As my travels reached a turning point, I didn't want to stop exploring, but rather to change the way I traveled. After exploring all corners of Thailand by car, visiting more than half the provinces, the joy of travel began to wane. Like many others, after an extended period of road travel, I started to crave something more exciting and challenging. I also yearned to discover hidden gems, those off-the-beaten-path destinations where true beauty often lies. My four-wheeled companion, a lowered Vios, was no longer up to the task. As I lamented in previous posts, its low ground clearance forced me to navigate carefully, sometimes with frustration. This growing dissatisfaction eventually led me to a decision: to embark on a new adventure, this time on two wheels. I was eager to experience a different kind of thrill, a new chapter in my life's journey.

Before we dive into the review of both the motorcycle and the tourist attractions, let me first explain the origin of this CRF250Rally. If you're not interested in the backstory, feel free to skip ahead. For those who are only interested in the performance, strengths, and limitations of the bike, you can scroll down to the relevant section. (However, it's important to note that my observations are based on my experience as a novice in this type of motorcycle, and other owners may have different perspectives.)

After deciding to buy a motorcycle for touring with my girlfriend, I must admit that this is my first big bike. I usually ride only scooters like Wave and Click, but I have ridden my friends' clutch bikes like Sonic and CBR. This will be my first big bike, so I had to think long and hard because a motorcycle over 100,000 baht is considered expensive for me and my family. It will be with me for a long time, so I can't just get rid of it if I don't like it. I have to choose the right one.

The main requirements are:

1. Travel long distances at 120 km/h without fatigue.

2. Capable of traversing challenging terrain, the intended purpose is to reach off-road destinations accessible by lifted pickup trucks, without venturing into deep forests.

3. Moderately fuel-efficient

4. The weight should not be too heavy to avoid difficulty when lifting.

The price is in the low hundreds of thousands because that's all I can afford to pay in installments.

6. Must be a new car.

7. I don't like the prone position, so I'm going to get a naked bike or a touring bike.

Based on the aforementioned requirements, it is evident that the desired vehicle should have an engine displacement of no more than 300 CC. This conclusion is primarily driven by the budgetary constraint of 555.

After a long search, almost a year, I finally had the budget to buy a motorcycle. My initial choices were:

• Kawasaki Z250sl: This was my top choice at the time. I liked its design, but it seemed a bit small and light. However, it was affordable and easy to finance. Price: 122,000 THB.
• Z250: I also liked this model, but it was slightly over my budget and heavier. Price: 150,000 THB.
• Duke 200: I liked the design and the price had dropped to 120,000 THB, making it even more appealing. It was also lightweight, which was a plus. However, I was concerned about the high maintenance costs. Price: 120,000 THB.
• CB300F: I wasn't a fan of the design, but it had everything else I was looking for: good price, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance costs. Price: 130,000 THB.

Initially, I didn't consider the CRF because I was mainly focused on lightweight bikes. However, after further research, I realized that the CRF offered many advantages, including a good price (134,000 THB) and similar features to the CB300F. The only downside was that I wasn't a huge fan of its design.

By the end of October, I had narrowed down my choices to the Z250sl and the CRF. While they were very different bikes, they both weighed the same and had the same engine size. I figured that if I wasn't planning on doing any serious off-roading, the Z250sl would be sufficient.

Then, news broke about the upcoming release of the CRF250Rally. I was initially hesitant because I thought it would be too expensive. However, when it was finally released at 164,000 THB, I couldn't resist its design. I spent 15 days contemplating the purchase before finally deciding to go for it in early December. I booked the bike at the Tweetharap shop and got the 11th slot in the queue. Since it was the first batch of bikes, they were hard to come by, and each dealership only received one or two units. I finally received my bike in mid-January.

My first trip with the Rally was to Khao Sam Lan National Park, about 90 kilometers away. It was my first time riding a tall bike, so I took it slow and didn't exceed 110 km/h. I filled the tank with 200 THB of 95-octane gasoline. The first tank lasted 264 kilometers, and I only needed to add 7.4 liters to fill it up again. This means I got 35.64 kilometers per liter, which is very impressive. I'm curious to see how the fuel efficiency will be on future rides.

The review is about to begin. I've been driving the car for three months and have covered over 4,000 kilometers. I'll summarize my experience with the car at the end.

