Honda CRF250RX
The new 2022 Honda CRF250RX is stronger than ever. Judge for yourself: the chassis is from the CRF450RX, the lightness of the 250 cc model, plus significantly strengthened bottom end thanks to a redesigned cylinder head. The improvements are complemented by new radiators, the updated clutch contains 9 discs, and the gearbox has become stronger, also receiving new gear ratios. Showa suspension components received new valves for improved smoothing of irregularities, and guards were included in the basic package - protecting levers and hands.
Technical characteristics of Honda CRF 250R
The main part of any motorcycle is its engine; fortunately, you can be confident in the quality and reliability of Honda engines, especially if it is an engine for a motocross motorcycle. With a volume of 249 cubic meters, the presence of 1 cylinder and operation in 4-stroke mode, the power unit produces a power of 43 horses, which is achieved at around 11,000 rpm. The torque indicator was 29.3 Nm. Therefore, such power is only capable of running with water cooling.
For better acceleration and fuel supply, a modern carburetor system was installed in the form of a programmable fuel injector. You can start the Honda either with a button or with a kickstarter; movement occurs through a chain drive with a transmission in the form of a 5-speed gearbox. The motorcycle frame is incredibly strong and made of aluminum, the front and rear suspension have a travel of 310 and 320 mm, respectively. Safety is ensured by reliable brakes, represented by a 2-piston caliper on the front wheel and a 1-piston caliper at the rear.
The stated overall dimensions were 2,188 mm long, 835 mm wide and 1,255 mm high. Also, the dry weight was 97 kg, the tank holds 6.5 liters of fuel, which makes it possible to ride for a long time.
Engine
Honda XR 250 is equipped with a four-stroke engine with one cylinder. There are four valves per cylinder. The fuel supply system here is carburetor. The unit is cooled by air, and its effective volume reaches 249 cm³.
The peak performance of the engine is as follows: at 7000 rpm the torque is 25 Nm, and at 8000 rpm the power reaches 28 hp. The top speed of the XR 250 is 125 km/h, which is quite enough for a motard.
Overview and Features
Of course, this model is considered ideal both for amateur rides and for racing, because the 250 cc engine is ideal for any extreme driving enthusiast. The Honda 250 cross-country motorcycle has the most thoughtful design and engine, and the super-strong 5th generation aluminum frame only improves the handling of the motorcycle and makes its weight quite low. The electronic injection system, introduced with an updated map, began to be used only in 2010, while the Honda CRF 250X version still used a carburetor. Since 2011, the motorcycle has been produced with new and improved suspension settings.
Particular attention should be paid to the suspension, because it is extremely important when driving over uneven surfaces and various racing tracks. At the front there is a very light Showa inverted fork with a diameter of 48 mm, and has cartridge shock absorbers with a new piston shape. This fork had a very positive effect on the motorcycle, which became more controllable and comfortable. The rear suspension is represented by a monoshock absorber with a Pro-link progression and has a stroke of 312. All shock absorber adjustments are available.
In the Honda 250 cross motorcycle, special attention was paid to appearance. This is a true cross-country professional bike, where there is a minimum of plastic (but very flexible and high quality) and maximum protection.
Honda CRF250RX
For the 2022 model year, the CRF250R has been updated from the ground up, based on the 2022 CRF450R chassis under the “Absolute Holeshot” philosophy: a seventh-generation frame, updated geometry and Showa suspension components. The CRF250R also features a new twin-overhead engine with switchable maps, and redesigned ergonomics designed to meet the needs of not only professional athletes, but also novice riders.
And for the same model year, a cross-country version of the CRF250RX was added to the line-up, with a number of discipline-specific features taken from the CRF450RX, including a larger fuel tank, an 18-inch rear wheel, special engine maps, and enduro suspensions that give the bike a feeling yourself in your environment, whether on rocky climbs or long speed runs.
