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
2026 Honda CRF250RWE: DOMINATE THE TRACK.
Introducing the 2026 Honda CRF250RWE…
Already a hit with customers and the media after just one year on the market, the CRF250RWE is a very competitive option right off the showroom floor. Inspired by the Honda HRC Progressive machines of Jo Shimoda and Chance Hymas, the “Works Edition” starts with the already-capable CRF250R and adds a race-ready setup with engine, suspension and styling updates straight from the factory team’s partners, saving owners the expense and trouble of outfitting their bikes. This quarter-liter dynamo offers an unbeatable combination of handling, power and agility.
Honda CRF250RWE Competition Dirt Bike
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.
2026 Honda CRF250RWE Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
HISTORY
An all-new model in 2025, the CRF250RWE marked the first quarter-liter Works Edition production motocrosser offered by Honda. It follows in the footsteps of the CRF450RWE, which has been on the market since 2019. The model returns for the 2026 model year.
PREMIUM FEATURES
Compared to the CRF250R, the Works Edition model has several special components:
- Hydraulic clutch
- Yoshimura exhaust with titanium header pipe and 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
- Dedicated ignition and injection mapping
- 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
- Dunlop MX33 Tires (wider 110 rear tire)
Updated Transalp and NC750X Lead Honda’s Product Announcement
- XL750 Transalp receives comfort- and convenience-focused changes for 2025
- Improved styling and handling for the NC750X DCT
- Also: Nine CRF Performance models confirmed for 2026 model year
American Honda today announced the return of two standout motorcycles for the 2025 model year: the XL750 Transalp and the NC750X DCT, both of which receive important updates. The ADV category is famously varied, and while these two models share a common class, they represent very different approaches to adventure.
Already popular after just one year on the U.S. market, the contemporary XL750 Transalp is a true adventure machine that is maneuverable and compact, ready to tackle dirt roads and backroads alike. It’s back for 2025 with revisions aimed at improving comfort and convenience, including better aerodynamics, lighting, instrumentation and suspension.
On the other end of the ADV spectrum is the NC750X DCT, long familiar with U.S. customers as an exceptionally comfortable commuter and weekend explorer—and improved for 2025 with refreshed styling, lighting, braking and more.
“The XL750 Transalp and NC750X DCT demonstrate Honda’s ability to appeal to the varying needs of powersports enthusiasts,” said Colin Miller, Manager of Public Relations at American Honda. “While both machines are midsize adventure bikes, each is developed with a different application in mind—and each is extremely effective in its particular realm. That Honda not only offers both options, but has also improved them both for 2025, is just the latest example of our commitment to meeting the demands of any customer.”
Also included in this announcement are nine dirt-focused models returning for the 2026 model year. In the race-winning CRF Performance family are the Baja-dominating CRF450X, the closed-course off-road CRF250RX and CRF450RX, and the CRF450RL dual-sport bike, as well as the motocross-focused CRF450R, CRF450RWE, CRF250R, CRF250RWE and CRF150R.
2026 Honda CRF250RWE Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
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.
STYLING / DESIGN
The standard CRF250R is known for its excellent ergonomics; the CRF250RWE retains those, but adds a special look that comes straight from the Honda HRC Progressive factory race bikes. The radiator shrouds and side plates promote freedom of movement thanks to a smooth, flat surface, and although the bike is notable for its slim profile, the side-plate profile is wide enough to provide good contact for gripping the bike. Cooling the CRF250RWE’s engine is crucial to maintaining performance and overall durability. Computational fluid dynamics were used to design the air-outlet vents in the shrouds, and the radiator grilles are optimized in terms of both the number of fins and the fin angle. Each radiator shroud is produced in a single piece. The titanium 1.7-gallon fuel tank is exceptionally light.
A special Throttle Jockey gripper seat cover helps keep the rider in place while accelerating, and the seat base has a unique design, featuring rearward-facing tongues and front-located mounting tabs that utilize acceleration forces to keep the seat firmly in place. The Renthal® Fatbar® handlebar is mounted in a clamp that offers four possible mounting positions with a range of 26mm, thanks to the clamp’s two mounting locations and the ability to rotate it 180º. Renthal Kevlar grips are standard.
Maintenance is simple, with only eight fasteners used to secure the main bodywork components, including the radiator shrouds, side plates and seat, all with 8mm bolt heads. Adding to the wow factor are a Matte Red Metallic cylinder-head cover, a gold D.I.D DM2 chain, gray metallic-coated triple clamps and Throttle Jockey graphics.
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
The 249cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, double-overhead camshaft, four-valve engine design achieves excellent performance and durability. The bore and stroke are 79.0mm and 50.9mm, respectively, and the compression ratio is 13.9:1.
