2024 Honda CRF250R Guide

Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications

2024 Honda CRF250R: EAST OR WEST, IT’S THE BEST.

Introducing the 2024 Honda CRF250R…

There’s never been any doubt about the best bike in the 250 class, but if you need more proof, just check out the results from this year’s Supercross. Jett and Hunter Lawrence can ride anything they want, but they both choose the Honda CRF250R, and rode away with both the 250 East and 250 West AMA Supercross championships—and with a huge points margin to boot! And it’s easy to see why: CRF250R stacks the deck when it comes to torque and midrange power—where you really need it for critical track sections like whoops, managing jumps, or blasting out of deep loam and berms. Plus, we’ve gone to extra lengths to keep the bike light, narrow, and responsive. For 2024, the choice is clear: You need to be on a Honda CRF250R . . . unless you’re happy racing for second place.

The results speak for themselves: Since the introduction of the current platform, Honda’s CRF250R has risen above the competition both indoors and out. Most recently, Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence captured the 2023 250 Supercross East Region Championship in convincing fashion, while his brother Jett was equally dominant en route to the West Region crown. In addition to its racing success, the CRF250R has gained a well-deserved reputation for its exceptional handling, excellent ergonomics, strong acceleration and rock-solid durability. From local racers lining up for the first time to those chasing the top step of the Supercross podium, the CRF250R possesses the ingredients necessary for success on the track.

HISTORY
Just two years after the debut of the CRF450R–Honda’s first four-stroke motocrosser–the original CRF250R was introduced for the 2004 model year. Generation 2 followed in 2006, with a focus on achieving balance through careful vehicle packaging. That bike won the AMA Supercross 250SX East crown at the hands of Davi Millsaps, and two years later Trey Canard took that title aboard the same platform.

The 2010 iteration introduced fuel injection, which Canard employed to good effect in earning that year’s AMA 250 Motocross Championship. Justin Barcia won the following year’s 250SX East crown, and in 2012 Barcia and Eli Tomac dominated AMA Supercross, winning the East and West titles, respectively. In the generation’s final year, Tomac earned the AMA 250 Motocross Championship, with Wil Hahn taking the 250SX East crown.

The model’s 2014 iteration was noted for its suspension updates, and Justin Bogle rode it to that year’s East Region Championship. The 2018 model featured a new dual-overhead-cam engine, and Chase Sexton proved its effectiveness when he rode it to the 2019 and 2020 East Region titles, with Jett Lawrence taking the 2021 AMA Pro Motocross crown. The platform was also raced to AMA Arenacross Championships by Phoenix Racing Honda riders Jace Owen (2019) and Kyle Peters (2020 and ’21).

The 2022 model year saw a major overhaul of the CRF250R, with the ambitious design goal of improving engine performance and toughness, while reducing vehicle weight. This latest platform has been raced with success by Team Honda HRC, with Jett Lawrence taking it to the ’22 crowns in East Region Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross; in ’23, Jett and his brother Hunter earned the West and East Region Supercross crowns, respectively, and Hunter currently leads the AMA Pro Motocross title chase. Meanwhile, Peters has collected his third and fourth consecutive AMA Arenacross titles.

2024 Honda CRF250R Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

• 249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine
• DOHC engine layout
• Showa® spring fork
• Fuel injection with double-spray injectors
• Electric starter
• Titanium fuel tank
• Twin-spar aluminum frame
• Engine mode select button
• HRC launch control

American Honda Announces Return of Championship-Winning CRF Models

• CRF Performance lineup returns for 2024 with nine great models
• Four-model CRF Trail family is back, ready to deliver off-road fun
• Sport-naked CB300R and Pioneer 700 multipurpose side-by-side return

Following one of the most successful AMA Supercross seasons on record, with Team Honda HRC riders Chase Sexton, Hunter Lawrence and Jett Lawrence sweeping all three championships, Honda’s iconic line of CRF Performance and Trail dirt bikes returns for the 2024 model year. Also included in the announcement is the return of the sport-naked CB300R and Pioneer 700 multipurpose side-by-side.

