2019 HONDA CRF250RX
FIRST REVIEW
P86
In our first review of the 2019 Honda
450RX, we told you that bike is actually
pretty tough to ride like a real trail bike.
The fact is the Honda CRF450RX doesn't
want to be a recreational ride by design. It
is a CRF450R with some off-road mods to
make it a little more rideable and tunable
for open-course racing such as WORCS,
grands prix, desert racing and the like.
Even back east at the fast and rowdy
GNCC series in some tighter terrain, the
450RX is, and will be, a mighty handful for
those brave enough to grab it and go.
On the other side of the spectrum, the
450RX is an excellent track bike and an
ideal choice for someone looking for a
bit more versatility, fuel range and conve-
nience (hello, kickstand!) in a one-bike
garage. We raced the 450RX at the
Elsinore Grand Prix, and it was a rocket in
the hands of pro-level tester Ricky Yorks.
He's been riding the bike for months
continuing to use it as his go-to track-day
bike—we have a great update coming from
him on his exploits of all things 450RX.
On the flip side, anytime we ride it on
tight single-track, it's pretty much pissed
off the whole time because it wants to go
way faster than the terrain will often allow.
Would the smaller-displacement 250RX
feel the same way?
The 249cc, DOHC
engine with dual
exhaust ports comes
straight off the MX
model. However,
it's been tuned for
improved tractability at
slower speeds.
(Below) The "X"
stands for larger
fuel tank, 18-inch
rear wheel, a
kickstand and a few
more off-road tidbits
thrown in. As you
can see, it's closely
related to its MX
CRF250R cousin.
The Power
Yes and no. This bike flirts with the line be-
tween racing and recreation almost perfectly
for people looking for a do-it-all dirt bike that
doesn't need a license plate. Surely a lot of this
is due to its lower power output making it more
manageable in more technical off-road scenari-
os and more fun when the trails get tight. John-
ny Campbell—clearly a man with his hand on
the heart and soul of Honda's off-road lineup,
The stock
tank holds 2.2
gallons.
