5 Things I HATE about the CRF250F - Honda's Beginner Trail Dirt Bike

As much as I praise Honda's entry into the beginner trail bike class, the CRF250F on this channel, I have some gripes about it. Today I'll share 5 things I hate about the Honda CRF250F and explain why. Don't get me wrong, the CRF250F is a fantastic beginner motorcycle, but after owning it for a few months and putting quite a bit of seat time on this dirt bike, there are some things that left me scratching my head. From the CRF250F's lackluster suspension to the way this beginner trail bike from Honda was named, I'll explain all the problems I have with the Honda CRF250F.
Check out the companion video: • 5 Things I LOVE about ...
Thinking about purchasing the CRF250F? Dive into this video for valuable insights before making your decision! • 2024 Honda CRF250F Rev...
Wondering how the CRF250F performs on the motocross track? Watch to find out: • CRF250F Motocross Test...
See how the CRF250F performs on the trail: • CRF250F Trail Riding a...
Explore more videos in my 2024 Honda CRF250F playlist to learn all about this trail-blazing machine: • 2024 Honda CRF250F
I debunk a common misconception about the Honda CRF250F: • You've got it all wron...
Is the CRF250F the right size for you? • is the CRF250F right f...
Are you a beginner and looking to improve your dirt bike riding? Check out these videos:
• How to Ride a Dirt Bik...
• Beginner Dirt Bike Pra...
Curious about other bikes? Check out my first impressions of the 2024 Yamaha YZ250X • 2024 Yamaha YZ250X FIR... and the Suzuki DRZ400SM • MY NEW BIKE! - Suzuki ... where I even share a thrilling crash moment! • i crashed my brand new...
Get ready for Two-Stroke Thrills! | Trail Adventures on Yamaha YZ125 & YZ250X: • The YZ125 is BACK! [Ya...
Plus, enjoy some exciting trail rides with my buddy on his YZ250X:
• DIRT BIKES VS SNOW (En...
• Ultimate Dirt Bike Tra...
• The story of tree punc...
Vintage motorcycle enthusiast? Don't miss the throwback charm of the 1972 Yamaha LT100: • Teaching My Girlfriend...
And if you enjoy the content and want to support the channel, consider joining our Patreon community. / soupmoto
Get ready to rev up your excitement with the 2024 Honda CRF250F - subscribe now for more thrilling motorcycle adventures!
SoupMoto

[@tarab6711]

good luck on the 1000 subs goal!

[@notsoupmoto]

Thanks so much for the donation! I'm super excited to continue building this awesome community and sharing the knowledge to help people get into this hobby!

[@DaniGerman1499]

Just got one and I gotta say I’m blown away with how well it handles in thick, sandy areas. I live in the desert and man I’m so impressed. I just plow through everything. I’ve had no issues with the suspension or anything. I’m 6’3 200lbs and I’ve never bottomed out.

[@notsoupmoto]

That’s great to hear! I’m also very pleased with it. The only time I’ve had the suspension bottom out was when I hit things it was definitely not designed to go over like big drops, jumps, or steep ravines.

[@christiantait7634]

good stuff on 1K. thinking about getting this bike as a beginner, looks like a blast. just liked and subscribed. keep up the good content man!

[@notsoupmoto]

Appreciate that! It's definitely a great bike for beginners. that's for sure. hope you enjoy if you end up getting one!

[@dirtydave2691]

Bought mine a year ago. It is a blast. I put BBR fork springs in, wider footpegs, hand guards and engine guard/skid plate. My other bike is a YZ250FX and though it's light years ahead of my Honda in performance the CRF is just so much fun to ride.

[@notsoupmoto]

@@dirtydave2691 never ridden the FX but got to try out my buddy's yz250x and loved it! I think my next purchase will be a dedicated woods bike but we shall see. Until then looking to do some things to the crf. Headlight etc

[@RobboRobinson]

If you like the engine characteristics but want more bike. I have just bought a new GPX FSE 250e. It has virtually the same engine as the CRF250F and the chassis of a full size bike with PDS suspension plus fuel injection 6 Spd box. It weighs in at 113Kg. £5K UK or $4.7k US you need to check it out. I'll be bringing some content soon.

