No wonder the Honda CRF250R Works Edition is considered to be the ultimate Honda motocrosser when it comes to dominating on the track. This Honda dirt bike is attractive for serious riders, thanks to the engine’s low- and midrange torque, a stronger muffler as well as a more robust chassis for better stability, optimized suspension performance and improved handling.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2025 Honda CRF250RWE: THE ULTIMATE HONDA MOTOCROSSER.
Introducing the 2025 Honda CRF250RWE…
An all-new model for the 2025 model year, the CRF250RWE brings the premium componentry used by Team Honda HRC to the quarter-liter category for the first time. Inspired by the factory race bikes of Jo Shimoda and Chance Hymas, this special edition (the “WE” stands for Works Edition) offers high-level performance right out of the box, with a wide range of race-proven upgrades. Plus, with the platform-wide chassis, suspension and engine updates for the 2025 model year, the CRF250RWE represents Honda’s most advanced 250cc motocross bike to date.
No wonder the Honda CRF250R Works Edition is considered to be the ultimate Honda motocrosser when it comes to dominating on the track. This Honda dirt bike is attractive for serious riders, thanks to the engine’s low- and midrange torque, a stronger muffler as well as a more robust chassis for better stability, optimized suspension performance and improved handling.
2025 Honda CRF250RWE Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
PREMIUM FEATURES
Compared to the CRF250R, the Works Edition model has several special components:
- New hydraulic clutch
- New Yoshimura exhaust with stainless-steel header pipe and titanium muffler
- Twin Air air filter
- Throttle Jockey Team Honda HRC graphics
- Throttle Jockey seat cover
- Matte Red Metallic cylinder-head cover
- Hand-polished cylinder ports
- D.I.D DirtStar LT-X rims
- Kashima-coated outer fork tubes
- Titanium oxide-coated fork legs
- Black anodized axle holder
- Titanium oxide-coated 18mm shock shaft
- Hand-operated fork-compression adjuster
- D.I.D-DM2 Gold chain
- Gray metallic-coated triple clamps
- Renthal Kevlar grips
- Dedicated ignition and injection mapping
- Dunlop MX33 Tires (wider 110 rear tire)
2025 Honda CRF250RWE Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
Known for its precise handling and overall rideability, the CRF250RWE builds upon its strengths with significant chassis and suspension improvements for the 2025 model year. These advancements allow for greater stability and comfort, especially late in the moto, when track conditions are at their worst.
Frame / Subframe
The redesigned mainframe is constructed from 70% new components, leading to a more comfortable and confidence-inspiring ride. An 8% increase in torsional rigidity improves overall stability, while a 5% increase in the torsional/lateral rigidity ratio allows for precision cornering. Vertical torsional rigidity is increased by 4%, enhancing stability in rough track conditions.
Additionally, the subframe mounting point has been relocated to a more rigid position on the mainframe. This reduces energy transmission from the rear of the motorcycle to the front, offering greater stability and comfort, especially late in the moto, when track conditions are at their worst.
Despite the increase in overall frame rigidity, the ride character of the CRF250RWE is much more compliant and composed compared to the previous generation. The frame updates are complemented by revised chassis and suspension components, allowing for greater stability and improved ride comfort.
Suspension
The Pro-Link rear-suspension system uses a Showa shock absorber with a titanium oxide-coated 18mm shock shaft, an anodized adjuster cap on the right side and an ultra-light steel shock spring. Because of the optimized frame rigidity, the shock moves freely, minimizing harshness, while offering hold-up for big impacts and performance in ruts.
Front suspension comprises a 49mm inverted Showa coil-spring fork and a gas-liquid separation structure. A new compression adjuster on the fork allows the rider to adjust settings without tools. The fork setting is paired with that of the shock, for proper front-rear balance. The CRF250RWE’s lower fork legs and shock shaft are coated with titanium oxide to minimize stiction and improve ride quality, while the outer fork tubes are Kashima-coated to enhance the Works Edition aesthetic. The fork cap is anodized blue, just like on the Team Honda HRC machines, and the fork lug is now anodized black. The upper and lower triple clamps are gray and are designed to offer a good rigidity balance, for optimum handling and feel through corners.
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 CRF250RWE comes with Dunlop MX33 tires, featuring technologies that deliver superior grip, slide control, bump absorption and durability. Plus, the wider 110 rear tire increases stability and traction and is well-matched with power of the WE model.