For the 2022 model year, the XC follows the CRF250R's evolution, receiving the same tweaks to increase bottom-end traction, plus the frame and swingarm from the flagship '19 CRF450R.
And now, for the 2022 model year, the CRF250RX has been further developed, including chassis tweaks based on the '21 CRF450R, more low-end torque and a stronger design.
The 2022 Honda CRF250RX is a full 3 kilograms lighter , and the balance of rigidity of the new frame and swingarm, combined with sharper and more compact chassis geometry and increased ground clearance, give it higher peak performance and easier handling. In addition, Showa suspension components have received new valving settings that improve bump smoothing, ground grip and handling.
Motocross has traditionally favored top-end engines, and the CRF250R has always been known for its top-end blast. But in addition to good traction at mid-range, large-scale modifications to the intake and exhaust tracts have also increased traction at the bottom, and special engine maps for enduro make it more efficient at the bottom of the rev range. Significant work has also been done on fine-tuning the camshaft geometry for top-end efficiency and overall reliability, while nine clutch discs and an updated transmission with stronger components ensure maximum efficiency in using the engine's extra power. All mechanical improvements to the CRF250R powertrain are carried over to the CRF250RX.
Honda CRF250RX
Dimensions and weight
The curb weight of the bike is 120 kg. Its tank capacity is 9.7 liters, while fuel consumption per 100 km of road averages 4 liters. The rear tire dimensions are 130/70-17, and the front tire dimensions are 110/70-17. All this suggests that the bike is perfect for connoisseurs of light, maneuverable machines.
Suspension
For cross-country or hard-enduro motorcycles, suspension is perhaps the main determining factor when purchasing. And although for soft enduro, which includes the Honda CRF250F, suspensions are also important, they do not require such a share of attention. This model is equipped with a 41mm Showa fork and a monoshock from the same manufacturer. The fork has no settings, and the shock absorber is only adjustable for spring preload. The suspensions are tuned ideally for entry-level and intermediate off-road riding, providing a smooth ride at medium speeds. Suspension travel measures 21.6 cm at the front and 22.9 cm at the rear, and can be compromised when the bike's limits are exceeded, such as when riding fast over uneven terrain. However, the target audience of the Honda CRF250F is unlikely to easily run into the limits of this model’s capabilities, but will appreciate the comfort provided by its soft suspension.
Honda CRF250F
Honda CRF250 Rally: first look
Honda has returned to its lineup a dual-purpose motorcycle in a configuration suitable for both everyday use and long-distance travel... with a 250 cc engine. For many years, the company had such a mega-gun in its line - the XR250 Baja, whose name became a household name - “to Mongolia in Baja.” Will the 250 Rally become the new Baja?
MOTOGONKI.RU, March 30, 2022 — The motorcycle first appeared in public back in 2015, at the Motor Show in Osaka, and the production version appeared before the Europeans at the Milan Motor Show EICMA-2017, moreover, in an “evil” rally body kit - with a “tower” release from “Akrapović” and all that – to give the impression that this is a “mini CRF450 Rally”. After a couple of years, the bike was lightened – and that’s good!
Honda CRF250RL Rally (2019)
After Osaka, everyone expected the CRF 250RL to appear (including in Russia), but this did not happen. The reason was the design features of the first edition of the CRF 250 Rally - its “sportiness”. That is, Honda really planned to launch a “mini Dakar” into the series, with a tough 35-horsepower engine of the new generation CRF250R (79 x 50.9), with two-way exhaust. However, this would also require regular maintenance: valve adjustment every 5000-7500 km. Is it necessary?!
The new CRF250R engine would probably come in handy... at the Dakar. But not for everyday use!
The CRF 250 Rally, which came to Russia from the Honda plant in Thailand, has a simpler face: the engine from the CBR250R with a compression ratio of 10.7:1 fits perfectly into the new frame!
Engine from CBR250R: CRF250Rally on the left, donor on the right
The production version is aimed at everyday use in the most awkward conditions, say, far from civilization. And disassembling the motorcycle is carried out literally with two hexagons, which are included in the kit.