[@notsoupmoto]

Sounds neat Thanks for the comment

[@rubennn_t]

Picking mine up tomorrow after being persuaded to buy one as my first bike because of your vids. Putting a headlight from baja designs as my first mod

[@notsoupmoto]

Hope you enjoy it!! Just heard about the Baja designs light today. Gonna have to pick myself up one

[@Maxsmotoshop]

I’m going to stick with my previous comment. I have slow donkey with no suspension could not be more reliable, but a great bike force value.

[@notsoupmoto]

Couldn’t agree more

[@christophervillarreal8565]

Throw some BBR springs (nothing more expensive it isn’t worth it I’ve been there!) and throw in a remapping and a big bore if you really need it but if you check out some of these Brazilians they race full blown motocross and supercross on it and the bike shreds.

[@SeanCunningham-qj6fh]

Ya I don't understand why they didn't put a kick start on it I love kick start bike

[@notsoupmoto]

It’s so weird. They did both on the 125F and it’s already heavy af so idk

[@timstricklin3147]

Just put me a headlight on mine yesterday and it's working great so far. Kinda a cheap mounting system cause I went with one of the first ones I found on Amazon in a hurry. But yeah it's damn heavy. I bought a ttr125l rode it for a couple of weeks and could throw it around no problem and decided I need to go up a size. Got the crf250f and was like damn I ain't just gunna throw this bike around. Maybe throw my damn back out. 😂

[@notsoupmoto]

😂 yeah not as light and nimble hahah

[@GraceAyres-cn4xl]

Hey im 5’5-5’6 do you think i would be a good fit? Im a beginner so im not sure and how do you think my feet would be on the ground. Or do you think a different bike recommendation?

[@notsoupmoto]

Thanks for reaching out! The crf250f is a great bike for beginners to learn on. My gf is around the same height and she can touch both feet perfectly on the bike. Check out my video on crf250f sizing for some more info: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4exZGeBetOmprM

[@DUNEATV]

I just ordered the headlight tail light kit from hyper light Moto

[@notsoupmoto]

I will have to check that out! Definitely going to be my next mod. I just recently got hand guards lol

[@Rexschinese2fiddy]

Hey just want to let you know in Australia our 250f is a little lighter and we have a headlight stock but the bars and levers are really weak

[@notsoupmoto]

I’ve been hearing this about the headlight! So annoying they didn’t do it with the US model 😑

[@DaniGerman1499]

The Kawasaki 300r was my next choice and I still might get that bike next

[@notsoupmoto]

Nice!

[@NoahTaylor-qf8zu]

Im from Australia and on the Australia spec crf250f they have headlights which is cool

[@notsoupmoto]

That’s wild. Wish they would have done it in the US

[@Zack-oh8cy]

Subbed. You rock man. Keep the content coming. Getting my 250f in a few months. Waiting for the 2025's to land at the dealers.

[@notsoupmoto]

glad you're enjoying!! thanks for the sub also :) hope you like the new bike when you get it

[@sportclips8027]

in Aus the crf250f comes stock with a headlight idk why they didn’t do it in the USA

[@notsoupmoto]

that's wild! i didn't know that

[@Vanya-k9r]

Hello, I see you like both the CRF250f & YZ125. I understand that it’s like comparing chalk & cheese. However, the question is what do you have more “fun” on? Reason for my question is I’ve got a KTM 300, but looking for a “play” bike. Be interested in your thoughts on this. Thanks.

