2026 Honda CRF250R

Notes:

Honda CRF250R Competition Dirt Bike

The Honda CRF250R stacks the deck when it comes to torque and midrange power – especially where you really need it for critical track sections like whoops, managing jumps, or blasting out of deep loam and berms. Honda Racing team riders choose the CRF250R, and it’s a proven winner!

  Engine & Drivetrain

•   Downdraft Intake and Exhaust

  The combination of 79 mm bore and short 50.9 mm stroke produces a high-revving engine with plenty of room for large valves. The engine breathes and revs — the keys to making power. As well, the DOHC cylinder-head design let our engineers straighten out the intake and exhaust tracts to improve power and response. The intake is short and just about arrow straight, and the exhaust flows efficiently too. You'll experience serious power and throttle response.

•   Plenty of Torque

  More torque at low revs means better drive out of corners, so the shape of the piston and connecting rod, as well as valve timing, is optimized for combustion consistency and thereby exhaust efficiency at lower revs. The bridged-box design of the piston uses a reinforcing structure between the skirt and the wrist-pin bosses that helps enable a high redline. Big torque down low, huge power up top. A winning formula.

•   Durable Clutch

  The CRF250R uses a nine-plate design to improve durability and hookup. That means less slip at peak horsepower, better torque transmission through the clutch pack, and greater durability. Clutch pull remains light and engagement is easy to modulate.

•   HSTC

  Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) works to minimize rear wheel spin (thus wasted forward drive) and maximize traction. It doesn’t use a wheel-speed sensor, and, importantly, maintains feel at the throttle while managing power — ignition timing and the PGM-FI system are adjusted when the rate of change of RPM goes over a set amount. With three settings plus off to choose from, you can have your bike dialed no matter how much traction there is.

•   Better Breathing

  To help the CRF250R breathe more freely, engineers redesigned the entire air-intake system. A new airbox, new filter position, and new intake funnel combine to reduce restrictions to airflow. The result? Better throttle control and more consistent power delivery.

•   Exhaust Efficiency

  In combination with its less-restrictive air-intake system, the CRF250R’s exhaust system, designed for straighter airflow, delivers smoother engine operation in the mid- to high-rpm range and more-controllable acceleration.

•   Single Muffler

  The single muffler exhaust uses a pressed-alloy design for better rider ergonomics and lighter weight. The CRF250R naturally uses a single-pipe header. It routes close to the center of the bike, and its light overall construction helps improve weight distribution.

•   HRC Launch Control

  HRC Launch Control: push the button to select the mode, hold the throttle open, release the clutch, and the bike will do the rest, launching you into the first turn with a big advantage.

•   Engine Mode Select (EMS)

  This simple handlebar-mounted button lets you dial in engine power delivery character with a push of your thumb. Choose between Standard, Smooth, and Aggressive, depending on track conditions.

•   ECU Settings

  Our engineers never stop searching for ways to make it easier to go faster. ECU settings combine with the other chassis and powertrain improvements to make the CRF250R an all-around better performer.

  Chassis & Suspension

•   Aluminum Frame

  The CRF250R’s aluminum frame has improve torsional and lateral rigidity in every direction, resulting in more-controlled and predictable handling — particularly in rough conditions.

•   Showa Fork

  To complement the updated frame, the CRF250R also features a Showa fork with significant changes throughout, from the outer tube to the axle. These adjustments improve low-speed damping, reduce friction, and enhance rigidity—delivering better control and quicker lap times.

•   Easier Shock Access

  When you’re riding, you’ll appreciate the revised Pro-Link rear suspension that’s less prone to flexing, and the redesigned shock with smoother action. When you’re wrenching, you’ll love the new ease of access to the rear suspension assembly. Removing the shock used to take about 21 minutes, by our watch, but can now be done in about nine minutes. No more removing the seat, muffler and rear frame.

•   Short Swingarm

  The CRF250R’s short swingarm helps make it light, and also improves rear-wheel traction and reduces unsprung mass — important considering how much power is on tap.

•   Large Front Brake

  The large front-brake disc measures a whopping
  260 mm, giving you superior stopping power while also being easy to modulate.

•   Black Rims

  They may not help you go faster, but the black D.I.D^® rims sure look good.

Additional Features Electric Start

Convenient and lightweight, the electric starter is a huge advantage if you need to restart the engine in the heat of battle. Like the rest of the bike, the lithium-ion battery is both super light and high performing, weighing less than half that of a conventional lead-acid battery.

Cool Running

Another way the CRF250R keeps its cool: a large radiator, with fins that are angled for efficient airflow.