ENDURO SCALPEL.
2020 Honda CRF250RX:
Honda’s CRF250RX is a high-performance trail/enduro machine built to exploit all the advantages a 250 has to offer. And this year, it gets the same major upgrades as our CRF250R motocrosser: new frame and swingarm, head, piston, stronger clutch springs, and more. Best of all, part of that “more” includes more power. Special enduro-ready features include an 18-inch rear wheel, a bigger fuel tank, special suspension settings, a sidestand, and more. It’s all in the name of giving you the best bike in the class.
Campaigned in national championship off-road racing by JCR Honda’s Preston Campbell, SLR Honda’s Tallon LaFountaine and Phoenix Racing Honda’s Austin Lee, the CRF250RX features closed-course off-road specific components like a large fuel tank, aluminum sidestand, and 18-inch rear wheel, and for 2020, it receives a host of important updates, including engine enhancements aimed at bettering low-to-midrange power, and chassis revisions that improve handling. To increase torque and improve driveability, the cam profile is new, the combustion chamber is reshaped, and the exhaust resonator has been removed. At the same time, maneuverability has been improved through a lighter frame and swingarm with optimized flex characteristics, along with a lower battery position and internal suspension updates.
Standard Features
2020 Honda CRF250RX Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
2020 Updates
- New cam profile delays opening of exhaust valves and has reduced valve overlap, resulting in improved torque and power in the 6,000-10,000 rpm range.
- Optimized combustion-chamber shape.
- Ignition timing is optimized at 8,000 rpm for improved torque and power.
- Gear-position sensor added to allow dedicated ignition maps for each gear.
- Header-pipe resonator is removed for improved power character when shifting from second to third gear.
- Muffler is revised for improved low-to-midrange torque.
- New air-filter element is 10% larger for increased airflow.
- Enlarged left-side radiator for efficient cooling with higher engine-power output.
- Second gear has revised (higher) ratio for improved drive, while second and third gears have a new WPC surface treatment for improved durability and reduced friction.
- Clutch capacity is increased by 18%, and clutch spring has a higher rate.
- New lighter aluminum perimeter frame and aluminum swingarm are designed to achieve increased yaw-angle stiffness while retaining lateral and torsional stiffness, resulting in improved handling.
- Newly shaped footpegs are 20% lighter and shed mud more easily, giving the rider great feel and confidence in all riding conditions.
- Thanks in part to revised internal suspension settings (fork has increased low-speed damping, while shock has increased low-speed compression and reduced high-speed compression), handling has been improved in the following areas: tracking, turning and traction.
- Battery repositioned 28mm lower to drop center of gravity for better handling.
- Rear brake has a shorter hose and longer, lighter pedal, as well as a new pad material with improved power and better durability in muddy conditions. Lower-rear brake guard removed for reduced unsprung weight and improved cooling.
- New Graphics
The newest iterations of Honda’s proven full-size motocross models—the CRF250R and CRF450R, as well as the elite CRF450RWE—all receive important upgrades to raise performance levels even higher, while the CRF150R mini is back again in 2020. The CRF450RX and CRF250RX closed-course off-road racers benefit from the same improvements as their track-focused siblings, while the CRF450X off-roader and CRF450L dual-sport machine return for the new model year with updated graphics. At the other end of the spectrum, the approachable, fun 2020 CRF250F, CRF125F, CRF110F and CRF50F await recreational riders with trail-focused performance and proven reliability.
“For generations, Honda has demonstrated its commitment to the dirt bike market, and that’s never been truer than now,” said Chris Cox, American Honda’s Manager of Experiential Marketing/Press. “Our 2020 lineup of off-road models, including the CRF Performance and CRF Trail families, comprises machines that are top-of-class for motocross, off-road competition, trail riding and, in the case of the CRF450L, even using streets to extend off-road adventures. With such a capable and diverse collection of motorcycles, you can once again expect to see a lot of red on tracks and trails from coast to coast.”
CRF PERFORMANCE LINE
Last year saw Honda significantly expand its CRF Performance family to include machines for riding applications including motocross, closed-course off-road, pure off-road, and even dual sport. For 2020, a number of models in the lineup get important upgrades to keep Red Riders running at the front of the pack.
CRF TRAIL LINE
Motorcycling is armed with legions of riders who got their start on Honda trail bikes, and with the 2020 lineup of CRF Trail models, that trend is sure to continue long into the future.
2020 Honda CRF250RX Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
Engine/Drivetrain
- High-performance, DOHC, 249cc single-cylinder engine with dual-overhead-cam design and high rev limit, offering great performance.
- Finger rocker arms with Diamond Like Coating (DLC) maximize valve lift while retaining a low engine height.
