VOL. 53 ISSUE 46 NOVEMBER 22, 2016 P89
farther than the RM-Z but still
requires more shifting than
other bikes to keep it in the
meat of the power. Testers
loved the nearly vibration-
free feel and quieter exhaust
note. The Honda's power
works surprisingly well for
beginners all the way to pros.
We aren't totally sold on the
dual muffler thing, but after-
market companies like FMF
make a singe-side system
that not only saves weight, it
adds power.
A nice bonus feature on
the Honda is the easy-to-
adjust three-way map switch
on the handlebar. Our testers
prefered the aggressive
setting. The Honda is simply
down on power in a class
that is ruled by horsepower.
Low-to-mid power is strong
but where the Honda falls
short is up on top, like the
Suzuki.
The Showa 49mm TAC air
fork works very well on the
CRF250R. Last year it was
the best air fork on a produc-
tion bike, that title now goes
to the WP AER 48 air fork
on the KTM and Husqvarna.
Most riders still like the
Showa fork on the CRF250R
and the smooth action over
all types of terrain. It also of-
fers up a lot of adjustment.
The shock works well with
the fork and chassis, offering
up a balanced ride. It really
starts to shine as the tracks
gets more beat up and rough.
The smooth and easy-to-
use power combined with
good suspension keeps
the CRF250R planted and
controllable. Comfort is a big
thing with the Honda, which
makes it easy to ride fast
as the track gets ugly. The
CRF really appeals to wide
range of ability and sizes
when it comes to overall feel
and handling. You will feel
right at home within a lap on
this bike, a lot of which has
to do with it being a really
great turning bike, especially
through ruts. No ruts? No
problem. It carves a smooth
arc and goes where you want
on any surface. It isn't the
turning legend RM-Z250 but
it isn't far behind.
Some might be disappoint-
ed it didn't change at all for
2017 but when you take into
account that it is $1000 less
than the Husky and $900
less than a KTM, the Honda
still looks pretty appeal-
ing. The CRF250R finished
second in our shootout last
year because it is a great
bike. The KTM, Husky and
Kawasaki made major im-
provements for 2017, bump-
ing them up. That, however,
shouldn't take anything away
from the Honda, which also
has decent brakes, great
feeling controls and Honda's
adjustable steering damper, a
feature no other bike has.
4
th
PLACE
HONDA
CRF250R
NOTABLE FEATURES
•Showa SFF TAC Air Forks
•Handlebar Mapping
Adjustment
•Aluminum Twin-Spar Frame
•Dual Exhaust System
•Unicam Valve Train
•Dunlop MX52 Tires
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Weight: 234 lbs. (full gas)
Seat Height: 37.4 in.
MSRP: $7599
