Thread: Honda CRF250L vs CRF250M?

The main difference between the 2 models is the wheels. So using the bike for 70/30 on-road/off-road means choosing between the two models.
I like the slightly lower seat on the M, being a road bike rider from way back, and new to dirt. But to start into the trails and backroads I need something like a CRF (or KLX, which offers the same wheel dilemma with the D-tracker).

My question is:

Are the 17" size wheels on the Honda M a handicap off-road? Or put another way, are the 21/18 L wheels an essential component for off-road? And if the latter, are the larger wheels then a handicap on road?

Check out this thread

My CRF250L in Supermoto trim

Originally Posted by Codesh

My question is:

Are the 17" size wheels on the Honda M a handicap off-road? Or put another way, are the 21/18 L wheels an essential component for off-road? And if the latter, are the larger wheels then a handicap on road?

I do not know the Honda CRF250L/M but these are my general observations:

If you ride trails that are dry and without big rocks the road wheels work okay. The bigger front dirt wheel climbs rocks (and curbs) easier. The knobbies helps mostly when it is wet on the trails. For serious off roading the dirt wheels are essential.

The dirt wheels usualy comes with lower gearing (sprockes) which is annoying at speed. The knobbies makes a little noise on the road. The front brake are usualy too weak for higher speeds on the road. Cornering at higher speed is a bit sluggish on dirt wheels. Sometimes the dirt wheels comes with softer suspension making it unsuitable for riding with a passanger.

10k / 15 k for set of street wheels for a crf250l