Honda CRF 250, technical specifications, review, photos

Honda CRF 250 motocross motorcycle

Honda CRF 250 is a cross-country motorcycle that first saw the light back in 2000. Its predecessor was the off-road series with the XR index. Initially, the car was planned as a flagship in the model range, so it immediately received all the technical innovations available at that time: electronically controlled fuel injection, a damper with progressive damping on the steering column, titanium alloy valves and much more. The power unit is single-cylinder, with a cylinder volume of 250 cm³ and a power from 30 to 43.7 liters. With. depending on modification. The torque of the power unit is 25 Nm. Nowadays, despite its advanced age, the Honda CRF 250 continues to occupy a leading position in the market niche of motocross and enduro motorcycles.

Modifications and production history

Honda CRF250 is available in 4 specifications:

CRF 250 X – enduro version;
CRF 250 R – cross-country version;
CRF 250L and CRF 250M are budget models for untrained pilots.

As already mentioned, the history of the production of devices began in 2000. Over such a long period, they would inevitably become outdated if not for periodic modernizations. Initially, all versions were produced with a carburetor power system. Since 2010, the Honda CRF 250R modification has received a PGM-Fi injection system with control electronics. Since 2011, the Honda CRF 250 begins to be equipped with a reinforced aluminum frame and updated suspensions. The CRF 250 X modification receives LED optics based on LED elements.

Honda CRF 250

Technical description

Both modifications 250 X and 250 R are equipped with the same 1-cylinder 249 cc water-cooled engines. Start - electric starter. They differ in compression ratio, power, ignition and power systems.

The Honda CRF 250 X motorcycle has a combustion chamber with a compression ratio of 13.5. Develops a maximum power of 43.7 hp. With. at 11 thousand rpm. The highest torque of 25 Nm is achieved at 8 thousand rpm. The injection system is injection, with control electronics. Ignition is transistorized.

The Honda CRF250R has a lower compression ratio of 12.9 and a correspondingly lower power output of 30 hp. With. at 9 thousand rpm. The fuel delivery system uses a Keihin carburetor with throttle position sensor and 37mm jets. Electronically controlled ignition CDi.

Gearboxes are only mechanical, with 5 steps. Torque is transmitted to the rear wheel by a chain. Aluminum frame, extruded (injection molding technology).

Features of the 2021 Honda CRF450r

New, more flexible traverses: the lower one is now located 6.1 mm higher. The travel of the Showa 49 spring fork has been increased (now it is 310 mm), and the rigidity of the front axle has also been increased. The shock absorber pistons are enlarged and the springs are lightened by 200 grams.
The Honda CRF450's seat is shorter, lighter and 10mm lower in the rear. Maintenance of the motorcycle has become easier due to the fact that the number of 8 mm bolts securing the plastic has been reduced from 6 to 4 on each side. The 2021 Honda CRF450 is 70mm narrower (50mm on the left due to the lack of a muffler, and 20mm on the right)
The steering column angle is 27.1 degrees (previously it was 27.4 degrees). Ground clearance has been increased by 8 mm and is 336 mm. Dry weight reduced by 2 kilos (to about 106 kg)
The radiator plastic is now one-piece, rather than consisting of two elements. Renthal FatBars are installed from the factory. The upper crossbar has two spacer mounting points that allow you to move the handlebar within 26 mm.
The front brake caliper has 30mm and 27mm pistons and is mounted on a 260mm wave-rimmed disc. The rear single-piston caliper is mounted on a 240 disc.
The frame weighs 700 grams lighter than the previous version. The subframe is lighter by 320 grams. The torsional rigidity did not change, but the axial rigidity was reduced by 20%. The aluminum swingarm also changed its rigidity to suit the new frame characteristics, and became narrower. The Pro Link control arm characteristics have also been changed.