Between the CRF Performance and CRF Trail lineups, Honda offers a wide range of off-road motorcycles that covers nearly every category, from elite-level motocross to family-friendly trail riding. The CRF Performance line includes the CRF450R, CRF450RWE, CRF450R-S, CRF450RX, CRF450X, CRF450RL, CRF250R, CRF250RX and CRF150R, each of which are tailored to push the upper limits in its respective realm of off-road riding and racing. For riders seeking a more relaxed or beginner-friendly experience, the CRF Trail family—including the CRF250F, CRF125F, CRF110F and CRF50F—offer user-friendly design, unmatched reliability, ease of maintenance and hours of fun. In addition to the CRF models, the agile and responsive CB300R brings signature sport-naked styling for 2024, and rounding out the announcement is the middleweight Pioneer 700, a multipurpose side-by-side known for its endless versatility and capability.

“It’s been an unprecedented year for Honda and the CRF Performance line,” said Brandon Wilson, American Honda Manager of Sports & Experiential. “Team Honda HRC has done an incredible job of showcasing just how capable Honda’s dirt bikes are. The knowledge gained from our championship-winning racing efforts trickles down to every model in the lineup, and even to the fun, friendly CRF Trail models, helping owners to make outdoor memories with family and friends.

We’re also pleased to welcome back the CB300R and the Pioneer 700 for 2024. We’re proud to deliver this diverse and capable range of products, offering customers numerous ways to enjoy the outdoors.”

2024 Honda CRF250R Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
The CRF250R’s 249cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, double-overhead camshaft four-valve engine design achieves excellent performance and durability. Low rpm torque is maximized through the design of the air intake, valve timing and exhaust port, but strong top-end power is also on tap.

Intake
The shape of the airbox results in a large capacity, particularly on the clean side of the air filter. The fuel injector’s lean angle is 60 degrees, enabling the spray to reach all the way to the back of the butterfly, and the throttle bore is 44mm. Together these features cool the intake charge, maximizing air-intake efficiency and torque at low revs. The air filter features a spring-loaded clip design for easy serviceability.

Head
The cylinder head features four titanium valves (33mm intake and 26mm exhaust), with the former using dual springs (one inside the other) to ensure precise movement at higher revs. The intake camshaft sprocket is press-fit, which enhances valve-timing accuracy while minimizing weight.

The camshaft holder has a rigid design that maintains camshaft-journal roundness, contributing to timing accuracy and minimizing friction at high rpm. Durability at high engine speeds is maximized by a high flow of lubrication to the oil-supply journal and the cylinder head. The bore and stroke are 79.0mm and 50.9mm, respectively, and the compression ratio is 13.9:1. The water-pump gear is thick to enhance strength.

Exhaust
The exhaust system utilizes a single straight exhaust port for good torque and low-rpm drivability. The single exhaust header is routed close to the engine on the right side for a narrow cross-section and good rider mobility, and the single muffler has internal baffling that is optimized for torque delivery.

Electronics
In order to fully realize the engine’s performance potential, the ECU mapping supplies the optimum air/fuel mixture and ignition timing at all throttle positions and engine speeds. HRC-inspired launch control facilitates holeshots.

Clutch
The clutch pack has nine discs to maximize the amount of disc friction material and minimize the load on the individual discs. The clutch basket is rigid for durability, a friction spring reduces spring load, and lubrication is optimized to reduce wear. The primary ratio is 3.047, and lubrication is optimized to enhance clutch endurance.

Transmission
When designing the five-speed gearbox, engineers made efforts to enhance feel when making up- and downshifts between second and third gears—a very common operation on a 250 motocrosser. Only one shift fork is operated to execute this gear-change, the countershaft has good rigidity, and the shift drum is light thanks to a large through hole and use of only two lead grooves.

The design results in excellent gear-shifting feel for the rider, and gear ratios are optimized to best utilize the engine power in the low and middle rpm ranges.

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
The CRF250R is known for delivering reliable tracking, precise turning, exemplary straight-line stability and overall rideability, and it has a low overall vehicle weight to facilitate increased maneuverability.

Wheelbase is 58.1 inches, rake is 27.32º, trail is 115 mm, the seat height is 37.8 inches, and ground clearance is 13.1 inches.

