Honda CRF250L (MD38 / MD44) — OEM Fluid, Tire Pressure & Maintenance Specs
249cc Liquid-Cooled Single DOHC 4V Dual-Sport · Source: Honda CRF250L (MD38 / MD44) (2012–2020) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications
According to the Honda CRF250L (MD38 / MD44) (2012–2020) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications, the 2012–2020 Honda CRF250L (MD38 / MD44) (chassis MD38/MD44) requires 1.4 L (1.48 US qt) of SAE 10W-30 (JASO MA, API SJ or higher) engine oil for a drain-only change and 1.45 L (1.53 US qt) with filter service (15410-KYJ-902 / HF112). Standard solo cold tire pressure is 150 kPa / 1.50 bar / 22 PSI front (3.00-21 51P) and 150 kPa / 1.50 bar / 22 PSI rear (120/80-18M/C 62P), paired with 1× NGK SIMR8A9 spark plug(s) and a YTZ8V / YTX7L-BS battery.
Drain only: 1.4 L (1.48 US qt)
R 150 kPa (1.50 bar)
Est. Range: ~254 km (158 mi)
1. Engine Lubrication, Filter & Clutch Specifications
| Clutch Architecture | Wet Multi-Plate Manual Clutch NEVER use JASO MB |
|---|---|
| Recommended Viscosity & Grade | SAE 10W-30 (Alt: SAE 10W-40) · JASO MA · API SJ or higher |
| Oil Volume (Drain / With Filter / Overhaul) |
• Drain only: 1.4 L (1.48 US qt) • With filter/strainer: 1.45 L (1.53 US qt) • Complete dry overhaul: 1.8 L (1.90 US qt) |
| OEM Oil Filter Code & Type | 15410-KYJ-902 / HF112 |
| Correct Oil Level Check Method | Hold bike upright on level ground 3–5 min after warm shutdown; read crankcase sight glass |
| Oil Drain Bolt Torque | 24 N·m (17.7 lb-ft / 2.45 kgf·m) — Use fresh crush washer |
2. Cold Tire Pressures, Wheels, Ignition & Drivetrain
| Front / Rear OEM Tire Sizes | Front: 3.00-21 51P · Rear: 120/80-18M/C 62P (Tube-Type Spoke Rim) |
|---|---|
| Cold Tire Pressure — Solo Riding |
Front: 150 kPa / 1.50 bar / 22 PSI Rear: 150 kPa / 1.50 bar / 22 PSI |
| Cold Tire Pressure — 2-Up / Loaded Touring |
Front: 150 kPa / 1.50 bar / 22 PSI Rear: 150 kPa / 1.50 bar / 22 PSI |
| OEM Spark Plug & Quantity | NGK SIMR8A9 × 1 (Gap: 0.8–0.9 mm) |
| OEM Battery Code & Rating | YTZ8V / YTX7L-BS (12V 7.0Ah MF AGM) |
| Final Drive Maintenance | 520 Sealed O/X-Ring Chain — Maintain 25–35 mm slack and lube every 800–1,000 km |
| Brake Fluid & Coolant | DOT 4 · Silicate-free ethylene-glycol OAT coolant for aluminum radiators (50:50 premix) |
3. Ergonomics, Range & Scheduled Service Intervals
| Displacement · Max Power · Peak Torque | 249 cc · 24.4 hp @ 8,500 rpm · 22.6 N·m (16.7 lb-ft) @ 6,750 rpm |
|---|---|
| Seat Height & Wet Curb Weight | 875 mm (34.4 in) · 146 kg (322 lbs) |
| Fuel Tank & Est. Real-World Range | 7.8 L (2.1 US gal) · ~32.5 km/L → ~254 km (158 mi) |
| OEM Scheduled Maintenance Intervals |
• First Break-In: 1,000 km • Engine Oil / Filter: 12,000 km / 12,000 km • Air Filter / Spark Plug: 18,000 km / 24,000 km • Valve Clearance Check: 24,000 km |
4. Generation Cutoffs & Real-World Wrenching Gotchas
Model-Year & Chassis Generation Notes
2012–2016 MD38 models lacked a tachometer and ABS, whereas 2017–2020 Euro 4 MD44 gained a 38mm throttle body, digital tach, larger header pipe, and switchable rear ABS.
Oil & Clutch Mechanical Engineering Note
Frequent low-speed trailfeathering cooks wet clutches quickly—run full-synthetic SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 JASO MA2 oil (1.45 L w/ HF112 filter) and check clutch free play before rides.
Garage Wrenching Gotchas
- Both spoked wheels use inner tubes with a factory cold pressure of just 150 kPa (22 PSI) front and rear—do not inflate to streetbike 36 PSI.
- Pro-Link lower shock linkage needle bearings ship with minimal factory grease and seize after creek crossings unless disassembled and packed with waterproof grease.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What oil volume, JASO grade, and oil filter code does the Honda CRF250L (MD38 / MD44) (2012–2020) require?
Because its wet multi-plate clutch shares engine oil with the gearbox, run SAE 10W-30 (JASO MA) at 1.4 L (1.48 US qt) drain-only and 1.45 L (1.53 US qt) with filter (15410-KYJ-902 / HF112).
How do you accurately check the oil level on the CRF250L (MD38 / MD44), and what are its service intervals?
Hold the motorcycle dead-vertical on level ground 2–3 minutes after warm shutdown and verify the oil sits mid-way between the Upper and Lower marks in the crankcase sight glass—never on the sidestand. Torque the drain plug to 24 N·m with a new crush washer. Factory oil change intervals are every 12,000 km, with valve clearance inspection every 24,000 km.
What are the cold tire pressures, puncture repair type, seat height, and range of the CRF250L (MD38 / MD44)?
Equipped with 3.00-21 51P front and 120/80-18M/C 62P rear tube-type rims (mushroom/string plugs will not seal—carry spare inner tubes), set cold tire pressures to 22 / 22 PSI (150/150 kPa) solo or 22 / 22 PSI loaded. Seat height is 875 mm (34.4 in) at 146 kg wet weight, delivering ~254 km per 7.8 L tank.