Sitting on the new Honda for the first
time reveals a slimmer profile. The
twin-spar frame is super skinny and
coupled with a flatter and wider seat
design, it reminds us of the neutral and
narrow cockpits of the 250cc KTM,
Husqvarna and GasGas models.
The Honda's new single-sided
exhaust is another plus, as it finally
eliminates the bulky "hips" that date
all the way back to the 2014 model.
A quick adjustment to the levers
and Renthal FatBars and we were
ready to hit the track.
We first rode the '22 CRF250R in
Oregon at the picturesque Mountain
View MX Park. It's a tight and jumpy
layout that uses natural elevation and,
on this day, was covered with dark soil
with a hard base. The Mountain View crew
recently added 600 truckloads of Pacific
Northwest mulch to the track, giving it that
chocolate cake look. We were definitely
not in Southern California anymore.
RIDE REVIEW I 2022 HONDA CRF250R
P102
Ride
Time
Visually, you'll be
hard-pressed to
tell the difference
between the
CRF250R and the
CRF450R now–
plastic is similar,
as is the chassis,
including the
swingarm.
(Right) Most of the
changes to the '22
CRF250R are to
the engine. The
clutch is still cable
operated but one
plate has been
added, and the
basket is beefed up.
