2013 Honda CRF250L

Set adrift in mechanized life with just one tool, what would you choose? Probably Vise-Grip pliers. One do-it-all vehicle? Perhaps a Jeep Wrangler. Stashed between them in the garage would be Honda's new CRF250L.

With its freeway-legal performance, Baja-ready off-road ability and a claimed 77-mpg fuel economy, the dual-sport—Honda's newest at $4,499—offers a lot for the dough. It's also what you'd want after that big tornado, earthquake or hurricane hits, as it can go just about anywhere.

Completely new for 2013, the CRF250L can trace its lineage to the original, popular 1972 XL250 even as it sports a modified version of the thrifty engine found on the CBR250R sportbike. The 249cc liquid-cooled and fuel-injected single with integrated six-speed manual gearbox is enough to give the CRF250L zippy— although not exactly dazzling— performance.

On the pavement, the CRF250L scoots to freeway speeds with reasonable verve, then labors in the windblast; this is clearly not its forte. It's better suited to riding around town, where its nimble handling, light 320-pound curb weight and tallish 34.7-inch seat height help you master traffic. But its sweet spot is on narrow, twisty trails bumpy enough to use all 9 inches of wheel travel, and, of course, exploring off-road. Here the torquey motor, quick steering and lugged tires broaden its range.

The CRF250L isn't a racer, but that's not what Honda set out to design. The bike simply does a lot of things pretty well and at a price point that will make it attractive to everyone from teens to seniors. And sometimes, that's just enough.

In our opinion, if its $4,499 MSRP, 77-mpg fuel economy and the ability to pop wheelies on your way up the driveway doesn't get you amped, then taking the CRF250L for a spin off-road might wake you up.

Others to consider: Kawasaki KLX250S, Yamaha WR250R

Base price : $4,499

On sale: Now

This article originally appeared in the March 18, 2013 issue of Autoweek. Click here to get Autoweek delivered to your door biweekly.

By John L. Stein