Peak power at 5000 rpm is significantly increased, as is low-end thrust. This is partly achieved thanks to the enlargement of the airbox, which has become easier to access. The engine features a new, lighter 46mm throttle body and an optimized intake tract that uses engine heat to improve fuel atomization (evaporation). The new hydraulic clutch is easier to squeeze. The fuel pump is smaller and the magnesium valve cover is lighter.
The injector installation angle has been increased from 30 to 60 degrees, due to which fuel is now injected at an angle opposite to the air flow. The engine is equipped with a new decompression system, the weight of which has been moved from the right side of the camshaft to the left.
The largest update affected the exhaust system of the Honda CRF450. The exhaust window changed from round to oval. The previous version's dual exhaust system has been replaced with a single one, and the muffler is 1 kg lighter than last year's version. The exhaust pipe is installed 74 mm closer to the central axis.
Electronic controls (launch control display, ECU light, engine mode button, traction control button and LED display) are now located on the left console. Traction control modes are switched by pressing and holding the HSTC (traction control) button for half a second, and a green light with the number of flashes will indicate the enabled mode. Traction control can also be turned off completely. After turning the engine off and on again, the last selected mode is restored.
The seat is secured at the front with two bolts, one on each side, just below the rear of the tank. The Honda CRF450's tank is still titanium, but no longer comes with the ridiculous plastic trim.

Video review of Honda CRF 250

The front fork is an inverted type, twin-tube, telescopic, Showa brand with a full range of adjustments. The Honda CRF 250 X has fork legs with a diameter of 49 mm and suspension travel of 310 mm. The Honda CRF 250 R has a 47 mm fork and 315 mm of travel. Steering column with Honda progressive steering damper.

The rear suspension is pendulum, with a progressive Pro-Link Showa monoshock absorber, which has a full range of adjustments. The only difference is the suspension travel: for the CRF 250 X it is 312 mm, and for the CRF 250 R it is 315 mm.

Front wheel with tire size 80/100 R21. The rear ones are different: the CRF 250 X has 100/90 R19, and the CRF 250 R has 100/100 R18. Aluminum rims with wire spokes. The front brake is single disc, with 2-piston caliper. The only differences are in the size of the disc: for the CRF 250 X it has a diameter of 260 mm, for the CRF 250 R it has a diameter of 240 mm. The rear brake is the same: one disc with a diameter of 240 mm and a 1-piston caliper. Both brakes are hydraulic, the brake pads are metallized.

The fuel tank capacity of the CRF 250 X is 6.5 liters, and that of the CRF 250 R is 7.2 liters. There are also slight differences in the curb weight: for the 250 X modification it is 105 kg, for the 250 R it is 115 kg.

Honda CRF 250

Honda motorcycle models

Any model of Honda motorcycle is an example of Japanese quality in the field of motorcycle production, a symbol of speed and advanced technology. When you need to make a choice between different bikes, even the most experienced driver and connoisseur is at a loss from the elegant shapes and technical content of the brand’s motorcycles. Here is a list of the most popular Honda models.

AG-XR (2018 onwards)

The 2021 AG-XR is a lightweight, dynamic and fast motorcycle. This example of Japanese motorcycle technology pleases with all the possibilities that a sports-urban bike can offer. 1-cylinder 4T engine, air cooling and 5-speed gearbox, two types of brakes (single disc front and drum rear) and electric starter. Nothing extra, just speed and drive.

CliQ (2018 onwards)

This new Honda model can reach speeds of up to 83 km/h. Engine power is 8 hp. This scooter has an air cooler and an automatic transmission, a dual brake system, and a presentable appearance. All this will appeal to connoisseurs of durable and colorful Japanese scooters.

CMX500 Rebel (2018 onwards)

The Honda CMX500 Rebel motorcycle is an impressive and dark-looking rebel that has joined the Honda lineup in 2021. This model is a classic chopper with a 47 hp engine. and a chain transmission, which perfectly reflects the character of the owner - a loner and a wanderer. The new and modern V2 engine, 6-speed gearbox and single disc brakes make the Honda CMX500 Rebel a reliable partner when traveling around the city and beyond.

CRF1000L Africa Twin (2018 onwards)

The 2021 CRF1000L Africa Twin is a Spartan born for the extreme. This motorcycle evokes a greedy desire to conquer the savannah or the endless expanses of American valleys and highways. The bike is equipped with a 95 hp 4-cylinder engine, liquid cooling, automatic transmission and double front brakes combined with single rear brakes. The CRF1000L Africa Twin is ready for adventure!

