 18hp has been increased to the same as a WR250R stock 30.7 hp with the addition of just a fuel tuner, you may want to cut down on your daytime drinking. An improvement it may be, but nearly doubling the hp? Not a shit show in hell

Not tying to be a prick, jus sayin

Holy crap!! didn't realize that the WR's were that powerful! My bad...but check out Rick Ramseys comparison....
http://www.rickramsey.net/WR250RvsCRF250L.htm


Doesn't mean much as I'll never buy a WR, but certainly interesting reading...

[ADVGD]

Holy crap!! didn't realize that the WR's were that powerful!

The WR250R is a great machine, nice looking, great suspension and 30+ horsepower. Ask any WR owner and there is normally very glowing things said about the bike.

Again, I am not trying to have a go at you with my replies, I have updated two sections of this article (http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/250/performance-increase-250cc.php). The section "The straw that broke the camel's back" and the "In closing" section have been updated.

Once you read how I made the mistake of sinking $22,000 into a 250cc you may see that I am not trying to discredit what you are doing or rain on your parade, just offering insight to potential vulnerabilities of modifying a 250cc

[NordieBoy]

Do I read this correct: you checked whether removing the backfire screen made a difference and it didn't? Mind you, Suzuki screens could be less restrictive than Honda's, the CRF backfire screen was like a whole other airfilter. I've contacted EJK and will report back on their opinions as to whether airbox & screen mods help/harm/do nothing to assist the EJK tuner. It certainly "felt" better with the screen removed, but my butt has not officially qualified as a dyno.....yet!:weep:

Pro cycle in the states dyno'd before and after with no difference.
Mine was jetted slightly too lean and the next main was to big. Removing the screen let me run the next size up. The DR screen is a wire mesh disc that levies bigger all impedance to airflow, but I bent mine up removing it so it stays out.

[888]

The WR250R is a great machine, nice looking, great suspension and 30+ horsepower. Ask any WR owner and there is normally very glowing things said about the bike.

Again, I am not trying to have a go at you with my replies, I have updated two sections of this article (http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/250/performance-increase-250cc.php). The section "The straw that broke the camel's back" and the "In closing" section have been updated.

Once you read how I made the mistake of sinking $22,000 into a 250cc you may see that I am not trying to discredit what you are doing or rain on your parade, just offering insight to potential vulnerabilities of modifying a 250cc


No worries! Comparing the two bikes was more than a bit of a stretch but it's so much fun getting all exited about a new bike:headbang: The EJK cost me about $300NZ and I reckoned that it would give me more benefit than just slapping a FMF slip on exhaust on. Asides from some more protection (rad guard, bash plate) that's it for the upgrades. All other money is going into fuel/tires! Before I put the EJK on I was thinking that the CRF250L was ticket proof on the highway, not so much anymore! I might (read might) put a full FMF exhaust on next year, but that's alot of money...I could save some weight and get one of those lithium batteries...or I could just stop drinking and eating shit food. I could cut 10kilos easy:weep::weep: By the way, excellent article on modding the 250cc (I had read it prior). My logic for getting the EJK is that it will give me the extra power when I need it, I don't need (or want) to ride the bike with the throttle pinned all the time (even though it was fun doing that while testing the EJK!). I also won't be loading the bike up with gear, two or three day trips around the North Island is enough for me- anything more than that and I bust out my KLR650!.