The symmetry of the initial design is slightly disrupted by the large glove compartment on the left
By the way, traces of the original design for the new cross-country engine are visible throughout: the chassis and lining initially meant the installation of two exhaust pipes, but then a voluminous glove compartment appeared on the left side of the motorcycle.
The symmetry of the initial design is slightly disrupted by the large glove compartment on the left
True, it is not so large as to occupy the entire niche previously intended for release.
The engine from the CBR250R is hidden under the plastic.
Engine 24.4 hp has a softer - “comfortable” characteristic and divine performance requirements, as expected for a motorcycle successor to “that same Baja”. It goes great on the highway and pulls off-road. The Rally's power output is a couple of horsepower higher than the pure enduro 250L. There are other differences between them, which determined the choice of the Russian representative office in favor of supplying the “rally” version.
Honda CRF250 Rally is taller and longer than the 250L urban enduro
Small engine for big people
In terms of chassis, the differences with the enduro are noticeable to the naked eye: the Rally is 50 mm higher, the suspension travel is the same 50 mm more, the wheelbase is 12 mm, the seat height is 899 mm versus 875 for the enduro, the tank is 2.3 liters larger - 10 ,1 l.
Honda CRF250RL Rally frame and subframe
Overall, the bike was not originally intended to be an “entry level” bike. This is exactly the successor to Baja, which was often bought from us at auctions in Japan for pennies, and then exploited for years.
The motorcycle is equally suitable for both a person 165 cm and 190 cm tall. The fork has no adjustments; the shock absorber can be adjusted to suit you (and this will probably be the first step when purchasing, for example, as part of pre-sales preparation) - once and for all.
Honda CRF250RL Rally shock absorber adjustment must be done at a service center
The rear shock absorber in the base is very soft and needs to be tightened immediately so that a pilot weighing 90+ feels more confident. Preload adjustment is not easy to get to because the shock absorber is hidden under plastic panels.
Everything has been taken care of
Another feature of the 250 Rally 2018-2019 model is its ability to consume the worst fuel in the world. The Japanese planned that the motorcycle would be used in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and India. In the countries of Southeast Asia, by the way, there were no problems with the quality of gasoline. But as for India, anyone who has been there will understand: sometimes that liquid called “gasoline” burns, and that’s all, and solid debris and suspended matter are the scourge of the Indian crowd. Honda engineers have provided for the possibility of clogging of the fuel line and filters so that the tourist does not stand motionless halfway between refueling and service.
Honda CRF250 Rally tank is 10 liters - more than the CRF250L enduro
The fuel pump creates constant pressure in the system so that the injector consistently produces the desired mixture quality. There are two valves in the gas tank. One regulates the pressure in the tank to prevent gasoline from leaking out of it in the event of a fall, and on the other hand, relieves the pressure on hot days when too much vapor is generated. The second valve regulates the fuel supply. And there is also a ventilation system in the tank. Fuel enters the injector through a pump through a filter. If the filter becomes so clogged that it is unable to pass gasoline, the breather on the purge system opens and fuel begins to flow into the pump directly from the tank, bypassing the fine filter. In this case, the engine power is limited, but you can continue driving: as long as there is enough gasoline in the tank and the level is above the breather, dirt accumulated at the bottom will not get into the fuel pump and injector. This is your chance to get to the service!
Honda CRF250RL Rally: Sunstar brake disc, Nissin caliper and IRC TRAILS GP-22R tires
Not as simple as it seems
The relatively high price of the 250cc motorcycle is also due to some features that marketers would call “premium”, although this is simply a tribute to market trends. Full LED optics are among them.
Asymmetrical headlamp design - heritage from the XR250 Baja
The asymmetrical double headlight of the Honda CRF 250 Rally became a kind of reference to the design of the XR250 Baja; here, too, one headlight is low, the other is high. The turn signals and brake lights are also diode.