- Downdraft intake layout produces strong power and enables great throttle response by reducing resistance, thereby improving air-charging efficiency.
- 44mm throttle body provides ideal low-rpm intake airflow for strong corner-exit performance.
- Piston oil jet uses five nozzle holes for efficient piston-cooling efficiency and minimized knocking, enabling a precise ignition-timing setting for optimum power delivery.
- Advanced AC generator reduces weight and friction losses.
- Electric-start standard for easy, fast engine startup.
- Easily selectable Standard, Smooth, and Aggressive riding modes enable simple tuning depending on rider preference or course conditions.
- Selectable HRC launch control provides a steady stream of torque for excellent performance on race starts.
Chassis/Suspension
- 2.2 gallon resin fuel tank for completing long closed-course off-road loops.
- 18-inch rear wheel to enable taller tire sidewalls for improved traction in technical conditions.
- Forged aluminum side stand is designed to be lightweight yet strong.
- Sealed drive chain to withstand the elements.
- Suspension with settings dedicated to closed-course off-road use.
- Low center of gravity reduces front-end lift for strong acceleration performance.
- Lightweight front-brake caliper uses pistons of different diameters (30mm and 27mm) for strong braking performance.
- Front brake hose resists expansion for precise braking.
- Renthal® Fatbar® reduces weight of the steering system, and flexes for optimal comfort.
- Top triple clamp features two handlebar-holder locations for moving the handlebar rearward and forward by 26mm, ensuring rider comfort. When holder is turned 180 degrees, the handlebar can be moved an additional 10mm from the base position, resulting in four total unique riding positions.
- Black rims deliver a strong presence on and off the track.
- Smooth bodywork layout eases rider movement.
- In-mold graphics are durable and resistant to peeling caused by washing or abrasion.
- Dunlop Geomax AT81 tires provide optimum feel and traction in challenging riding conditions
PERFORMANCE
HRC LAUNCH CONTROL
We’re talking about a special ECU program here: push the button to select the mode, hold the throttle open, release the clutch, and the CRF250RX will do the rest, launching you into the first turn with a big advantage. It turns your bike into a holeshot-seeking machine!
CONVENIENCE
ELECTRIC START
The new CRF250RX is equipped with an effortless electric starter. Convenient and lightweight, it’s a huge deal if you need to restart a stalled bike in the heat of battle.
ENGINEERING
DOHC ENGINE LAYOUT
The CRF250RX uses a double-overhead-cam (DOHC) engine layout with a unique finger-follower rocker design. Together with the rest of the engine’s architecture (bore and stroke, intake tract, piston, and more), you get more power and a higher redline.
BIG BORE/SHORT STROKE
The CRF250RX’s 79mm bore and short 50.9mm stroke let our engineers create a high-revving engine with plenty of room for large valves. The engine breaths and revs—the two keys to making power in the enduro world.
CLUTCH DESIGN AND MATERIALS
The CRF250RX’s clutch uses two different types of friction material. Why? The clutch can handle the increased power of the engine without being any larger. The lighter rotating weight is directly related to how fast the engine revs. Stronger clutch springs for 2020 help cope with all that power.
DOWNDRAFT INTAKE AND EXHAUST LAYOUT
The DOHC cylinder-head design let our engineers straighten out the CRF250RX’s intake and exhaust tracts. The intake is shorter and just about arrow straight, and the exhaust flows more efficiently too. No athlete’s going to win a sprint if he tries to run while holding his breath, and it’s no different with your bike’s engine. You’ll experience both more power and better throttle response.
ENGINE MODE SELECT BUTTON
This simple handlebar-mounted button lets you dial in engine power delivery character with a push of your thumb. Choose between Standard, Smooth and Aggressive, depending on course conditions.
ENGINE OIL SCAVENGE PUMP
Deep in the engine, there’s a special oil scavenge pump. While you may never see it, it helps keep the CRF250RX’s overall design compact.
GEAR-POSITION ENGINE MAPPING
Talk about smart: The CRF250RX features an ECU with special engine mapping for each gear. You can’t give an inch in this class, so having your engine deliver optimal power for each gear choice is one of the features that separates CRF250RX riders from the rest.
GRADUAL PIPE-BEND RADIUS
Notice how the CRF250RX’s dual exhaust pipes make gradual, large-radius bends out of the head, then flow straight back to the mufflers with no abrupt angle changes. Getting the exhaust out of the engine—while still maintaining a tuned exhaust length, is the key to power, while the pipes’ low mass and twin-silencer design optimize the CRF250RX’s center of mass for superior handling.
“H” SECTION CRANK
Look closely at the CRF250RX’s crankshaft profile and you’ll see its “H” cross-section design. What’s up with that? Just like a structural “I” beam in an aircraft wing or a skyscraper, it boosts strength and cuts weight over a conventional crank’s shape—a big deal when you consider this part spins at over 14,000 rpm!
