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Oct 14, 2023

2024 Honda CRF250RX Guide • Total Motorcycle

Based on the championship-winning CRF250R platform, the CRF250RX is tailored for a variety of closed-course off-road applications, from woods racing to off-road grand prix competition, desert racing

Based on the championship-winning CRF250R platform, the CRF250RX is tailored for a variety of closed-course off-road applications, from woods racing to off-road grand prix competition, desert racing and trail riding in legal off-road areas, thanks to application-specific features that provide appropriate suspension performance, power delivery, fuel range, hand protection and convenience. The Phoenix Racing Honda Team and SLR Honda compete aboard the CRF250RX in their respective championships, including GNCC, U.S. Sprint Enduro, WORCS and NGPC.

Let’s dive into the best of both worlds with the 2024 Honda CRF250RX. This exceptional bike combines the thrill of motocross performance with a design specifically tailored for conquering desert races, enduros, and challenging trails. How did we achieve this perfect blend? Well, get ready for a customized experience. We’ve equipped the CRF250RX with its own gearbox ratios, an 18-inch rear wheel, special engine settings, handguards, a convenient sidestand, a larger fuel tank, and much more. Just like its pure-motocross sibling—the CRF250R—the RX version boasts a double-overhead-cam engine, fuel injection, an all-aluminum chassis, and cutting-edge Showa suspension. If power, precision, light weight, and nimble handling are what you seek, get ready to experience the ultimate ride with the 2024 Honda CRF250RX!

HIGH PERFORMANCE HOT SHOTThe CRF250RX is the off-road tool you’ve always wanted. It’s a high-performance trail/enduro hot shot, now with the lightweight chassis of the CRF450RX and more engine torque, built to exploit all the advantages a 250 offers; manoeuvrability and nimble agility.

Honda CRF250RX HIGH PERFORMANCEREADY FOR THE TOUGH STUFF

Ride easier. And faster.The CRF250RX now has the same HRC-developed chassis as the CRF450RX. Its 249.9cc DOHC engine’s legendary top-end power is bolstered by strong mid-range torque and now, even stronger bottom-end drive. But it also has new steering geometry and Showa suspension re-set for use away from the MX track, an 18-inch rear wheel, larger fuel tank, knuckle guards and sidestand. So, when the going gets really tough – or tight and technical – and where bigger bikes become difficult and simply wear you out, this motorcycle shines. Its power delivery keeps you moving forward while the chassis finds all the grip there is. And helps you use it. The CRF250RX makes fast, easy.

PERFORMANCE ADVANTAGELighter. Stronger. Ready for any challenge you have.

Riding off-road is a passion. Your passion. Maybe it’s just at the weekend after a busy work schedule – you, some friends, a destination. The trail might be easy or hard; forest tracks, deep muddy ruts or technical climbs. Maybe it’s all that – and more – in a day. But this is what the new CRF250RX is built for. It finds front and rear grip that will get you through, backed up by an engine that drives hard, everywhere. And because it’s so light, it is so easy to manage, all day. Of course, the features that make it so fun to ride also make it a potent tool in the hands of an enduro racer, amateur or professional. Because when it comes to overcoming obstacles, whatever the terrain, this motorcycle has the pure DNA of the CRF250R. Or, as it’s more commonly known, a performance advantage.

MODEL-SPECIFIC FEATURESCompared to the CRF250R motocrosser, the CRF250RX has the following differences:

ENGINEERINGNINE-PLATE CLUTCH ASSEMBLYThe CRF250RX 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. Plus, the clutch pull is lighter, and you get improved engagement feel.

DOHC ENGINE LAYOUTThe CRF250RX uses a double-overhead-cam (DOHC) engine layout with a unique finger-follower rocker design. Together with the rest of the engine’s architecture (bore and stroke, intake tract, piston, and more), you get more power and a higher redline.

BIG BORE/SHORT STROKEThe CRF250RX’s 79mm bore and short 50.9mm stroke let our engineers create a high-revving engine with plenty of room for large valves. The engine breathes and revs—the two keys to making power in the enduro world.

DOWNDRAFT INTAKE AND EXHAUST LAYOUTThe DOHC cylinder-head design let our engineers straighten out the CRF250RX’s intake and exhaust tracts. The intake is shorter and just about arrow straight, and the exhaust flows more efficiently too. The straighter ports also help boost low-speed and midrange torque as well as throttle response.

SINGLE-MUFFLER EXHAUSTUsing a pressed-alloy design lets us shape the muffler for better rider ergonomics and lighter weight.

