Finest CRF250F Mods [Upgrades ACTUALLY Worth Your $$$]

On the lookout for one of the best CRF250F mods to make your Honda path bike sooner, extra comfy, or each?? Whether or not you simply need the most cost effective upgrades otherwise you’re going all out, you’ve discovered the appropriate article!

On this information, I’ll present you why you’d even wish to modify your “little ladies” path bike, all of the finest mods primarily based in your particular wants & finances, and the right way to get one of the best total efficiency by combining particular components. 

Is it value modifying your CRF250F path bike?

It’s an air-cooled path bike that’s made for newcomers, so what’s the purpose in upgrading for extra energy and efficiency? Why not simply purchase an even bigger and sooner enduro bike?

Properly, should you’re like me and plenty of different individuals, you want a barely smaller and easier bike, however you additionally get pleasure from tinkering and modifying issues to make them higher.

The CRF250F is a reasonably good path bike, however not should you’re a extra skilled rider because of lack of suspension and energy. With the appropriate mods, you possibly can flip it right into a ‘sleeper’ woods weapon that may have guys on 300’s and 450’s turning and scratching their heads, questioning what simply handed them on the path.

Will or not it’s the quickest bike or have the ability to do properly on the motocross observe? No, nevertheless it’s easy, dependable, straightforward to experience, and simply plain enjoyable to experience a “gradual bike” quick.

How a lot horsepower does a Honda CRF250F have?

To begin, a CRF250F solely has about 20 HP, however peak horsepower means little or no within the off-road world. Why? Since you hardly ever maintain the throttle vast open apart from the occasional straightaway – you’re primarily going to be within the midrange of the RPM.

Having , broad torque curve makes it straightforward to experience off-road since you don’t should maintain it revved up at a slim RPM vary.

The CRF 250F makes good torque from idle all the way in which to about 8k RPM – this implies you possibly can lug it and short-shift and nonetheless have the ability to speed up at a low RPM.

Suspension – Is it value upgrading?

Earlier than you do any engine or energy mods, you’ll want to give the suspension some consideration as a result of it’s the largest security issue. The inventory suspension on the CRF250F is mushy and the valving is poor, however what does this imply?

Properly, should you’re a heavier rider otherwise you simply wish to experience extra aggressively at a sooner tempo than a novice rider, then you definately’re going to begin getting bucked round. The inventory forks and shock will backside out and the compression and rebound gained’t have the ability to sustain if the terrain is tough.

This can be uncomfortable and ultimately harmful as a result of the tires gained’t keep planted on the bottom and also you’ll lose management extra simply.

Step one to suspension upgrading

Earlier than you begin attempting to swap forks and a shock over from the newest CRF250R motocross bike, you’ll want to ask your self a few questions. 

What’s your purpose and what’s your finances? For those who simply want slightly higher working suspension for the most cost effective quantity, then keep on with the inventory entrance forks and rear shock. 

Need to make investments extra money and time right into a conversion mission since you’ll be driving this bike for a few years? Then an even bigger improve is perhaps finest for you. 

The one drawback is that the CRF250F is a more moderen mannequin, so there haven’t been as many mods or conversions performed but, not like the in style CRF230F. 

Forks

The inventory forks are fairly good should you’re a newbie rider that’s below 180 kilos as a result of they’re mushy. They provide you a snug experience on the paths and absorb lots of the little bumps at low speeds. 

The issue is that they blow via the stroke too rapidly should you’re driving aggressively or are a heavier rider. 

Low cost fork improve

For those who simply must make them stiffer or maintain up higher and also you’re on a finances, then you’ll want to begin with heavy obligation springs. Stiffer fork springs alone may also help lots – if it’s too stiff then you possibly can attempt 1 stiff spring and 1 inventory spring within the fork legs. 

Nevertheless, it might nonetheless really feel like a pogo-stick. It’s also possible to attempt heavier weight fork oil (Amazon) and rising the oil peak (lowering the air hole). 

Each of those decelerate the compression and rebound damping and assist resist bottoming. 

Considerably low cost DIY fork improve

Race Tech has gold valve fork emulators that may be added to the inventory forks for higher efficiency. For those who don’t thoughts taking aside the forks and doing a little easy testing, this is perhaps choice for you. 

It’s basically a damping adjustment, nevertheless it’s inside, which is the largest downside. Your inventory forks can work fairly a bit higher, however it’s a must to be prepared to put in them not less than as soon as to discover a comfy setting. 

Costly fork upgrades

With restricted know-how, there’s solely a lot you are able to do with the inventory forks. That’s why fork or entrance finish conversions are in style amongst hardcore path bike homeowners. 

