WINNING STARTS WITH THE HOLESHOT.

What does it feel like to win? What does it sound like? What does it take to win? Motocross isn’t a sport for the timid. When you show up at that starting gate, both you and your bike need to be ready to grab the holeshot and hang on to it until the checkered flag. That’s why Honda is determined to give you the best bike in the 250 class, the all-new 2018 CRF250R. Major upgrades everywhere, including a new DOHC engine featuring increased power and higher redline, give you the advantages you need and make the CRF250R an absolute holeshot machine.

The “Absolute Holeshot” philosophy that helped revolutionize the latest-generation CRF450R now makes its way to the all-new CRF250R, a model that has earned no fewer than nine AMA Supercross championships and two AMA Motocross championships over the years. Updates are aimed at achieving maximum power (particularly at high revs) and superb handling, the vastly updated four-stroke engine now featuring a dual-overhead-cam design, twin exhaust ports, and more over-square dimensions. Mass is lower and more centralized, through vehicle-packaging updates like a titanium fuel tank and extruded-aluminum subframe brackets, while a lighter aluminum frame with optimized flex characteristics helps handling and rider feedback. An electric starter, powered by a lightweight lithium-iron phosphate battery, is now standard.

2018 Honda CRF250R Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

CRF450R has become the top-selling 450cc motocross model, and now that the CRF250R shares many of the same performance-focused updates, we’re confident it will enjoy similar success in the market and on racetracks everywhere.”

ENGINE
In order to achieve their powerplant development goal of increased power (particularly at higher revs), engineers gave the 249cc engine an all-new dual-overhead-cam design, using a finger rocker arm with Diamond Like Coating (DLC). The titanium intake and exhaust valves are larger and have a higher lift and narrower angle, while the valve springs’ coils now have an oval cross-section to keep engine height as low as possible. The engine has more over-square dimensions, the cylinder offset has been increased, and the piston now features a bridge-box design–a first for a production Honda motocrosser. The intake system is now of a downdraft design for maximum efficiency, there are twin exhaust ports, and the dual exhaust features smoother routing and optimized pipe length. An electric starter is standard, powered by a small, lightweight lithium-iron phosphate battery. The end result of the copious changes is an engine with more power across the rev range, especially impressive at peak rpm.

CHASSIS
The 2017 CRF450R set new standards for vehicle packaging in a motocross machine, with highly concentrated mass and a very low center of gravity; the 2018 CRF250R follows suit, with weight reduced overall but particularly up high and at the ends of the vehicle. Layout is slim and low, and the machine has superb rear-wheel traction but minimal front-end lift–ideal for strong starting and acceleration. The main spars of the new-generation, lighter aluminum frame are now tapered to optimize flex characteristics and provide good stability and reliable rider feedback, while a shorter wheelbase

improves overall agility. An all-new titanium fuel tank and extruded subframe end save precious weight up high, a new Showa coil-spring fork contributes a plush suspension feel, and a lower, more centralized shock location improves stability. Bodywork mirrors the design of the CRF250R’s bigger brother in form and function, with a minimalist appearance and in-mold film graphics. Dunlop’s superb Geomax® MX3S tires are standard.
As a result of the engine and chassis updates, the 2018 CRF250R enjoys a three-percent improvement in start performance compared to its predecessor, along with improved acceleration and handling.

KEY UPDATES
• More over-square bore/stroke dimensions
• Increased valve size/lift, narrower valve angle, oval cross-section valve springs
• Higher compression ratio
• Downdraft air intake
• Dual exhaust ports/headers/exhausts
• Electric start
• Lighter frame/subframe with optimized flexibility characteristics
• Revised chassis geometry for lighter handling, improved rear traction, reduced front-end lift
• Coil-spring fork
• Titanium fuel tank

2018 Honda CRF250R Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

Effortless directional changes on the fly

Compact engine design and overall dimensions allow for excellent mass centralization and enhanced balance.

Even more power

New smooth and efficient DOHC engine is designed for more top-end power and improved acceleration, featuring increased cam lift, larger titanium valves

Programmed for power

The Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system mapping is designed to take full advantage of all upgraded engine components and features shorter ratios for both first and second gear.

Engine Mode Select button

The CRF250R’s engine stop switch and Engine Mode Select Button (EMSB) are now incorporated into an intuitive handlebar housing with small light indicator to select between three engine mode maps: standard (mode 1), smooth (mode 2) and aggressive (mode 3)—perfect for dialing in the best power curve for better starts, better drive out of corners, better traction, or simply to better suit your riding style. Modes two and three can even be fine-tuned using the optional HRC setting tool. Mode selection is easily accomplished without changing the rider’s hand position or shutting down the engine (as long as the engine is idling).

Improved tuning

Tuned for dynamic riding performance, the intake and exhaust are expertly engineered to work in conjuction with a new 13.9:1 compression ratio, increased bore and reduced stroke for optimal power and balance.

Keeping cool

The new front mudguard design efficiently directs more air to the large radiators to handle the output from the more powerful DOHC engine

Easy electric start

New standard electric start replaces the kickstarter to get you going quickly and effortlessly with the simple push of a handlebar mounted button.

Excellent feel & feedback

Sharing the same mass-centralized chassis and new 6.3 L titainium fuel tank as the race ready CRF450R results in a lower centre of gravity, while the 7th generation aluminum frame and new aluminum rear subframe combine for improved lightweight performance and an increased 327 mm of ground clearance.

Precise handling

The Honda Progressive Steering Damper allows more-aggressive chassis geometry for quicker steering, while also assisting straight-line handling. Damping action smoothly progresses as handlebar deflection increases, which produces very natural steering characteristics and feel.

