2025 Honda CRF250RX Review

Of all the off-road bikes Honda makes, there’s something very, very special about the CRF250RX. And it’s even better this year. Combining the explosive power, light weight and no-compromise performance of a 250 motocrosser, it’s fine-tuned by our engineers (and racers) for stellar performance.

Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications

2025 Honda CRF250RX: THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.

Introducing the 2025 Honda CRF250RX…

From the high-speed tracks of the WORCS and NGPC series to tight, wooded GNCC and enduro courses, the CRF250RX is designed to thrive in closed-course off-road competition. A close relative of the motocross-focused CRF250R, the RX benefits from off-road-specific features and settings that maximize versatility and performance across a wide range of terrain. For the 2025 model year, it receives the same chassis, suspension and engine updates as its motocross counterpart, achieving greater stability, comfort and power delivery. Trusted by teams like Phoenix Racing Honda and SLR Honda, the CRF250RX continues to be a potent podium contender at off-road races across the country, having earned the 2023 NGPC Pro II title at the hands of Kade Tinkler-Walker.

Of all the off-road bikes we make, there’s something very, very special about the CRF250RX. And it’s even better this year. Combining the explosive power, light weight and no-compromise performance of a 250 motocrosser, it’s fine-tuned by our engineers (and racers) for stellar performance in off-road events, like Baja, the GNCC series and Hare and Hound racing. We start with our CRF250R (including all the upgrades for this year) and dial the RX in with an 18-inch rear wheel, special ECU settings, handguards, a convenient sidestand, a larger fuel tank, and much more that make it a fantastic choice no matter where you ride.

2025 Honda CRF250RX Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

• Dunlop Geomax tires
• 249cc liquid-cooled DOHC single-cylinder engine
• Fuel injection
• Electric starter
• High-capacity resin fuel tank
• Handguards
• Five-speed transmission
• Sidestand
• HRC launch control

NEW FOR 2025

• Updated main frame constructed of 70% new components to optimize rigidity and improve handling characteristics.
• New subframe mounting point optimizes lateral rigidity and reduces energy transmission from the rear of the bike to the front.
• The rigidity of the steering stem, triple clamps, outer fork tubes and front axle have all been revised to match the frame updates.
• The fork features new springs, kit-fork-inspired Bending Control Valves, seals and oil, for a consistent feel throughout the stroke while minimizing harsh feedback.
• A new shock spring, reservoir, shaft and oil seal contribute to a consistent stroke feel to match the fork updates.
• The linkage has been updated to a one-piece structure that enhances rigidity, to improve tracking and stability performance. It also features a new leverage ratio that decreases pitching while improving bottoming resistance.
• The front brake caliper has an updated piston and seal grooves for consistent performance throughout the moto. It also features new machined accents.
• The redesigned airbox provides a straighter pathway for airflow, improving throttle control and top-end power.
• Increased crank rigidity enhances midrange torque.
• The revised design of the muffler and header-pipe is straighter and smoother, improving acceleration.
• New ECU maps offer smoother delivery while retaining strong torque and power throughout the rev range.

MODEL-SPECIFIC FEATURES

Compared to the CRF250R motocrosser, the CRF250RX has the following differences:

• A resin 2.1-gallon fuel tank (instead of the R model’s 1.7-gallon titanium cell) provides enough range to compete in closed-course off-road competition.
• Both front and rear suspension have dedicated settings developed specifically for the closed-course off-road application, for improved compliance over technical terrain like rocks and roots.
• The CRF250RX’s ECU features a different fuel-injection map, with settings that deliver a smooth spread of power, maximizing traction in slippery, off-road conditions.
• Whereas the CRF250R has a 19-inch rear wheel, that of the CRF250RX is an 18-inch size, for a taller tire sidewall that better absorbs obstacles typically encountered off-road. In addition, front and rear tires are Dunlop Geomax AT81, which offer all-around performance, plus high levels of ruggedness for off-road racing and riding.
• The CRF250RX comes standard with plastic hand guards, to help fend off trailside bushes and brush. It also has an aluminum side stand, which facilitates parking away from the pits but tucks out of the way when not in use.

