Honda CRF250R: the advanced example of the 2022 range [PHOTO]

The renewed Honda CRF250R presents a frame with characteristics that recall the CRF450R, depending on agility and stability. There is greater robustness and an increase in torque at low revs.

The specimen

A series of refinements linked to experience with the CRF450R. It adopts the same chassis introduced in 2021 on the CRF450R, developed by HRC and Tim Gajser, three-time MXGP World Champion.
The advanced Honda CRF250F is characterized by a sporty red graphic. The values ​​of the inclination of the steering head and the trail a are reduced 27,2°/115mm, compared to the previous 27,4°/116 mm. The same goes for the wheelbase 1.477 mm, compared to the previous 1.486 mm.
The height from the ground has increased by 6 mm to 333 mm and the lower triple clamp is now positioned 5,1 mm higher, rising to 927 mm. We note a dry weight of 104 kg, three kilos less than the previous model. Overall, therefore, a weight saving of three kg, changes to the geometry and updates to the suspension, also taking into account a more high-performance engine.
Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the air flow to the radiators has been optimized and the conveyors are developed in a single piece, with a further opening in the underlying part. The refinements also affect the grilles, just as the titanium fuel tank is also redefined with a capacity of 6,3 liters.

2022 HONDA CRF250R

Featuring a stock Renthal Fatbar handlebar, the upper triple clamp includes two mount locations that allow you to move the handlebar forward and backward 26mm. By turning the supports 180 degrees, the handlebar can be moved another 10 mm from the base, offering four riding positions.
The saddle is shortened, lighter and lowered by 10 mm at the rear, making it also easier to remove and refit, as reported. The same maintenance has been simplified with the reduction on each side of the number of bolts with 8 mm heads for fixing the superstructures from 6 to 4.
The side beams are narrower and 700 g lighter, considering the previous example, and the reconfigured subframe weighs 320 g less. The torsional rigidity of the frame remains unchanged, but with lateral rigidity reduced by 20% to support precision, traction and cornering speed.
The upper and lower triple clamps of the fork have been redesigned for greater flexibility, aiming for an increase in sensitivity and cornering speed. The 49mm Showa adjustable coil spring fork was developed starting from the official Showa unit used by Honda teams competing in the Japanese championship. The fork has been calibrated and the travel increased by 5 mm obtaining a total travel of 310 mm with new stiffened feet.
The oil passages of the Showa shock absorber piston are also wider, speeding up the response with improved shock absorption. The spring is developed with a very light steel to allow a weight reduction of 120 g.
The aluminum swingarm includes a new rigidity balance, optimized to fit the frame, with narrower arms and anchor points. The Pro-Link ratio has also been revised with a new system progression.
The new example is 70 mm narrower, calculating 50 mm on the left side and 20 mm on the exhaust side, also taking into account the thinner plastic elements and the removal of the tank cover.
The braking system includes a front brake caliper with two pistons of different diameters, 30 and 27 mm, as well as a 260 mm wave front disc. The one at the rear includes a single-piston caliper with a 240mm disc.
The picture is completed by the DID aluminum rims with a black finish. The standard tyres, designed for soft terrain, are Pirelli MX32 MIDSOFT 80/100-21 at the front and 100/90-19 at the rear.

2022 HONDA CRF250R

Electronic part

The engine stop button, EFI light, EMSB mode button and LED indicator are arranged on the left side of the handlebar.
We note a Honda EMSB (Engine Mode Select Button) engine map selection system. With the bike stopped and at idle, pressing the button for just under a second allows you to select the engine map in ascending sequence. With normal pressure, the LED indicates the map in use based on the number of flashes. At each selection the choice is always confirmed to the pilot with the corresponding number of flashes.
Map 1 Standard uses the default combination for ignition and injection, number 2 Smooth offers a manageable response on low-grip surfaces, therefore number 3 Aggressive is the sportiest.
There is an HRC Launch Control that can be activated by pulling the clutch and pressing the start button. An LED flashes once to indicate the selection of Level 1. By pressing the start button again for at least 5 seconds the LED flashes twice indicating Level 2, the same goes for level 3 with three flashes.
The three modes propose:

Level 3 – 8.250 rpm, muddy / beginner;
Level 2 – 8.500 rpm, dry / amateur;
Level 1 – 9.500 rpm, dry surface / experienced driver.

22YM HONDA CRF250R

Motor

The specimen is equipped with a 249,4cc DOHC. A heart that revs up more rapidly with linear delivery, according to the indications. The torque is more substantial from low revs. In total a 10% increase in power and 15% torque, as indicated.
Several improvements concern the upper part of the engine, given the insertion of the intake camshaft gear by interference. Furthermore, the lubrication system in the camshaft seats has been redefined, the retaining frame is now more rigid with a notable reduction in friction, therefore the intake valves are recalled by a double spring.
Considering the additional heat generated by a more performing engine, modified the fixing angle and the number of elements of the radiating surfaces given a fluid analysis study (CFD), increasing the surface area by 2% and the heat dissipation capacity by 6%. Redefined the shrouds with an increase in air flow inside the radiators.
Moving on to the transmission, resistance has been refined, a softer engagement sensation and the clutch is now equipped with an additional disc, 9 in total, extending the friction surface, as reported. The gears have been changed with the first gear being longer, the second being slightly shortened, the third being longer and the fourth and fifth being shorter.
Finally, a single silencer is indicated compared to the double one of the 2021 model. The appearance is compact, allowing a weight saving of 1,7 kg.

22YM HONDA CRF250R

Proposal

The price of the advanced ones Honda CRF250R e CRF450R it amounts to 9.490 euros and 9.990 euros respectively, VAT included
Thanks to the special "licensing promo", the figure drops in both cases by 500 euros, becoming 8.990 euros for the 250 CRF2022R and 9.490 euros for the 450 CRF2022R. Given that in Italy access to the circuit even for amateurs is linked to possession of a license, the promotion embraces all users who choose a Honda CRF. The professional Honda CRFs are distributed in Italy by Redmoto Srl., as mentioned.

Photo: Honda Motor Europe Ltd. Italy