the bike felt so ultra-stiff, but the
clicker adjusters weren't enough to
solve our complaints. Canard reiter-
ated what we felt was the forgiving
frame
overworking in the rough
conditions. These feelings were
common among test riders and
provided context into the updates
for the 2025 models.
So how did the same bike that
finished at the back of our shoot
-
outs win both the Supercross and
Pro
Motocross titles? Looking at
Jett and Hunter Lawrence's Honda
frames, it's easy to spot the dif
-
ferences in areas where material
was added
to stiffen the frame and
reduce the flex of the stock bike.
The main point of contention was
the head and down tube connec
-
tions, as extra welds and reinforce-
ments were added to this crucial
area.
AMA rules only allow teams
to add material, not take away, so
these additions are legal and offer
the team real-life data on improv
-
ing the handling of their next-gen
machines.
The same areas where
material was visibly added on the
factory bikes now sport a clean
OEM look on the 2025 frames.
Other obvious changes to the
'25 250 include new triple clamps
and front axle to harmonize with
the updated frame and fork.
According to Honda, a new rear
shock mount makes shock remov
-
al 50 percent easier than before.
A new subframe
and body panels
cover up the new airbox, which
features 78 percent more capac
-
ity than before and a straighter
down-draft
intake designed to
help move air through the engine
with better efficiency. Pair that
with a lighter crank and updated
gear ratios for a high-revving race
bike. Honda also outfitted the bike
with a new electronics cluster, the
same one featured on the 450R.
This three-button unit features
three maps—standard, smooth,
and aggressive—as well as trac
-
tion and launch control.
P112
RIDE REVIEW I 2025 HONDA CRF250R
In the handling department,
the new 2025 CRF250R is
much more predictable than
the previous model.
