2025 Honda CRF250R First Ride Impressions

First ride the all new 2025 CRF250R today at KickIn Roost MX (thanks Barry!). The track was dry, rough, and hardpack: not the best conditions for the previous generation CRF250R and perfect for checking out the updated chassis and suspension on the 2025 CRF250R.

I did ride the all new 2025 Honda CRF450R at Ironman the other week but the conditions were very soft and loamy - hard to check if the updates to the chassis and suspension help the CRF work better in hard pack and choppy conditions. Here are my first ride videos on the 2025 CRF450R...
1. First ride:    • 2025 Honda CRF450R First Ride Impress...  
2. EFI Mapping Check:    • 2025 Honda CRF450R First Ride Engine ...   )

I am a slow Vet rider 6’2” 195 lbs. I’ve owned the '22 CRF250R along with the 21/23 CRF450 Works Edition models and have recently ridden the 2024 CRF450R and Works Edition models. I currently ride a 24.5 KTM 450 Factory Edition and 25 KTM 350XCF.

Honda made significant changes to the frame and suspension that are not so noticeable just looking at the bike. The front of the bike is stiffer(!). The new smaller radiator shrouds and updated side panels are noticeable and look better in person. I was able to get an initial feel for the bike. Here are my first ride impressions of the all new 25 CRF250R:

Chassis: Honda changed the frame, forks, and triple clamp to increase rigidity. While I never got off the current CRF250R and thought it needed to be more rigid these changes provided improved front end feel and precision with better tire contact patch feedback. The bike still has that good CRF nimble corner entry and overall agile feel. Stability felt good. The forks have a smooth progressive stroke with no mid stroke harshness and plush feel overall. The rear shock worked well though I felt there was more energy feedback from the rear of the bike - basically the rear shock felt stiffer. While I need more ride time to make a more complete judgement, overall the suspension worked well so it appears the stiffer chassis may be allowing the suspension components to work better providing a more controlled and stable bike.

Engine: The engine ran clean with crisp throttle response. Peak power felt similar to the 2024 CRF250R I had recently ridden. Low to mid throttle response felt a little stronger as the engine RPM build was a little quicker. Perhaps the new airbox layout, longer head pipe, and revised engine mapping all contribute to this feel. I rode Map 3 (aggressive map) which has a little sharper throttle response. Surprisingly Honda did not offer an engine tuning app for the 2025 CRF250R though there are (3) different engine maps (Standard, Smooth, Aggressive) and (3) levels of traction control. I did not try the traction control.

Misc: Ergo’s felt spot on and that “just feels right” Honda layout is still there. The revised side panels offer a smooth symmetrical surface to grip the bike. The Renthal bar bend feels good. Clutch cable pull effort is light. Brakes are strong and linear.

Overall Impressions: The current CRF250R has a reactive and quick responding chassis that can at times feel harsh and busy at speed especially on dry hardpack tracks. The 2025 CRF250R updates to the chassis, suspension, and engine could easily be felt during this ride at KickIn Roost MX. The engine power feels a little stronger low to mid with a quicker RPM build and combined with the chassis and suspension updates keep that quick and responsive fun to ride CRF250R character I like with a little more stability and comfort. I did spin the clickers a little to dial in the feel of the rear of the bike. I'll post that video soon!