SINGLE-PIPE EXHAUSTAlong with the single-muffler exhaust, the CRF250RX naturally uses a single-pipe header. It routes close to the center of the bike, and its light overall construction helps improve weight distribution.

WIDER WATER-PUMP DRIVE GEARSMaking the water-pump drive gear wider gives it more tooth-engagement area for longer component life.

UPGRADED CAM OILINGTo help improve durability, we’ve re-routed the cam’s oil supply, as well as giving the CRF250RX a more rigid cam holder—better roundness and more oil means less friction and wear.

ENGINE MODE SELECT BUTTONThis 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 course conditions.

ENGINE OIL SCAVENGE PUMPDeep in the engine, there’s a special oil scavenge pump that we’ve designed to be especially small and out of the way. While you may never see it, it helps keep the CRF250RX’s overall design compact.

SPECIAL PRIMARY AND TRANSMISSION RATIOSTo handle the fatter midrange power and torque, the CRF250RX gets special primary and transmission ratios. The ratios let our engineers use the same shaft centerlines as the previous design, so the transmission itself remains light and compact.

TWO-LEAD SHIFT DRUMBy changing from three to two lead tracks on the shift drum last year, we improved the shift feel between second and third gears.

GEAR-POSITION ENGINE MAPPINGTalk about smart: The CRF250RX features an ECU with special engine mapping for each gear. You can’t give an inch in this class, so having your engine deliver optimal power for each gear choice is one of the features that separates CRF250RX riders from the rest.

“H” SECTION CRANKLook closely at the CRF250RX’s crankshaft profile and you’ll see its “H” cross-section design. Just like a structural “I” beam in an aircraft wing or a skyscraper, it boosts strength and cuts weight over a conventional crank’s shape—a big deal when you consider this part spins at over 14,000 rpm!

HIGH CAPACITY RESIN FUEL TANKFor longer enduro loops, the CRF250RX features a large resin fuel tank that holds over two gallons.

LITHIUM-ION BATTERYLike the rest of the CRF250RX, the bike’s Lithium-Ion battery is both super light and high performing. In fact, it weighs less than half the weight of a conventional lead-acid battery.

SHARED ENGINE/GEARBOX LUBRICATIONThe 2024 CRF250RX uses a shared engine/transmission oiling design. Combining the two systems shaves weight and helps make the engine more compact, especially when it comes to placing the right-side cam drive and the clutch so close together.

TITANIUM INTAKE AND EXHAUST VALVESLight is right when it comes to a high-revving engine’s reciprocating masses. That’s why the CRF250RX uses titanium intake and exhaust valves with a super-narrow 20.5-degree included valve angle. Ovalized valve springs and long-wearing Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) treated finger rockers complete the package.

TOTAL AIR MANAGEMENTTotal air management means complete attention to how efficiently air gets through the intake, through the head, and out the exhaust. Eliminate losses here, and you make more power everywhere. And the best part: It’s free horsepower—you just need a bike with smart design.

TECHNOLOGYHRC Launch ControlWe’re talking about a special ECU program here: push the button to select the mode, hold the throttle open, release the clutch, and the CRF250RX will do the rest, launching you into the first turn with a big advantage. It turns your bike into a holeshot-seeking machine!

ELECTRIC STARTThe CRF250RX is equipped with an effortless electric starter. Convenient and lightweight, it’s a huge deal if you need to restart a stalled bike in the heat of battle.

PERFORMANCEFUEL INJECTION SYSTEMBy tipping the CRF250RX’s fuel injector back at a 60-degree angle, the injector sprays fuel all the way back to the throttle butterfly. The engine gets a cooler, denser fuel charge for more power and better torque. It’s little details like this that put the CRF250RX up front.

HOLESHOT-WINNING POWERFeel free to hold that throttle open and head for the first turn—the CRF250RX is designed to win that critical holeshot drag race. You’ll also feel the increased low-end to mid-range torque.

BRIDGED-BOX PISTONThe CRF250RX’s bridged-box piston is the final piece to the bike’s engine performance package. The design features a reinforcing structure between the skirts and the wrist-pin bosses that helps enable the CRF250RX’s high redline.

HIGH REDLINEWith our better-breathing DOHC design and the big-bore/short-stroke engine, the CRF250RX’s rev limit is way impressive. The same goes for peak power and peak torque.

HIGH-VOLUME AIRBOX AND AIR CLEANERThe 2024 CRF250RX features an air-cleaner element with plenty of surface area and volume. More air equals more power, especially in the midrange. In addition, we’ve made it easy to service the air filter too.

