2023 Honda CRF250R Evaluation [Long-Term MX Tested]

The 2023 Honda CRF250R is a continuation of the corporate’s latest-generation motocross bike launched in 2022. With an all-new motor and chassis package deal, this era of the CRF250Rs shares its body with the CRF450R, which is alleged so as to add rigidity. Together with suspension updates of the brand new CRF250R period, we have now rather a lot to concentrate on, so let’s dive in!

Beginning with the motor package deal, it’s necessary to notice that the previous-era CRF250R was identified to be sluggish off the underside however carried out effectively within the excessive rev vary. That sort of energy supply is superb for quick riders who journey and race at excessive ranges. Nonetheless, the sluggish backside finish could not serve vet or novice riders who prefer to lug third gear round corners.

The 2023 Honda CRF250R nonetheless likes to be revved to the moon however has a lot improved bottom-end energy. The engine delivers a punch within the low-to-mid vary, making it simpler to lug third gear round corners with out bogging or lagging nook exit velocity. For lengthy, quick tracks like Glen Helen Raceway or Fox Raceway in Southern California, this energy attribute is plenty of enjoyable and doesn’t require frequent shifting. Peak horsepower is available in at slightly below 40 horsepower at round 11.5k, which isn’t the best peak horsepower within the 250 class. Nonetheless, the motor is keen to rev out, not signing off till 14,000 rpm. Put all of it collectively, and the general energy supply is majorly enhanced for efficiency and rideability for less-than-pro riders.

With the ability enhance, it’s critical to keep up a clear engine. I at all times stress the significance of standard upkeep, together with altering oil and air filters to protect most efficiency. For as a lot as I journey, I like teaming up with my mechanic and filter supplier, Jonathan “Hoodie” Decrease at DT1 Filter Service, who does all of the soiled work retaining my air filters clear. For racers or frequent riders, I like to recommend you ship your filters into Hoodie.

Three map alternatives come commonplace on the 2023 Honda CRF250R, with a map swap on the left aspect of the handlebars. Map 1 is the usual setting, Map 2 is mellow, and Map 3 is aggressive. Map 1 received out as my favourite. Map 2 is a bit too informal for me, although it looks as if an amazing setting for a rider shifting as much as a 250. The aggressive setting was enjoyable, too, and it had a noticeable enhance in bottom-end energy. Nonetheless, energy drops off a bit within the overrev zone.

With the added engine efficiency, Honda made some adjustments to the suspension division. To account for the improved motor package deal in comparison with the earlier CRF250R mannequin period, Honda elevated the spring fee on the Showa closed-cartridge fork, making it a bit stiffer. I’m a 5-foot-9, average-build rider weighing in at 170 kilos, and the inventory fork settings had been too agency for me.

With the added rigidity of the brand new body, the entrance finish of the 2023 Honda CRF250R felt free and unpredictable in tough situations. The inventory fork settings left the entrance finish struggling to remain planted on quick, tough straights and throughout corner-entry breaking bumps.

Instantly, I adjusted the clickers. I softened the compression damping and sped up the rebound damping, making an attempt to maintain the entrance finish planted. Whereas the changes made the CRF250R extra snug, there was nonetheless some headshake, and the entrance finish may very well be unpredictable

So as to add some stability, I lowered the fork legs to flush with the higher triple clamp. That provides the soundness I like within the tough straights, however I observed a little bit of problem within the corners. So, I took the bike again to the storage to boost the fork legs about 3mm above the clamps (inventory is 5mm), and that gave the impression to be the candy spot for me.

The Showa piggyback reservoir shock is fairly good out of the field. The usual settings are softer than the fork, so the stability is off. Nonetheless, the shock doesn’t require as a lot love because the fork. Just a few clicker changes to the shock with about 105mm of sag did the trick.

The 2023 CRF250R took extra time than most bikes to set as much as my liking, one thing most present era CRF250R house owners discover out. It’s not essentially a damaging attribute of the crimson machine; it’s simply the character of the beast. Nonetheless, as soon as I discovered the correct stability for my using model and weight, the 2023 CRF250R grew to become a variety of enjoyable to journey.