Let's get down to business about this trip.

Official CRF250Rally 2-day, 2-night test ride with 3 CRF3 and 1 Forza motorcycles.

Day 1: Explore Pilok, Khao Neeo Kood Doi, Khao Neeo Chang Suk, and Sam Sak Mine. Relax at the Jork Kradin Waterfall and spend the night on a floating raft in Sangkhla Buri at the Dok Bua Raft for 1,000 baht, located near the bridge. Enjoy the evening at the walking street.

Day two: Relaxing by the river, visiting a floating church, and stopping by the Three Pagodas Pass before returning home. We had lunch at the Songkalia Waterfall, arriving home exhausted but with hearts full of excitement.

After driving around Bangkok for work, covering over 600 kilometers, it was finally time for a road trip. We started our journey on a Friday night, meeting up with four other cars at a PTT gas station near Nakhon Chai Si. Our plan was to ride along the Bang Bo-Ratchaburi route. We set off at exactly 10 pm, filling our tanks to the brim. Even with just one bar left before the fuel light came on, we managed to squeeze in 180 baht's worth of petrol.

Tonight, we will sleep near the hot springs in Hin Dad. Our friend's team has already set up a tent for us. We drove at a constant speed of 110-120 kilometers per hour. When we reached Sai Yok, which is about 180 kilometers away, we only had two bars of fuel left. It was around 10:30 PM and it was getting dark. We found a gas station and filled up with 40 Baht each for peace of mind.

This event was accompanied by a Forza, which made me a little envious when I saw the seat.

Finally reached the campsite tonight. Thanks again to my brother for setting up the tent. After riding over 200 kilometers, the young lady didn't complain at all. She was a little tired during the first 100 kilometers, but we stopped for lunch, which was a good break. On this trip, I have two passengers on my motorcycle, while the others are riding solo.

Set the alarm for 5:15 AM. We'll go see the morning light at Pilok today. We ran until the intersection, turned right to Sankla, and went straight to Pilok. There's a big PTT gas station there, so we filled up. This time, I filled it up for 220 baht. I filled it with 95 octane gas.

Two more Lallys filled up with E20, but the whole trip was about the same as filling up at the same pump, no difference at all.

It was extremely cold this morning, especially riding a motorcycle, the cold went straight to the bone.

From this point, we have to ride for another 70 kilometers to reach Pilok. It doesn't seem difficult, but the last 30 kilometers have more than 300 curves. The last time I came here with a Vios, it was raining and the road was full of potholes. It took almost 2 hours. This time, it's a different feeling. Motorcycles are much more agile for narrow and winding roads like this. I don't have to worry about potholes and can ride without braking. It took about 40 minutes to reach the viewpoint before the office. The morning light was just starting to come up.

The office just opened, pay the fare and keep the ticket for the waterfall. We will go to the viewpoint at Khao Kud Doi.

As you ride in, you'll be greeted by a hornbill perched high above.

"Why don't you come down and talk to us? If you don't come down, we'll leave."

There are very few people this morning.

The sun is coming.

The mountain range over there, definitely the white elephant mountain.

There is no fog to see today, but there are clear views of the mountains. Before, there was so much fog that you couldn't see the mountains at all.

This review includes many pictures of the car because I am excited about my new purchase.

Despite its small appearance in the picture, the actual motorcycle is both large and long. I once parked it next to my friend's 500X, and it was longer and taller. The handlebars were about the same width, but the body of my Rally was slimmer than the 500X, making it less bulky. Many people who are hesitant about buying this motorcycle will probably compare it to the 500X. I'll talk about that later.

The original design of the rear end of the Lada Niva featured a double-layered structure, resulting in a noticeable sag. This issue was further exacerbated when the vehicle was loaded with cargo or passengers. However, the soft shock absorbers provided a comfortable ride, which could be a desirable feature for some drivers. For those who prefer a firmer suspension, aftermarket options are available to address this concern.

The first light of dawn feels fresh and bright, with a cool breeze.

The entrance to Ngon Kood Doi is still the same as before, with red clay and gravel. Cars without lowered suspension can make it, but lowered cars are not recommended. I drove in and it scraped a bit. You can also walk, it's not far, less than a kilometer from the entrance.