LARGE-CAPACITY RADIATORA bigger radiator means better cooling, and better cooling means more power, from the start of your ride to the finish. With that in mind, the 2024 CRF250RX features six percent more radiator area than the previous designs.

LARGE-DIAMETER VALVESThe CRF250RX’s valves don’t just have impressive lift, the valves themselves are large-diameter too—33mm intakes and 26mm exhausts. Combined with the high lift, the twin-cam CRF250RX flows a lot more, especially at high revs when you’re wicking it up.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE CAM PROFILESWith input directly from our HRC factory team, we’ve given the CRF250RX cam profiles that help the engine produce better bottom end torque and power while still retaining the CRF250RX’s substantial peak.

THROTTLE BODYWith a 44mm venturi designed to speed up airflow, the CRF250RX’s throttle body really reaps benefits at low engine operating speeds. You get power and snap, right now.

HANDLINGDUNLOP GEOMAX TIRESThe CRF250RX’s Dunlop Geomax tires are specially designed for enduro use. The AT81 tires are spec’d at 90/90-21 for the front and 110/100-18 for the rear. You read that right: the CRF250RX rolls on an 18-inch rear wheel.

SUPERIOR FRAME RIGIDITYGreat handling starts with a superior frame, and that’s one place where the CRF250RX’s chassis puts you out front. First, it’s light. By making the frame’s main spars narrow, we save weight, but more important we make the chassis more responsive by fine-tuning the lateral rigidity. The result is a bike that gets into, around, and out of corners faster.

260mm FRONT BRAKEThe CRF250RX’s large front-brake disc measures a whopping 260mm. You get great brake feel and a pattern that cuts down on weight. Front and rear brake-disc guards are part of the package too.

LOW BATTERY MOUNTINGLocating the battery low in the chassis helps to lower the CRF250RX’s center of gravity—and that always helps overall handling.

LOW REAR SHOCK MOUNTWith its low rear shock mount on the frame, the CRF250RX benefits from both a lower center of gravity (cg) as well as chassis stability.

SHORT SWINGARMThe CRF250RX’s short swingarm helps make it light, and also helps give the bike better rear-wheel traction, and reduces unsprung mass, important considering how much power you have on tap.

SHOWA® SPRING FORKThe 49mm Showa® fork features a conventional spring design that helps increase the CRF250RX’s front-suspension precision, handling and feel. The 39mm piston diameter and 25mm rod diameter guarantee a plush feel and supple action.

REAR SUSPENSIONOur Pro-Link design lets us give the 2024 CRF250RX 12.3 inches of suspension travel, along with a lightweight spring. All resulting in a plush, controlled ride.

SINGLE EXHAUST ROUTINGThe CRF250RX’s single-pipe exhaust is going to get a lot of attention, but another advantage that you might not think of is how it lets you move more freely on the bike. By tucking in unobtrusively, it makes moving around on the bike easier than ever.

TWIN SPAR ALUMINUM FRAMEThe CRF250RX’s latest twin-spar aluminum frame is virtually identical to the CRF450R motocrosser’s except for the lower engine cradle where the engine mounts. It’s the foundation for the 250’s superb handling.

COMFORTHANDGUARDSWhether you’re ripping through Baja or hustling your way through some tight woods, on a bike like the CRF250RX, handguards are a real necessity. That’s why our 2024 bike is equipped with them right from the factory.

LOWER SEAT/NARROWER BODYFine tuning the seat height and narrowing the bodywork makes it easier for you to move around on the bike and help enhance rider comfort.

DETAILED BODYWORK MOUNTINGIt may seem like a small thing, but every second counts when you’re servicing your bike between rides. Fewer bolts mean enhanced serviceability, at the track or in your garage.

“IN MOLD” GRAPHICSWith all the time you’ll be spending in victory circle, you need to look your best. The CRF250RX has you covered. Our “in mold” graphics look great, and stay looking good longer.

REAR SUBFRAMEThe CRF250RX’s subframe uses extruded rear members that produce a 20-percent reduction in weight versus the previous generations. Since that weight comes off the top of the bike, it also contributes to the CRF250RX’s low center of gravity.

SIDESTANDReal enduro bikes need a sidestand, and we’ve given the CRF250RX a great one. We’ve tucked it in even tighter so it’s out of the way on the trail.

SMOOTH STYLINGBlending the CRF250RX’s body panels does more than just make the bike look smooth, fast, and stylish. It also helps you move around on the bike while riding. Nothing wrong with smooth, fast, and stylish, though.