Sadly, the CRF250F is so new that I’ve but to see somebody do a fork swap fr one other bike, so I can’t let you know all the required elements. 

With that stated, the XR400 forks are in style on the CRF230F and XR250 as an improve, so possibly somebody will determine a simple strategy to swap them on the CRF250F – it’s most likely a easy mod on the triple clamps to suit. 

Inventory Shock woes

The rear shock might be the weakest hyperlink as a result of it may be harmful and is more durable to regulate or change. It’s positive should you’re a newbie or informal rider, however when you begin driving sooner on rougher terrain, you’ll begin getting bucked round. 

It’s because the rebound damping is just too gradual. So, should you hit two consecutive massive bumps, the shock will compress and gained’t have sufficient time to totally rebound. 

While you hit the second bump it would compress much more after which when it rebounds it will probably throw you ahead unexpectedly. A stiffer spring (Amazon) will assist should you’re a heavier rider, nevertheless it gained’t utterly repair the issue should you’re an aggressive rider.

Rear shock improve

For those who’re extraordinarily mechanically inclined, you possibly can take aside the inventory shock and opening up the valving to make it move extra. It’s lots of work, and it gained’t get large positive factors. You continue to gained’t have any exterior adjustability apart from the sag/experience peak. 

For a way more costly improve, you possibly can ship your shock to Race tech, as Rick Ramsey did together with his CRF250F. It’s significantly better than inventory, however there’s nonetheless no damping adjustment externally. 

Consumption

The inventory consumption is sealed up very properly to guard the airbox and air filter from water coming into. This additionally chokes it from getting sufficient air whenever you wish to get essentially the most energy. 

You possibly can minimize out a piece on the highest of the air field to permit extra air in. It will actually assist whenever you add an exhaust and get a gas tuner. 

Exhaust mod

The inventory exhaust is fairly good on the CRF250F, and it’s undoubtedly quiet, making it a good selection if noise is a priority. It additionally has a USFS accredited spark arrestor so you possibly can legally experience on state trails. 

The draw back is that it’s heavy and it restricts some energy. You possibly can take away the baffle to open it up slightly bit. 

Simply take away the top cap and take off the baffle. You must get slightly higher throttle response, however it would undoubtedly be louder. 

What you’ll want to learn about an exhaust improve

One of many best methods to bolt on extra energy is with an entire exhaust system – the top pipe and muffler. A correctly tuned exhaust will move higher at a particular RPM vary to get essentially the most energy. 

Once I say “particular RPM vary”, I imply that almost all pipes add or transfer energy to a sure RPM vary. For instance, an aftermarket exhaust for the CRF250F will probably offer you extra horsepower within the midrange and top-end as a result of that’s the place the inventory system holds it again. 

Do I must tune it with an exhaust change?

With that stated, you’ll want to use a gas tuner to regulate the gas combination if you need one of the best (or simply higher) outcomes. You would possibly truly lose some efficiency and reliability should you simply swap the exhaust and do nothing else. 

An aftermarket exhaust will move higher and the gas injection system can’t inform something modified, so it’s going to run leaner and warmer. This could lose energy, trigger the top pipe to get purple sizzling, make it onerous to begin when chilly, and trigger backfiring. 

FMF powercore 4 slip-on 

The slip-on is simply the muffler, which may be very straightforward to put in. It really works with the inventory or an FMF head pipe. 

With the powercore 4 (FMF), you get a greater sound, higher seems to be, much less weight, slightly extra horsepower, and extra noise. With simply the muffler, it’s the best and likewise the most cost effective choice, however offers the least quantity of efficiency positive factors.

That is due to the smaller inlet diameter. It restricts exhaust move as a result of it matches the inventory head pipe dimension. 
It additionally comes with a detachable spark arrestor display screen (Motosport), permitting you to experience on trails legally. 

Professional circuit T4

For a whole exhaust system from head pipe to muffler, the PC T-4 (Professional Circuit) is the following finest reasonably priced improve. You’ll get extra energy, higher sound, much less weight, and a significantly better look. 

Professional circuit is mostly one of many louder choices, particularly if there’s a display screen or quiet insert that’s eliminated. The T4 has a detachable USFS accredited spark arrestor display screen for path driving. 

Yoshimura RS2

The Yoshimura RS2 (examine value on Motosport) is comparable in value to the PC exhaust – you get mainly the identical options, however they really submit a Dyno chart in comparison with a inventory exhaust. 

With the Yosh full system, you get extra torque and horsepower at just about each RPM when correctly tuned. The largest positive factors are mid to top-end energy. 

Which exhaust is finest?