Frame / Subframe
The lightweight aluminum frame has widely curved main spars with small cross-sections, plus optimized rib placement in the backs of the pivot plates. Longitudinal rigidity is optimized for straight-line stability, while lateral rigidity is optimized to enhance handling feel when cornering.

The subframe features a simple design that doesn’t require a separate seat support, to minimize weight.

Suspension
The coil-spring Showa fork is a 49mm fully adjustable leading-axle, inverted telescopic design with 12.2 inches of stroke. The upper and lower triple clamps are designed with optimized reinforcement ribs, delivering flex for handling and feel through a corner. Traction and bump-impact performance are excellent as well, and the bike has an agile corner approach, with sharp handling characteristics.

The Pro-Link® rear-suspension system uses a Showa shock absorber with adjusters on the right side. Rear travel is 12.3 inches. An ultra-light steel shock spring is used, and the swingarm is narrow, providing clearance in ruts.

Wheels
The black D.I.D rims (21-inch front, 19-inch rear) deliver durable performance and good looks. Petal-style brake rotors (260mm front, 240mm rear) disperse heat.

The CRF250R comes with Pirelli Scorpion MX32 tires, which are ideal for soft and intermediate terrain, and which offer an appropriate amount of sidewall flex for a 250 motocrosser.

DESIGN
Rider-active design is a key feature of the CRF250R. The cross section is narrow in the middle and at the rear, the seat has a flat layout, and the radiator shroud-side panel junction is smooth. These user-friendly ergonomics permit the rider to easily adjust body position when cornering, accelerating, jumping and braking.

Cooling the CRF250R engine is crucial to maintaining performance and overall durability. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) were used to design air-outlet vents in the shrouds, and the radiator grills optimize the number of fins, as well as their angle. Each radiator shroud is produced in a single piece instead of two separate parts.

The seat base has rearward-facing tongues and front-located mounting tabs, an arrangement that eases installation, and acceleration forces keep the seat securely in place. The 1.7-gallon fuel tank is made of lightweight titanium.

Only eight fasteners are used to secure all of the main bodywork components—both radiator shrouds, both side plates and the seat—and all of the bolts for the main bodywork parts have 8mm heads, simplifying maintenance.

The Renthal® Fatbar® handlebar is held by a clamp that can be turned 180º; because the clamp itself has two mounting locations, there are four possible mounting positions for the handlebar, through a range of 26mm.

ENGINEERING
NINE-PLATE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
Say good-bye to clutch fade—the bike uses a nine-plate design to improve durability and hookup. That means less slip at peak horsepower, better torque transmission through the clutch pack and greater durability. Plus, the clutch pull is lighter, and you get improved engagement feel.

BIG BORE/SHORT STROKE
The CRF250R’s 79.0mm bore and short 50.9mm stroke let our engineers create a high-revving engine with plenty of room for large valves. The engine breathes and revs—the two keys to making power in the motocross world.

DOHC ENGINE LAYOUT
The CRF250R 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.

DOWNDRAFT INTAKE AND EXHAUST LAYOUT
The DOHC cylinder-head design lets our engineers straighten out the CRF250R’s intake and exhaust tracts. The intake is short and just about arrow straight, and the exhaust flows more efficiently too. The straighter ports also help boost low-speed and midrange torque as well as throttle response.

SINGLE-PIPE EXHAUST
The CRF250R uses a single-pipe header. It routes close to the center of the bike, and its light overall construction helps improve weight distribution. The single muffler uses a pressed-alloy design that lets us shape the muffler body for better rider ergonomics and lighter weight.

WIDE WATER-PUMP DRIVE GEARS
Making the water-pump drive gear wide gives it more tooth-engagement area for longer component life.

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 track conditions or rider preference.

ENGINE OIL SCAVENGE PUMP
Deep in the engine, there’s a special oil scavenge pump that we’ve designed to be especially small and out of the way. While you may never see it, it helps keep the CRF250R’s overall design compact.

SPECIAL PRIMARY AND TRANSMISSION RATIOS
To handle more broad midrange power and torque, the CRF250R gets special primary and transmission ratios. The ratios let our engineers use the same shaft centerlines as the previous design, so the transmission itself remains light and compact.

