2018
2018
CRF250L
This manual should be considered a permanent part of the
motorcycle and should remain with the motorcycle when it is resold.
This publication includes the latest production information available
before printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right to make
changes at any time without notice and without incurring any
obligation.
No part of this publication may be reproduced without written
permission.
The vehicle pictured in this owner’s manual may not match your
actual vehicle.
CRF250L and CRF250LA are USA models.
CRF250L is Canada model.
© 2017 Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of a new
Honda motorcycle. Your selection of a
Honda makes you part of a worldwide family
of satisfied customers who appreciate
Honda's reputation for building quality into
every product.
To ensure your safety and riding pleasure:
● Read this owner's manual carefully.
● Follow all recommendations and
procedures contained in this manual.
● Pay close attention to safety messages
contained in this manual and on the
motorcycle.
To protect your investment, we urge you to
take responsibility for keeping your
motorcycle well serviced and maintained.
Also, observe the break-in guidelines, and
always perform the pre-ride inspection and
other periodic checks in this manual.
When service is required, remember that
your Honda dealer knows your motorcycle
best. If you have the required mechanical
“know-how” and tools, you can purchase an
official Honda Service Manual to help you
perform many maintenance and repair tasks.
2 P. 122
Read the warranty information thoroughly so
that you understand the warranty coverage
and that you are aware of your rights and
responsibilities. 2 P. 123
You may also want to visit our website at
www.powersports.honda.com.
Canada
www.honda.ca.
Happy riding!
A Few Words About Safety
Your safety, and the safety of others, is very
important. Operating this motorcycle safely is
an important responsibility.
To help you make informed decisions about
safety, we have provided operating
procedures and other information on safety
labels and in this manual. This information
alerts you to potential hazards that could
hurt you or others.
Of course, it is not practical or possible to
warn you about all hazards associated with
operating or maintaining a motorcycle. You
must use your own good judgment.
You will find important safety information in a
variety of forms, including:
● Safety labels on the motorcycle
●
Safety Messages preceded by a safety alert
symbol and one of three signal words:
DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
These signal words mean:
3DANGER
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
3WARNING
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
3CAUTION
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow
instructions.
Other important information is
provided under the following titles:
NOTICE
Information to help you avoid
damage to your motorcycle,
other property, or the
environment.
Contents
Motorcycle Safety P. 2
Operation Guide P. 18
Maintenance P. 35
Troubleshooting P. 86
Information P. 106
Specifications P. 128
Index P. 132
Motorcycle Safety
This section contains important information for safe riding of your motorcycle.
Please read this section carefully.
Safety Guidelines................................................. P. 3
Safety Labels.........................................................P. 7
Safety Precautions............................................... P. 9
Riding Precautions ............................................ P. 11
Accessories & Modifications........................... P. 15
Off-Road Safety ................................................. P. 16
Loading ................................................................ P. 17
Safety Guidelines
Safety Guidelines
Follow these guidelines to enhance your safety:
● Perform all routine and regular inspections
specified in this manual.
● Stop the engine and keep sparks and flame
away before filling the fuel tank.
● Do not run the engine in enclosed or partly
enclosed areas. Carbon monoxide in
exhaust gases is toxic and can kill you.
Always Wear a Helmet
It's a proven fact: helmets and protective
apparel significantly reduce the number and
severity of head and other injuries. So always
wear an approved motorcycle helmet and
protective apparel. 2 P. 9
Before Riding
Make sure that you are physically fit, mentally
focused and free of alcohol and drugs. Check
that you and your passenger are both wearing
an approved motorcycle helmet and protective
apparel. Instruct your passenger on holding
onto the seat strap or your waist, leaning with
you in turns, and keeping their feet on the
footpegs, even when the motorcycle is stopped.
Take Time to Learn & Practice
Even if you have ridden other motorcycles,
practice riding in a safe area to become familiar
with how this motorcycle works and handles,
and to become accustomed to the motorcycle's
size and weight.
We recommend that all riders take a certified
course approved by the Motorcycle Safety
Foundation (MSF). New riders should start with
the basic course, and even experienced riders
will find the advanced course beneficial.
Continued
Motorcycle Safety
3
Safety Guidelines
For information about the MSF training course
Motorcycle Safety
nearest you, call the national toll-free number:
(800) 446-9227.
USA
Other riding tips can be found in the You
and Your Motorcycle Riding Tips booklet that
came with your motorcycle.
Developing off-road riding skill is a gradual
step-by step process. Start by practicing at low
speeds in a safe area and slowly build your
skills.
Ask your dealer if there are off-road riding
groups in your area where you can learn from
experienced riders. Also be sure to read Tips &
Practice Guide for the Off-Highway Motorcyclist
that came with your new motorcycle.
