Greatest Motocross Bike sixth Place—2023 Honda CRF250R

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Honda’s CRF250R was given a whole overhaul final yr and took a giant leap ahead in sure areas with a extra usable energy supply and shedding 6 kilos. It returns mechanically unchanged for 2023 and is a strong all-around 250 four-stroke motocross bike. Nevertheless, it isn’t fairly as much as par with its competitors and is held again by some undesirable traits carried over from the prior-generation mannequin.

“If you mainly ride short, tight, jumpy tracks, the Honda CRF250R could be your best bike.” <i>—Allan Brown</i>

“For those who primarily journey brief, tight, jumpy tracks, the Honda CRF250R could possibly be your finest bike.” <i>—Allan Brown</i> (Jeff Allen/)

2023 Honda CRF250R Engine

On our in-house dyno, the Honda makes 37.8 hp and 18.0 lb.-ft. of torque, rating it sixth in peak horsepower and ties with the Yamaha YZ250F for sixth in most torque. It additionally makes essentially the most in school from 5,600 rpm to six,600 rpm, however the least from 8,000 rpm to 9,000 rpm, 9,600 rpm to 10,500 rpm, and 11,700 rpm till every bike hits their respective rev limiter.

Associated: 2022 Honda CRF450R Lengthy Haul Evaluate

All-new in 2022, the Honda CRF250R returns with only minor cosmetic changes for 2023. With a suggested retail price of $8,199, it’s the least expensive motorcycle in this comparison and arguably the best-looking.

All-new in 2022, the Honda CRF250R returns with solely minor beauty modifications for 2023. With a recommended retail worth of $8,199, it’s the least costly bike on this comparability and arguably the best-looking. (Jeff Allen/)

On the monitor, the CRF250R engine could be very usable with the second-best bottom-end energy and a powerful midrange. High-end is respectable however lacks in comparison with the competitors, particularly above 11,500 rpm. Massive Crimson shifts smoothest of all of the bikes, however its cable-actuated clutch has the toughest lever pull and fades noticeably when it heats up.

“The Honda engine is great for the average 250F rider with a strong bottom-end and midrange, but it still revs through the top freely.” <i>—Casey Casper</i>

“The Honda engine is nice for the common 250F rider with a powerful bottom-end and midrange, however it nonetheless revs by the highest freely.” <i>—Casey Casper</i> (Jeff Allen/)

2023 Honda CRF250R Suspension

Suspension-wise, the CRF250R is likely one of the most tough to arrange. Its Showa 49mm coil-spring fork and Showa shock are all about efficiency, providing little or no consolation in low-speed bumps, however do a wonderful job of absorbing bigger impacts reminiscent of bounce landings. Though harsh at occasions, the parts don’t deflect off square-edge bumps. There’s a window of adjustability, however it’s small. Discovering a perfect setting requires tuning and persistence.

Associated: 2023 Honda CRF450R Technical Info

Although it ranks sixth in peak horsepower and ties for least maximum torque, the CRF250R makes the most of both from 5,600 rpm to 6,600 rpm.

Though it ranks sixth in peak horsepower and ties for least most torque, the CRF250R makes essentially the most of each from 5,600 rpm to six,600 rpm. (Robert Martin/)

2023 Honda CRF250R Chassis/Dealing with

At 231 kilos moist on Dust Rider’s automotive scales, the CRF250R ties the GasGas MC 250F for lightest in school. It’s the sharpest-handling machine and really conscious of rider enter, making it straightforward to lean and seize inside traces at a second’s discover. There’s a worth to pay for such nimbleness although, because the Honda’s chassis is essentially the most inflexible of these gathered right here.

“The Honda’s fork is the only one with a top-out problem. When lofting the front end, a drop-out feeling creates uncertainty and inconsistencies.” <i>—Casey Casper</i>

“The Honda’s fork is the one one with a top-out downside. When lofting the entrance finish, a drop-out feeling creates uncertainty and inconsistencies.” <i>—Casey Casper</i> (Jeff Allen/)

Stability is healthier than anticipated for a motorbike with such nice cornering means, however it’s not as predictable because the competitors in quick, tough sections of monitor. Ergonomics are a number of the finest aside from a agency and uncomfortable seat.

With a measured wet weight of 231 pounds, the CRF250R ties for lightest in the class.

With a measured moist weight of 231 kilos, the CRF250R ties for lightest within the class. (Jeff Allen/)

Why the 2023 Honda CRF250R Ought to Have Gained

Its low-end to midrange energy, ergonomics, nimbleness on the bottom and within the air, and light-weight weight make the CRF250R a aggressive platform.

Associated: 2023 Dust Rider 450 Motocross Bike Comparability Take a look at

“The Honda caters to a faster rider in that it’s very nimble and rigid.” <i>—Tanner Basso</i>

“The Honda caters to a quicker rider in that it’s very nimble and inflexible.” <i>—Tanner Basso</i> (Jeff Allen/)

Why the 2023 Honda CRF250R Didn’t Win

Making the least peak horsepower of the bikes gathered right here, tying for sixth in most torque, having suspension that lacks consolation and is tough to arrange, and a chassis that’s inflexible and a bit unpredictable holds the CRF250R again on this stacked class.

“More overall power and updated suspension is what the CRF250R needs. A plusher feel could drastically change this machine’s result.” <i>—Michael Wicker</i>

“Extra general energy and up to date suspension is what the CRF250R wants. A plusher really feel might drastically change this machine’s consequence.” <i>—Michael Wicker</i> (Jeff Allen/)

Gearbox

Helmet: Arai VX-Pro4

Goggle: Viral Model Signature Sequence

Jersey: Fly Racing Lite

Gloves: Fly Racing Lite

Pants: Fly Racing Lite

Boots: Sidi Crossfire 3 SRS

Quantity Plate Backgrounds: DeCal Works preprinted

2023 Honda CRF250R Specs

MSRP: $8,199
Engine: DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement: 249cc
Bore x Stroke: 79.0 x 50.9mm
Compression Ratio: 13.9:1
Transmission/Ultimate Drive: 5-speed/chain
Dust Rider Measured Horsepower: 37.8 hp @ 11,300 rpm
Dust Rider Measured Torque: 18.0 lb.-ft. @ 9,400 rpm
Gas System: EFI w/ 44mm throttle physique
Clutch: Moist, multiplate; cable actuation
Body: Aluminum twin-spar
Entrance Suspension: Showa 49mm coil-spring fork, compression damping and rebound damping adjustable; 12.2 in. journey
Rear Suspension: Showa shock, spring preload, excessive/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 12.3 in. journey
Entrance Brake: Nissin 2-piston caliper, 260mm disc
Rear Brake: Nissin 1-piston caliper, 240mm disc
Tires, Entrance/Rear: Pirelli Scorpion MX32 Mid Tender; 80/100-21 / 100/90-19
Rake/Path: 27.2°/4.5 in.
Wheelbase: 58.1 in.
Floor Clearance: 13.1 in.
Dust Rider Measured Seat Peak: 37.6 in.
Gas Capability: 1.7 gal.
Dust Rider Measured Moist Weight: 231 lb.
Availability: Now
Contact: powersports.honda.com

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