TWO-LEAD SHIFT DRUM
By changing from three to two lead tracks on the shift drum, we improved the shift feel between second and third gears.

GEAR-POSITION ENGINE MAPPING
Talk about smart: The CRF250R 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 CRF250R riders from the rest.

“H” SECTION CRANK
Look closely at the CRF250R’s crankshaft profile and you’ll see its “H” cross-section design. 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!

LITHIUM-ION BATTERY
Like the rest of the CRF250R, 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.

SHARED ENGINE/GEARBOX LUBRICATION
The 2024 CRF250R uses a shared engine/transmission oiling design. 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 FUEL TANK
Every gram counts on a bike in the 250 class, which is why the 2024 CRF250R has a titanium fuel tank. Light and strong, it’s also thinner than our previous plastic unit, freeing up more space and helping to centralize fuel mass.

TITANIUM INTAKE AND EXHAUST VALVES
Light is right when it comes to a high-revving engine’s reciprocating masses. That’s why the CRF250R uses titanium intake and exhaust valves. Plus, the valve angle is a super-narrow 20.5 degrees (included). Ovalized valve springs, doubled intake 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.

LOWER SEAT/NARROWER BODY
Fine tuning the seat height and narrowing the bodywork makes it easier for you to move around on the bike and help enhance rider comfort.

TECHNOLOGY
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 CRF250R will do the rest, launching you into the first turn with a big advantage. It turns your bike into a holeshot-seeking machine!

ELECTRIC START
The CRF250R 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.

PERFORMANCE
FUEL INJECTION
By installing the CRF250R’s fuel injector at a 60-degree angle, the injector sprays fuel all the way back to the throttle butterfly. The engine gets a cooler, denser fuel charge for more power and better torque. It’s little details like this that put the CRF250R up front.

BRIDGED-BOX PISTON
The CRF250R’s bridged-box piston is the final piece to the bike’s engine performance package. The design features a reinforcing structure between the skirts and the wrist-pin bosses that helps enable the CRF250R’s high redline.

HIGH REDLINE
With our better-breathing DOHC design and the big-bore/short-stroke engine, the CRF250R’s rev limit is way impressive. The same goes for peak power and peak torque.

HIGHER-CAPACITY RADIATOR
When you’re making big power and riding long motos, you need plenty of radiator capacity to keep your engine running strong. No worries—the 2024 CRF250R features six percent more radiator area than the earlier generation’s design.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE CAM PROFILES
With input directly from our HRC factory team, we’ve given the CRF250R cam profiles that help the engine produce better bottom end torque and power, while still retaining the CRF250R’s screaming peak.

HIGH-VOLUME AIRBOX AND AIR CLEANER
The CRF250R features an air-cleaner element with plenty of surface area and volume. Plus, the airbox itself has a whopping 78 percent more capacity than the previous generation’s design. More air equals more power, especially in the midrange. In addition, we’ve made it easier to service the air filter too.

MORE POWER
Feel free to hold that throttle open and head for the first turn—the CRF250R is designed to win that critical holeshot drag race. You’ll also feel the increased low-end to mid-range torque.

THROTTLE BODY
With a 44mm venturi designed to speed up airflow, the CRF250R’s throttle body really reaps benefits at low engine operating speeds. You get power and snap, right now.

HANDLING
SUPERIOR FRAME RIGIDITY
Great handling starts with a superior frame, and that’s one place where the CRF250R’s chassis puts you out front. First, it’s light. By making the frame’s main spars narrow, we save weight, but more importantly we made the chassis more responsive by fine-tuning the lateral rigidity. The result is a bike that gets into, around, and out of corners faster.

SHOWA® SPRING FORK
The 49mm Showa® fork features a conventional spring design that helps increase the CRF250R’s front-suspension precision, handling and feel. The fork’s 39mm piston diameter and 25mm rod diameter are designed to provide a plush feel and supple action.

REAR SUSPENSION
Our Pro-Link design lets us give the 2024 CRF250R 12.3 inches of suspension travel, along with a lightweight spring. All resulting in a plush, controlled ride.

