2025 Honda CRF250RX Technical Overview

The 2025 Honda CRF250RX received the same chassis, suspension, and engine updates as its motocross counterpart, the CRF250R. Honda’s focus was on stability, comfort, and power delivery. The CRF250RX is the same as the CRF250R with the expected added off-road features.

Looking at the 2025 CRF250RX, you might think it’s not that different from previous years, but its frame, subframe, swingarm, linkage, triple clamps, and shock are all-new. Most of the main bodywork has also been updated, including the airbox. If you’re upgrading from a later model (2022–2024) CRF250RX, you can carry over the gas tank and seat.

The CRF250RX uses the same high-revving fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC 249cc four-stroke powerplant as the CRF250R. Internally, it gets an enhanced crankshaft for power and durability. All four valves are titanium, with 33mm intake and 26mm exhaust diameters. It has a 13.9:1 compression ratio, and is connected to the five-speed gearbox via a nine-plate cable-actuated clutch. It drives the rear wheel with a 13/50 final drive gearing.

The updated exhaust is designed with a straighter path for airflow to increase performance and acceleration in the middle and high rpm ranges. The muffler does not have any type of spark arrestor as this is a closed-course competition model.

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The new subframe allows the airbox to provide a straighter pathway for airflow. The new airbox has a large opening, making it easy to remove and reinstall the air filter correctly. The airbox now has a straighter airflow, which generally results in increased power and a smoother delivery.

The CRF250RX features three rider-selectable EFI/ignition maps via the Engine Mode Select Button (EMSB). Map 1 is standard, map 2 is smooth, and map 3 is aggressive. The ECU also reads gear position via a gear position sensor, adjusting the maps for first and second gears, third and fourth gears, and fifth gear. Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) has three levels as well. Plus there’s HRC Launch Control, which is activated via the engine starter button to help you get the holeshot once the engine is running. All of the map options are specifically designed for the CRF250RX and off-road racing.

The new subframe mounting point is designed to optimize lateral rigidity and reduce energy transmission from the rear of the bike to the front. Shock tower has been relocated to improve intake airflow, meaning the 2025 CRF250RX uses a new shock body.

Related: 2025 Honda CRF450RX First Ride Review

Honda revised the triple clamps, steering stem, outer fork tubes, and front axle to match the frame’s rigidity. The Showa 49mm closed-cartridge coil-spring fork has new internal components, including springs, kit-fork-inspired bending control valves, seals, and oil.

Looking closely, you can see the CRF250RX has a new front axle design in 2025. It now uses a bolt that screws into the axle to pull and center the front wheel compared to the previous design that used a nut on the end of the axle.

The good news is that if you’re a serious racer with an oversize fuel tank on your 2022–2024 CRF250RX, it will fit the 2025 model.

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