There’s plenty of buzz around the 2025 Honda CRF250R, showcasing an updated frame with 70 percent new components, and featuring an updated new appearance also in line with the brand’s 450 model. MotoOnline attended the national media launch at Ride Park in Victoria to conduct this Tested review.

From the moment I lifted this bike off the stand, all I could think about was the weight, because immediately it had a light feel to it. I’ve since learned that the 2025 CRF250R weighs 107 kilograms with a full tank of fuel, which is surpising to me, because I would’ve thought that number was going to be noticeably different to some of the rival brands, but it’s basically on par with the Yamaha, and a little lighter than KTM, Husqvarna and GASGAS. Detailed has a full technical rundown.

Straightaway on the track I could feel the weight of the bike. Under brakes it was almost like there was no inertia and my braking zones were minimised. I felt like from where I started to brake to where I started my arc for the turns was just completely different, and this is something Honda has tried hard to accomplish with its updated frame and sub-frame mounting points.

New sub-frame mounting points have been introduced to optimise lateral rigidity and reduces energy transmission from the rear of the bike to the front, and it was actually really noticeable. When jumping on the brakes, you still had the feeling of the forks compressing, but there wasn’t that feeling like you had a tailwind behind you, which I feel like you definitely get with some other models.

Another big thing for me was the power. We’ve all criticised Honda over the years for their stock CRF250R engines, and while I don’t feel like this bike is the most powerful in the quarter-litre category, I think it’s important to acknowledge that it’s all relevant to how much the bike weighs.

While I never had the chance to ride the previous model, this engine is largely unchanged besides some slight changes to the crank. Like I said, I don’t think it’s the most powerful in class, but it definitely gets up and going. It took me a few laps to remember that you have to rev a 250, so once I started to get the hang of it and figure out what I was doing, I was loving it. Keeping in mind that Ride Park was also ripped pretty deep, so it was the perfect track to test the power output.

For 2025, Honda has introduced updated mapping and testing the different options was interesting. I personally thought the that map three – which is the power map – was the best option, but others that were there testing liked the first option, standard map. I think most agreed that map two wasn’t really that great, and I personally just couldn’t see a use for their mellow option.

I’m a fan of the shape of the plastics and the surface area, I found it really easy to grip, change direction and basically do everything that I needed or wanted to do while riding.

Suspension-wise, I didn’t really have to change too much to get comfortable. Initially we set sag to 103 millimetres, which was was the Honda Racing mechanics suggested. I quite liked the whole set-up on my first ride, but as the track started to chop up a little more and the more I got comfortable, I just started to want more hold up from my fork.

We changed the pre-load initially, which I liked, but felt as though I still wanted more in the mid part of the stroke, so we went four clicks stiffer on the compression on both forks, and honestly, that was all I changed on the day. I didn’t make a single change to the shock after setting the sag.

Also of note on the 2025 CRF250R, Honda has changed from a split rear linkage to a one piece linkage and, from what I understand, this is a Jett and Hunter Lawrence influence. They’ve been doing it on their factory bikes for a number of year apparently and now we see it on the production model.

Another thing I really like is the updated front brake. Honda are running a 260 millimetre disc on the front, and it’s stopping power/feel is improved. I didn’t notice any fade or spongey feeling when it got hot, it was solid all-around.

It’s one thing when a manufacturer says it’s making changes for a certain reason, but testing this 2025 CRF250R was easily the most I’ve ever been able to actually notice, or relate to the changes they’ve made. So a massive kudos to Honda, I think they’ve knocked it out of the park with this bike, and it’s clearly a solid starting platform, as we just saw recently-crowned MX2 champion Brodie Connolly ride a laregely stock 2025 at the final round of ProMX at Queensland Moto Park and go unbeaten with a 1-1 scorecard.

Specifications

Engine type: 249.4cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore/stroke: 79.0mm x 50.9mm
Compression ratio: 13.9:1
Transmission: Close-ratio five-speed
Starter: Electric
Clutch: Nissin hydraulic
Traction control: Yes
Launch control: Yes
Front suspension: 49mm Showa spring fork
Rear suspension: Pro-Link Showa shock
Front brake: Nissin single 260mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear brake: Nissin single 240mm disc
Tires: Pirelli Scorpion MX32
Weight: 107 kilograms (wet)
Price: $13,998
Availability: Available now
Further information: motorcycles.honda.com.au