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2011 Honda CRF25OR
Honda's (Lites) Class Act
ALREADY A PROVEN WINner in Cycle World's 2010 Lites-class shoot-out, the Honda CRF25OR continues to evolve. Not in need of major revisions, it received a few key changes, which refined the package that got a major makeover just a year earlier. Updates include a redesigned muffler, revised engine tuning, an updated steering damper and new suspension valving.
Engine changes don’t affect the power output all that much but help immensely when it comes to how it is delivered, even with the quieter, morerestrictive muffler that reduces sound output to 94 dB. The engine is more responsive off the bottom and has a stronger midrange that keeps the power building all through the rev range. The biggest benefit is that it is now way easier to clear jumps with short run-ups from the inside line. Typical of a 250 four-stroke, the CRF is still not spared the clutch abuse from a rider fanning it in an attempt to squeeze every ounce of power out of the engine. Clutch fade could be an issue after a hard 30-minute moto.
Predictable handling is the CRF250R’s best trait. Revised suspension valving on the front and rear Showa units provides better balance, more bottoming resistance and improved overall action—not that we ever complained about harsh bottoming on the previous model.
High-speed stability is another area that was addressed, and the twitchy behavior we reported last year is gone. In addition to suspension valving changes, the stability improvement can be attributed to the new Honda Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD). It has a larger piston, increased from 20 to 24mm, which helps improve tracking. Clicker changes are easy to feel, yet the damper never makes the steering heavy when it’s working its magic.
You have to put the 25 OR under a microscope to find a flaw, but I do have one complaint, and I’m going to harp on it: The front brake isn’t up to the level of the rest of the bike. As a matter of fact, it is the worst amongst the Japanese MXers. It doesn’t have the progressive feel I like or enough stopping power. Luckily, the CRF is the lightest 250 on the market, taking some responsibility away from the front brake, but a better system would be a useful improvement.
So, although Honda didn’t make many changes to the CRF250R (including leaving the price at $7199), the ones that were made are notable. Precise steering, sweet handling, excellent suspension, good engine performance and a slick-shifting transmission all add up to a Lites-class motocrosser that inspires rider confidence.
Ryan Dudek