Intake
The airbox has a direct pathway for airflow, resulting in precise throttle control and excellent 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 Works Edition model also features hand-polished cylinder-head ports, plus a special Twin Air air filter that is held in place via a spring-loaded clip for easy serviceability.
Head
The cylinder head is painted Matte Red Metallic on the CRF250RWE, and it 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 water-pump gear is thick to maximize strength.
Exhaust
True to its “Works Edition” status, the CRF250RWE is outfitted with a Yoshimura exhaust system, featuring a titanium header pipe and muffler. The Yoshimura exhaust system utilizes a resonator to maximize 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.
Clutch: The clutch is hydraulically actuated, reducing lever-pull forces by 16% (compared to the standard CRF250R) and offering consistent engagement throughout the moto. The clutch pack has nine discs, to maximize 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.
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 delivers 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 optimized power delivery. 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 distinct 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 a handlebar-mounted switch, enabling simple tuning depending on rider preference or course conditions.
- Mode 1: Standard
- Mode 2: Smooth
- Mode 3: Aggressive
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 the least, 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 HSTC system can also be switched off completely.
HRC Launch Control helps to deliver strong starts, and 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.
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
The standard CRF250R is known for its precise handling and overall rideability, and the CRF250RWE builds upon those strengths with significant chassis and suspension improvements, allowing for greater stability and comfort, especially late in the moto, when track conditions are at their worst.
Frame / Subframe
The mainframe design contributes to a comfortable and confidence-inspiring ride. Optimized torsional rigidity contributes to overall stability, while an ideal torsional/lateral rigidity ratio allows for precise cornering. Vertical torsional rigidity is designed to enhance stability in rough track conditions.
Perhaps counterintuitively, a relatively high overall frame rigidity helps give the model a compliant, composed ride character. As with the standard CRF250R, the subframe mounting point is positioned at a rigid location on the mainframe, minimizing energy transmission from the rear of the motorcycle to the front, contributing to excellent stability and 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 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 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 Honda HRC Progressive machines, and the fork lug is 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 DirtStar LT-X rims (21-inch front, 19-inch rear) deliver durable performance and good looks. The Dunlop MX33 tires feature technologies that deliver superior grip, slide control, bump absorption and durability. The CRF250RWE comes with a black-anodized axle holder, and the 110/90-19 rear tire (wider than that of the standard CRF250R) increases stability and traction and is well-matched with power of the WE model. A D.I.D DM2 gold chain comes standard.
Brakes
The front-brake caliper was developed based on feedback from Honda HRC Progressive riders, and it features two pistons (sized 30mm and 27mm), allowing for a smooth, linear feel that’s consistent throughout the moto. The caliper also features machined accents. The rear brake has a single piston. The brake rotors (sized 260mm front, 240mm rear) have a petal design to disperse heat.
2026 Honda CRF250RWE – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ See Dealer USD
Canada MSRP Price: $14,857 CDN (includes Freight, PDI and Fees)
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer for Pricing in GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
| Model | CRF250RWE |
| 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 D.I.D DM2 gold chain; 13T/50T |
| SUSPENSION | |
| Front | 49mm fully adjustable leading-axle inverted telescopic Showa coil-spring fork w/ Kashima-coated outer tubes and titanium oxide-coated inner legs; 12.2 in. travel |
| Rear | Pro-Link system; fully adjustable Showa single shock w/ titanium oxide-coated 18mm shaft; 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 | 4.5 in. (115mm) |
| Length | 86.2 in. |
| Width | 32.6 in. |
| Height | 49.8 in. |
| Ground Clearance | 13.1 in. |
| Seat Height | 37.9 in. |
| Wheelbase | 58.4 in. |
| Fuel Capacity | 1.7 gal. |
| Curb Weight* | 236 lbs. |
| OTHER | |
| Color | Red |
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride
Specifications subject to change
2026 Honda CRF250RWE – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
| Model | CRF250RWE |
| 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 D.I.D DM2 gold chain; 13T/50T |
| SUSPENSION | |
| Front | 49mm fully adjustable leading-axle inverted telescopic Showa coil-spring fork w/ Kashima-coated outer tubes and titanium oxide-coated inner legs; 12.2 in. travel |
| Rear | Pro-Link system; fully adjustable Showa single shock w/ titanium oxide-coated 18mm shaft; 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 | 4.5 in. (115mm) |
| Length | 86.2 in. |
| Width | 32.6 in. |
| Height | 49.8 in. |
| Ground Clearance | 13.1 in. |
| Seat Height | 37.9 in. |
| Wheelbase | 58.4 in. |
| Fuel Capacity | 1.7 gal. |
| Curb Weight* | 236 lbs. |
| OTHER | |
| Color | Red |
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride
Specifications subject to change
2026 Honda CRF250RWE – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details
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Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
Posted on Thursday, July 31st, 2025 by Michael Le Pard
