New Honda CRF250R, CRF250RX for 2022

2022 Honda CRF250R. Photo: Honda

Honda’s just announced an updated CRF250R MX bike for 2022, with an accompanying CRF250RX cross-country version.

Big Red’s presser tells us the “all-new” CRF250R is “Lighter, Faster Stronger.” So what’s new?

The release doesn’t get too far into the deets. We’re told the redesigned engine now has a wider powerband, the 250 engine keeping its high-rpm muscle while picking up more low-rpm grunt. Honda modified the intake and exhaust system (straightened exhaust port with single header/muffler), revised the valve timing, and ended up with 20 percent more power at 6,5000 rpm. Decent.There’s a new, lighter exhaust, and the engine is suppose to be more durable. The clutch, cooling system, and driveline were all tweaked, too.

Honda also tells us the chassis is … updated, with improved ergos. It’s supposed to have “optimized flex characteristics” now, borrowing heavily from Honda’s 450 MXer. No real explanation of what the designers did, but Honda assures us the 250 still handles well, and it’s 3 kg lighter.

The Honda CRF250RX, gets the same updates, with a few differences for its intended use in cross-country racing. The RX model gets a resin 7.9-litre fuel tank, handguards, an 18-inch rear wheel, and suspension and ECU settings optimized for cross-country racing.

Both the MX and cross-country bikes will be available in Canada in coming weeks. The CRF250R will have a $9,999 MSRP, the CRF250RX will have a $10,999 MSRP. Look for them at your local dealer in August. More info in Honda’s press release below:

Press release

All-New Honda CRF250R is Lighter, Faster, Stronger for 2022

Also announced: 2022 CRF250RX, featuring all-new engine and chassis

Markham, ON. July 30, 2021 – The bike raced by Team Honda HRC riders Jett and Hunter Lawrence, the CRF250R, has been completely redesigned for 2022. The new model features a host of engine and chassis changes leading to increased power, reduced weight and improved reliability making it more competitive than ever.

Since its 2004 introduction, the CRF250R has amassed nine Regional AMA 250SX Supercross titles, including the (2019 and ’20 East Region crowns), plus two AMA 250MX Championships. Phoenix Racing has also won the last three AMA Arenacross titles with the CRF250R, with Kyle Peters going undefeated during the 2021 season.

Nonetheless, Honda engineers weren’t interested in letting the model rest on its laurels for 2022, as they introduced a host of updates that raise the bar for usable power, impeccable handling and robust durability, by boosting engine performance, increasing toughness and cutting weight. The redesigned engine produces more low-rpm torque without sacrificing usable top-end power, resulting in a broader powerband.

Chassis updates delivered significant weight savings and improved ergonomics while preserving the model’s renowned handling prowess. A redesigned exhaust system and additional lightened components resulted in a substantial reduction of 3 kg, for a 104 kg vehicle curb weight. In addition, durability was improved by thoroughly reexamining the engine, its cooling system and the drive components, while notable improvements were also made to the clutch.

Each of the CRF250R’s updates are transferred to the 2022 CRF250RX, whose closed-course, off-road realm is the ideal application for the increased low-end power. The CRF250RX has model-specific features to provide appropriate suspension performance, power delivery, fuel range, hand protection and convenience, making it an appropriate machine for SLR Honda rider Tallon LaFountaine (the reigning AMA NGPC Pro 250 Champion), JCR Honda’s Tarah Gieger and Phoenix Racing Honda GNCC riders Ruy Barbosa and Cody Barnes.

While the focus is on the new 2022 CRF250R and CRF250RX, Honda also announced the return of the CRF150R and CRF150R Expert, as well as the hugely popular full CRF Trail lineup—the CRF250F, CRF125F and CRF125F Big Wheel, CRF110F and CRF50F.

2022 Honda CRF250R

In order to achieve the design goals of increased power and improved durability, the CRF250R’s 249cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, double-overhead camshaft four-valve engine is significantly updated, boosting low rpm torque is through modification of the air intake, revised valve timing and a straightened exhaust port with single exhaust header and muffler. Together, the changes deliver a 20% increase in power at 6,500 rpm, while still strong top-end power is retained. Meanwhile, the chassis—already exemplary on the previous generation—borrows heavily from that of the latest-generation CRF450R, resulting in reduced vehicle weight. The redesigned frame has optimized flex characteristics, whereas the modern bodywork facilitates rider movement and is more easily removed. The combination results in reliable tracking, precise turning, exemplary straight-line stability and overall rideability, thanks in part to a 3 kg  lighter vehicle weight.

2022 Honda CRF250RX

For 2022, this bona fide closed-course off-road weapon is new, with the same upgrades as the motocross-focused CRF250R. Those changes, which result in reduced weight, increased low-end power and better durability, are particularly well suited to closed-course off-road series such as the NGPC, GNCC and WORCS—the realms of top teams like SLR Honda, JCR Honda and Phoenix Racing Honda. Making the bike even better suited for those applications, the CRF250RX comes standard with model-specific features such as a resin 7.9 litre fuel tank, dedicated suspension and ECU settings, an 18-inch rear wheel and plastic hand guards.

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