Every year we run a fleet of long-term testbikes so we can keep you informed on what it is like to live with these bikes. We do the hard yards by going out and clocking up hours on them every month while keeping you updated on the maintenance schedule and any mishaps if they happen, and how to tune or modify the bikes to make them better. This year, my baby is the 2025 Honda CRF250R.
Okay, I know, it’s a pretty good job and I just happen to be the guy who finds himself charged with the honour of testing the motocross bikes in our long-term test fleet, and over the past several years I have had the pleasure of testing just about every brand that comes to our shores, but I haven’t been able to get my hands on a Honda testbike since 2013.
Yep, it was 12 years ago that I had a 2013 CRF450R long-term testbike, which I raced for a season and thoroughly enjoyed while achieving some podium results and even some wins in the Pro class in NSW. It was a bike I gelled with well and really enjoyed riding, so I am thrilled to get my hands back on a Honda again. I will admit I was pushing for the CRF450R but as the CRF250R is a new bike I was steered towards it. I am 38-years old and weigh 95kg, so I don’t fit the normal 250 rider demographic, but nevertheless I am going to give the 250 a chance and see how I go with it.
My first impression is that the steering characteristics of the bike are unmatched. The 2025 Honda CRF250R feels like it has a tall seat and footpeg position, as well as a steep steering angle, and this makes the bike steer quickly with minimal effort. The handlebar and levers are comfortable but I am going to get rid of the stock grips as soon as I can and fit a more comfortable set of lock-on grips. The suspension is plush but still feels like it has good hold up even for me at 95kg.
I feel like the standard suspension setup on the CRF250R is better than that on the CRF450R. The power from the CRF250R is obviously softer off the bottom but it revs well. My plan is to do some airbox modifications and fit a GET ECU so I can play around with some mapping and possibly change some gearing to get the CRF250R to pull through the rev range faster, as well as dial in some more torque down low.
For a smaller rider the stock power would suit well but for me being a bigger guy on the 250, I need to get as much punch down low as possible.
I might eventually do some suspension tuning once I get a feel for the CRF on a few different tracks, but for now my main goal is to boost low-down torque to get me moving.
Matt Boyd
2025 HONDA CRF250R
RRP
$13,799
WARRANTY
Xxxx
DISTRIBUTOR
Honda Australia
INTERNET
motorcycles.honda.com.au
SO FAR
TOTAL HOURS: 2
MODS THIS MONTH: None
MODS NEXT MONTH: Grips, GET ECU
