2025 Honda CRF250R Works Edition First Ride!

First ride on my brand new 2025 CRF250R Works Edition (Thanks Honda Marysville Motorsports!). The track was dry, rough, and hardpack: perfect for checking out the updated chassis and suspension on the 2025 CRF250R Works Edition!

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 currently own a 25 CRF450R.

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. Here are my first ride impressions of the all new 25 CRF250R Works Edition:

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. While I need more ride time to make a more complete judgement the suspension worked well and the coatings give it a more supple feel at the top of the stroke.

Engine: The engine ran clean with crisp throttle response. This is one of the smoothest (no jerky on/off throttle response) 250F's I've ridden. Excellent throttle to rear wheel connectivity feel. Peak power felt similar to the 2025 CRF250R I had recently ridden with a little longer and stronger pull up top. Low to mid throttle response felt a little stronger as the engine RPM build was a little quicker. Perhaps the new airbox layout, Yoshimura full exhaust, and revised Works Edition engine mapping all contribute to this feel. I liked Map 1 (stock) the best as it had a long smooth pull. Surprisingly Honda does 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 the Map 2 (soft) and Traction Control on 3 (most intervention) and that noticeably slows the throttle response - maybe good for woods riding.

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. The hydraulic clutch pull effort is light. Brakes are strong and linear.

Overall Impressions: The current 22~24 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 Works Edition updates to the chassis, suspension, exhaust, and engine could easily be felt during this first ride. The engine power feels a little stronger low to mid with a quicker RPM build and combined with the Works Edition chassis and suspension updates keep that quick and responsive fun to ride CRF250R character I like with a little more stability and comfort. More ride videos soon!