Continue

Parked in order of handsomeness, huh? That's why I'm at the front. 5555

The previous sentence describes a personal experience of traveling with a friend who convinced the speaker to join them on a mountain trip. The speaker mentions that their friend had already completed the trip a month prior, covering thousands of kilometers, while the speaker had only recently reached 1,000 kilometers. They also mention getting an oil change at a service center before the trip and another one after reaching 600 kilometers.

The third bike, ridden by the young champion, is over 160 cm tall. Don't worry about the height; the champion is very agile. He is now strong and started a month before me on this bike.

The fourth car, a muscular young man, asked to help lift the car. He will take it down the mine and we will see who survives and who falls. The Forza has already run over 20,000 kilometers.

Upon arriving at E-tong village, we will first ascend to the Chang Surk Hill.

1.5 kilometers

The entrance is 1.5 kilometers long and has alternating dirt and concrete sections. While all types of vehicles can access this point, low-riding vehicles may need to proceed slowly in certain areas.

The breathtaking panoramic view is truly captivating. The vastness of the scenery is best experienced through the accompanying images, as words cannot adequately describe its beauty. The absence of crowds today further enhances the tranquility of the moment.

Unveiling the faces of the four heroes

And my mother, Yod Ya-Yi, tricked me into being the photographer for this trip. 555

Based on my height of 178 cm, the car is as tall as my chest.

Forza requests a solo.

They pushed and pushed, taking photos for a long time. 555

Just yet

Okay, everyone, let's move on.

Climbing a little further, we had a clear view of E-tong village below.

Continuing on to E-tong village, we stopped for a bite to eat for breakfast.

Today, I had lunch at Krua Jeh Nee. The food was delicious and the portions were generous. The prices were reasonable, ranging from 40-50 baht.

Stroll around and admire the houses of E-Tong.

It is very quiet this morning, perhaps people have not arrived yet.

The reflection of the water is beautiful.

Don't forget if the couple is on a tour. Hehe.

Ride a little further and take a walk on the Burmese side.

Beyond the flagpole, they say it's the Burmese side, right?

After a satisfying meal, it was time to digest our food and squeeze out our energy to descend into the mine like true heroes. It was just past 10 am, and the sun was getting stronger and stronger. It was time to conquer the force.

Forza says the clutch won't burn, so it won't stop.

I rode for about 5 minutes and then I crashed for the first time. It was a stupid crash.

The road was full of potholes, and I accidentally rode into one. I didn't have enough momentum to power through it, so I lost my balance and fell. It was a minor fall, and I was able to continue riding. It's all part of the learning process for a new rider.

The first half of the trail is a gravel road with some loose rocks and small potholes, but it is generally easy to navigate. Any type of vehicle can handle this section without difficulty.

Forza says chill, man.

After a while, Fosza asked to stop for a break as his arm started to ache from the strain. The tire was wobbling.

We have reached the halfway point.

From this point, he said that only 4WD vehicles can go down. Forza said he didn't care, because people were going to go.

However, Forza ultimately decided to stop here. Judging from the road ahead,

This is how it is. Large floating rocks, small and large pools, and steep slopes down. Don't even mention Forza, even I, a newbie, feel a little discouraged.

Park and wait for Forza.

Returning to Lally, we let Champ ride leisurely for a while. He must have seen us disappear to sleep, so he rode back up to check on us. He just said, "Chill," and that height isn't a problem if we can adjust.

The slope looked steep enough, and I didn't feel confident enough to go down it myself, so I let my girlfriend walk down with her friend Forza. I was worried that if I fell, I might get hurt.

The first time I rode standing up, it was very exciting. I rode recklessly like this. I couldn't brake because my legs wouldn't reach the ground, so I had to let go and keep going.

Fortunately, a four-wheel drive pickup truck driven by tourists from Phuket happened to pass by. The couple and Forza hitched a ride in the back of the truck to the mine. However, if you were to walk from this point, it wouldn't be too far, about 1 kilometer or so.

We finally made it to the thrilling downhill section. There's a clip in the middle of the video, so you can rewind and see the top part again. Remember to wear chest protection when riding. I fell once on the way down, at the entrance. It actually seemed difficult to descend, but I found it easier than expected. We didn't need to twist the throttle at all; just hold the handlebars firmly, maintain balance, and let go. The front and rear suspension handled the bumps smoothly.