Riding Assist-e (2017 onwards)

The 2021 Riding Assist-e is the debut electric bike in Honda's lineup. This model is perfect for beginners getting used to two wheels. The center of gravity is lowered, excellent balancing without a gyroscope. The Honda Riding Assist-e model is based on the ASIMO robot project and the UNI-CUB balancing scooter. This car drives well without reaching high speeds, is safe and environmentally friendly, but it will require you to develop the habit of leaning when turning: the dashboard will help you navigate the level of inclination. The electric bike has 4 riding and balancing modes and is charged via the J1772 device.

X-ADV (2017 onwards)

The Honda X-ADV model is a nimble and compact motorcycle with a 55 hp 4-valve petrol engine. and liquid cooling, 6-speed gearbox. Dual front and single rear disc brakes provide reliable handling. This motorcycle is suitable for riding both in the city and in nature.

dimensions

Models TsRF 250 X and TsRF 250 R have the following overall dimensions:

length – 2174 mm;
width – 827 mm;
handlebar height – 1261 mm;
wheelbase – 1481 mm;
saddle height – 958 mm;
ground clearance - 346 mm;
The departure angle of the front fork is 27.50.

Honda CRF 250

Motorcycle performance ratings

Both models, according to owners' reviews, provide good technical characteristics in comparison with competitors, have high off-road qualities and are comfortable enough for long driving.

Honda engines are famous for their high power density, low noise (89.9 dB - high for motocross bikes), reliability and durability. Starting the engine using an electric starter is very convenient.

There are also disadvantages. Despite the fact that the electronic injection engine accelerates excellently on short stretches, it behaves mediocrely on long stretches. The power is excellent at medium speeds, not bad at low speeds, but at the top the engine smokes and roars more. The problem is that the standard muffler suffocates the engine too much. The use of a tuning exhaust improves power at the top, but there is no trace of low noise.

Carburetor versions suffer from failures when opening the gas, which does not provide the necessary pickup when exiting turns and landing after jumps. But with a highly skilled approach with the right needle and set of jets, it is still possible to achieve a clear response to the gas.

Thanks to the use of electronic injection on the CRF 250 X, the ignition circuits can be changed simply by reprogramming the control module. This is a modern analogy to replacing jets in carburetors.

The frames have also proven to be highly wear-resistant and sufficiently rigid. The use of aluminum alloy in their design made it possible to reduce the overall weight of the motorcycle. Due to the use of a front fork with insufficient lean angle, the motorcycle suffers from oversteer when entering corners. This manifests itself in the fact that the steering wheel tends to escape from your hands when entering a turn, and on straight sections there is a need to constantly adjust the trajectory. The deficiency is cured by installing a rear pendulum of an extended design.

For all heavier riders (over 75kg), it is recommended to change the fork springs to stiffer ones to prevent the front wheel from diving under braking.

Honda CRF 250

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All new 2021 Honda CRF450r

The latest-generation lightweight aluminum frame tops the list of upgrades, with improvements to reduce lateral stiffness and improve cornering performance. A new swingarm improves traction, and the Unicam engine receives updates to the decompressor system, intake and exhaust (including a change from dual to single exhaust) for improved low- and mid-range performance and a more compact configuration. The clutch with larger discs and hydraulic drive is completely new, it slips less and is easier to squeeze out. The new body kit and seat have a narrower, sleeker silhouette, making both weight transfer and maintenance easier.

Each of the updates to the Honda CRF450r also applies to the off-road CRF450RX and the top-of-the-line CRF450WE motocross model, which, in addition to the impressive list of features common to all CRF450s, is also equipped with a Twin Air air filter, as well as a clutch basket and cover from Hinson. That being said, the Honda CRF450RX gets arm guards for the first time, as do the returning 2021 CRF450X and the rebadged CRF450RL dual-sport.

While much of the focus is on the new 2021 Honda CRF450r, Honda is pleased to offer the 2021 CRF450R, a production version of the factory team machine ridden by Ken Roxen and Justin Brayton this season. The price reduction for this model was achieved thanks to a long serial production, and this is an excellent option to get a serious sports device for relatively little money.

Honda CRF450