VOL. 51 ISSUE 31 AUGUST 5, 2014 P47
one to two clicks.
The overall suspension pack-
age of the new CRF250R is
pretty darn good right out of the
crate. It has good balance and a
plush feel, and you have an ultra-
wide range of adjustment possi-
bilities.
We love the new Engine Mode
Selection button. For the loaming
and fast Competitive Edge track,
we bounced back between the
stock "one" and aggressive
"three" modes and, in the end,
both of our test riders preferred
the snappier third setting.
As far as the new front brake,
there is a definite improvement
here. It has more stopping pow-
er and excellent feel. At slow
speeds, though, it might be a bit
touchy but at speed the brake
provides a strong bite allowing
you to push deeper into the cor-
ner with more confidence.
The MX52 tires are also a
welcomed edition. They provide
plenty of traction in the loam of
the early morning while maintain-
ing a solid grip later in the day
when the track dries out and gets
harder. The front tire is much im-
proved over the previous tire.
The new graphics, updated
plastic combo, which includes
new black radiator louvers, give
the CRF250R a fresh look.
One day at the track is never
enough, especially aboard the
2015 Honda CRF250R. Even
though we've only ridden the
bike a few hours, we're already
finding it to be more fun to ride
than any other CRF250R we've
swung a leg over, and that is a
good sign. Power is noticeably
improved, suspension is awe-
some, braking is better and it's
one of the best-handling bikes
in the business. And how can
you not like the easy-to-adjust
mapping? And to top things off,
it's even the prettiest looking
CRF250R we've ever laid eyes
on. We look forward to seeing
her again, soon. CN
She's a looker.