2025 Honda CRF250RX Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION

Known for its precise handling and overall rideability, the CRF250RX builds upon its strengths, with significant chassis and suspension improvements for 2025. These advancements allow for greater stability and comfort, especially in rough terrain.

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 CRF250RX 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 suspension components have also been revised to match the changes made to the frame. The rigidity of the steering stem, triple clamps, outer fork tubes and front axle have all been revised, improving bump-impact absorption and front-end feel, resulting in a more comfortable ride.

Plus, the 49mm inverted Showa coil-spring fork benefits from new internal components, including springs, kit-fork-inspired Bending Control Valves, seals and oil. These advancements help to control the stroke for a consistent feel—from initial movement, all the way to the end of travel, minimizing any “step” or harsh feeling back to the rider.

The Pro-Link rear-suspension system has a revised linkage structure that increases rigidity by 11%, allowing for smoother rear-suspension actuation. The leverage ratio has been adjusted to maintain a balanced feel, even under braking, and improve bottoming resistance without losing comfort over small bumps.

The shock spring, reservoir, shaft and oil seal have all been updated to achieve a consistent feel throughout the stroke. These changes contribute to an overall balanced feel, as they’re designed to complement the updates to the frame and fork.

The shock is also easier to remove for service and adjustment, only requiring the removal of the side covers, muffler and ECU. The shock takes half the time to remove compared to the previous-generation CRF250RX.

Wheels
The black D.I.D rims (21-inch front, 18-inch rear) deliver durable performance and good looks. Petal-style brake rotors (260mm front, 240mm rear) disperse heat.

The CRF250RX comes with Dunlop Geomax AT81 tires, which offer excellent all-around performance plus high levels of ruggedness for off-road racing.

ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN

The CRF250RX’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 via 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
The revised exhaust creates a smoother, straighter path for airflow, increasing performance and acceleration in the middle and top rpm ranges. The 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.

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 CRF250RX’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

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 closed-course off-road bike. 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.

DESIGN

Known for its industry-leading ergonomics, the 2025 CRF250RX offers even greater rider comfort, with new shrouds and side plates to promote freedom of movement via 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.

Cooling the CRF250RX’s 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 grilles 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
The CRF250RX uses a nine-plate design to improve durability and hookup. That helps eliminate 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.

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 breathes and revs—the two keys to making power in the enduro world.

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. The straighter ports also help boost low-speed and midrange torque as well as throttle response.

SINGLE-MUFFLER EXHAUST
Using a pressed-alloy design lets us shape the muffler for better rider ergonomics and lighter weight.

SINGLE-PIPE EXHAUST
Along with the single-muffler exhaust, the CRF250RX naturally uses a single-pipe header. It routes close to the center of the bike, and its light overall construction helps improve weight distribution.

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

UPGRADED CAM OILING
To help improve durability, we’ve re-routed the cam’s oil supply, as well as giving the CRF250RX a more rigid cam holder—better roundness and more oil means less friction and wear.

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 that we’ve designed to be especially small and out of the way. While you may never see it, it helps keep the CRF250RX’s overall design compact.

SPECIAL PRIMARY AND TRANSMISSION RATIOS
To handle the fatter midrange power and torque, the CRF250RX 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 last year, we improved the shift feel between second and third gears.

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.

“H” SECTION CRANK
Look closely at the CRF250RX’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!

HIGH CAPACITY RESIN FUEL TANK
For longer enduro loops, the CRF250RX features a large resin fuel tank that holds over two 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.

SHARED ENGINE/GEARBOX LUBRICATION
The 2025 CRF250RX 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 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 with a super-narrow 20.5-degree included valve angle. 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.

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 CRF250RX 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 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.

PERFORMANCE
FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
By tipping the CRF250RX’s fuel injector back 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 CRF250RX up front.

HOLESHOT-WINNING POWER
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.

BRIDGED-BOX PISTON
The CRF250RX’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 CRF250RX’s high redline.

HIGH REDLINE
Our better-breathing DOHC design and big-bore/short-stroke engine mean the CRF250RX features a high redline and impressive peak power and peak torque.

HIGH-VOLUME AIRBOX AND AIR CLEANER
The 2025 CRF250RX features an air-cleaner element with plenty of surface area and volume. More air equals more power, especially in the midrange. In addition, we’ve made it easy to service the air filter too.

