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/1529824
P106 RIDE REVIEW I 2025 HONDA CRF250RWE 2025 HONDA CRF250RWE ($10,599) ENGINE TYPE 4-stroke, single-cylinder DISPLACEMENT 249.9cc VALVETRAIN DOHC, 4-valve BORE X STROKE 79.0 x 50.9mm COMPRESSION RATIO 13.9:1 COOLING SYSTEM Liquid STARTING SYSTEM Electric FUELING PGM-FI, 44mm throttle bore TRANSMISSION 5-speed, hydraulic clutch FRAME Aluminum FRONT SUSPENSION 49mm Showa coil-spring fork, Ti/Kashima coating REAR SUSPENSION Showa single shock, Ti-oxide coating FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL 12.2 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL 12.1 in. FRONT WHEEL 21 in. REAR WHEEL 19 in. FRONT TIRE Dunlop MX33; 80/100-21 REAR TIRE Dunlop MX33; 110/90-19 FINAL DRIVE 13/50 FRONT BRAKE Single Nissin 260mm disc REAR BRAKE Single Nissin 240mm disc SEAT HEIGHT 37.8 in. GROUND CLEARANCE 13.1 in. FUEL CAPACITY 1.7 gal. WHEELBASE 58.4 in. WEIGHT (WET, CLAIMED) 236 lbs. S P E C I F I C AT I O N S gives the rider more confidence to push the bike harder than they would, or could, on the standard Showa forks. Plus, the responsive- ness of the suspension and chassis combo feel like a flickable mountain bike. You can jump across braking bumps, hop into ruts, or simply change lines with noticeable ease. The hydraulic clutch is a point of conten- tion for some riders. With the 450 seeing it as a standard option since 2021, we wondered how long it would take to trickle down to the smaller 250. The five-spring design feels nor - mal right away as we've become accustomed to the Nissin system on the 450. For those who are die-hard cable lovers, you might miss some of the engaged feeling, but the hydro system is easy to get along with. The Dunlop MX33 tires are one of our favorites and gain the advantage in my book when compared to the Pirelli's. The Scorpi - ons are lighter on paper, but it's hard to beat the consistent feeling of fresh Dunlop rubber. In the cockpit, the Renthal grips are light - years better than any OEM grip, and they aid in damping any vibrations from the front end. As always, the Honda cockpit is neutral and comfortable from the get-go. It doesn't take long to get used to flying this little red rocketship. The Throttle Jockey seat cover helps hold the rider in place without being too invasive or grippy. The ribs are also useful for staying forward and combating the WE's extra punch. Worth It? Even after just one day in the saddle, I can confidently say that the Works Edition is well worth the extra money, and it saves a lot of hassle and late nights in the garage, turning wrenches and upgrading your bike. With the WE, Honda has done it all for you. The best part is that the bike's performance is notice - ably better than that of its standard CRF250R brother. From the motor to mapping to sus- pension, the WE is everything you'd want your standard CRF to be. Since the 2025 model is already an improvement from 2024, it makes the Works Edition feel two steps forward. CN