As soon as I discovered an excellent setup, I might journey for enjoyable with out being in check mode. Placing in lap after lap reveals that the 2023 CRF250R is designed to show. I took it to a number of motocross tracks round Southern California to check it in all situations.

My favourite observe for the CRF250R is, by far, Cahuilla Creek MX in California’s Anza Valley, about 4000 toes above sea degree. It’s a enjoyable, flowy observe with plenty of jumps and turns, and the dust might be a number of the greatest you’ll discover in California. This explicit observe doesn’t get as beat up as a observe like Glen Helen Raceway or Fox Raceway. You received’t discover a ton of breaking bumps or harshly rutted corners at Cahuilla Creek, and the observe stays fairly clean all through the day, even when the dust will get dry. At Cahuilla, there aren’t a variety of quick straightaways. As an alternative, you get lengthy, swooping turns and massive jumps. Mix clean observe situations, plenty of turns, and a flowing format with the 2023 CRF250R, and you’ve got a match made in heaven.

Even with the correct suspension stability, the entrance finish stays considerably unpredictable and twitchy in tough observe situations. Nonetheless, the Honda CRF250R is designed to be a front-steering bike with a nimble really feel to the chassis, and the beauty of the CRF250R is it is extremely attentive to rider enter. All through my long-term testing of this motocrosser, I by no means felt like I needed to struggle the bike to place it the place I wished to go. It shines within the corners, feeling easy to lean and seize any line at a second’s discover. It’s good to be aboard a bike that obeys my instructions.

For riders seeking to enhance their cornering method, the 2023 Honda CRF250R is good. The chassis likes your weight far ahead and, regardless of being a front-end dealing with machine, it insists the rider be on the gasoline by the tough stuff for greatest dealing with and outcomes.

Every time the entrance finish will get a bit uncontrolled, I can twist the throttle to energy by the chop or rutted nook and it responds extremely effectively. I additionally observed that on nook entries, it’s greatest to be on the brakes later slightly than sooner, once more staying on the gasoline. On acceleration, extra weight shifts to the rear and the entrance finish doesn’t bounce round as a lot.

Though the 2023 Honda CRF250R requires extra TLC to get it proper for my using model, it’s one in every of my favorites among the many 250 class. The brilliantly balanced ergonomics add a excessive degree of consolation that reinforces my confidence. The responsiveness to rider enter is a gorgeous factor concerning the chassis. The suspension, yeah, it can want further particular consideration do you have to determine to exit and purchase the latest-generation CRF250. Fortunately, it’s a ton of enjoyable as soon as you discover your good setup.

Pictures at Perris Raceway by Don Williams

RIDING STYLE

2023 Honda CRF250R Specs

ENGINE

• ​​Kind: 4-stroke single
• ​​Displacement: 249cc
• ​​Bore x stroke: 70.9 x 50.9mm
• ​​Compression ratio: 13.9:1
• Valvetrain: DOHC; 4 titanium valves
• ​​Gasoline system: EFI w/ 44mm throttle physique
• ​​Beginning: Electrical
• ​​Transmission: Fixed-mesh 5-speed
• Clutch: Moist multiplate; 9 plates and 5 springs
• Ultimate drive: 520 chain

CHASSIS

• ​​Body: Aluminum twin-spar
• ​​Entrance suspension; journey: Absolutely adjustable 49mm Showa inverted fork; 12.2 inches
• ​​Rear suspension; journey: Absolutely adjustable linkage-assisted Showa piggyback shock; 12.3 inches
• Rims: D.I.D DirtStar
• Tires: Pirelli Scorpion MX32 Mid Delicate
• ​​​​Entrance tire: 80/100 x 21
• ​​Rear tire: 100/90 x 19
• Entrance brake: 260mm disc w/ 2-piston caliper
• ​​Rear brake: 240mm disc w/ single-piston caliper

DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES 

• ​​Wheelbase: 58.1 inches
• ​​Rake: 27.3 levels
• ​​Path: 4.5 inches
• ​​Seat peak: 37.8 inches
• ​​Floor clearance: 13.1 inches
• ​​Gasoline capability: 1.7 gallons
• ​​​​Curb weight: 229 kilos
• Colour: Pink

2023 Honda CRF250R Value: $8199 MSRP

2023 Honda CRF250R Evaluation Picture Gallery