2017 HONDA CRF250R
QUICKSPIN
P94
ably keep it the most aggressive
mode like we did.
The 2017 CRF250R retains
the same suspension as the '16,
which was updated that year.
The 2016 CRF retained the
Showa SFF Triple Air Chamber
fork, which we thought was one
of the better air forks at the time.
The '16 fork, however, is a little
longer in length—5mm to be
exact. This was done to raise
the front end a bit, increase trail
and to put a tick more weight
in the back. The Honda was a
solid handler in '15 but felt a little
busy up front; the longer fork
was used to help calm down
any front-end twitching, aka
headshake, and it did help. Less
movement up front definitely
enhanced the bike's already
lightweight feel and excellent
maneuverability.
The '16 fork also got a Schrad-
er valve for the outer air chamber
which the previous fork did not
have, though Honda pretty much
recommends leaving it alone
(that's why they didn't put one
there in the first place, but you
wanted it and now you've got it.)
The 2016 CRF250R retained
its outstanding ergonomics
from 2015; the bike is still very
comfortable in the saddle and
just feels right. Controls are light
and accurate to the touch, and
the Honda has great brakes. In
2015, the CRF250R got an over-
size 260mm front disc.
As before, there are a lot of
things to like about the '16/'17
CRF250R, but the dual muffler
system isn't one of them: in our
opinion, it just adds weight, it
Handling and cornering
are still some of the
Honda's best assets.
