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2020 HONDA CRF250RX R I D E R E V I E W P84 but it's not a lot. Just enough to get to the checkered flag, I suppose. I mean, I had at least two miles per lap where my legs were out to the sides like ski-laden outriggers as the bike tracked through axle-deep ruts. Clutching was necessary to get up-and-over hidden logs, rocks and ledges marred in the ruts. THE ENGINE I do think the improvements made to the power delivery on the 2020 Honda CRF250RX are in the right direction. The Honda 250 powerplant has always been a midrange money maker, leaving something to be desired in the bottom and top departments for all-out speed- sters and a less-than-exciting ride compared to others. It's been hard to beat on a fun factor, however, and the same holds true. Hopefully, the updates Honda has made will make it a more well-rounded racer across the nation and in conditions where you can actu- ally feel that sort of thing. Our time in Indiana was spent with me mostly apologizing to the engine as I blatantly ignored its wails. Still, during our tortuous time together, the Honda never did me wrong. It stalled a few times—understandably. But, I mean, the clutch abuse! CHASSIS / SUSPENSION As GNCCs go, this was remark- ably low-speed and smooth (in a sense). Generally, you'll be hitting roots and ruts at a good clip when the flag waves at the GNCC party and compliant suspension (for mortals) is wel- come around the halfway point. I've ridden the CRF250RX enough in the dry to know it's probably right in the nice zone of compliant yet stiff enough to handle a g-out or annoying jump miscalculation. Ergonom- ics are homey and the Honda feels great to ride. The biggest snafu I have with the Honda off-road platform is the place- ment of the 2.2 gallons of fuel. When full, the weight balance of the bike is placed high in the chassis. It gives the bike an un- necessary top-heavy feel, but this is with all the RX, X and L models of the CRF lineup. You can't get around it with the pe- rimeter frame and stock tanks. I went in knowing it was up to the bike to survive this race—it wouldn't be pretty, and I couldn't baby it. It kept pace just fine and got me to the fin- ish in a well-earned fifth place in class (Sportsman A Senior 25+) even after I stopped for a pee break on the last lap. This is a completely stock bike save for hand guards and heavy duty tubes. I'm not sure, but I think Honda owes me some contin- gency for that finish!? Given the rampant updates, and my previous fondness for the little Honda (I think Honda's GNCC racing future is looking bright. Especially if you consid- er the Phoenix Racing Honda team's long-term plans. CN S P E C I F I C A T I O N S 2020 HONDA CRF250RX ($8299) ENGINE TYPE: ... Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, single DISPLACEMENT: .............................249cc VALVE TRAIN: ...................DOHC, 4-valve, 33mm intake, titanium; 26mm exhaust, titanium BORE X STROKE: ........... 79.0 x 50.9mm COMPRESSION RATIO: ....................13.9:1 INDUCTION: ..... Programmed fuel-injection system (PGM-FI); 44mm throttle bore IGNITION: ................. Fully transistorized STARTING SYSTEM: .....................Electric TRANSMISSION: ...Constant-mesh 5-speed CLUTCH: ...........................Multiplate, wet FINAL DRIVE: ............#520 sealed chain; 13T/48T FRAME: .....................................Aluminum FRONT SUSPENSION: ....... 49mm Showa coil-spring fork; fully adjustable REAR SUSPENSION: ........... Single shock Showa, Pro-Link; fully adjustable FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL: ................ 12.0 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL: .................. 12.4 in. FRONT BRAKE: ....... Single 260mm disc, 2-piston REAR BRAKE: ..........Single 240mm disc, 1-piston FRONT TIRE: ........Dunlop Geomax AT81 80/100-21 in. REAR TIRE: ...........Dunlop Geomax AT81 110/100-18 in. RAKE / TRAIL: ............ 27°18 in. / 4.5 in. GROUND CLEARANCE: .................. 13.0 in. SEAT HEIGHT: ............................... 37.8 in. WHEELBASE: ................................ 58.5 in. FUEL CAPACITY: ........................ 2.25 gal. WEIGHT (CURB, CLAIMED): ........244 lbs.