Honda’s CRF250R was a top-end-only machine from 2018–2021, even with revisions to improve low-rpm performance in 2019 and 2020. Then in 2022, Big Red released an all-new platform for its 250F motocross bike that included a heavily revamped fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke 249cc single-cylinder engine. Some updates included a revised piston and connecting rod, single straight exhaust port, intake valves with dual springs (one inside the other), and single-side exhaust system.
Although it made less peak horsepower and torque than the prior-year model, the CRF250R was praised for its much-needed increase of low-rpm grunt. The bike hasn’t received any mechanical changes since 2022, so the same characteristics and similar maximum engine output figures still exist this year. On our in-house Dynojet 250i rear-wheel dynamometer, the 2024 Honda CRF250R pumps out 37.9 hp and 18.0 lb.-ft. of torque.
Related: 2023 Honda CRF250RX Review
“Big Red has always been known for reliable engines, and its CRF250R has improved on power over the years but at a moderate pace,” test rider Michael Wicker said. “It has good throttle response and a nice bark when rpm is up. Of the three usable engine map settings, I prefer map 3 as it broadens overall power and still feels very linear.”
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