'22 CRF250RX vs '22 CRF250R Back to Back on the Woods Loop!

Rode a 2022 Honda CRF250RX vs 2022 Honda CRF250R back to back on a short woods loop. Laptime and thoughts on each bike....
CRF250RX: 2:41
Suspension great for off road (plush with good hold up)
RX off road focused engine mapping: smoother and easy to find traction
RX Map 3 similar to R Map 1 so more aggressive map available
Brakes excellent
Light clutch pull
RX fuel tank extra width not so noticeable while riding
CRF250R: 2:38
Way more aggressive throttle response and power build, especially Map 3
Easy to notice stiffer fork/shock springs and moto suspension setting
Feels lighter and more playful/agile in motion
Free feeling engine with quick rev's and little compressions braking
The RX has a nice off road focused engine and suspension setting. The power is smoother and finds traction in Maps 1/2 while Map 3 is very close to the R Map 1 with more urgent RPM build and throttle response. I also like the softer RX suspension setting. For me the RX suspension on my R would be perfect! Nice to have choices between the R and RX with this all new CRF250 from Honda.

[@Hotgarbage100]

Love the video!!! I'm getting the RX in January can't wait!!!!

[@mxengineer1]

Enjoy your new bike!

[@davidleasterlingjr2038]

I feel honda really did well this year with the rx and r. All brands have pros and cons. Thanks for your experiments!

[@mxengineer1]

Yes the 22 CRF250R/RX are such fun bikes - really a nice improvement in the engine and agile handling. For my riding (light Vet slow moto and woods) the RX suspension setting works much better and wish it came on the R!!!

[@davidleasterlingjr2038]

@@mxengineer1 No kidding. I don't understand why honda wouldn't make the same on both.

[@Turtlefarm]

Currently loving my 2024 250RX

[@scottyfum]

Great videos!! Just found this content. Love it

[@mxengineer1]

Thank you!

[@Theghostcloset]

I'm planning on getting a '23 RX this year, so thank you for the video! I have wanted to see a good comparison like this. Definitely looking forward to riding it, it looks so fun!!

[@mxengineer1]

I prefer the RX suspension setting over the R. I did some light Vet moto on my buddy Rob;s 22 CRF250RX.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4CnY3Sbpc2csLs

[@justinmager7420]

I love my 20233 250Rx

[@mrrandy1]

you got the best job

[@sara24uti97]

Good comparison. Trials + woods rider. Would love the agility and light weight of the R since I'm a smaller rider. However that loop looks pretty smooth mostly. Betting the more chop and trail trash you get, the worse the R is going to feel and the better the RX does. Thinking a revalve + softer springs would be needed for a 63 kg rider like me. How stiff is the front end on these two bikes? How's that mx gearbox in tight woods?

[@mxengineer1]

I prefer the RX suspension setting (even on the MX track). Try the RX stock before you change anything - might work fine with the just the clickers opened up. The RX fork springs are 1or 2 steps lighter and so is the rear shock spring.

[@axd0174]

How does the first - third gear compare between the R and RX? I read that the 2022 RX has revised ratios vs. the 2022 R, but I have never actually seen a review or video that lists what the ratios are. I guess I am thinking about a tighter, single track use case for the RX vs. the R and if it’s been given different enough gearing to make it easier to ride slower. Thanks!

[@mxengineer1]

I am not aware of any differences between the '22 CRF250R/RX in terms of gearing (final or primary). Honda did change gearing on the 22 CRF250R and the RX/R have identical gearbox and final ratio. I did not detect any differences while riding.

[@axd0174]

Got it - thank you! I only ever looked at the Honda site’s “all features” for the 2022 RX (which touts a revised primary and ratio set), but checking the “all features” for the 2022 R, I see the a lot of the same features, to include the transmission revisions.

[@randytidwell5836]

do you think the crf250r with the small tank could get 25 miles out of a tank of fuel riding in woods like you were in?

[@mxengineer1]

I have never tried a distance run on the CRF but my buddy Rob goes on long rides in the mountains on his '22 CRF250R and has no issues with fuel capacity. My guess based on how little fuel my '22 CRF250R uses riding woods and moto it would cover 25 miles of trail riding.