[@notsoupmoto]

The fun factor changes based on where you’re at in your riding journey. There was a time when I was having an absolute blast on the yz125 riding super loamy moto tracks and just melting the thing. Also there was a time when the 4 stroke motocross bikes were super fun for me like my yz250f or the various 450’s I’ve gotten the chance to ride. They were enjoyable because they were novel to me as I had much more experience on 2 stroke race bikes at that point so the 4 stroke race bikes kind of blew my mind. I took a bit of a break from riding for a while but got back into it this past year and haven’t really touched a moto track or jumps at all. For that reason I’ve definitely gravitated more towards the crf250f as a “play bike” and have had much more fun on it, wanting to ride it more and all that. Point is, the bike you’ll have the most fun on depends on what type of riding you wanna do and it will probably change as well. If you’re looking for a “play” bike, something to putt around on and, then the crf250f is pretty awesome for that. Side note, how do you like the ktm 300? Haven’t gotten the chance to ride one yet but I’d love to!

[@Vanya-k9r]

Hello again from Australia. Thanks for your response & thoughts. Your clips caught my interest as I’ve been toying with the idea of a change of pace recently. KTM300’s are great, & I’ve switched between their 300/250 smokers for the past 30 years. They are at home in technical single track, and I’ve tried the 350/500 4 strokes in the same environment but stuck with the smokers. They do require you to concentrate though, & hone your skills in relation to balance & throttle control. So I hate to say it but it’s become a little stale. Don’t get me wrong though, I’ll be keeping the 300 but if you let your thoughts wonder on a ride, it will bite! Another words you have to “switch on.” It’s been many decades since I’ve ridden a 125 smoker, & my sister had a CRF230 for a little while that I rode once. I was impressed with the little 230 as to how smooth & torquey it was, just heavy for what it is. Prices here in Australia for those 3 bikes are steep. New they are $8000 for the 250f, YZ125’s are around $12000, and the KTM300’s are north of $16000! Thanks again for your response, much appreciated. As a side note, I’m leaning towards the Honda 250f. Just a no fuss & muck around trail bike 👍

[@notsoupmoto]

Thanks for the input on the ktm’s. Hoping to get my hands on one to try out at some point. The fact that the Australian model crf250f’s come with the headlight is awesome. If you end up getting one I hope you enjoy it!

[@Yungsmoka]

U give me like sur ronstar vibes if u know they KZbinr

[@notsoupmoto]

Yeah I know of him! Thanks!

[@Zulululu4x]

I rode a 250f. It's just slow. Other than that it's fun

[@notsoupmoto]

Facts

[@linksgarage1985]

You’ll hit 1000 subs very soon. Keep the content coming. 💪🏼

[@notsoupmoto]

Thanks man!!

[@theadventuresofaoneleggedf8352]

Baja designs make a Oem headlight for this bike

[@notsoupmoto]

I’ve been seeing that! Definitely gonna have to pick one up

[@warrenstemphly5756]

I had my forks resprung for my dadbod weight and it made a huge difference.

[@notsoupmoto]

where did you end up getting them resprung?

[@aidancampbell2656]

I think the stock suspension works pretty good for me but I weigh 150lbs. I don’t really have much bottoming issues

[@notsoupmoto]

I'm around the same weight and yeah over normal terrain it does perfectly fine. It's just when you try to treat it like an mx bike or an enduro bike and hit big jumps with flat landing or steep drops/ravines that I've had it bottom out.

[@aidancampbell2656]

@@notsoupmoto understandable I love mine never had a Mx bike tho, I think a yz125 is my next bike I will be keeping my 250f tho as it is a beast in the woods

[@notsoupmoto]

@@aidancampbell2656 I'm a big fan of the yz! would definitely recommend. made a video on that too kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXabpKWkndFlZpo

[@SinJabonEnLaBoca1]

Only in the United States the CRF250F does not have a headlight, in South America and Brazil they come with a front headlight.

[@notsoupmoto]

I’ve also heard in Australia they come with one. So strange they decided not to include it in the US

[@Meme33145]

Would you ever do a giveaway?

[@notsoupmoto]

That would definitely be cool in the future once the channel grows

[@carlb641]

What bike is your friend using?

[@notsoupmoto]

He’s on the crf125fb in this video

[@carlb641]

​@@notsoupmoto was thinking it was 125rf which is what we ride due to us being short riders haha. These naming scheme of honda is confusing and they look the same.

[@notsoupmoto]

😂yeah they are so confusing. It’s mildly infuriating

[@cyclerider5652]

Awesome looking riding spot

[@notsoupmoto]

It’s super fun!