Following one of the most successful AMA Supercross seasons on record, with Team Honda HRC riders Chase Sexton, Hunter Lawrence and Jett Lawrence sweeping all three championships, Honda’s iconic line of CRF Performance and Trail dirt bikes returns for the 2024 model year. Also included in the announcement is the return of the sport-naked CB300R and Pioneer 700 multipurpose side-by-side.

Between the CRF Performance and CRF Trail lineups, Honda offers a wide range of off-road motorcycles that covers nearly every category, from elite-level motocross to family-friendly trail riding. The CRF Performance line includes the CRF450R, CRF450RWE, CRF450R-S, CRF450RX, CRF450X, CRF450RL, CRF250R, CRF250RX and CRF150R, each of which are tailored to push the upper limits in its respective realm of off-road riding and racing. For riders seeking a more relaxed or beginner-friendly experience, the CRF Trail family—including the CRF250F, CRF125F, CRF110F and CRF50F—offer user-friendly design, unmatched reliability, ease of maintenance and hours of fun. In addition to the CRF models, the agile and responsive CB300R brings signature sport-naked styling for 2024, and rounding out the announcement is the middleweight Pioneer 700, a multipurpose side-by-side known for its endless versatility and capability.

“It’s been an unprecedented year for Honda and the CRF Performance line,” said Brandon Wilson, American Honda Manager of Sports & Experiential. “Team Honda HRC has done an incredible job of showcasing just how capable Honda’s dirt bikes are. The knowledge gained from our championship-winning racing efforts trickles down to every model in the lineup, and even to the fun, friendly CRF Trail models, helping owners to make outdoor memories with family and friends.

We’re also pleased to welcome back the CB300R and the Pioneer 700 for 2024. We’re proud to deliver this diverse and capable range of products, offering customers numerous ways to enjoy the outdoors.”

ENGINE / DRIVETRAINThe CRF250RX’s 249cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, double-overhead camshaft four-valve engine design achieves excellent performance and durability. Low rpm torque is maximized through the design of the air intake, valve timing and exhaust port, but strong top-end power is also on tap.

IntakeThe shape of the airbox results in a large capacity, particularly on the clean side of the air filter. The fuel injector’s lean angle is 60 degrees, enabling the spray to reach all the way to the back of the butterfly, and the throttle bore is 44mm. Together these features cool the intake charge, maximizing air-intake efficiency and torque at low revs. The air filter features a spring-loaded clip design for easy serviceability.

HeadThe cylinder head features four titanium valves (33mm intake and 26mm exhaust), with the former using dual springs (one inside the other) to ensure precise movement at higher revs. The intake camshaft sprocket is press-fit, which enhances valve-timing accuracy while minimizing weight.

The camshaft holder has a rigid design that maintains camshaft-journal roundness, contributing to timing accuracy and minimizing friction at high rpm. Durability at high engine speeds is maximized by a high flow of lubrication to the oil-supply journal and the cylinder head. The bore and stroke are 79.0mm and 50.9mm, respectively, and the compression ratio is 13.9:1. The water-pump gear is thick to enhance strength.

ExhaustThe exhaust system utilizes a single straight exhaust port for good torque and low-rpm drivability. The single exhaust header is routed close to the engine on the right side for a narrow cross-section and good rider mobility, and the single muffler has internal baffling that is optimized for torque delivery.

ElectronicsIn order to fully realize the engine’s performance potential, the ECU mapping supplies the optimum air/fuel mixture and ignition timing at all throttle positions and engine speeds. HRC-inspired launch control facilitates holeshots.

ClutchThe clutch pack has nine discs to maximize the amount of disc friction material and minimize the load on the individual discs. The clutch basket is rigid for durability, a friction spring reduces spring load, and lubrication is optimized to reduce wear. The primary ratio is 3.047, and lubrication is optimized to enhance clutch endurance.

TransmissionWhen designing the five-speed gearbox, engineers made efforts to enhance feel when making up- and downshifts between second and third gears—a very common operation on a 250 closed-course off-road bike. Only one shift fork is operated to execute this gear-change, the countershaft has good rigidity, and the shift drum is light thanks to a large through hole and use of only two lead grooves.

CHASSIS / SUSPENSIONThe CRF250RX is known for delivering reliable tracking, precise turning, exemplary straight-line stability and overall rideability, and it has a low overall vehicle weight to facilitate increased maneuverability.

Wheelbase is 58.1 inches, rake is 27.32º, trail is 115mm, the seat height is 37.8 inches, and ground clearance is 13.1 inches.

