Table of Contents
History
Before you start dreaming about your future heroic acts with this power-packed darling, let’s enjoy this Honda CRF 250 story.
Honda released the CRF bike series to replace the XR series and the XR series are being gradually replaced by the immensely popular CRFs. The precursor to the Honda 250 was the Honda CRF 450 – the first of the CRF series released back in the day.
The CRF bike was an instant success and it spawned the smaller Honda CRF 250 which soon became popular as well and like the bigger 450, went on to become the best-in-class. Thus the world was introduced to the Honda 250. It has the same advanced technology that was used in the CRF 450 bike.
Stand Out Features
Engine
The Honda 250 has 4 stroke single cylinder 250cc engine that uses an ‘over-square’ piston. This means that the face of the piston is big and the diameter of the piston is much bigger than the length of the stroke. The Ducati 999 bike also uses a big bore short stroke engines. The Honda 250 is thus a high rpm bike and has a max rpm of around 10,000.
Premium Tires
Added to these, premium MX51 tires from the house of Dunlop and longer, wider foot pegs offer the champion support that you so much desire. These and certain other enhancements make this edition hard to defeat. It’s tough; and it’s a record-breaker.
When the road goes hard on you, you want a softer start. However, when you are inches from the finishing line, you so much hope for a stiffer finish. Well, these dirt bikes consider all your miseries and provide you with a changed, effective rear shock linkage.
Steering
Now it’s surprisingly easy to steer past the low bumps and at the same time conquering the big hits. The featherweight Honda Progressive Steering Damper considerably lowers rider fatigue and boosts cornering ability.
You need not worry about your fuel costs too. CRF 250 bikes have a battery less, compact programmed fuel injection system popularly called PGM-FI that greatly optimizes performance yet proves to be considerably fuel efficient.
Brakes
With a power to free wheel with minimal drag, this wonder has conquered numerous hearts. It steals the show with its powerful rear brake that provides flawless performance even after enduring continuous torture from the challenging tracks. The fork cap has one air bleed screw unlike the previous confusing versions of dual screws.
Though these bikes have been criticized for their tendency to shake at high speeds, still it is amazing to watch it steer effortlessly with minimal effort. Leap, skid, bump; do whatever you like. It won’t let you down. Moreover, the rider always has the assurance of the Honda clutch.
Without fail they continue to amaze riders with their impeccable response and their complete fade-free light lever pull. The transmission shifts without fault during change of gears. Honda CRF 250 series bikes are known for their agility and strength. One can even adjust the damping with a simple knob on the body of the damper.
Piston
One more feature of the engine is that the piston skirting is very small, i.e. the rings are compressed into a much smaller space. While it results in a lighter piston with much less dynamic forces, it does cause lateral vibration and the engine won’t last as long. But then again, dirt bikes are not designed for longevity and the engine delivers power when it matters.
Noise Levels
The newest Honda CRF 250 model has a much lower noise level in order to meet indoor dirt bike race noise regulations and the power is one horsepower more than the previous model. The most talked about feature is the improved muffler. It has undergone extensive redesign.
The length of the muffler has been extended by 100 mm and the bracket position has been changed, meaning last years after market accessory won’t fit it. The sound limit for indoor dirt bike races is 94 dB, but the 250 has a maximum sound of 89 dB – well below the regulation limits.
These regulations are important because dirt bikes run at high rpm and hence the noise is always an issue. The engine power is now 38.02 at 11,2000 rpm, one horse more than last year. And incremental improvements have also been made to the shock absorber system, resulting in improved handling characteristics.
Gearing System
The next feature to have experienced a change is the gearing system that has a 49-tooth rear sprocket which makes the ride a lot easier for the bike and enjoyable for the rider. The suspension has been revised to curb that harsh experience that it gave previously. There can be noticed a great tuning between the clutch and transmission of this crf250r such that the performance of the bike is hardly affected by the shifts between the gears.
This dirt bike comes with an increased power and fuel efficiency; thanks to the compact and battery less Programmed Fuel Injection System. It comes with a new cylinder head and a 46mm throttle body that boosts its power.
Suspension System
To top it all, there is the new suspension system for both the front and the rear that makes the crf250 a lot easier to handle on those tough terrains and paths. The foot pegs are longer and wider than ever to lend more support and grip to the rider; and the Dunlop MX51 tires make the riding experience all the more fun. They are bound to provide a better hold on the steep curves and allow better acceleration to the crf250r in those tough to imagine tracks.
In Short
The aim has always been to provide a wonderful experience to the riders and the onlookers together and satisfy the urges of the bikers to have a thrilling experience with the dirt bikes. These bikes have always allowed the privilege to their riders to enjoy this experience and make the most of it when they are on the track.