[@RitterRundown]

Good points all around. The 250F actually weighs more than the 450RX which surprised me. Still the 250F and my 230F is a fun bike to ride. 100% agree on the light. That would be awesome.

[@notsoupmoto]

that's insane it weighs more than the 450 haha. thanks for the comment!!

[@BlackwaterAquatics]

The 450 will feel heavier, though, because the weight is higher up and the seat height is high.

[@RitterRundown]

@@BlackwaterAquatics true. I hadn't thought about it that way

[@notsoupmoto]

@@BlackwaterAquatics that makes sense

[@FletcherArentz]

Can you do a video on the Honda 150r if you have one

[@notsoupmoto]

Unfortunately I don’t have one, but if I ever get the chance I’ll definitely do a video

[@FletcherArentz]

Thanks

[@notsoupmoto]

No problem

[@Regan_Tatham]

Although these bikes aren't great in any measurable way, they are not only great learner bikes but are also just heaps of fun to throw around at full gas without killing yourself.

[@notsoupmoto]

Couldn’t agree more

[@LoudFlashmedia]

I don’t know but I think the last 3 points were reaching deep….

[@notsoupmoto]

haha well it's a pretty awesome bike so there are definitely more things I like about it than I hate.

[@ElementalTJ]

Subscribed. Keep up the good work. Thanks!

[@notsoupmoto]

Appreciate it! Thanks for the sub and comment!

[@TheMclaujo]

Picked up a 2021 in June and love it. I was contemplating not upgrading anything and just selling it in a year or two OR upgrading and keeping longer. I love the bike so much I am going to keep it, do some upgrades and it will become a second low key trail bike. Thinking about a Beta 200rr for 2026 as a good progression.

[@notsoupmoto]

The Betas look really cool for sure! I was never super into modifying bikes but I’ll probably end up doing it for my 250f as well. Just the basics, a headlight, hand guards and mayyybeee stiffer springs but probably not

[@TheMclaujo]

@@notsoupmoto I’m 225 with gear so suspension is on my list for sure. Other than that, basic maintenance and a new chain/sprocket. In Brazil, where these bikes are made, they call them their national bike, all other bikes are “imports”. They hot rod them with big bore kits, 360cc and higher. Essentially turning them into modern XR400’s. And I think that’s pretty awesome. I would totally buy a modern XR400 if Honda added a bigger bore bike to the F family. Give that air cooled 400 an aluminum frame, modern forks and 250lbs wet max, where do I sign.

[@notsoupmoto]

@@TheMclaujo count me in on that too! that would be awesome

[@tarab6711]

great vid soup, loving the new content.

[@notsoupmoto]

Glad you're enjoying! :)

[@Wyoutside]

Sub’d. Keep it up.

[@notsoupmoto]

Appreciate it! Thanks!

[@melwingaming-qo5dc]

yo

[@notsoupmoto]

Yo

[@LeonInVirtual]

I subbed

[@notsoupmoto]

Appreciate it!

[@jeffpaxton9172]

Stay away from this bike, the KLX and the TTR. You will outgrow these bikes very quickly and the resale value isn't that great either.

[@notsoupmoto]

Thanks for the comment! I disagree though. Some people will certainly outgrow this bike if they’re a beginner but want to quickly progress into competitive woods racing or motocross. However, for people who just want a chill bike to putt around the farm on, or have no desire to do anything more than fire roads and wide ATV/side by side trails, it’s a really good choice. I for one grew up riding motocross and raced a bit but as I’ve gotten back into riding after a bit of a break, just wanted something slow to putt around on and have fun on. Plus they’re great bikes to teach your friends who don’t know how to ride. You just have to know what type of riding you want to do. It has a certain use case.

[@jimpostier1113]

@@notsoupmotoWell said - chillin’ can be fun!

[@notsoupmoto]

@jimpostier1113 facts

[@ZeLogicnator5k]

​@@notsoupmoto100%, Its the chillest tractor and durable. just gotta upgrade the suspension