Upon arriving, we found Aunt Glen having lunch. We decided to take a walk and take some photos around the area before joining her.

The atmosphere was pleasant and refreshing, but unfortunately, the cake was already gone when a group of 15 pickup trucks left the garden. As a result, we were unable to enjoy the cake.

Aunt Glen was very lovely and came out to greet us. She was a great conversationalist and told us about her history. I wondered if everyone who came down talked to her and asked her questions, but she didn't seem bored or annoyed at all. She answered our questions in a friendly and lovely way. After talking to her, we felt refreshed and continued on our journey.

Many thanks to the kind pickup truck driver who gave Nan and Forza a ride to and from their original destination. I must admit that I am still a novice and do not yet dare to ride pillion with my girlfriend for fear of falling.

The initial ascent appeared straightforward, requiring only twisting and pushing. However, it turned out that simply twisting and pushing was insufficient; it was also necessary to follow the pattern. I twisted haphazardly, resulting in incorrect patterns at times. When my strength was depleted, I attempted to descend, but the ground vanished. The terrain transitioned from flat to uneven, making it difficult to locate solid footing. As a result, I fell three times. Each fall occurred in the same manner: an incorrect pattern, exhaustion, and an inability to reach the ground, resulting in a tumble. Powerful motorcycles can easily ascend, but as a novice, I was hesitant to accelerate, resulting in insufficient power to overcome the obstacles and causing me to fall. Fortunately, I escaped unscathed each time.

Three crashes resulted in a broken pillion footrest, which I forgot to fold but still works fine to this day. There are also some minor scratches around the bike. However, after experiencing these crashes, I feel stronger. Initially, I was very worried about falling and what would happen if I did. In the end, after falling and being unharmed, I feel more confident riding. It's like, "If I fall, I fall, just pick myself up and keep riding, as long as I don't get hurt." Usually, I fall when I'm riding slowly, so there aren't many injuries.

Emerging from the mine, weary, we took a short left turn to find a rice shop where we rested and enjoyed lunch. We then indulged in refreshing shaved ice and ice cream to combat the fatigue.

Full after lunch, we headed to Jogkradin Waterfall for a refreshing dip.

The water level today is not very high, but the evening is very cool and refreshing.

The weather is extremely cold, making my ears feel numb.

Give me some muscle, please.

The water is moderately deep, so if you can't swim, it's recommended to wear a life jacket.

The journey continued after 3 pm, with a long way to go before reaching our destination for the night: Sangkhla Buri. We rode on, navigating the winding curves of the road, and stopped for a break at the Vachiralongkorn Dam.

They are starting to run out of energy, having been driving since early morning.

After leaving the dam, we stopped at the same gas station to fill up the tank again. This time it cost 170 baht. We then continued on to Sankhla, which had many curves as usual. I was left behind by the other three bikes. I couldn't keep up with them on the curves, maybe because I wasn't comfortable riding with a passenger or because the back was too heavy. I didn't dare to push it on the curves, while the others went very fast. We arrived in Sankhla around 7 pm and stayed at the Dok Bua raft house for 1000 baht, which was very cheap and could accommodate 10 people. I'll show you pictures later. When we arrived, we put our things away and went to find food at the walking street. However, the walking street was on the other side of Sankhla town, and we forgot to stop there earlier.

The Mon Bridge is pleasantly quiet today. After crossing to the other side, we have to walk for another 3 kilometers or so. It's a long way, and a motorbike ride would cost 20 baht each. We might as well walk and enjoy the scenery while we chat. We'll get there eventually.

The market was bustling with activity, but not overly crowded.

There is a performance by the villagers.

We had lunch at a local restaurant, ordering stir-fried rice and one-baht pork skewers. Upon arrival, we decided to give them a try.

Among the many restaurants, we chose this one.

We also had "Khanom Krok" (Thai coconut pancakes), which were delicious and filling. The total cost for two people was less than 200 baht.

After a satisfying meal, we walked back to our raft, digesting our food as we went. The water at our raft wasn't very appealing for bathing, so we went to the raft of Dok Yua, which is located right next to the bridge. Our raft is the middle one in the picture of the three rafts lined up. We had a fantastic view, being closest to the bridge. In the morning, we could lie in bed and watch the children jump into the water.