Ride Defensively
Always pay attention to other vehicles around
you, and do not assume that other drivers see
you. Be prepared to stop quickly or perform an
evasive maneuver.
4
Make Yourself Easy to See
Make yourself more visible, especially at night,
by wearing bright reflective clothing, positioning
yourself so other drivers can see you, signaling
before turning or changing lanes, and using
your horn when necessary.
Be Alert for Off-road Hazards
The terrain can be present a variety of
challenges when you ride off-road.
Continually “read” the terrain for unexpected
turns, drop-offs, rocks, ruts and other hazards.
Always keep your speed low enough to allow
time to see and react to hazards.
Ride within Your Limits
Never ride beyond your personal abilities or
faster than conditions warrant. Fatigue and
inattention can impair your ability to use good
judgment and ride safely.
Safety Guidelines
Don't Drink and Ride
Alcohol and riding don't mix. Even one alcoholic
drink can reduce your ability to respond to
changing conditions, and your reaction time
gets worse with every additional drink. Don't
drink and ride, and don't let your friends drink
and ride either.
Keep Your Honda in Safe Condition
It's important to keep your motorcycle properly
maintained and in safe riding condition.
Having a breakdown can be difficult, especially
if you are stranded off-road far from your base.
Inspect your motorcycle before every ride and
perform all recommended maintenance. Never
exceed load limits (2 P. 17), and do not modify
your motorcycle or install accessories that
would make your motorcycle unsafe (2 P. 15).
If You are Involved in a Crash
Personal safety is your first priority. If you or
anyone else has been injured, take time to
assess the severity of the injuries and whether it
is safe to continue riding. Call for emergency
assistance if needed. Also follow applicable laws
and regulations if another person or vehicle is
involved in the crash.
If you decide to continue riding, first turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position, and evaluate
the condition of your motorcycle. Inspect for
fluid leaks, check the tightness of critical nuts
and bolts, and check the handlebar, control
levers, brakes, and wheels. Ride slowly and
cautiously.
Your motorcycle may have suffered damage
that is not immediately apparent. Have your
motorcycle thoroughly checked at a qualified
service facility as soon as possible.
Continued
Motorcycle Safety
5
Safety Guidelines
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
Motorcycle Safety
Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide, a
colorless, odorless gas. Breathing carbon
monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and
may lead to death.
If you run the engine in confined or even partly
enclosed area, the air you breathe could
contain a dangerous amount of carbon
monoxide.
Never run your motorcycle inside a garage or
other enclosure.
6
3WARNING
Running the engine of your motorcycle
while in an enclosed or even partially
enclosed area can cause a rapid buildup of toxic carbon monoxide gas.
Breathing this colorless, odorless gas
can quickly cause unconsciousness and
lead to death.
Only run your motorcycle's engine
when it is located in a well ventilated
area outdoors.
Safety Labels
Safety Labels
Safety and information labels on your
motorcycle provide important safety
information and may warn you of potential
hazards that could cause serious injury. Read
these labels carefully and don't remove them.
If a label comes off or becomes hard to read,
contact your dealer for a replacement.
Continued
Motorcycle Safety
7
Safety Labels
Motorcycle Safety
8
Safety Precautions
● Ride cautiously and keep your hands on the
handlebar and feet on the footpegs.
● Keep passenger's hands onto the seat strap
or your waist, passenger's feet on the
footpegs while riding.
● Always consider the safety of your
passenger, as well as other drivers and
riders.
Protective Apparel
Make sure that you and any passenger are
wearing an approved motorcycle helmet, eye
protection, and high-visibility protective
clothing. Ride defensively in response to
weather and road conditions.
Safety Precautions
Helmet
#
Should be safety-standard certified, highvisibility, and correct size for your head
● Must fit comfortably but securely, with the
chin strap fastened.
● Face shield with unobstructed field of vision
or other approved eye protection
USA
Look for a DOT (Department of
Transportation) certification label on any helmet
you buy.
3WARNING
Not wearing a helmet increases the
chance of serious injury or death in a
crash.
Make sure that you and any passenger
always wear an approved helmet and
protective apparel.
Motorcycle Safety
Continued
9
Safety Precautions
Gloves
#
Motorcycle Safety
Full-finger leather gloves with high abrasion
resistance
Boots or Riding Shoes
#
Sturdy boots with non-slip soles and ankle
protection
Jacket and Pants
#
Protective, highly visible, long-sleeved jacket
and durable long pants for riding (or a
protective suit)
10
Additional Off-road Gear
#
On-road apparel may also be suitable for casual
off-road riding. But if you plan on any serious
off-road riding you will need more serious offroad gear. In addition to your helmet and eye
protection, we recommend off-road motorcycle
boots and gloves, riding pants with knee and
hip pads, a jersey with elbow pads, and a chest/
shoulder protector.
