My time with the Honda CRF250R has come to an end – and it’s been a blast. The six months flew by quicker than I’d hoped, but I managed to get in some solid seat time. I kept the mods to a minimum. If I were racing it, I’d definitely upgrade the suspension with stiffer springs and a revalve, but for the kind of casual riding I did, the plush stock setup was just fine. Most of my time on the CRF was spent chasing my kids around, and the bike’s light weight made it perfect for that. It’s a nimble machine that’s easy to throw around, and the electric start made life even easier.
The foundations of the CRF250R are rock solid. The chassis is super nimble, making it easy to tip into corners, and the overall ergonomics are comfortable and well laid out. One of the first things I did was ditch the stock grips – they’re hard and uncomfortable – and fit a more comfortable set. The brakes deserve a special mention. In fact, I’d rate them as some of the best I’ve ever used on a production bike. The front brake, in particular, is seriously powerful, something that really stands out when you’re jumping between different brands.
The CRF’s power delivery is smooth and manageable, but it does feel a bit underdone compared to some of its rivals. That’s where I focused most of my attention. I started by removing the backfire screen and opening up the intake to help the engine breathe better. Then I fitted a GET ECU with a second injector in the airbox, which kicks in at higher revs. This made a big difference, giving the CRF a noticeable surge up top – a welcome boost for a heavier rider like me at 95kg. I would’ve liked to take it a step further with an aftermarket exhaust, as the stock pipe is quite restrictive, but I didn’t get the chance to make that upgrade.
When it came to maintenance, I stayed on top of the basics. I cleaned and reoiled the air filter after every ride – rotating through a few pre-oiled filters so I could swap in a fresh one straight away without leaving the bike exposed while a filter dried. I changed the oil and oil filter every five hours. During the first oil change I noticed some metal flecks, which is typical during the run-in period, but after that the oil and filter always came out clean. I checked the valve clearances once the engine had bedded in, but they never drifted out of spec, so no adjustment was needed. I also had to tension the spokes after the first ride, but they held firm from then on.
The CRF250R didn’t put a foot wrong during my time with it. Aside from the odd tip-over, I avoided any big offs and kept it clean and well serviced. At 95kg, I’m not your typical 250 rider – I’d usually lean toward a 450 – but even so, I had a lot of fun on the CRF, especially after fitting the GET ECU and second injector to give it a bit more punch. In terms of handling, it’s hard to fault. The CRF steers brilliantly, and the brakes are simply phenomenal. Overall, the CRF250R is a well-rounded, fun-to-ride bike that handles exceptionally well. If sharp cornering and great chassis feel are high on your list, this is your bike. I would’ve loved more time to explore the potential of the engine and suspension, but our time together is up – and it’s on to the next project.
Mat Boyd