Improved Showa fork

The new 49 mm fully adjustable Showa coil-spring front fork air fork on the CRF250R includes a number of clever innovations resulting in reduced weight, improved balance, superior suspension action and simplified adjustability.

Full adjustment

Pro-link® rear Showa suspension offers full damping adjustability and over 12 inches of smooth, well-controlled travel.

Stop hard

The full 260 mm two piston front brake and 240 mm rear one piston brake feature an advanced wave-pattern rotor design, offering excellent stopping power plus superior lever feel.

Better grip

The Dunlop MX3S Geomax tires offer excellent traction in a wide variety of conditions with 21 inch front and 19 inch rear aluminum wheels.

Move freely

Optimized rider ergonomics with a very narrow midsection allow you to move freely on the bike and fully utilize the CRF’s incredible agility.

Easy to adjust

Quick-adjust clutch perch simplifies cable adjustment.

Reduced rider fatigue

Aluminum handlebar is rubber-mounted to reduce rider fatigue and improve comfort.

Comfort paired with control

Wide, long footpegs offer greater support for more comfort and control.
Preventative indicator

The engine stop switch with integrated LED indicator lets you know if the PGM-FI system is working properly.

Simplified maintenance

The design of the fuel hose connector simplifies maintenance.

Connectivity simplifies setup

Optional HRC setting kit includes an easy-to-use programming system with precise data for setting up the machine to meet all race situations. Ignition timing and fuel mapping settings can be uploaded by connecting the motorcycle to a computer and following simple step-by-step instructions. The system radically simplifies the setup process and makes tuning accessible to a wide spectrum of riders. Connection is simple with only one connector and no need to remove the fuel tank.

2018 Honda CRF250R – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ USD

  ENGINE

Engine Type

249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke

Bore And Stroke

79.0mm x 50.9mm

Induction

Programmed fuel-injection system (PGM-FI); 46mm throttle bore

Ignition

Full transistorized

Compression Ratio

13.9:1

Starter

Electric with lithium-iron-phosphate battery

Valve Train

DOHC, four-valve; 33mm intake, titanium; 26mm exhaust, titanium

  DRIVE TRAIN

Transmission

Constant-mesh 5-speed return; manual

Final Drive

#520 Chain; 13T/48T

Clutch

Multiplate wet (5 springs)

  CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES

Front Suspension

49mm fully adjustable leading-axle inverted telescopic Showa SPG coil-spring fork; 12.0 inches travel

Rear Suspension

Pro-Link system; fully adjustable Showa single shock; 12.4 inches travel

Front Brake

Single 260mm hydraulic disc

Rear Brake

Single 240mm hydraulic disc

Front Tire

Dunlop Geomax MX3S 80/100-21 with tube

Rear Tire

Dunlop Geomax MX3S 120/90-19 with tube

  DIMENSIONS

Rake

27° 22′ (Caster Angle)

Trail

116mm (4.6 inches)

Wheelbase

58.3 inches

Seat Height

37.8 inches

Curb Weight

238 pounds (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and a full tank of fuel–ready to ride)

Fuel Capacity

1.6 gallons

Ground Clearance

12.9 inches

Length

85.9 inches

Width

32.6 inches

Height

50.2 inches

  OTHER

Available Colors

Red

Model ID

CRF250R

2018 Honda CRF250R – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $ CDN

Engine & Drivetrain

Engine type

Liquid-cooled single-cylinder 4-stroke

Displacement

249 cc

Bore & stroke

79 mm x 50.9 mm

Compression ratio

13.9:1

Valve train

DOHC, 4-valves

Fuel delivery

PGM-FI electronic fuel injection with 46 mm throttle body

Transmission

Close-ratio five-speed

Final drive

#520 O-ring-sealed chain; 13T/48T

Chassis & Suspension

Front suspension

Showa 49 mm telescopic inverted coil spring; 305 mm (12 in.) travel

Rear suspension

Pro-Link^® Showa single shock with spring preload, 17-position rebound damping adjustment, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns); 313 mm (12.3 in.) travel

Dimensions & Additional Information

Tires

Front: 80/100-21
Rear: 100/90-19

Brakes

Front: 260 mm dual-piston caliper
Rear: 240 mm disc

Ground clearance

327 mm (12.9 in.)

Seat height

957 mm (37.8 in.)

Wheelbase

1,486 mm (58.5 in.)

Curb weight

108 kg (238 lb) including required fluids and full tank of gas—ready to ride

Fuel capacity

6.3 L

Colour

Extreme Red

2018 Honda CRF250R – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

Engine

Bore × Stroke (mm) 76.8 x 53.8
Compression Ratio 13.8:1
Engine Displacement (cc) 249
Engine Type (cm³) Liquid-Cooled 4-Stroke Single Cylinder Unicam
Max. Power Output 29.4 kW / 11,500rpm
Max. Torque 27.1 Nm / 9,00rpm
Starter Kick

Wheels

Brakes Front 260mm hydraulic wave disc
Brakes Rear 240mm hydraulic mave disc
Suspension Front Showa 49mm inverted SFF-TAC air fork (310mm stroke)
Suspension Rear Showa monoshock using Honda Pro-Link system (317.6mm stroke, 133mm axle travel)
Tyre Size Front 80/100-21
Tyre Size Rear 100/90-19
Wheels Front Aluminium spoke
Wheels Rear Aluminium spoke

Dimensions and Weights

Caster Angle 27°
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) 2,181 x 827 x 1,271
Frame type Aluminium twin tube
Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres) 6.3 litres
Ground Clearance (mm) 322
Kerb Weight (kg) 105.6
Seat Height (mm) 951
Trail (mm) 117
Wheelbase (mm) 1489

Transmission

Clutch Wet, multiplate
Final Drive Chain
Gearbox Constant mesh

Instruments and Electrics

Ignition System Full Transistor

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).