HIGH CAPACITY RESIN FUEL TANK
For longer enduro loops, the CRF250RX features a bigger fuel tank that holds a full 2.25 gallons.
LITHIUM-ION BATTERY
Like the rest of the CRF250RX, the bike’s Lithium-Ion battery is both super light and high performing. In fact, it weighs less than half the weight of a conventional lead-acid battery.
REFINED DUAL-EXHAUST SYSTEM
The CRF250RX’s dual-exhaust system is light, compact, and positioned close and low in the frame to take weight off the rear end and bring more mass to the bike’s center for improved handling. It also allows for more airflow, and that equals added horsepower. Fine-tuning the pipes’ length for 2020 helps give you more low- and midrange torque.
SHARED ENGINE/GEARBOX LUBRICATION
The 2020 CRF250RX uses a shared engine/transmission oiling design. Why? Combining the two systems shaves weight and helps make the engine more compact, especially when it comes to placing the right-side cam drive and the clutch so close together.
TITANIUM INTAKE AND EXHAUST VALVES
Light is right when it comes to a high-revving engine’s reciprocating masses. That’s why the CRF250RX uses titanium intake and exhaust valves. Plus, the valve angle is a super-narrow 20.5 degrees (included). Ovalized valve springs and long-wearing Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) treated finger rockers complete the package.
TOTAL AIR MANAGEMENT
Total air management means complete attention to how efficiently air gets through the intake, through the head, and out the exhaust. Eliminate losses here, and you make more power everywhere. And the best part? It’s free horsepower—you just need a bike with smart design.
HANDLING
DUNLOP GEOMAX TIRES
The CRF250RX’s Dunlop Geomax tires are specially designed for enduro use. The AT81 tires are spec’d at 80/100-21 for the front and 110/100-18 for the rear. You read that right: the CRF250RX rolls on an 18-inch rear wheel.
260MM FRONT BRAKE
The CRF250RX’s large front-brake disc measures a whopping 260mm. You get great brake feel and a pattern that cuts down on weight. Front and rear brake-disc guards are part of the package too.
LOW REAR SHOCK MOUNT
With its low rear shock mount on the frame, the CRF250RX benefits from both a lower center of gravity (cg) as well as chassis stability.
LOWER BATTERY MOUNTING
By relocating the battery 28.5mm lower for 2020, we’ve also lowered the CRF250RX’s center of gravity—and that always helps overall handling.
NEW SHORT SWINGARM
The CRF250RX’s short swingarm helps make it light, and also helps give the bike better rear-wheel traction, important considering how much power you have on tap. We shaved 160 grams off it this year too, so the design also reduces the bike’s unsprung mass.
NEW TWIN SPAR ALUMINUM FRAME
The CRF250RX’s latest twin-spar aluminum frame is identical to the CRF450R motocrosser’s except for the lower engine cradle where the engine mounts. It’s the foundation for the 250’s superb handling.
SHOWA® SPRING FORK
The 49mm Showa® fork features a conventional spring design that helps increase the CRF250RX’s front-suspension precision, handling and feel. The 39mm piston diameter and 25mm rod diameter guarantee a plush feel and supple action.
COMFORT
BLACK RIMS
They may not help you go faster, but the sweet black DID rims sure look good.
FLAT SEAT/TANK JUNCTION
The 2020 CRF250RX features a flat seat/tank junction, including a titanium fuel tank. The superior ergonomics make it easier to move forward and back on the bike, increasing your control.
“IN MOLD” GRAPHICS
With the all the time you’ll be spending in victory circle, you need to look your best. The CRF250RX has you covered. Our “in mold” graphics look great, and stay looking good longer.
REAR SUBFRAME
The 2020 CRF250RX’s subframe uses extruded rear members that produce a 20-percent reduction in weight versus the previous generation CRF250R. Since that weight comes off the top of the bike, it also contributes to the CRF250RX’s low center of gravity.
SIDESTAND
Real enduro bikes need a sidestand, and we’ve given the CRF250RX a great one. Tucked up high and out of the way, this forged alloy piece is just another example of how the CRF250RX gets it right.
SMOOTH STYLING
Blending the CRF250RX’s body panels does more than just make the bike look smooth, fast, and stylish. It also helps you move around on the bike while riding. Nothing wrong with smooth, fast, and stylish, though.
PERFORMANCE
MORE POWER
With the power updates for 2020, feel free to hold that throttle open and head for the first turn—the CRF250RX is designed to win that critical holeshot drag race. You’ll also feel the increased low-end to mid-range torque.