This is an open raft for safety reasons, so it is not recommended to leave valuables on it. However, there is a room that can be locked, but it can also be climbed into. If you come with a group of people, it should not be a problem. Different rafts stay separate and there are no problems.

Upon arriving at the raft, we were greeted by two friendly guides from the Dok Bua raft. They provided excellent advice and recommendations. We jokingly asked them to watch over our belongings while we went to the market. To our surprise, they took our request seriously and fell asleep guarding our belongings in our hammock! We returned to find them still sleeping soundly at 9:30 PM. We eventually woke them up when we heard someone calling their names, presumably their mother, who must have been worried about their whereabouts. It turned out that one of the guides was indeed the son of the woman who had called out. We rewarded them generously for their dedication, giving them 20 baht each initially for helping with our bags and then another 20 baht from a friend. The next morning, they continued to entertain us, teaching us how to play a local game with a spinning top and even some Mon language phrases. Although I have forgotten most of it, I still remember "Ma nge ya ra wa" (hello) and "Ha chon chut" (wooden bridge).

That night, we didn't enjoy the atmosphere much because everyone was feeling physically exhausted. We had driven since 5 am, and it was almost 10 pm. So we went to sleep separately. The air was cool, not too cold, and there were no mosquitoes.

Good morning, I woke up to beautiful light on my headboard. Let me show you a picture of the morning light.

Low-lying fog hangs in the distance.

The bridge is crowded with people.

A thin layer of mist hangs over the water's surface.

We chose to sleep on the raft, waiting to watch the sunrise from this angle.

At that moment, I felt an indescribable sense of euphoria.

Wow.

Truly beautiful, I don't regret coming here to sleep. I came here once before, but only during the day, and I felt that this place was ordinary. However, this time, I have experienced the atmosphere again, and this place is extraordinary.

The bridge is currently crowded with people returning to this side.

The crowd eagerly awaited the young man's jump, lamenting the limitations of their zoom lenses. Had they possessed greater magnification, the resulting image from this angle would have been equally stunning.

Turn to watch the children jumping into the water to show off.

Wash your face, take a bath, brush your teeth, then go eat and walk on the bridge.

The aunties walked through the market with trays and boxes balanced on their heads.

Let me try.

We had breakfast at a local market where the food was delicious and reasonably priced.

I don't know what kind of creature this is, but it's quite beautiful.

Followed by a boat ride to visit the temple in the middle of the water for 300 baht per boat, which is 60 baht per person.

It only takes 10 minutes by boat to get here.

We returned to the shore after the enemy began their attack. Tell the boat driver to speed up!

After finishing my errands, I took a walk and took some photos on the bridge. There were fewer people around.

The pair is complete.

This sentence is in Thai and translates to "There is a pooping position, how come people are blurry, haha."

Spreading joy

Don't forget to apply Thanaka paste, it smells good.

Returning to the raft parked on the hill, it didn't seem very safe, but there shouldn't be any danger. The people here, the cars from other rafts are all parked.

Packing up and getting ready to head back, taking a picture with the Mon Bridge.

Ready to go

Are you ready to continue?

Right, let's go.

Where are you going? Let me know.

Just stopped here to take a picture.

Pay homage to Luang Pho Udom.

Proceed to the Three Pagodas Pass.

Choose the language you want to translate.

The other side is already a foreign country.

He secretly took a picture of their RV.

Let's go shopping at the market.

I received two cans of Burmese beer.

After that, we stopped for lunch at the Songkaria Waterfall Floating Restaurant. The atmosphere was fantastic.

Ice-cold water can be used to chill beer, but it is unclear how effective it will be.

The cold water flows strongly and is very refreshing.

The food is delicious and affordable.

The most expensive hand is 555 baht, 111 baht per person. The weather is good, but we have to go back now. It's past 2 pm.

It's time to go back to the real world, but first, let's stop by the Rantaree River again.

Initially, we rode together with four motorcycles. However, we encountered water and feared it might be too deep for the Forza. Therefore, we parked it on the side and went to explore for a while.

