For the first time the CRF250RWE – inspired by the bikes raced by American Honda – is available in Europe. And it’s more than a little special. It’s a lot special. Of course, it starts out in the same pit box as the new CRF250R, with the same upgrades to chassis and engine. But then things go extra factory specification.
A Yoshimura R&D™ exhaust is mated to a TwinAir™ filter boosting torque and top-end power. A hand ported intake manifold, unique ECU settings and hydraulic clutch system are part of the setup. Then there are the details you can see; like the Throttle Jockey seat cover, Metallic Red cylinder head cover, anodized aluminium fork caps and rear shock compression adjuster. The Showa rear shock also wears a titanium coated damper rod, the front forks Kashima-coated outer tubes and Titanium-coated slide pipes while the 110-section rear MX33 Dunlop™ tyre improves stability while sliding. Stunning graphics are the finishing, factory touch.
DISCLAIMER Images shown are a mixture of the current and previous year model.
The tapered aluminium twin-spar frame now features narrower main tubes and a new rigidity balance – with 20% less lateral stiffness – to ramp up turn-in, mid-corner and exit performance. Both top and bottom yokes and swingarm are tuned to match. The steering geometry is sharper, with increased ride height and ground clearance.
The fully adjustable 49mm Showa steel spring front fork has an extra 5mm stroke, and a full re-valve for increased front-end grip and rut ride-over. Also fully adjustable, the Showa rear shock has new, larger valving and a lightweight steel spring for faster response and bump absorption. The Pro-Link ratio is also re-set to match.
You’ll want to put the CRF250R’s new chassis to good use. So, adding to the 249.9cc DOHC engine’s incredible top-end power, we’ve injected it with an extra 15% more torque between 6-10,000rpm from a larger airbox, steeper injector angle, redesigned cylinder head and single-muffler exhaust. The radiators are the same size, but 6% more efficient.
High-quality engineering is part of the CRF DNA. For complete lubrication under extreme conditions, the oil pathway around the cylinder head has been optimised, alongside double springs for the intake valves and press-fit cam sprocket for more accurate, high-rpm valve timing. To handle a much stronger output, we’ve added an extra clutch plate. And, for perfect drive, all 5 gearbox ratios have been revised and strengthened. Shifting’s smoother, too.
Developed with direct input from Honda’s pro racers, HRC Launch Control has 3 operating levels and gives the CRF250R an advantage right out of the gate. Level 1 operates at 8,000rpm and is suitable for muddy conditions–or more inexperienced riders. Level 2 is the basic setting for dry conditions and runs at 8,500rpm. Level 3 launches at 9,500rpm and is designed for expert riders.
MX tracks are unpredictable, so it helps to be able to tailor the engine’s character to suit what you’re racing against. Mode 1 serves up a balanced power and torque delivery, suitable for the majority of conditions. Mode 2 smooths out power and torque, for improved rear wheel traction on slippery or muddy ground while Mode 3 punches aggressively, for dealing with deep sand.
The seat is shorter, lighter and 10mm lower at the rear to open up movement around the machine. The sidepanels and radiator shrouds are also slimmer, lighter and attach with just four bolts each side for fast, easy access. An adjustable-position aluminium Renthal Fatbar (839) is standard for total feel and control.
Engine Type | Liquid-cooled 4-stroke single DOHC |
---|---|
Engine Displacement | 249.4cc |
Bore x Stroke (mm) | 79 x 50.9 |
Front Brake | 260mm hydraulic wave disc |
Rear Brake | 240mm hydraulic wave disc |
Front Suspension | 49mm leading-axle inverted Showa® SPG coil-spring fork with rebound- and compression-damping adjustability; 12.2-inch travelPro-Link Showa single shock with spring preload, rebound- and compression-damping adjustability; 12.1-inch travel |
Rear Suspension | Pro-Link Showa single shock with spring preload, rebound- and compression-damping adjustability; 12.1-inch travel |
Front Wheel/Tyre | Aluminium spoke | 80/100-21 PIRELLI MX32 MIDSOFT |
Rear Wheel/Tyre | Aluminium spoke | 100/90-19 PIRELLI MX32 MIDSOFT |
Frame Type | Aluminium twin tube |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 6.3 litres |
Kerb Weight | 106 kg |
Seat Height | 955 mm |
Clutch | Wet, multiplate |
Final Drive | Chain |
Engine Type | Liquid-cooled 4-stroke single DOHC |
---|---|
Engine Displacement | 249.4cc |
Bore x Stroke (mm) | 79 x 50.9 |
Front Brake | 260mm hydraulic wave disc |
Rear Brake | 240mm hydraulic wave disc |
Front Suspension | 49mm leading-axle inverted Showa® SPG coil-spring fork with rebound- and compression-damping adjustability; 12.2-inch travelPro-Link Showa single shock with spring preload, rebound- and compression-damping adjustability; 12.1-inch travel |
Rear Suspension | Pro-Link Showa single shock with spring preload, rebound- and compression-damping adjustability; 12.1-inch travel |
Front Wheel/Tyre | Aluminium spoke | 80/100-21 PIRELLI MX32 MIDSOFT |
Rear Wheel/Tyre | Aluminium spoke | 100/90-19 PIRELLI MX32 MIDSOFT |
Frame Type | Aluminium twin tube |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 6.3 litres |
Kerb Weight | 106 kg |
Seat Height | 955 mm |
Clutch | Wet, multiplate |
Final Drive | Chain |