I will do a quick 2000 mile review ..
2000 mile (amateur's) review of CRF250L
Engine .. trandles (sounds like) along ok .. but lacks power on and off road, unless you set your expectations lower, accept the low speed and poor acceleration, .. then it becomes apparent how easy it is to ride slow and easy.
Clutch .. I find the judder clutch thing annoying as it does not seem to pull well in slightly higher gears and makes a horrid horace clattering noise … but if you accept the short shifting it does keep you within the torque safety range for engine longevity, so I suppose it is a good thing, and helps to reduce chain wear and tyre wear. Clutch lever is easy and light and good for naughty bits. Will need to see how the clutch stands up to more use (stiffer springs, HD plates?)
Suspension .. performance not at all bad as standard .. and can easily be lowered (but care in ruts, and clangs stones alarmingly underneath, (probably easily made higher too? with kit) and is stable and not tending to spit one off (like the DR350 which seemed to have a high set steering column?) Got a feeling the rear shock may get softer soon, but may be wrong? Fine fun on road, very adequate off road.
Turning/handling .. on road the bike feels light and maneuverable and also off road, but its weight can be felt on naughty bits and if you get stuck. It is not a lightweight (145kg) but feels light most of the time. It is very easy to turn around on a narrow trail, due to lowish weight and its small turning circle (not like the TTR600). It rides lovely on tarmac, now I have increased the rake/trail slightly. No fuss off road, easy roller.
Brakes .. terrible at first but ok after 2000 miles break in?
Tyres .. IRC std are fine on tarmac, but the rear is poor in mud and wet grass. Front is surprisingly good off road (at low speeds).
Seat .. very very good (compared to 250X), widish and firm and comfy (for me). Very long distances possible (strong point).
Maintenance .. (strong point) .. excellent, 8000 mile intervals. Easy to change clutch and no special tools required (crf230 needs 2 or 3 tools), easy to oil the chain, also easy to adjust and lasts really well. Tyres last well too because of the light weight and low torque and judder clutch. Easy to clean (they tell me).
Extras needed .. bash plate, heated grips, hand guards, hinged gear foot lever,
also .. rear rack, panier frames, suspension adjustment? better off-road tyres, bigger screen? ....
....(hmmmm cush drive rear wheel on TL new rims, EBC clutch mod).. er 300 engine as per minky? ... stop stop now!
Overall .. great little bike, .. does nothing outstanding but everything quite well. Easy on tyres and chain. Can ride to trails, over long distances, cope ok, and get home without maintenance worries.