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/1456050
RIDE REVIEW I 2022 HONDA CRF250RX P84 But then again, you're now getting into 450cc territory, at least when it comes to rider weight. As it stands now, though, Honda came up with a good base suspen- sion setting for the average 250cc-type off-road rider (you know who you are). The Honda does many things exception- ally well. Braking is top-notch, and the clutch has an excellent feel and a light pull. Al- though we could not put the clutch through what we would call extreme conditions, we did not experience any hint of fading or weakness all day. More time on the RX will tell, though. But for now, so far, so good. We're glad Honda went back to the single exhaust port/exhaust system. We feel the advantages of the dual muffler de- sign did not outweigh the disadvantages (weight, complications, cost and durabil- ity). The new exhaust seems quieter, too. The RX is comfy in the cockpit, too. Even the larger fuel tank (compared to the motocrosser) isn't too obtrusive and didn't disrupt the Honda's neutral ergos. The handguards are a nice addition this year, and the side stand does a great job stay- ing out of harm's way while not in use. What didn't we like? That's easy—the front tire. The AT81 front tire has never been one of our favorites when it comes to bite on the trail, but we are okay with the rear tire. Both tires, however, wear well and do a good job resisting flats. Overall, our first impression of the 2022 Honda CRF250RX is a good one. What stands out most is the RX's zesty motor that makes this bike come alive. Com- bined with excellent handling and light weight, the CRF250RX, as we said earlier, just feels more competitive and even easier to ride than before, which is a mas- sive bonus in long off-road races. So, if you were holding out for the new- generation CRF250RX, you'll be glad to know that the wait was worth it. CN SPECIFICATIONS 2022 HONDA CRF250RX ($8499) ENGINE TYPE 4-stroke, water-cooled, single DISPLACEMENT 249.3 BORE X STROKE 79.0 x 50.9mm COMPRESSION RATIO 13.9:1 VALVETRAIN DOHC, 4 valves STARTING SYSTEM Electric LUBRICATION Pressure lubrication w/2 pumps FUELING Programmed fuel-injection, 44mm Keihin throttle body TRANSMISSION Constant-mesh 5-speed CLUTCH Multiplate wet, 9 plates, 5 springs, cable FRAME Aluminum perimeter SUBFRAME Aluminum HANDLEBAR Renthal FRONT SUSPENSION 48mm Showa coil-spring fork, fully adjustable REAR SUSPENSION Showa single shock, Pro-Link system, fully adjustable FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL 12.2 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL 12.3 in. FRONT WHEEL 21 in. REAR WHEEL 18 in. FRONT TIRE Dunlop AT81 90/90 x 21 in. REAR TIRE Dunlop AT81 110/100 x 18 in. FRONT BRAKE Single 260mm disc, 2-piston caliper REAR BRAKE Single 240mm, 1-piston caliper WHEELBASE 58.1 in. RAKE 27.15 degrees SEAT HEIGHT 38 in. GROUND CLEARANCE 13.2 in. FUEL CAPACITY 2.1 gal. WEIGHT (FULLY FUELED, CLAIMED) 238 lbs.