Brakes
Based on feedback from Team Honda HRC riders, the front brake caliper has an updated piston and seal grooves. This allows for a smooth, linear feel that’s consistent throughout the moto. The caliper also receives new machined accents.
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
The CRF250RWE’s 249cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, double-overhead camshaft four-valve engine design achieves excellent performance and durability. For 2025, engine performance has been enhanced by greater crank rigidity and an optimized intake and exhaust design.
Intake
The redesigned airbox has a more direct pathway for airflow, resulting in improved, precise throttle control and increased top-end power. The fuel injector’s 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
True to its “Works Edition” name, the CRF250RWE is outfitted with a Yoshimura exhaust system, featuring a stainless-steel header pipe and titanium muffler. The Yoshimura exhaust system utilizes a resonator to increase power and torque. The system uses 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.
Clutch: The clutch is hydraulically actuated, reducing lever-pull forces by 16% (compared to the standard version) and offering consistent engagement throughout the moto. 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 while 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.
Electronics
The CRF250RWE has dedicated ignition and injection mapping, for refined power delivery. In order to fully realize the engine’s 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.
A gear-position sensor allows the use of three specific ignition maps for first and second gears, third and fourth gears, and fifth gear. There are options for Standard, Smooth and Aggressive ignition maps, selectable via an all-new handlebar-mounted switch, enabling simple tuning depending on rider preference or course conditions.
In addition, Honda Selectable Torque Control offers three levels of intervention. HSTC monitors rpm spikes and responds by temporarily reducing torque; this is accomplished by retarding ignition timing and controlling PGM-FI, to aid rear traction. The three different modes differ in drive-management level, for differing riding conditions or rider preferences:
- Mode 1: The system intervenes most lightly and waits the longest to do so—useful for reducing wheel-spin and maintaining control in tight corners.
- Mode 2: A midpoint between modes 1 and 3 in terms of how quickly and assertively the system intervenes.
- Mode 3: The system intervenes most quickly and assertively, which helps in conditions that are slippery or muddy.
The CRF250RWE’s handlebar-mounted switch allows selection between three modes, depending on conditions and rider preference. The HSTC system can also be switched off completely.
HRC Launch Control provides the best option for a strong start and also has three modes to choose from:
- Level 1: 9,500 rpm, for high-traction conditions and/or advanced riders
- Level 2: 8,500 rpm, for high-traction conditions and/or average riders
- Level 3: 8,250 rpm, for slippery conditions and/or novice riders
The Engine Mode Select Button (EMSB) alters the engine’s characteristics and three maps are available to suit riding conditions or rider preference:
- Mode 1: Standard
- Mode 2: Smooth
- Mode 3: Aggressive
DESIGN
The redesigned bodywork maintains the comfortable ergonomics that the CRF line is known for. The new shrouds and side plates promote freedom of movement, with a smooth, flat surface. Plus, the wider side-plate profile and flat surface provide better contact for gripping the bike. The radiator grilles optimize the number of fins and their angle, maximizing cooling performance.
The seat base has rearward-facing tongues and front-located mounting tabs, easing installation, and using acceleration forces to keep the seat securely in place. A special Throttle Jockey gripper seat cover comes standard on the CRF250RWE. 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.
To complete the Works Edition package, the CRF250RWE comes with a red cylinder-head cover, a D.I.D-DM2 gold chain and Throttle Jockey graphics, matching the Team Honda HRC factory machines of Jo Shimoda and Chance Hymas.
Engine & Drivetrain
Works Edition Features
You’ll spot special components on the new Works Edition CRF250RWE everywhere you look, including the metallic-red cylinder-head cover on the 249 cc DOHC engine. And there’s good stuff hidden from view, too, such as the hand-ported intake manifold that contributes to an increase in torque throughout the rev range.
Downdraft Intake and Exhaust
The combination of 79 mm bore and short 50.9 mm stroke produces a high-revving engine with plenty of room for large titanium valves. The engine breathes and revs — the keys to making power. As well, the DOHC cylinder-head design let our engineers straighten out the intake and exhaust tracts to improve power and response. The intake is shorter and just about arrow straight, and the exhaust flows more efficiently too. You’ll experience more power and better throttle response.
