3
RD
Place
The only all-new bike in this year's shootout, Honda's 2018
CRF250R came into the battlefield cloaked in question marks. Its
big brother had been heavily updated in 2017, and recently won our
2018 450 motocross shootout, so expectations for the baby Honda
built quickly. Would the changes to the CRF be enough to take on
the Yamaha and the Austrian duo of Husqvarna/KTM?
Honda gave its best effort, taking what it learned in the suc-
cess of the current CRF450R and applying it to the lightweight
motocrosser. The 250's chassis is virtually identical to that of its
big brother—apart from different engine mounts—which is known for
its confidence-inspiring handling. Honda also outfitted the CRF250R
with the same 49mm Showa A-Kit-style spring fork as the 450
(yes!) and unveiled an all-new Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) engine,
which utilizes technologies developed in MotoGP. Throw in an electric
starter and an adjustable engine map switch on the handlebar, and
the new Honda looks class-leading even on paper.
Despite being the heaviest bike in the class, the CRF250R feels
nimble and carries its weight well—all 238 pounds. It's lively and
tips into the corner like it's on rails, with a "put it where you want
it" attitude. Some testers found that its suspension needs only
minor adjusting to find the sweet spot, while others complained that
HONDA
CRF250R
VOL. 54 ISSUE 50 DECEMBER 19, 2017 P91