LARGE-CAPACITY RADIATOR
A bigger radiator means better cooling, and better cooling means more power, from the start of your ride to the finish. With that in mind, the 2025 CRF250RX features six percent more radiator area than the previous designs.

LARGE-DIAMETER VALVES
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.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE CAM PROFILES
With input directly from our HRC factory team, we’ve given the CRF250RX cam profiles that help the engine produce better bottom end torque and power while still retaining the CRF250RX’s substantial peak.

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.

HANDLING
DUNLOP GEOMAX TIRES
The CRF250RX’s Dunlop Geomax tires are specially designed for enduro use. The AT81 tires are spec’d at 90/90-21 for the front and 110/100-18 for the rear. You read that right: the CRF250RX rolls on an 18-inch rear wheel.

NEW TRIPLECLAMPS, AXLE, AND STEERING STEM
The CRF250RX is a perfectly matched package. New top and bottom tripleclamps for 2025 work with the new frame, revised fork, new front axle and new steering stem for a more consistent suspension feel throughout the stroke. Working in concert, they help improve and balance total rigidity, responsiveness and turning performance.

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 BATTERY MOUNTING
Locating the battery low in the chassis helps to lower the CRF250RX’s center of gravity—and that always helps overall handling.

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.

SHORT SWINGARM
The CRF250RX’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.

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. For 2025, new springs, new seals and new valving improve the consistency of the stroke feel throughout the entire range of travel.

REAR SUSPENSION
Our Pro-Link design lets us give the 2025 CRF250RX 12.1 inches of suspension travel, along with a lightweight spring. All resulting in a plush, controlled ride.

SINGLE EXHAUST ROUTING
The CRF250RX’s single-pipe exhaust is going to get a lot of attention, but another advantage that you might not think of is how it lets you move more freely on the bike. By tucking in unobtrusively, it makes moving around on the bike easier than ever.

TWIN-SPAR ALUMINUM FRAME
Great handling starts with a superior frame, and that’s one place where the CRF250RX chassis puts you out front. By making the frame’s main spars narrow, we save weight, but more importantly we make the chassis more responsive. This year approximately 70 percent of the frame components are new for excellent, responsive turning performance and to work with the new suspension.

COMFORT
HANDGUARDS
Whether you’re ripping through Baja or hustling your way through some tight woods, on a bike like the CRF250RX, handguards are a real necessity. That’s why our 2025 bike is equipped with them right from the factory.

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.

DETAILED BODYWORK MOUNTING
It may seem like a small thing, but every second counts when you’re servicing your bike between rides. 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 CRF250RX has you covered. Our “in mold” graphics look great, and stay looking good longer.

REAR SUBFRAME
The CRF250RX’s subframe uses extruded rear members that produce a 20-percent reduction in weight versus the previous generations. Since that weight comes off the top of the bike, it also contributes to the CRF250RX’s improved low center of gravity.

SIDESTAND
Real enduro bikes need a sidestand, and we’ve given the CRF250RX a great one. We’ve tucked it in even tighter so it’s out of the way on the trail.

FRESH STYLING
The 2025 CRF250RX gets new “stacked” CRF graphics that take their styling cues right off our HRC works bikes. Plus, to keep them looking good, our “in mold” graphics are more durable, especially after repeated track sessions and cleaning. 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.

2025 Honda CRF250RX – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $8699 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ 11571 CDN (includes Freight, PDI and Fees)
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer 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

2025 Honda CRF250RX – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details

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

2025 Honda CRF250RX – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details

Engine
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)
1.25 litres

Wheels
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
Dunlop AT81 Geomax

Tyre Size Front
80/100-21

Tyre Size Rear
110/100-18

Tyres Rear
Dunlop AT81 Geomax

Wheels Front
Aluminium spoke

Wheels Rear
Aluminium spoke

Dimensions and Weights
Caster Angle
27°26′

Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm)
2,178 x 839 x 1,278mm

Frame type
Aluminium twin tube

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres)
8.0 litres

Ground Clearance (mm)
331mm

Kerb Weight (kg)
104kg

Seat Height (mm)
958mm

Trail (mm)
116mm

Wheelbase (mm)
1,478mm

Transmission
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).