After riding for a while, I came across a large puddle of water. I didn't know how deep it was, but I saw tracks on the left side that looked like they were made by a small motorcycle. I decided to follow those tracks, hoping they would lead me around the puddle.

Without hesitation, the bird's eye view shows the rider entering the mud in a flash, getting stuck in the quagmire. The clay is so sticky that the rider can't get out, and the more they pedal, the deeper they sink. See the video above for a closer look.

We had to lift the wheels to get the car out, but the water was only up to the rim. We were just scared for nothing!

Continuing on, we encountered another deep section of the trail. Uncertain of its length and depth, we decided to turn back to avoid getting caught in the dark. We had already left Forza waiting, so we opted to return.

The rider was riding along when the front wheel went into a pothole hidden in a puddle. The rider managed to keep going and avoid falling, but it was a close call. The rider is glad they didn't fall, as the water was muddy.

On this return trip, we stopped again at Wat Tha Khanun. Riding a motorcycle is not like driving a car. You can drive a car for long periods of time without stopping, but you need to rest more often on a motorcycle. The main reason is that it gets hot in the sun and we get tired. As for the issue of fatigue, it is definitely tiring for both the passenger and the driver.

At 4 pm, we stopped at the suspension bridge at Wat Tha Khanun.

Let's move around a bit, 555. People will be a little blurry.

This is the end of my trip. I'm heading home now.

On the way back, I refueled at the same gas station three times, and this time I paid 190 baht.

Rode back for a long shot, saw Mallika City, rode for almost 100 kilometers and rested for a while (with permission from the officer to take a picture).

After resting until past 6 pm, almost 7 pm, we continued our journey, driving straight ahead.

The trip concluded with a late-night meal at the Phra Pathom Chedi before everyone dispersed and arrived home around midnight. It was an incredible trip, and we stopped for another fuel refill at Phra Pathom, adding 190 liters to the tank.

The trip concluded successfully, covering a total distance of over 900 kilometers and requiring a total of fuel refills.

180 baht for 6.36 liters, 40 baht for 1.03 liters, 220 baht for 7.67 liters, 170 baht for 5.9 liters, 190 baht for 6.62 liters, and 190 baht for 6.67 liters.

The total cost was 990 baht for 34.25 liters. After the trip, I had 3 bars of fuel left and was able to drive 1050 km until it was empty. This means the cost per kilometer was 0.94 baht. The average fuel consumption was 1050/34.25 = 30.65 kilometers per liter for a two-person load. The speed on the way there and back was between 110-120 km/h, with some bursts at 130 km/h. In the mountains, the speed was slower. While I am satisfied with reaching the 30 km/l mark, it is not considered very economical because this car model uses a lot of fuel at high speeds.

Oil 990

First Friday dinner 70

Breakfast at E-Tong House 130

Admission fee 100

Lunch 65

Toll fee 400

Dinner 140

Beer 55

40-year-old boy

Breakfast 100

Boat tour to the temple in the middle of the water 120

Burmese beer 35

Smoothie 35

Dinner at Phra Pathom Chedi 120

This trip cost my girlfriend and I 1400 baht each, including a small amount of miscellaneous expenses. We stayed within our budget of 1500 baht, making this trip truly worthwhile.

CRF250 Rally: A Review After 4,000 Kilometers

This review summarizes the pros and cons of the CRF250 Rally after 4,000 kilometers of use by a novice rider of large motorcycles. Please note that this is based solely on my personal experience and others may have different opinions.

Pros:

• Lightweight and agile: The CRF250 Rally is surprisingly lightweight and agile for its size, making it easy to maneuver on both paved and unpaved roads.
• Comfortable for long rides: The comfortable riding position and suspension make the CRF250 Rally a good choice for long-distance riding.
• Fuel-efficient: The fuel efficiency of the CRF250 Rally is excellent, allowing for extended range between fill-ups.
• Off-road capability: The CRF250 Rally is capable of handling a variety of off-road terrain, making it a good choice for adventure riding.

Cons:

• Limited power: The CRF250 Rally's engine is not as powerful as some other motorcycles in its class, which can be a disadvantage when riding on highways or in strong winds.
• Suspension can be harsh: The suspension can be a bit harsh on rough terrain, especially for riders who are not used to off-road riding.
• Limited cargo capacity: The CRF250 Rally has limited cargo capacity, which can be a challenge for riders who need to carry a lot of gear.

