Honda CRF250R 2022 — Specifications

What drives Honda to reshuffle the deck in the fiercely contested 250 motocross segment? The answer comes down to one name: Tim Gajser. The two-time MXGP world champion validated the CRF 450 R 2021 platform on the world stage, and HRC engineers decided to pass the benefits down to the little sister. The Honda CRF250R 2022 thus inherits the chassis proven at the highest level, and this lineage shows in every detail. We're not talking about a simple cosmetic refresh with a new red livery. This is a thorough overhaul, from the aluminum twin-spar frame to the exhaust system, including the gearbox. Against the Yamaha YZ250F and the KTM 250 SX-F, Honda is clearly playing the accessibility and efficiency card rather than the raw power one. A clever positioning, but one that comes at a price: 9,399 euros.

The 249.4 cc single-cylinder four-stroke retains its bore and stroke dimensions of 79 x 50.9 mm along with its 13.9:1 compression ratio, but all the internal work has been revised. The Honda CRF250R is not a two-stroke, contrary to what some might assume upon hearing "250 motocross." It is indeed a four-stroke, with its 46 horsepower and an engine character designed to be usable. The announced gains speak for themselves: up to 10% more power and 15% more torque across the entire rev range. Honda reworked the intake ports, enlarged the airbox by 78%, changed the injector angle, and replaced the dual exhaust with a single system that saves 1.7 kg. The result is an engine that delivers its torque lower in the rev range and allows riders to string corners together without constantly juggling the 5-speed gearbox selector. Top speed sits around 120 km/h, or roughly 75 mph, a figure comparable to the YZ250F.

On the chassis side, the weight reduction is impressive. The frame sheds 700 grams thanks to slimmer spars, the redesigned subframe saves an additional 320 grams, and it all adds up to a dry weight of 104 kg — 3 kg less than the previous model year. Lateral rigidity has been reduced by 20% to improve agility through corners, while torsional rigidity remains unchanged. The shortened wheelbase of 1,477 mm and the tighter steering geometry with a 27.2-degree rake angle make the machine sharper when tipping into turns. The 49 mm Showa inverted fork with coil springs borrows technology from the factory kit supplied to official teams in the Japanese championship. The Pro-Link rear shock benefits from wider shim stacks and a lighter steel spring. Seat height climbs to 955 mm, which reserves it for medium to tall riders, and the generous 328 mm ground clearance swallows rough terrain without flinching.

The onboard electronics, often an afterthought on a motocross bike, take on a genuinely practical dimension here. HRC's Launch Control offers three start modes calibrated between 8,250 and 9,500 rpm depending on rider skill level and track conditions. The EMSB engine map selector provides three engine settings, from mildest to most aggressive, accessible from the stock-fitted Renthal Fatbar handlebar. A gear position sensor even adjusts the ignition maps based on the selected gear. For a beginner or intermediate rider, these aids represent a real safety net. The clutch, reinforced with an additional friction plate, requires 4% less lever effort — a detail that matters after thirty minutes of racing.

Should you go for this Honda CRF250R 2022 over the competition? If you're looking for the easiest 250 motocross bike to pick up and the most confidence-inspiring in a pack, the answer is yes. The difference between the CRF250R and the CRF250F, its trail cousin, comes down to precisely that: the R is a pure competition machine with adjustable suspension, an aluminum chassis, and race-spec electronics. The developments made from the CRF250R 2008 through to the 2023, 2024, and 2025 versions follow this same philosophy of progressive refinement. The price remains steep compared to some European rivals, and expert riders craving raw thrills may turn to the KTM or Husqvarna instead. But for the weekend warrior and the regional-level racer looking to improve without fighting their own machine, this Honda remains a proven choice on the starting gate.