Honda Incorporates Race Team Testing into 2025 CRF250R and CRF450R Line
Honda launched its 2025 CRF250R and CRF450R motocross bikes at the AMA Pro Motocross opener at Fox Raceway, and we got the chance to ask about the development of these machines. New frames, body work and chassis highlight the changes, and Honda is proud that the Honda HRC race team, including current racers Jett and Hunter Lawrence and test rider Trey Canard, had a lot of input on the bikes. Team Manager Lars Lindstrom even told us that the Lawrences and former Honda racer Chase Sexton had a secret test of the new bikes over two years ago in Florida. Lindstrom, who has worked at Honda forever, says he’s never seen a test with factory riders on a prototype bike so early in the process. Tim Gajser also raced a prototype of this bike in MXGP last year.
What was the big goal? Well, the word “comfort” gets thrown around quite a bit when describing a bike, and of course that was an aim for Honda. The brand is touting comfort and stability as a big benefit of the new bikes. It might sound odd, but our test rider Kris Keefer reports that the new Hondas feature more rigid frames, which you would think would lead to a harsher feel and less comfort. When Keefer tested the 2025 CRF250R, Honda told him the old frames would flex too much at times and snap back, which led to that harsh feel. The new bikes are designed to prevent that. What’s also interesting is the race team had already been incorporating components on its 2024 race bikes to try to mimic the feel the ‘25s provide right out of the box.
While testing the bike a few weeks ago, Keefer also learned that the CRF250R, while it doesn’t feature an all-new engine, does have a significantly enhanced power delivery. An all-new air box and more rigid crank make a big difference on low and mid-range power, without any loss on top. Keefer was happy with the way the bike picked up third gear out of corners compared to the 2024, which needed second gear more often.
As for the 450, Keefer got to test it last week at Ironman Raceway and here are his first thoughts on the bike. Honda’s claim of more stability and comfort is a big focus of the evaluation. Not only are these new bikes designed around the wants and needs of the race teams, but also consumer input and even media reviews of the machines. Yes, some media test riders really do know how to test!
What’s also cool is Honda expanding the product line for 2025, as now both the 450 and the 250 will be available in Works Edition (WE) models, using factory touches like an exclusive Yoshimura exhaust, Twin Air filter, Throttle Jockey seat cover, premium DID DirtStar LT-X rims, Kashima and titanium oxide-coated fork, a red cylinder-head cover, and hands-on touches like special cylinder-head porting. The 450RWE models will include a Hinson clutch basket and cover, and the 250RWE gets an exclusive hydraulic clutch like the 450s. This will be the first year the CRF250R is available in a WE model.
Also, Honda off-road racing focused 2025 CRF450RX and CRF250RX get the same updates as the new motocross machines. These bikes, perfect for GNCC, Hare Scrambles of other forms of closed-course off-road racing, get off-road specific features like an 18-inch rear wheel, special ECU settings, handguards, a convenient sidestand, a larger fuel tank and more.
The bikes are rolling into Honda Powersports Dealerships right now. Check them out to see how feedback from around the world helps make a better motorcycle for you.