[@I53-624]

Do all year 250r bikes have different maps? I’m looking into getting one for messing around on trails with and can’t decide on the x or r

[@mxengineer1]

Yes both R/RX have a choice of (3) engine maps: Map 1 is standard, Map 2 is mild, Map 3 is aggressive. My understanding (which I felt while riding both back to back) is Map 3 (aggressive) on the RX is basically Map 1 (standard) from the R. 250F's are very controllable and smooth so for me I prefer the R mapping with the more aggressive Map 3 and the RX suspension setting (more comfort). If you want to ride trails the RX offers a more off road suspension setting plus it has an o-ring chain and kick stand too along with more fuel capacity and it is plenty fast - especially in Map 3.

[@TopshelfJunior]

First of all, ALL THAT LAND !!! Wow !!!

[@mxengineer1]

My buddy has a very cool place to ride

[@SusanMcClary-jn8cu]

if i got a 250r i dont race much only ride at tracks with friends once ina while so would it be ok to have a 250r and only ride it in big feilds and trails or would it burn the clutch out and mess the bike up? PLEASE RESMOND

[@mxengineer1]

It really depends on you as the rider. If you are slipping the clutch excessively you can wear out the clutch plates quickly. Also CRF250R is a race bike so it can over heat if you let it idle very long (like over a minute) or ride too slow - the R needs to keep moving so air flows over the radiators. Perhaps ask some friends that are experience riders to ride with you and let them see how you ride the bike and how the bike works for you.

[@haidyn-h-6660]

And should I get a yz250f or a crf250 for racing and a little bit of trail riding?

[@henrycipher6228]

Crf250r

[@mxengineer1]

Both are great bikes! The CRF has almost 125 2-stroke like agility and great cornering while the YZ250F engine can feel like a mini 450 and the KYB suspension works amazing. You will not go wrong with either bike

[@ayoedgar]

Has kickstand on the rx, but uses tree still instead🤣

[@hanexio]

😂

[@chickentuber]

What torque setting do you recommend on the engine mounts? Thanks for posting.👍

[@mxengineer1]

It is always best to follow the manufacturer's recommended torque settings. To see if I could get a little more comfort out of the chassis for slow off road riding I followed the values Kris Keefer posted in his test of the '21 CRF450R since the 22 CRF250R uses and identical chassis....the values can be found here...www.keeferinctesting.com/motocross-testing/2021/3/30/mods-that-will-make-you-love-your-2021-honda-crf450r-more

[@kellyrussell4760]

Hi Colby Russell 😀🐱🐱😺

[@fireant5225]

So if I am making the transition from a 450 to a 250 it seems like I should be able to get the R and just rework the suspension . Not that I’m getting rid of my 450. I just want some thing that is lighter and better for tight trail riding while sacrificing as little power as possible.

[@mxengineer1]

Both will work for you. The RX comes with a more trail oriented suspension (I prefer that setting over the R for slow Vet moto speed and off road riding). The R has the better ergos with the moto fuel tank - much thinner than the muffin top RX fuel tank. If you have a local tuner get the R and dial in the suspension (mostly the forks).

[@eddietolbert5308]

If you want lighter and not sacrifice power look at a ktm 350

[@jaredmckenzie7821]

Anyone interested in buying a 2019 foreman 500 in Mississippi?

[@harilrains]

Man I am dying to get my Rx

[@mxengineer1]

Enjoy your new RX and hope it shows up soon!

[@haidyn-h-6660]

What the watch you have on for

[@budzilla6168]

Lap time

[@mxengineer1]

Timex Ironman watch...works great!

[@jeffsolodky1194]

Have you tried the crf450r or rx in the woods?

[@mxengineer1]

Yes I rode a 21 CRF450RX at a few different locations. For me the 450RX is a beast in the woods. The suspension setting is quite good for off road and the engine can be tamed down a little (Map 2 with TC turned up to 3). The handling and steering is quick but that cannot hide the inertia and weight and the power as mentioned is very strong. I find the KTM 450SXF dialed back to be the easiest 450 to ride in the woods. Here is my CRF450RX woods ride video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWqpoamDj9iNbqM And my 21 CRF450RX and 21 KTM 450FE back to back video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmGVoGCdjtOZhKc

[@jeffsolodky1194]

@@mxengineer1 so which would you recommend or prefer the 250rx or 450rx for woods/trail riding?

[@jeffsolodky1194]

Reason I'm asking is I'm buying a new crf and I don't want to regret buying a 250rx.

