Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1414541
P108 RIDE REVIEW I 2022 HONDA CRF250R Moving forward and back in the cockpit requires less effort, and the slim radiator shrouds let you scoot forward for sharp turns easily enough. The overall rider cockpit is neutral (how we like it) and offers comfort right away for our tes- ters. Footpegs, seat height/shape, and handle- bars create a nice racey rider triangle that feels natural right out of the gate. We were just as impressed with the Honda's motor at State Fair as we were in Oregon. At State Fair, we often sought out the inside lines, taking advantage of the Honda's new and improved low-end torque to pull us through the turns quickly and up jump faces with sufficient oomph to clear everything with ease. Maps one and three were our go-to maps on this warm and sunny day in California. Map two worked well when things got dry and slick. We might have been disappointed to learn that the CRF250R didn't get a hydraulic clutch like its big brother (which was a weight-savings decision), we were still pleased how well the Honda's cable and internally updated clutch worked. Pull is light enough and still offers good feel. So far, no fading issues to report. As mentioned, the CRF250R comes fitted with Pirelli, instead of past traditional Dunlop, rubber. The Pirellis are said to be lighter while offering similar performance. On the tracks we've ridden so far, the Pirelli's do indeed work well and haven't shown any unusual premature wear. So Far So Good Our first few impressions of the new CRF250R have all been good and we can safely say that it is, indeed, an improved motorcycle in just about every category—engine, chassis, suspension, ergos and even in the visual department. It's great to be excited about the CRF250R again. CN SPECIFICATIONS 2022 HONDA CRF250R ($8099) ENGINE TYPE 4-Stroke, Single DISPLACEMENT 249.4cc VALVETRAIN DOHC, 4-Valve BORE & STROKE 79 x 50.9mm COMPRESSION RATIO 13.9:1 COOLING SYSTEM Liquid STARTER Electric INDUCTION SYSTEM PGM-FI; 44mm throttle bore IGNITION DC-CDI TRANSMISSION 5-Speed CLUTCH 9 Plate, Wet RIDER AID HRC Launch Control FRAME Twin-Spar, Aluminum RAKE / TRAIL 27°19' / 4.6 in. FRONT SUSPENSION Showa, 49mm inverted telescopic fork, coil spring, fully adjustable REAR SUSPENSION Showa, Single shock, Pro-Link, fully adjustable FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL 12.2 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL 12.3 in. FRONT BRAKE 260mm disc, 2-piston REAR BRAKE 240mm disc, 1-piston TIRES 80/100-21, Pirelli Scorpion MX32 TIRES 100/90-19, Pirelli Scorpion MX32 WHEELBASE 58.1 in. SEAT HEIGHT 37.8 in. GROUND CLEARANCE 13.1 in. FUEL CAPACITY 1.7 gal. CURB WEIGHT 229 lbs.