Frame / SubframeThe lightweight aluminum frame has widely curved main spars with small cross-sections, plus optimized rib placement in the backs of the pivot plates. Longitudinal rigidity is optimized for straight-line stability, while lateral rigidity is optimized to enhance handling feel when cornering.

The subframe features a simple design that doesn’t require a separate seat support, to minimize weight.

SuspensionThe coil-spring Showa fork is a 49mm fully adjustable leading-axle, inverted telescopic design with 12.2 inches of stroke. The upper and lower triple clamps are designed with optimized reinforcement ribs, delivering flex for handling and feel through a corner. Traction and bump-impact performance are excellent as well, and the bike has an agile corner approach, with sharp handling characteristics.

The Pro-Link® rear-suspension system uses a Showa shock absorber with adjusters on the right side. Rear travel is 12.3 inches. An ultra-light steel shock spring is used, and the swingarm is narrow, providing clearance in ruts.

WheelsThe black D.I.D rims (21-inch front, 18-inch rear) deliver durable performance and good looks. Petal-style brake rotors (260mm front, 240mm rear) disperse heat.

The CRF250RX comes with Dunlop Geomax AT81 tires, which offer excellent all-around performance plus high levels of ruggedness for off-road racing.

DESIGNRider-active design is a key feature of the CRF250R. The cross-section is narrow in the middle and at the rear, the seat has a flat layout, and the radiator shroud-side panel junction is smooth. These user-friendly ergonomics permit the rider to easily adjust body position when cornering, accelerating, jumping and braking.

Cooling the CRF250R engine is crucial to maintaining performance and overall durability. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) were used to design air-outlet vents in the shrouds, and the radiator grills optimize the number of fins, as well as their angle. Each radiator shroud is produced in a single piece instead of two separate parts.

The seat base has rearward-facing tongues and front-located mounting tabs, an arrangement that eases installation, and acceleration forces keep the seat securely in place. The 1.7-gallon fuel tank is made of lightweight titanium.

Only 10 fasteners are used to secure all of the main bodywork components—both radiator shrouds, both side plates and the seat—and all of the bolts for the main bodywork parts have 8 mm heads, simplifying maintenance.

The Renthal® Fatbar® handlebar is held by a clamp that can be turned 180º; because the clamp itself has two mounting locations, there are four possible mounting positions for the handlebar, through a range of 26mm.

*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to rideSpecifications subject to change

Engine & DrivetrainEngine type Liquid-cooled single-cylinderDisplacement 249 ccBore & stroke 79 mm x 50.9 mmCompression ratio 13.9:1Valve train DOHC, 4 valvesFuel delivery PGM-FI electronic fuel injection with 44 mm throttle boreTransmission Five-speedFinal drive #520 chain; 13T/50TChassis & SuspensionFront suspension 49 mm fully adjustable leading-axle inverted telescopic Showa® SPG coil-spring fork; 273 mm (10.7 in) travelRear suspension Pro-Link® system; fully adjustable Showa single shock; 313 mm (12.3 in) travelDimensions & Additional InformationTires Front: 90/90 – 21Rear: 110/100 – 18Brakes Front: 260 mm discRear: 240 mm discGround clearance 335 mm (13.2 in)Seat height 964 mm (38 in)Wheelbase 1,477 mm (58.1 in)Curb weight 108 kg (238 lb.)Fuel capacity 8 litresColour Extreme RedWarranty No warranty

Engine

Bore × Stroke (mm) 79mm x 50.9mmCarburation Fuel injectionCompression Ratio 13.9 : 1Engine Displacement (cc) 249.4ccEngine Type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke single DOHCStarter ElectricOil Capacity (Litres) 1.35 litresWheels

Brakes Front 260mm hydraulic wave discBrakes Rear 240mm hydraulic wave discSuspension Front 49mm Showa (Hitachi Astemo, Ltd) coil-spring USD forkSuspension Rear Showa (Hitachi Astemo, Ltd.) Mono shock with Honda Pro-LinkTyres Front Dunlop AT81Tyre Size Front 90/90-21Tyre Size Rear 110/100-18Tyres Rear Dunlop AT81Wheels Front Aluminium spokeWheels Rear Aluminium spokeDimensions and Weights

Caster Angle 27.15°Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) 2,176 x 839 x 1,281mmFrame type Aluminium twin tubeFuel Tank Capacity (Litres) 8.0 litresGround Clearance (mm) 335mmKerb Weight (kg) 108kgSeat Height (mm) 964mmTrail (mm) 114mmWheelbase (mm) 1,477mmTransmission

Clutch Wet multiplateFinal Drive ChainTransmission Type Constant mesh

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).