Riding Precautions
Riding Precautions
Break-in Period
During the first 300 miles (500 km) of running,
follow these guidelines to ensure your
motorcycle's future reliability and performance.
● Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration.
● Avoid hard braking and rapid down-shifts.
● Ride conservatively.
Brakes
Observe the following guidelines:
●
Avoid excessively hard braking and
downshifting.
u Sudden braking can reduce the
motorcycle's stability.
u Where possible, reduce speed before
turning; otherwise you risk sliding out.
● Exercise caution on low traction surfaces.
u The tires slip more easily on such
surfaces and braking distances are
longer.
● Avoid continuous braking.
u Repeated braking, such as when
descending long, steep slopes can
seriously overheat the brakes, reducing
their effectiveness. Use engine braking
with intermittent use of the brakes to
reduce speed.
● For full braking effectiveness, operate both
the front and rear brakes together.
Continued
Motorcycle Safety
11
Riding Precautions
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
#
Motorcycle Safety
CRF250LA
This model is equipped with an Anti-lock Brake
System (ABS) designed to help prevent the
brakes from locking up during hard braking.
● ABS does not reduce braking distance. In
certain circumstances, ABS may result in a
longer stopping distance.
● ABS does not function at speeds below 6
mph (10 km/h).
● The brake lever and pedal may recoil slightly
when applying the brakes. This is normal.
● Always use the recommended front/rear
tires and sprockets to ensure correct ABS
operation.
12
Engine Braking
#
Engine braking helps slow your motorcycle
down when you release the throttle. For further
slowing action, downshift to a lower gear. Use
engine braking with intermittent use of the
brakes to reduce speed when descending long,
steep slopes.
Wet or Rainy Conditions
#
Road surfaces are slippery when wet, and wet
brakes further reduce braking efficiency.
Exercise extra caution when braking in wet
conditions.
If the brakes get wet, apply the brakes while
riding at low speed to help them dry.
Riding Precautions
Parking
● Park on a firm, level surface.
● If you must park on a slight incline or loose
surface, park so that the motorcycle cannot
move or fall over.
● Make sure that high-temperature parts
cannot come into contact with flammable
materials.
● Do not touch the engine, muffler, brakes
and other high-temperature parts until they
cool down.
● To reduce the likelihood of theft, always lock
the handlebar and remove the key when
leaving the motorcycle unattended.
Use of an anti-theft device is also
recommended.
Parking with the Side Stand
#
1.
Stop the engine.
2.
Push the side stand down.
3.
Slowly lean the motorcycle to the left until its
weight rests on the side stand.
4.
Turn the handlebar fully to the left.
u Turning the handlebar to the right
reduces stability and may cause the
motorcycle to fall.
5.
Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK
position and remove the key. 2 P. 26
Continued
Motorcycle Safety
13
Riding Precautions
Refueling and Fuel Guidelines
Motorcycle Safety
Follow these guidelines to protect the engine,
fuel system and catalytic converter:
● Use only unleaded gasoline.
● Use recommended octane number. Using
lower octane gasoline will result in
decreased engine performance.
● Do not use fuels containing a high
concentration of alcohol. 2 P. 121
● Do not use stale or contaminated gasoline
or an oil/gasoline mixture.
● Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank.
14
Accessories & Modifications
Accessories &
Modifications
We strongly advise that you do not add any
accessories that were not specifically designed
or approved for your motorcycle by Honda or
make modifications to your motorcycle from its
original design. Doing so can make it unsafe.
Modifying your motorcycle may also void your
warranty and make your motorcycle illegal to
operate on public roads and highways. Before
deciding to install accessories on your
motorcycle be certain the modification is safe
and legal.
3WARNING
Improper accessories or modifications
can cause a crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner's
manual regarding accessories and
modifications.
Do not pull a trailer with, or attach a sidecar to,
your motorcycle. Your motorcycle was not
designed for these attachments, and their use
can seriously impair your motorcycle's handling.
Motorcycle Safety
15
Off-Road Safety
Off-Road Safety
Motorcycle Safety
Learn to ride in an uncongested off-road area
free of obstacles before venturing onto
unfamiliar terrain.
● Always obey local off-road riding laws and
regulations.
● Obtain permission to ride on private
property. Avoid posted areas and obey “NO
Trespassing” signs.
● Ride with a friend on another motorcycle so
that you can assist each other in case of
trouble.
● Familiarity with your motorcycle is critically
important should a problem occur far from
help.
● Never ride beyond your ability and
experience or faster than conditions warrant.
● If you are not familiar with the terrain, ride
cautiously. Hidden rocks, holes, or ravines
could spell disaster.
16
● A muffler is required in most off-road areas.
Don't modify your exhaust system.
Remember that excessive noise bothers
everyone and creates a bad image for
motorcycling.