Durable rubberized headlight gasket
Funny freak? This is functionality!
The headlights of the CRF 250 Rally are framed by a rubberized gasket, although the housing itself is plastic. The gasket simultaneously protects the headlight unit from dirt and dust, and acts as a bumper. Although it does not carry any special meaning.
Honda CRF250 Rally dashboard - simple and clear
The instrument panel is modern, liquid crystal, although quite simple in functionality - similar to the one installed on the CB300R.
Inside, the CRF 250 Rally is much more stuffed with all sorts of electronics than it might seem. When we disassembled the CB300R and found out why it needed a high-tech “anti-wheelie” system, we looked at a simple inertial platform with gyroscopes - on an “entry-level” motorcycle, on a “300”! So, the CRF 250RL also has position sensors.
Rear brake circuit ABS is disabled
Rally is equipped with a gyroscope system that determines the position of the motorcycle in space. This system is connected to the ECU and a number of sensors responsible for supplying power to the wheel: tied together - mass air flow sensor, air temperature, throttle position, speed sensor, lambda probe - all this helps the ECU adjust the power and ignition “map”.
Where should I put it?
I’ll try to answer one of the questions that immediately arises: where should I put my luggage?
Green lines mark a) the subframe boundary and b) the factory fastening line
The CRF250 Rally's subframe is steel and extends all the way to the brake light, ensuring that a good load can be secured to the seat. But there is nowhere to constructively hang hard cases: frames, if any exist (or appear) in nature, no one has yet seen; It’s not easy to figure out how they can be installed - due to the shape and mounting of the muffler, as well as the location of the glove compartment on the left. After removing the rear plastic, we made sure that the subframe was in place. The subframe has a recessed fastener for securing the saddlebag. He also attaches the plastic casing.
Like: we warned you!
The warning sticker states that the tail load limit is only 4.5 kg, and the total load (with passenger and cargo) should not exceed 159 kg.
Honda CRF250 Rally
It can be seen that the tail section is not monolithic, but welded. Here the engineers decided to play it safe: there were cases when riders loaded the “tail” with everything they could get their hands on, and then cheerfully rode with it all over the rocks. It is clear that this is how everyone will operate the CRF 250, but in case one day the “tail” falls off along the weld seam under an unbearable burden, the company can always say: “well, we warned you.” And such a reaction from the service center will be more than normal!
Rear brake circuit ABS is disabled
The motorcycle's off-road functionality is slightly enhanced by the ability to disable the rear ABS circuit. The front circuit is always engaged.
Honda CRF250RL Rally
The crankcase protection and levers/handles are plastic, which is a design element, but still performs a protective function. Do you remember that on the Africa Twin the manufacturer fundamentally did not change the plastic “burdocks” to hard aluminum in 2022? The reason is that it’s cheaper for the owner! Replacing a broken plastic hub, which costs about $40, is much easier than replacing a bent steering wheel, which costs over $150. Plastic protection, oddly enough, works great in 80% of cases - from stones flying from under the wheel of a motorcycle in front, for example. When falling, it “plays” and absorbs part of the impact quite successfully.
Honda CRF250RL Rally (2019)
The motorcycle is equipped with a number of protective plastic shields, such as heel protection, sprocket protection, rear fender liner as standard, fork protection, exhaust pipe protection (scald protection) and so on. The crankcase protection, of course, requires closer consideration (and replacement with aluminum).
Grippy pilot footpegs - without any rubber bands, like on the Africa Twin
In general, the Honda CRF250 RLA (Rally ABS - this is the model being supplied to the Russian market this year) is an interesting device and worthy of attention. Moreover, there is simply no analogue from competitors on the market at the moment.
PS You can study the CRF 250 Rally in detail at the MotoSpring 2019 exhibition from April 5 to 7 at Expocenter. The first batch of motorcycles has already arrived at dealerships, but were purchased while still on the way. This motorcycle in the photo is one of those already sold, as it turned out. The second is expected in April and will be more numerous.