Plenty of Torque
More torque at low revs means better drive out of corners, so our engineers focused on the shape of the piston and connecting rod, while optimizing valve timing to help prioritize combustion consistency and thereby exhaust efficiency at lower revs. The bridged-box design of the piston uses a reinforcing structure between the skirt and the wrist-pin bosses that helps enable a high redline. Big torque down low, huge power up top. A winning formula.
Hydraulic Clutch
Less lever effort and smoother, more-consistent engagement versus a conventional cable clutch — the hydraulic clutch fitted to the CRF250RWE is the same system used by the U.S. MX2 race team.
Maximize Traction
Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) works to minimize rear wheel spin (thus wasted forward drive) and maximize traction. It doesn’t use a wheel-speed sensor, and, importantly, maintains feel at the throttle while managing power — ignition timing and the PGM-FI system are adjusted when the rate of change of RPM goes over a set amount. With three settings plus off to choose from, you can have your bike dialed no matter how much traction there is.
Better Breathing
The CRF250RWE uses the same redesigned, less-restrictive air-intake system as the CRF250R, which means better throttle control and more consistent power delivery. The RWE goes one step further by fitting a Twin Air filter with dual-layer foam.
Yoshimura Exhaust
The Yoshimura R&D exhaust system not only looks trick, it’s also key to the RWE’s increase in torque from low rpm to over-rev.
HRC Launch Control
HRC Launch Control: push the button to select the mode, hold the throttle open, release the clutch, and the bike will do the rest, launching you into the first turn with a big advantage.
Engine Mode Select (EMS)
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.
Special ECU Settings
Exclusive ECU settings for the DOHC engine combine with the other upgrades to deliver performance worthy of a Works Edition racer.
Chassis & Suspension
New Aluminum Frame
The CRF250RWE’s aluminum frame is shared by the R and RX models — it’s been radically improved for 2025 with the aim of increasing rigidity and stability. Using 70% new components, Honda engineers have managed to improve torsional and lateral rigidity in every direction, resulting in more-controlled and predictable handling — particularly in rough conditions.
Special Showa Fork
The CRF250RWE also boasts the same extensively revised Showa spring fork as fitted to the R and RX, plus a few special touches.The Kashima-coated outer fork tubes and titanium-coated inner tubes help to prevent nicks, scratches and corrosion, while reducing friction for ultra-smooth operation.
Easier Shock Access
When you’re riding, you’ll appreciate the Pro-Link rear suspension with a new link system that’s less prone to flexing, and the redesigned shock with smoother action. When you’re wrenching, you’ll love the new ease of access to the rear suspension assembly. Removing the shock used to take about 21 minutes, by our watch, but can now be done in about 9 minutes. No more removing the seat, muffler and rear frame. As well, the RWE’s shock features a titanium-coated piston rod for improved durability and reduced friction.
Short Swingarm
The CRF250RWE’s short swingarm helps make it light, and also improves rear-wheel traction and reduces unsprung mass — important considering how much power is on tap.
Large Front Brake
The large front-brake disc measures a whopping 260 mm, giving you strong stopping power while also being easy to modulate.
Extra Grip
Dunlop MX33 tires with a wide 110/90-19 rear size incorporate a new rubber compound designed to improve durability and increase grip.
Black Rims
They may not help you go faster, but the black D.I.D® rims sure look good.
Additional Features
Works Styling
Throttle Jockey seat cover, special graphics on the bodywork. black top and bottom triple clamps, metallic-red cylinder-head cover… the new CRF250RWE would look right at home in a factory team’s paddock, and it’s yours to ride today.
Electric Start
Convenient and lightweight, the electric starter is a huge advantage if you need to restart the engine in the heat of battle. Like the rest of the bike, the lithium-ion battery is both super light and high performing, weighing less than half that of a conventional lead-acid battery.
Cool Running
Another way the CRF250RWE keeps its cool: a large radiator, with fins that are angled for efficient airflow.