Overall, the CRF250 Rally is a good choice for riders who are looking for a lightweight, agile, and fuel-efficient motorcycle that is capable of handling both on-road and off-road riding. However, its limited power and suspension can be a disadvantage for some riders.

1. Handsome. I like this one. I liked it at first sight. The shape is tall, the head is big, long, and elegant. But the body and butt are thin. When driving, it feels like driving a high-rise pickup truck that is higher than everyone else.

2. Top Speed: Everyone must consider this when buying a motorcycle, even though some might say that nobody looks at top speed for this type of bike. While it's true that most people don't buy this bike to ride at high speeds or race, some, like me, are curious about its top speed for long-distance travel. To summarize, this bike can reach 145 km/h with one rider. With two riders, like myself (68 kg) and a passenger (47 kg), plus luggage (approximately 10 kg), I was able to reach 134-135 km/h. However, I haven't held that speed for an extended period. It's important to note that there was no wobbling, even at high speeds, which is impressive for a tall and flat bike like this.

The most suitable speed for long-distance travel, in my opinion, is 120 km/h or less when riding as a pillion passenger. At this speed, the ride is comfortable and relaxing. However, if the speed exceeds 120 km/h, it is better to use it for overtaking only.

3. Fuel efficiency: While not exceptionally fuel-efficient, it's not a gas guzzler either. During a trip, it achieved 30 kilometers per liter at an average speed of no more than 120. Based on observations, the 500X has a similar fuel consumption, and in some cases, it might even be equal. However, when driven at speeds between 100 and 110, the fuel efficiency improves significantly, reaching 32-35 kilometers per liter. Compared to other 250cc motorcycles, the fuel efficiency is comparable. A range of 300 kilometers per tank is achievable when riding at speeds below 100. However, exceeding this speed limit often leads to higher fuel consumption. With a pillion passenger, a full tank allows for a range of 220-240 kilometers when riding at speeds below 110. However, at speeds between 110 and 130, the range drops to 170-190 kilometers. The fuel cost per kilometer is approximately 0.9-1.1 baht.

4. Suspension: While I haven't ridden other large motorcycles, I can confidently say that this bike's suspension is excellent. It handles bumps, potholes, bridge joints, and speed bumps with ease, allowing you to maintain speed without braking or simply by slightly easing off the throttle. This ensures a smooth and uninterrupted ride, especially enjoyable on rural roads where you can glide over uneven surfaces. The suspension is undoubtedly a strong point of this motorcycle.

Rider and Passenger Comfort:

Rider:

• Initial neck pain likely due to tension from unfamiliarity with riding position.
• Comfortable riding posture with no back strain.
• No back fatigue during long rides.
• Windshield effectively reduces wind fatigue.

Passenger:

• Larger seat compared to the L model provides ample support.
• Comfortable upright seating position.
• Footpeg placement requires adjustment due to proximity to rider's legs.
• Rear-mounted luggage provides comfortable backrest for passenger.
• Fatigue from sun exposure during hot weather rides.
• Seat comfort lasts approximately 100 km before requiring adjustments.
• Extended rides (200 km) necessitate rest breaks and refueling.

6. Off-road capability: Based on the CRF250L, this bike can handle any terrain without engine issues. However, the bulky plastic bodywork is a concern, as it could be easily damaged in a fall. Additionally, the bike's height could be a problem for shorter riders, especially during off-road riding. I myself, being tall, have fallen off the bike several times. However, for experienced riders, the bike's height shouldn't be an issue.

7. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask. For those who are still unsure, please do not hesitate to reach out.

The CRF250Rally is a versatile motorcycle that can take you anywhere you want to go, comfortably cruising at 120 kilometers per hour. However, if you're looking for a faster bike, this might not be the best option. Fuel efficiency is decent on both paved and unpaved roads, making it suitable for a variety of terrains. Passenger comfort may vary, but compared to other 250-300cc bikes, the CRF250Rally offers a more comfortable ride. If you're considering this bike, I highly recommend giving it a closer look. Personally, I'm very happy with my decision to purchase it.

Stay tuned for our next adventure! Where will we go next? Will it be a road trip in a big car or a motorcycle adventure? Join us to find out!