• Least expensive with higher sound and look: FMF Powercore 4 slip-on
• Finest Bang for buck full system: Yoshimura RS2 (Motosport)

Gasoline tuner

Whether or not you modified the consumption or exhaust, or simply need your Honda CRF250F to run one of the best, you’ll need a gas tuner. A gas tuner is mainly an all-in-one jet package in a handheld digital machine. 

Why you would possibly want a gas tuner

Whereas the inventory gas injection system is meant to compensate the air gas combination in order that your 4 stroke dust bike at all times runs properly, it’s nonetheless very restricted. It solely compensates for sure variables, corresponding to air temperature, air density and humidity, however not different vital issues. 

For instance, you possibly can experience within the morning at 4000 ft elevation when it’s 50 levels, after which experience at 9000 ft elevation when it’s 77 levels and your bike will run properly. However, whenever you change out the exhaust or modify the consumption, it would probably run poorly in comparison with inventory. 

It’s because the gas injection system doesn’t alter primarily based on the EGT (exhaust fuel temp) or how a lot air goes via the consumption. So, for this reason you want a gas tuner if you need your modified CRF250F to run properly as keep dependable. 

Not getting it tuned with an aftermarket exhaust could cause it to:

EJK

The EJK tuner is straightforward and plug-and-play. There’s no difficult tuning concerned. 

It has pre-programmed maps, so all it’s a must to do is decide one and go experience to see which one you want. You might need to attempt just a few completely different ones, nevertheless it’s fairly fast to plug in and alter – no laptop computer/pc required. 

Energy Commander 

If you need essentially the most customized tunability, the Dynojet energy commander is the best choice. Because of this, it’s costlier, however you possibly can tune nearly every part in terms of energy, reliability, gas mileage, and total management and efficiency. 

It comes with pre-programmed maps, however you may as well tune primarily based on RPM, throttle place, and extra. It’s also possible to get a map swap on your handlebars to alternate between maps on the fly. 

You’ll want a Micro USB cable and USB to Micro USB adapter (bought individually). It additionally solely works with a Home windows PC. 

Gearing

Would you like extra acceleration or extra high velocity? Altering the gearing gained’t have an effect on horsepower, however it will probably make an enormous distinction in how your CRF250F rides. 

Altering one or each sprockets can provide you an extremely low first gear that’s already low for tight and technical trails. Or you possibly can house the gears out extra and get a better high velocity for extra comfy crushing. 

Need higher acceleration? Use a smaller entrance sprocket and/or a greater rear sprocket (Motosport).

Need extra high velocity? Use an even bigger entrance sprocket and/or a smaller rear sprocket (Motosport). 

Tires

Getting tires for the terrain you’re driving would be the most useful. Because of this should you experience in rocky or hard-pack soil, you’ll need hard-terrain tires which have a softer rubber compound to get one of the best traction. 

Getting the appropriate entrance tire is essential if you need frontend traction, really feel and confidence in order that it doesn’t slide out whenever you least count on it.
Sadly, there’s no “finest tire” as a result of it relies on the place you experience, how your bike is setup, and what you prefer to really feel below you – your driving approach makes an enormous distinction to the steadiness of your bike. 

With that stated, these are a number of the finest tires I can suggest for the Honda CRF250F:

How one can make upkeep simpler

Whereas not essentially a mod, it’s good to know what number of hours your dust bike has on it for a variety of causes. You understand when to do preventative upkeep, or how for much longer you possibly can experience earlier than needing a suspension or engine service. 

A easy hour meter with a tach (examine value on Amazon) is among the most cost-effective mods, however it would prevent money and time in the long term from ‘guessing’ how way back your final oil change was…

Reducing a CRF250F

Perhaps you’re a brief rider like me and need a full dimension dust bike however the seat peak is just a bit too tall. One of many best methods to decrease your CRF250F with out making it a everlasting change is with a decreasing hyperlink.

The Kouba Hyperlink (examine value on Amazon) is fairly straightforward to put in and immediately lowers the seat peak virtually 2 full inches, offer you extra confidence as you possibly can contact the bottom simpler. It does have an effect on the dealing with – it would really feel extra secure and steer slower, however should you’re a newbie you most likely gained’t discover it.

After you construct your confidence and are prepared to return to the inventory seat peak, simply bolt the inventory shock linkage again on.

Light-weight lithium battery

Did your inventory battery die or is it getting too weak to reliably begin your CRF 250F? Upgrading to a extra highly effective battery will assist, however going to a light-weight lithium battery (examine value on Motosport) may also shed some straightforward kilos off. 

Most lithium batteries are 2-3 kilos lighter than a inventory lead acid battery. The one downsides are that they’ll get weak when chilly (under 40F) or in the event that they don’t get used usually. 