Loading
Loading
● Carrying extra weight affects your
motorcycle's handling, braking and stability.
Always ride at a safe speed for the load you
are carrying.
● Avoid carrying an excessive load and keep
within specified load limits.
Maximum weight capacity 2 P. 128
● Tie all luggage securely, evenly balanced
and close to the center of the motorcycle.
● Do not place objects near the lights or the
muffler.
Also follow these guidelines when you ride offroad on rough terrain:
● Do not carry a passenger.
● Keep cargo small and light weight.
Make sure it cannot easily be caught on
brush or other objects, and that it does not
interfere with your ability to shift position to
maintain balance and stability.
3WARNING
Overloading or improper loading can
cause a crash and you can be seriously
hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other loading
guidelines in this manual.
Motorcycle Safety
17
Parts Location
Right side cover
(P.56
Operation Guide
Spark arrester
(P.60
Air cleaner (P.67)
18
)
)
Engine oil drain bolt (P.64)
Rear brake fluid reservoir (P.70)
Throttle grip (P.83)
Front brake fluid reservoir (P.70)
Coolant reserve tank (P.68)
Engine oil fill cap (P.62)
Engine oil filter (P.64)
Engine oil level inspection
window
(P.62
)
Clutch lever (P.80)
Fuel fill cap (P.32)
Document bag (P.34)
Seat (P.55)
Helmet holder (P.33)
Battery (P.54)
Main fuse (P.102)
Fuse box (P.101)
Tool box/Tool kit (P.34)
Crankcase breather (P.84)
Left side cover (P.56)
Operation Guide
Spark plug (P.57)
Drive chain (P.74)
Side stand (P.73)
Shift lever (P.31)
19
Instruments
Tachometer
Operation Guide
SEL
button
Tachometer red zone
(excessive engine rpm range)
SET
NOTICE
Do not operate the engine in
the tachometer red zone.
Excessive engine speed can
adversely affect engine life.
button
Display Check
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, all the mode and digital segments
will show. If any part of these displays does not come on when it should, have your dealer
check for problems.
20
Speedometer
Odometer [TOTAL] & Tripmeter[TRIP A/B]
SEL
button switches between the odometer and
tripmeters.
● Odometer: Total distance ridden.
When “------” is displayed, go to your dealer
for service.
● Tripmeter: Distance ridden since tripmeter
was reset (press and hold
SET
button to
reset to 0.0 km/mile at the tripmeter display).
When “----.-” is displayed, go to your
dealer for service.
Operation Guide
Fuel gauge
Remaining fuel when only 1st (E) segment
starts flashing:
approximately 0.48 US gal (1.8 L)
If the fuel gauge indicator flashes in
a repeat pattern or turns off:
(P.90
Clock (12-hour display)
)
Continued
21
Instruments (Continued)
1 To set the clock:
a
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
b
Operation Guide
Press and hold the
button until the hour digits start flashing.
SEL
button and the
SET
d
Press the
flashing.
SET
button. The minute digits start
22
c
Press the
SEL
button until the desired hour
is displayed.
u
Press and hold to advance the hour fast.
e
Press the
SEL
button until the desired
minute is displayed.
u
Press and hold to advance the minute
fast.
f
Press the
SET
button. The clock is set, and
then the display moves to the changing of
the speed and mileage unit.
u The adjustment can also be set by
turning the ignition switch to the OFF
position.
If no buttons were pressed for about 30
seconds, the display will stop flashing
automatically and the adjustment will be
cancelled.
2 Changing the speed and mileage unit:
a
Press the
SEL
button to select either “km/h”
& “km” or “mph” & “mile” for the
speedometer, odometer and tripmeters.
b
Press the
SET
button. The speed and
mileage unit is set, and then the display will
return to the ordinary display.
Operation Guide
23
Indicators
If one of these indicators does not come on when it should, have your dealer
check for problems.
Operation Guide
Rear ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) OFF indicator
Comes on briefly when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position.
Comes on when the ABS function on the rear wheel is turned off.
PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
Comes on briefly when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position with the engine
stop switch in the
If it comes on while engine is running: (P.89)
24
(Run) position.
CRF250LA
Neutral indicator
Comes on when the
transmission is in Neutral.
High beam indicator
High coolant temperature indicator
Comes on briefly when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position with the
engine stop switch in the
(Run) position.
If it comes on while running: (P.88)
Left turn signal indicator Right turn signal indicator
Operation Guide
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) indicator
CRF250LA
Comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position.
Goes off when your speed reaches approximately 6 mph (10 km/h).
If it comes on while riding: (P.89)
25
Switches
Operation Guide
Headlight dimmer switch
• : High beam
• : Low beam
u Pressing the switch turns the turn
signal off.
Hazard switch
Switchable when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position.
26
Horn button
Turn signal switch
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