2025 Honda CRF250RWE – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ See Dealer USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ 11571 CDN (includes Freight, PDI and Fees)
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
| ENGINE | |
| Type | 249.4cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke; 9º inclined from vertical |
| 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 | DC-CDI |
| Starter | Push-button electric starter |
| Transmission | Constant-mesh 5-speed return; manual |
| Clutch | Hydraulic multiplate wet; 9 plates, 5 springs |
| Final Drive | #520 chain; 13T/50T |
| SUSPENSION | |
| Front | 49mm fully adjustable leading-axle inverted telescopic Showa coil-spring fork; 12.2 in. travel |
| Rear | Pro-Link system; fully adjustable Showa single shock; 12.1 in. travel |
| BRAKES | |
| Front | Single 2-piston hydraulic caliper (30mm, 27mm) w/ 260mm petal-style disc |
| Rear | Single 1-piston hydraulic caliper w/ 240mm petal-style disc |
| TIRES | |
| Front | Dunlop Geomax MX33 80/100-21 w/ tube |
| Rear | Dunlop Geomax MX33 110/90-19 w/ tube |
| MEASUREMENTS | |
| Rake (Caster Angle) | 27.2º |
| Trail | 117mm (4.6 in.) |
| Length | 85.8 in. |
| Width | 32.6 in. |
| Height | 49.7 in. |
| Ground Clearance | 13.0 in. |
| Seat Height | 37.6 in. |
| Wheelbase | 58.4 in. |
| Fuel Capacity | 1.7 gal. |
| Curb Weight* | 234 lbs. |
| OTHER | |
| Color | Red |
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride Specifications subject to change
2025 Honda CRF250RWE – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
| ENGINE | |
| Type | 249.4cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke; 9º inclined from vertical |
| 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 | DC-CDI |
| Starter | Push-button electric starter |
| Transmission | Constant-mesh 5-speed return; manual |
| Clutch | Hydraulic multiplate wet; 9 plates, 5 springs |
| Final Drive | #520 chain; 13T/50T |
| SUSPENSION | |
| Front | 49mm fully adjustable leading-axle inverted telescopic Showa coil-spring fork; 12.2 in. travel |
| Rear | Pro-Link system; fully adjustable Showa single shock; 12.1 in. travel |
| BRAKES | |
| Front | Single 2-piston hydraulic caliper (30mm, 27mm) w/ 260mm petal-style disc |
| Rear | Single 1-piston hydraulic caliper w/ 240mm petal-style disc |
| TIRES | |
| Front | Dunlop Geomax MX33 80/100-21 w/ tube |
| Rear | Dunlop Geomax MX33 110/90-19 w/ tube |
| MEASUREMENTS | |
| Rake (Caster Angle) | 27.2º |
| Trail | 117mm (4.6 in.) |
| Length | 85.8 in. |
| Width | 32.6 in. |
| Height | 49.7 in. |
| Ground Clearance | 13.0 in. |
| Seat Height | 37.6 in. |
| Wheelbase | 58.4 in. |
| Fuel Capacity | 1.7 gal. |
| Curb Weight* | 234 lbs. |
| OTHER | |
| Color | Red |
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride Specifications subject to change
2025 Honda CRF250RWE – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details
Engine
Bore × Stroke (mm)
96.0mm x 62.1mm
Carburation
CDI Electronic Fuel injection
Compression Ratio
13.5 : 1
Engine Displacement (cc)
449.7cc
Engine Type
Liquid-cooled 4-stroke single cylinder uni-cam
Starter
Electric
Oil Capacity (Litres)
1.25 Litres
Wheels
Brakes Front
Single 260mm disk
Brakes Rear
Single 240mm disk
Suspension Front
Showa 49mm USD fork
Suspension Rear
Showa monoshock using Honda Pro-Link
Tyres Front
Dunlop MX33F
Tyre Size Front
80/100-21-51M Dunlop MX33F
Tyre Size Rear
120/80-19-63M Dunlop MX33
Tyres Rear
Dunlop MX33
Wheels Front
Aluminium spoke
Wheels Rear
Aluminium spoke
Dimensions and Weights
Caster Angle
27°19′
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm)
2,183 x 827 x 1,265mm
Frame type
Aluminium twin tube
Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres)
6.3 litres
Ground Clearance (mm)
333mm
Kerb Weight (kg)
110.6kg
Seat Height (mm)
961mm
Trail (mm)
115mm
Weight (kg)
108kg
Wheelbase (mm)
1,482mm
Transmission
Clutch
Wet type multi-plate
Final Drive
Chain
Transmission Type
Constant mesh
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
