I have a 2017 FE350 that replaced a DRZ400S, the DR was a decent bike and weighed less than the CRF250L, but I found the FE a lot easier to ride on the trickier (for my shit skill level) stuff.
I actually like the stock bodywork, looks nice compared to the OTT KTM graphics, with indicators, reflector and legal number plate it does not attract plod attention, approached when stopped in a group by the feds, they walked around all the other bikes and almost entirely ignored mine - was waiting for the complaint about small plates on the others, but they were OK and moved on.
I recently had RSS rework the suspension and its amazing now, that was both ends, bladder conversion on shock and additional low speed compression adjuster on forks, so much more comfortable on rough stuff, cost £500 front and back including collection and delivery.
A mate is about to buy a 250L brand new, I keep telling him that within 6 months he will be after more power and less weight, another friend started with a 250L and soon ended up flogging it to get something lighter and with more ZAP.
I think many fear the 15 hour service, but mine only clocks about 4 hours on a day out and less than 2 on an Enduro fun day so its only 2 oil changes a year for me, the service schedule has to take into account bikes that live in the 1st 3 gears n the redline, so I am happy to stretch to @20 hours and even if I have to put a piston in it will be after about 5 years use and its not a big / expensive job - works out great value compared to having the weight / performance deficit of the 250L....
...Although the 250L's are bloody cheap if you're on a tight budget.