[@mxengineer1]

@@jeffsolodky1194 For me the 250RX is much lighter and way more agile and still has plenty of power for woods riding. Big open trails you might enjoy the 450RX a bit more if you like power.

[@mxengineer1]

@@jeffsolodky1194 If you are into power the 450RX won't disappoint. I talk about Power/Weight/Handling - every bike is a combination of those traits. Rank those traits in order of importance for you....if power is #1 then perhaps the 450RX is best. If you really enjoy handling and light weight the 250RX wins hands down. But considering all those factors for woods riding the 250RX wins for me! Enjoy your new Honda CRF RX...both are great bikes!

[@tenmileoutdoors2184]

You have a favorite 250 4t offroad bike?

[@mxengineer1]

It was the 21/22 YZ250F and then I spent some time on a '21 Gas Gas EX250F the other week and that bike simply worked - so comfortable and easy to ride and plenty of power and it turned a fast lap time on my old school GP track than me '22 CRF250R! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIaYhaqKZc2VbdE

[@tenmileoutdoors2184]

@@mxengineer1 thats good to hear! Ive been torn between the gas gas and yzfx! You comparison videos are great btw!

[@mxengineer1]

@@tenmileoutdoors2184 Thanks! They are a great way to really get a feel for the different characteristics of each bike...and laptimes add another metric to compare!

[@chrisrieger9201]

Did you do a match between the 2022wr250f and crf250rx??

[@mxengineer1]

Not yet - I don't have any friends with a '22 WR250F. I have done a lot of '22 YZ250F back to back rides.

[@gricasmoto3745]

Im pretty sure its the same suspension, the settings is just different. If you look at your maintenance book it will tell you how many clicks to go to rx or r settings

[@mxengineer1]

Yes the general forks and shock are the same between the R and RX. However the spring rates are 1-step lower on the '22 CRF250RX compared to the R model and the valving in the forks and shocks is a little different. I like the more compliant feel of the RX suspension between these models.

[@PennsylvaniaDualSport]

I’d kill for trail like that. This whole state is filled with rocks. They’re like rabbits. All they do is bang and make more! They’re everywhere! No fast and flowy here. That being said - considering this as a woods bike to replace my beta 300

[@mxengineer1]

Yes plenty of rocks on the trails I've ridden in Pennsylvania! You may miss the 6-speed wide ratio transmission on the Beta 300 during dual sport rides as the CRF250RX (and R) only have a moto focused 5-speed transmissions (not really an issue for tight trail riding).

[@davidleasterlingjr2038]

It seems to lug well thru the woods

[@mxengineer1]

Yes both bikes have very good low RPM manners and are fun to ride in the tight stuff

[@TheStephenspann27]

I don’t have personal experience but what I’ve read is that the old unicam motor had better low ends power. It didn’t have e start though :(

[@davidleasterlingjr2038]

I put a vortex on mine. Changed everything. I'm pretty sure the 22 has dual cam. Old was single

[@davidleasterlingjr2038]

Constantly had to adjust the valves. It was a pain

[@jasonscott5043]

You were more aggressive on the R so it’s not surprising that the time was better.

[@mxengineer1]

I try to ride both with similar effort but perhaps since the R belonged to me I was a bit less cautious on it? Never fun to crash a bike that belongs to a friend! I much prefer the RX suspension setting

[@jamesking4225]

Shouldn’t you compare them both on the same map, you know apples to apples.

[@mxengineer1]

My understanding is the RX base maps are a little softer/smoother in response though Map 3 (aggressive) is pretty close to the R Map 1. In this case I chose the base Map1 on the RX (that is the Map Honda thinks works best overall) to the dialed back (smoother) Map 2 on the R. Having ridden both bikes back to back many times I don't think there is enough difference to really effect the outcome.

[@Turtlefarm]

Love my 2024 250Rx Fun tip… THESE BIKES HAVE THE EXACT SAME ENGINE AND TRANS!!!! If you think the r was more powerful it’s all in your head…. Haha😂

[@mxengineer1]

Yes the R/RX have the same hardware but there is a mapping difference. The RX base and soft maps are a little different (smoother) than the base and soft maps on the R. The RX aggressive map is similar to the R base map. I really like the suspension setting on the 250RX - wish it came on the R model.