NEW 2020 PISTON
Coordinated to work with the new valve sizes, cam profile and combustion-chamber shape, it’s the final piece to the CRF250RX’s engine performance package. The bridged-box design features a reinforcing structure between the skirts and the wrist-pin bosses that helps enable the CRF250RX’s high redline.
BIGGER RADIATOR
We’ve increased the radiator size this year for better cooling—and since the new bike makes more power, it needs more cooling!
HIGH REDLINE
With our better-breathing DOHC design and the big-bore/short-stroke engine, the CRF250RX’s rev limit is way impressive. The same goes for peak power and peak torque.
NEW, HIGH-VOLUME AIR CLEANER
The 2020 CRF250RX features a new air-cleaner element with both more surface area and more volume. The result? More power!
LARGE VALVE DIAMETERS
The CRF250RX’s valves don’t just have impressive lift, the valves themselves are large-diameter too—33mm intakes and 26mm exhausts. Combined with the high lift, the twin-cam CRF250RX flows a lot more, especially at high revs when you’re wicking it up.
NEW 2020 CAM PROFILES
With input directly from our HRC factory team, we’ve changed the cam profiles on our 2020 model to work with the new intake valves. You should feel better bottom end torque and power, while still retaining the CRF250RX’s screaming peak.
DOUBLE-SPRAY INJECTOR SETTINGS
The CRF250RX’s fuel-injection system sprays twice per intake cycle. That helps increase fuel atomization without adding the weight or complexity of a second injector. The better fuel atomization means more power in the midrange and on overrev—you’ll feel it the first time you ride.
THROTTLE BODY
With a 44mm venturi designed to speed up airflow, the CRF250RX’s throttle body really reaps benefits at low engine operating speeds. You get power and snap, right now.
2020 Honda CRF250RX – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: starting from $8299 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $9799 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
| ENGINE | |
| Type | 249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke |
| Valve Train | DOHC, four-valve; 33mm intake, titanium; 26mm exhaust, titanium |
| Bore x Stroke | 79.0mm x 50.9mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13.9:1 |
| Induction | Programmed fuel-injection system (PGM-FI); 44mm throttle bore |
| Ignition | Full transistorized |
| Starter | Push-button electric starter |
| Transmission | Constant-mesh 5-speed return; manual |
| Clutch | Multiplate wet (6 springs) |
| Final Drive | #520 sealed chain; 13T/48T |
| SUSPENSION | |
|
Front |
49mm fully adjustable leading-axle inverted telescopic Showa coil-spring fork w/ 12.0 in. travel |
| Rear | Pro-Link system; fully adjustable Showa single shock w/ 12.4 in. wheel travel |
| BRAKES | |
| Front | 2-piston caliper (30mm, 27mm) hydraulic; single 260mm disc |
| Rear | 1-piston caliper hydraulic; single 240mm disc |
| TIRES | |
| Front | Dunlop Geomax AT81 80/100-21 w/ tube |
| Rear | Dunlop Geomax AT81 110/100-18 w/ tube |
| MEASUREMENTS | |
| Rake (Caster Angle) | 27°18’ |
| Trail | 115mm (4.5 in.) |
| Length | 86.0 in. |
| Width | 32.6 in. |
| Height | 49.7 in. |
| Ground Clearance | 13.0 in. |
| Seat Height | 37.8 in. |
| Wheelbase | 58.5 in. |
| Fuel Capacity | 2.25 gal. |
| Color | Red |
| Curb Weight* | 244 lbs. |
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride Specifications subject to change
2020 Honda CRF250RX – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine type
Liquid-cooled single-cylinder 4-stroke
Displacement
249 cc
Bore & stroke
79.0 mm x 50.9 mm
Compression ratio
13.9:1
Valve train
DOHC, 4-valves
Fuel delivery
PGM-FI electronic fuel injection with 44 mm throttle body
Transmission
Close-ratio five-speed
Final drive
#520 sealed chain; 13T/48T
Chassis & Suspension
Front suspension
49 mm fully adjustable leading-axle inverted telescopic Showa coil-spring fork; 268 mm (10.55 in) travel
Rear suspension
Pro-Link® Showa single shock with adjustable spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 316 mm (12.44 in) travel
Dimensions & Additional Information
Tires
Front: 90/90-21 Rear: 110/100-18
Brakes
Front: 260 mm disc with dual-piston caliper Rear: 240 mm disc
Ground clearance
329 mm (13.0 in.)
Seat height
961 mm (37.8 in.)
Wheelbase
1,486 mm (58.5 in.)
Curb weight
111 kg (245 lb.) including required fluids and full tank of gas—ready to ride
Fuel capacity
8.5 litres
Colour
Extreme Red
Warranty
No warrranty
2020 Honda CRF250RX – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
