I was given the opportunity to ride The CRF250 Rally on the recent KZN Bash and was pleasantly surprised by this bike.
Upon delivery, the odo had 17km on the clock, so the engine was a tight as a Sharks arse in a power-dive, but loosened up after 200km a bit. Power delivery is very smooth almost throughout the rev range up to 10500 rpm. There is a pleasant surge at 6500rpm, but certainly not enough to scare you, or stretch your arms.... (it's only a 250).
Fuel consumption seemed good, but wasn't measured... I reckon around 35km/l. Expect around 300 -350km range.
Personally I felt the bike could do with a little more power.... uncorking the exhaust and opening up the airbox would make a big difference IMHO. The European Emmissions rules are choking these machines!
Seat height and handlebar positioning is good, although for taller riders, I reckon some bar raisers will help. (I'm 1.83m tall, 86kg's).
Everything is of high quality workmanship, as it should be at the price, and no rattles whatsoever on stony/ gravelly roads were noticed.
I felt the footpegs could be a bit wider and the gear lever a bit longer, but that's all minor things, easily rectified.
The Rally handles like a dream!.... Suspension is plush, but not spongy, and at one stage I took my hands off the bars, riding at 110kph on loose, marble-like gravel, and the machine tracked straight..... On tar she handles well, and is beautifully "flickable". Personally I think Honda's got the handling right!

Instruments were easy to read, and even the ABS works... I stomped on the rear brakes whilst ABS was activated, and got the distinct thump-thump sensation through the pedal. Deactivating the ABS on the instrument button only deactivates the rear brake, letting you be able to lock up for sliding through bends, etc. but front is permanently on, and I'm not brave enough to test the front on a new loan bike, so can't comment on that!

Being an old technology/school rider, I found the brakes to be perfectly matched for this machine.
Once run in, I feel the bike will happily cruise at 110-115kph all day. The engine is turning at around 75% of its rev-range at these speeds, and doesn't feel stressed. It's no high speed superbike, and highway overtaking should be done with caution, as the motor takes it's time to build up to higher speeds from 100kph... (it's only a 250 FFS!)
Overall, I'm impressed with this bike, bearing in mind that long tours will take a little longer at meander-speeds, but feel it will never disappoint newbies and riders who enjoy going anywhere at "sub-sonic" pace.
Personally I reckon a 400 -500cc mill in this bike would make the
perfect mid-range adventure bike. (Hint-hint Honda)

Would I buy one? ....Yes,..... but Please Honda... make it more affordable?
Have a look in the KZN bash 2017 RR.... there's a few pis of the bike there.
