If you’re just starting out and looking for your first adventure motorcycle, you’ve probably already come across dozens of forums, Facebook groups, and reviews from Germany or France that don’t tell you much about the reality of the roads in Romania.
I’ve ridden both. A few thousand kilometers on the CFMOTO 450MT, over mixed terrain—forest roads, rocky paths, and long stretches of asphalt. And I’ve also ridden the CRF 250L extensively, mostly on forest roads and rocky paths.
This isn’t a magazine review. It’s just how I felt, with my hands on the handlebars.
Cuprins:
The first thing you feel: the weight
The CFMOTO 450MT weighs about 189 kg ready to ride. The CRF 250L weighs around 149 kg. That’s a 40-kg difference. On paper, it seems like a lot, but in practice, it all depends on where you are.
Surprisingly, on forest trails and over boulders, the difference isn’t as dramatic as you might expect. When you’re standing on the footrests and letting the engine do its work, the CFMOTO feels stable and planted. The CRF is more playful, easier to maneuver from side to side, but also more twitchy over large boulders.
You really feel the difference on long stretches of asphalt. The CFMOTO rides with reassuring stability at cruising speed; the engine is smooth, and you can easily cover 300 km without even thinking about it. The CRF, on the other hand, revs quite high at high speeds—you can really feel the engine working hard. And if you add that the seat kills you after the first 100 km, you understand why it’s not designed for long distances.
When it comes to falling—and yes, if you’re a beginner, you’re going to fall—it’s no shame; it’s part of the process. I’ve picked up both bikes. You can pick up the CRF on your own without any trouble. The CFMOTO requires some technique or a friend nearby. It’s not impossible, but it’s not exactly a piece of cake either.
Engine: 450cc vs. 250cc
For enduro-style off-road riding, 250cc is more than enough. The CRF has a simple, reliable engine that won’t let you down. Maintenance is inexpensive, and parts are easy to find.
The CFMOTO 450MT features a 450cc parallel-twin engine that delivers linear and predictable power. It’s not a rocket, and that’s a good thing for adventure riding. On technical climbs or when you need to pull out of a tough spot, you feel like you have power in reserve. On the CRF, you sometimes have to push harder and make up for it with technique.
A concrete example: on a longer forest trail with rocky and muddy sections, the CFMOTO handled everything that came its way without any fuss. On the CRF, the same route feels more “hands-on”—you have to work the engine harder and choose the right gear more carefully. It’s not necessarily a disadvantage if you’re used to enduro; in fact, it gives you a more direct sense of control. But if you’re just starting out and have luggage on the bike, the CFMOTO is more forgiving of mistakes.
Suspension and handling on varied terrain
Both have decent suspension for their class. The CFMOTO 450MT comes with a 43mm front fork and an adjustable rear monoshock. For beginner and intermediate adventure riding, that’s plenty. The CRF 250L has simpler, less adjustable suspension, but it’s also lighter.
On rocky terrain and rough roads, the CFMOTO absorbs bumps better. And it’s not just the suspension; the bike’s weight also contributes to its stability. The CRF bounces more, but it recovers more easily because it’s lighter.
The price, let’s be honest
The CRF 250L is no longer in production. Honda has moved on to the CRF 300L, which costs around €6,700 including VAT. The CFMOTO 450MT starts at around €6,000 including VAT. In other words, it’s cheaper than the Honda, with a more powerful engine and more standard features.
And when I say features, I’m not talking about optional extras. The CFMOTO comes standard with a color TFT display, Bluetooth, an adjustable windshield, hand guards, and adjustable KYB suspension. The Honda CRF 300L has a minimalist design: a simple LCD dashboard, non-adjustable suspension—built to be straightforward and withstand rough handling. Different philosophies.
Warranty: CFMOTO offers a 5-year warranty, compared to Honda’s 2–4 years. For a motorcycle that’s relatively new to the Romanian market, that’s a compelling selling point.
As for parts, CFMOTO is now represented pretty much everywhere in the country, and you can find parts without any trouble in Romania.
Verdict: Which one should you choose if you’re just starting out?
It all comes down to one thing: where you want to be in two years.
If you want to explore Romania, go on weekend trips with friends on mixed-terrain routes, avoid the hassle of logistics, and ride up to 300 km a day without ending up exhausted, the CFMOTO 450MT is the better choice in the long run. Yes, it’s heavier. But the engine makes up for it, the stability over long distances makes up for it, and you won’t feel like you’ve outgrown it after the first season.
If you’re on a tight budget, if you want to learn off-road riding before anything else, or if you’re not sure adventure riding is your thing, the CRF 250L is a safer bet. You can sell it without taking a big loss if you change your mind.