SINGLE EXHAUST ROUTING
The CRF250R’s single-pipe exhaust lets you move more freely on the bike. By tucking it in unobtrusively, it makes moving around on the bike easier than ever.

260mm FRONT BRAKE
The CRF250R’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.

LOWER BATTERY MOUNTING
To keep a bike’s center of gravity low, you need to pay attention to all the details. That’s why we locate the CRF250R’s battery low in the chassis. It’s just another reason why the bike handles so well.

LOW REAR SHOCK MOUNT
With its low rear shock mount on the frame, the CRF250R benefits from both a lower center of gravity (cg) as well as chassis stability.

PIRELLI SCORPION MX32 TIRES
The 2024 CRF250R comes equipped with Pirelli Scorpion MX32 tires front and rear. The tread patterns and compounds are designed to offer good grip and feedback in a wide range of conditions and track surfaces.

SHORT SWINGARM
The CRF250R’s short swingarm helps make it light, and also helps give the bike better rear-wheel traction, and reduces unsprung mass, important considering how much power you have on tap.

REAR SUBFRAME
The CRF250R’s subframe uses extruded rear members that produce a 20-percent reduction in weight versus the previous generation. Since that weight comes off the top of the bike, it also contributes to the CRF250R’s low center of gravity.

STYLING
DETAILED BODYWORK MOUNTING
It may seem like a small thing, but every second counts when you’re servicing your bike between motos. Fewer bolts mean enhanced serviceability, at the track or in your garage.

“IN MOLD” GRAPHICS
With all the time you’ll be spending in victory circle, you need to look your best. The CRF250R has you covered. Our “in mold” graphics look great, and stay looking good.

SMOOTH STYLING
Blending the CRF250R’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.

2024 Honda CRF250R – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $8,299 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ See Dealer CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £8099 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride Specifications subject to change

2024 Honda CRF250R – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details

Engine & Drivetrain
Engine type Liquid-cooled single-cylinder
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 44 mm throttle bore
Transmission Five-speed
Final drive #520 chain; 13T/50T
Chassis & Suspension
Front suspension 49 mm fully adjustable leading-axle inverted telescopic Showa® SPG coil-spring fork; 273 mm (10.7 in) travel
Rear suspension Pro-Link® system; fully adjustable Showa single shock; 313 mm (12.3 in) travel
Dimensions & Additional Information
Tires Front: 80/100 – 21
Rear: 100/90 – 19
Brakes Front: 260 mm
Rear: 240 mm
Ground clearance 333 mm (13.1 in)
Seat height 961 mm (37.8 in)
Wheelbase 1,477 mm (58.1 in)
Curb weight 104 kg (229 lb.)
Fuel capacity 6.3 litres
Colour Extreme Red
Warranty No warranty

2024 Honda CRF250R – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details

Engine
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Bore × Stroke (mm) 79mm x 50.9mm
Carburation Fuel injection
Compression Ratio 13.9 : 1
Engine Displacement (cc) 249.4cc
Engine Type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke single DOHC
Starter Electric
Oil Capacity (Litres) 1.35 litres
Wheels
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Brakes Front 260mm hydraulic wave disc
Brakes Rear 240mm hydraulic wave disc
Suspension Front 49mm Showa (Hitachi Astemo, Ltd) coil-spring USD fork
Suspension Rear Showa (Hitachi Astemo, Ltd.) Mono shock with Honda Pro-Link
Tyres Front PIRELLI MX32 MIDSOFT
Tyre Size Front 80/100-21
Tyre Size Rear 100/90-19
Tyres Rear PIRELLI MX32 MIDSOFT
Wheels Front Aluminium spoke
Wheels Rear Aluminium spoke
Dimensions and Weights
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Caster Angle 27.32°
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) 2,177 x 827 x 1,265mm
Frame type Aluminium twin tube
Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres) 6.3 litres
Ground Clearance (mm) 333mm
Kerb Weight (kg) 104kg
Seat Height (mm) 961mm
Trail (mm) 115mm
Wheelbase (mm) 1,477mm
Transmission
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Clutch Wet multiplate
Final Drive Chain
Transmission Type Constant mesh

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