Honda · Motocross

Honda CRF250R specifications

Honda · Motocross

The 2025 chassis redesign is the story of the current CRF250R. Dirt Bike Magazine reports that Honda changed 70 percent of the individual frame pieces, redesigned them with more rigidity in most areas and moved the subframe mount toward the rear to isolate outside forces. The frame, subframe, linkage and Showa suspension rigidity changes removed much of the harshness complaints of the previous generation while improving stability at high speed.

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Honda CRF250R

Honda CRF250R
Specification	Value
Model year	2027
Engine	249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Displacement	249cc
Bore x stroke	79.0x50.9 mm
Compression ratio	13.9:1
Fuel system	Programmed Fuel-Injection system (PGM-FI); 44mm throttle body
Transmission	Five-speed manual
Final drive	#520 Chain; 13T/50T
Rear suspension travel	12.1 in
Front tire	Pirelli Scorpion MX32; 80/100-21
Rear tire	Pirelli Scorpion MX32; 100/90-19
Seat height	37.6 in
Wet weight (curb)	234 lb
Wheelbase	58.4 in
Fuel capacity	1.7 gal
Ground clearance	13.0 in
Valve train	DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Starting MSRP	$8,599
Class	Motocross
Front suspension	49mm inverted Showa fork
Front suspension travel	12.2 in
Rear suspension	Pro-Link Showa single shock
Front brake	Single 260mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear brake	Single 240mm disc
Rake (caster angle)	27.3°
Trail	4.6 in
Destination charge	$600

What changed on the redesigned CRF250R

Total Motorcycle adds that only eight fasteners hold all the main bodywork, and all the bodywork bolts have 8mm heads, which simplifies maintenance. Ultimate Motorcycling called the redesigned bike comfortable, precise and predictable, with a smooth, torquey motor and powerful brakes.

CRF250R engine character

The 249cc DOHC engine has been through a run of tuning changes. Dirt Bike Magazine says that since it arrived in 2019 it has swung between a top-end screamer without bottom end and a bottom-to-midrange sweet spot without revs on top. The 2026 version is the second kind: easy to ride down low and in the midrange for a wide range of riders, and behind the KTM and Kawasaki in top-end performance.

The magazine notes that factory rider Jo Shimoda's wins show it is not all about top-end power. Its suspension advice: lowering the fork in the clamps to 3 mm and running 103 to 108 mm of sag improved handling and stability.

CRF250R against the KX250F, RM-Z250 and YZ250

The Kawasaki KX250F is the closest four-stroke rival at the same $8,599 and 231 lb, and Suzuki's RM-Z250 is $8,499. Yamaha’s YZ250 is a two-stroke, priced at $8,099 and lighter at 227 lb. It is included because it competes for the same 250 class buyers.

At 234 lb, the CRF250R is the heaviest of the four.

Honda CRF250R — specification reference

Model-year range: 2026–2027
Compared editions: 2
Specification entries: 21
Entries that differ: 3

Front Suspension: 49mm inverted Showa® fork; 12-inch travel; 49mm inverted Showa® fork; 12.2-inch travel.

2027 Honda CRF250R questions

What changed on the Honda CRF250R chassis for 2025?

Dirt Bike Magazine reports Honda changed 70 percent of the frame pieces for more rigidity and moved the subframe mount toward the rear, which reduced harshness and improved high-speed stability compared with the previous generation.

Does the Honda CRF250R have good top-end power?

Testers say no: Dirt Bike Magazine describes strong low and midrange power, and calls the CRF250R behind the KTM and Kawasaki on the top end. It is an easy bike to ride for a wide range of riders.

The 2027 Honda CRF250R is a 249cc liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke motocross bike with a big-bore, short-stroke engine, a single muffler and fuel injection. Honda's recent redesign changed 70 percent of the frame pieces to improve high-speed stability. Testers call the engine easy to ride down low and in the midrange but behind the KTM and Kawasaki on top-end power.