Both use a lithium battery tender (examine value on Amazon) and/or heat them up earlier than beginning when chilly or after sitting for a very long time. To heat up the battery, merely:

• Faucet the starter button as soon as
• Wait 1 minute
• Faucet the starter button once more
• Wait one minute
• Now attempting beginning your bike (with choke on)

Seat

The inventory seat is fairly onerous and uncomfortable should you experience lengthy lengthy days and sit down lots. A seat ideas seat is a pleasant improve as a result of is wider and varieties to your bottom higher so that you don’t have a sore and aching rump the following day!

Skid plate – what type?

Do you experience trails with numerous logs or rocks? An aftermarket skid plate will assist shield the underside of your body and engine from these onerous hits. 

Stronger & extra sturdy 

An aluminum one can have an effect on the dealing with traits as a result of it’s so stiff and stable mounted to your body. It will possibly additionally create extra noise from vibration. 

With that stated, an aluminum skid plate is finest should you plan on banging off of it on a regular basis as a result of it’s far more sturdy than plastic or carbon fiber. 

Light-weight and practical

An upgraded plastic skid plate is very nice as a result of it covers most or all the important components beneath and it’s very light-weight – virtually as gentle as an costly carbon fiber skid plate. It’s additionally quiet and pretty sturdy so long as you aren’t consistently hitting massive rocks with it. 

Relying on the construct high quality, you might need to manually notch the bolt holes to make it match properly, however that’s normally a minor job. 

Oversize fuel tank choices?

The CRF250F already will get fairly good fuel mileage, however an oversize fuel tank will can help you experience even longer with no need to replenish. Sadly, I nonetheless haven’t sourced an aftermarket fuel tank for the CRF 250F path bike, which is disappointing, as a result of the inventory tank solely holds 1.6 gallons.

So, for now, your best option is an auxiliary fuel tank (examine value on Amazon). You possibly can mount it to a rear rack or your rear fender. It’s much less exhausting than carrying the gas in a backpack…

Greater fuel tank disadvantages

For those who do discover an oversize fuel tank for the Honda 250F path bike, fitment might be a problem. A top quality aftermarket gas tank ought to match with none issues in case your dust bike is totally inventory.

However, you probably have a distinct entrance finish or different aftermarket components that might get in the way in which of an even bigger tank, simply remember that it’d want some mods to suit and performance correctly. 

Massive bore package

There are some massive bore kits accessible, however I haven’t seen any in the US but. The CRF250F is in style in different nations, corresponding to Brazil. 

There’s a 286cc and 310cc massive bore package, nevertheless it is perhaps onerous or inconceivable to get it shipped to your nation. There ought to be some extra massive bore components and warmer camshafts someday quickly, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a reasonably new mannequin.  

Twin Sport Package

Whether or not you wish to flip your CRF 250F right into a avenue authorized dust bike or simply need a lightning package to experience at evening, there are many choices. However that’s additionally an issue – the place do you begin?

To make it easy, you want a:

• Headlight
• Tail gentle
• Flip indicators
• Handlebar swap & wiring harness

Headlight

You possibly can by no means have “an excessive amount of headlight” in terms of brightness in your dust bike, particularly should you’re driving at evening. A top quality arrange is a Baja Designs LED 

Photo voltaic-powered headlight

Or if you wish to skip the wiring and tail gentle, you will get a Polisport Photo voltaic Headight (Amazon). It runs off of a battery that fees throughout daylight, so that you don’t want to fret about your stator capability and having to re-wind it for extra juice.

The Lookos Photo voltaic Headlight will provide you with round 2 hours of sunshine in “Excessive” mode, and about 4 hours on “Low”. It’s finest should you’re commuting brief journeys at midnight or want it in case of emergency should you get caught out on the path at evening.

Telephone mount holder

It’s very nice to have a GPS mounted to your handlebars for twin sport or lengthy Enduro rides, however what if you wish to use your telephone? Having it saved in your driving jacket or pants is perhaps accessible whenever you come to a cease, nevertheless it’s not essentially the most handy. 

That’s why a handlebar telephone mount is tremendous good, however you don’t need simply any mount to carry your $1200 cellphone machine. A Ram mount telephone holder (examine value on Amazon) will get the job performed properly as a result of it’s well-made and tremendous sturdy. My Ram mount hasn’t moved since I mounted it a number of years in the past!

The most effective mod to make you quicker & safer

All of those mods could make your bike sooner and probably safer, however there’s one mod that beats all of them, and you should utilize it on any dust bike you ever experience!

The most effective mod is a greater rider, and I wish to present you the right way to do it sooner by studying the essential strategies that most individuals don’t grasp. Click on or faucet right here to seize your Free primary strategies information now!