2025 Honda CRF250R Review – Motorcycle Test

Honda CRF250R 2025 Review

Aaron Clifton’s Motorcycle Test – Photo by RbMotoLens

Honda listened carefully to the feedback they received on previous models. Instead of trying to reinvent the bike, they improved it by keeping what needed to be kept and changing what customers felt needed to be changed.

So the 2025 CRF250 engine remains virtually identical to the previous models, save for a revised, stiffer crankshaft and a new airbox that provides a straighter, more direct airflow. The redesigned airbox also moves more air through it than the previous model, improving throttle control and increasing power output.

To complement the changes made to the intake, Honda has revised the exhaust system. It is now straighter, smoother and lighter, improving torque and acceleration.

The ECU map also has some changes, but they are only minor changes aimed at smoothing out the delivery and maintaining strong power throughout the rev range.

To control the engine map on the handlebars, the bike gets the same three-button switch block as the CRF450, with three maps – standard, smooth and powerful, as well as traction control and launch control.

When talking about 250cc machines in general, it is generally understood that these smaller engines are naturally very powerful. However, the challenge is to transfer the power produced at high RPM levels to lower levels, to make the bike feel more controllable or rideable.

We were at Ride Park Vic for this launch, and the track has steep elevation changes and big jumps. When I saw the track on Tuesday morning, my first thought was, I’m going to have to work pretty hard on the 250 on this track, as the dirt is pretty heavy and the elevation changes are steep. But, if you’re going to put a 250cc dirt bike to the test, this is the place to do it.

On the track, the engine performed exactly as Honda advertised and even exceeded my expectations.

This engine delivers strong power from low rpm and does not slow down at high rpm.

Coming out of the slower turns in second gear at the bottom of the steep hill, the bike pulled like a freight train all the way up to top gear. The very next lap out of the same turn, I tried third gear just to see if the CRF250 could pull, and it didn’t disappoint. There were no flat spots on the power curve, and no signs of a let-down at the top end. A most noticeable improvement over previous models.

The chassis is the area that received the most changes in 2025. Honda engineers used 70% new components in the 2025 chassis, increasing torsional stiffness by 8%, lateral stiffness by 5%, and longitudinal stiffness by 4%.

There are also new subframe mounting points to add lateral stiffness and prevent power transfer from the rear to the front of the bike. And if I’m honest, this seems like an odd thing to change on a Honda, as most of the complaints on previous models were that it felt too stiff. Personally, I’d describe the feeling on previous models as “jerky” or “unstable” under loads like hard braking.

So why add more stiffness?

Well, it turns out Honda engineers knew better than we did. They concluded that the frame wasn’t too stiff, but rather too flexy in the wrong places.

The frame on the previous model, with the not quite right flex patterns, would bind energy like a spring, until it inevitably released that energy somewhere or somehow. The sudden transfer or unloading of energy through the frame would result in an unstable feeling often described as “harsh”.

Changing the frame to increase stiffness will reduce energy transfer and direct that energy to where it needs to go through the suspension.

Suspension components have been modified to complement the changes made to the chassis.

The triple clamp, fork tubes and front axle have also been improved.

The fork features new springs, valves, seals and oil to eliminate harsh feedback and provide a consistent feel throughout the travel.

The rear shock also gets new springs, reservoirs and axles to match the revised forks.

The rear suspension linkage has been upgraded to a single unit, with the aim of improving stability when moving and reducing lean, while also improving bottoming resistance.

The 2025 frame and suspension package is a clear and impressive improvement for Honda. The 2025 CRF250R’s cornering ability is excellent, the bob and unsteadiness of the past seems to be gone. The bike is capable of cornering quickly, while remaining stable and compliant. I was able to position the CRF250R exactly where I wanted it, on entry, mid-turn and exit, the bike was stable, planted and capable of incredible speed through the corner.

Recent changes to the frame and suspension mean that suspension settings are sensitive to change. I rode the bike on two different tracks, one soft and dirt, one hard. The handling on the dirt with the standard settings was great, while the same settings on the hard felt a little unstable and difficult to maintain traction.

It takes two clicks of both compression and rebound to start releasing the suspension travel and giving the bike the nice, planted feel it had on the clay. To get the most out of every ride, you need to be able and willing to adjust the compression and rebound settings to suit the conditions. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as it makes a significant difference to the bike.

The front brake calipers feature upgraded pistons and seals to maintain consistent feel and performance throughout the ride. Honda has always provided great brakes in my experience, and the 2025 is no exception; a solid feel when braking and strong, progressive braking power on the track.

The clutch is cable-operated and consists of nine plates, designed to maximize the amount of friction material and minimize the load on each individual plate. Like most people, I first walked up to the bike, glanced at it, and then flipped the lever. When I pulled the clutch in, it felt like a hydraulic clutch. Smooth, light, and consistent, and on the track, it had the positive engagement you’d expect from a bike of this caliber.

The CRF250R’s five-speed gearbox. Honda has got the gear ratios absolutely spot on. First and second gears feel noticeably longer than on most 250cc machines, which combined with the latest engine improvements meant I didn’t have to dance around on the lever as much as I do on competitors. There was never a time when the engine was working too hard or over-revving, requiring me to shift, so you can hold the gears longer.

The new 2025 CRF250R will really dominate the 250cc segment. It’s the complete package, a powerful engine complemented by a great gearbox and gear ratios.

The cornering and handling take this bike to a whole new level. It’s agile yet firm and compliant, and an absolute joy to ride.

All of this, combined with Honda’s reputation for reliability, makes the 2025 CRF250 a worthy contender in its class. The 2025 CRF250R is priced at $13,799, plus any destination charges, and is available at dealerships now.

Honda CRF250R 2025 Specifications

Honda CRF250R 2025 Image