2025 Honda CRF250R Works Edition First Ride!

First ride at Briarcliff MX on my brand new 2025 CRF250R Works Edition (Thanks Honda Marysville Motorsports!). This is my first 250F in a while. I did own a '22 CRF250R a few years ago and currently own a 25 CRF450R. I was very excited to try out the first 250 Works Edition from Honda. I am 6' 2" tall and 190lb slow Vet rider.
Honda made significant changes to the frame and suspension that are not so noticeable just looking at the bike. The front of the bike is stiffer(!). The new smaller radiator shrouds and updated side panels are noticeable and look better in person. Here are my first ride impressions of the all new 25 CRF250R Works Edition:
Chassis: Honda changed the frame, forks, and triple clamp to increase rigidity. While I never got off the current CRF250R and thought it needed to be more rigid these changes provided improved front end feel and precision with better tire contact patch feedback. The bike still has that good CRF nimble corner entry and overall agile feel. Stability felt good. The special friction reduction coatings on the forks and shock give the suspension a supple initial movement and friction free feel overall. The forks have a smooth progressive stroke with no mid stroke harshness. The rear shock works well.
Engine: The engine ran clean with crisp throttle response. This is one of the smoothest (no jerky on/off throttle response) 250F's I've ridden. Excellent throttle to rear wheel connectivity feel. The Works Edition peak power feels a little stronger compared to the 2025 CRF250R I had recently ridden with longer and stronger pull up top. Low to mid throttle response felt a little stronger too as the engine RPM build is a little quicker. Perhaps the Twin Air air cleaner, Yoshimura full exhaust, and revised Works Edition engine mapping all contribute to this feel. I liked Map 1 (stock) the best as it had a long smooth pull. Surprisingly Honda does not offer an engine tuning app for the 2025 CRF250R though there are (3) different engine maps (Standard, Smooth, Aggressive) and (3) levels of traction control. I did try Map 2 (soft) and Traction Control on 3 (most intervention) and that noticeably slows the throttle response - maybe good for woods riding.
Misc: Ergo’s felt spot on and that “just feels right” Honda layout is still there. The revised side panels offer a smooth symmetrical surface to grip the bike. The Renthal bar bend feels good. The hydraulic clutch pull effort is light. Brakes are strong and linear.
Overall Impressions: The current 22~24 CRF250R has a reactive and quick responding chassis that can at times feel harsh and busy at speed especially on dry hardpack tracks. The 2025 CRF250R Works Edition updates to the chassis, suspension, exhaust, and engine can easily be felt. More ride videos soon!

[@djones4426]

Gotta love that all the main stream media is holding back their tests until Monday, congrats on the jump to being the first to give your feedback. Reserved one but not sure if and when it will arrive.

[@mxengineer1]

I am an actual customer of a new CRF250R Works Edition providing real world feedback! Hopefully your new Works Edition shows up soon!

[@mikehudgens7007]

Man what an awesome track !!!! Man what an awesome bike !! It is awesome being an older vet rider isn't it ?? I am 55 years old , 6'4 and 200lbs ( starting a diet today lol ) in prep for 2025 season !!!! You have got me really interested in the Honda 250 , ( still Kawi in my mind ) 😁 but these new honda rides are sure looking good !!! 2025 is the 1st year that I am really excited for the new bikes - more so than many years before !!! I still remember 1980 at the local yamaha dealer and drooling over the YZ 50.60.80.100.125,250,465 if you remember those days and I ended up on a freaky fast 1980 Can-am MX6 125 that destroyed my buddys 1980 YZ 125 ( Thanks dad R.I.P. I miss you pop ) and that is where it all started for me !!! I cannot believe how early these bikes are coming out ( when I bought my 24 Beta RX 300 ) I pd in advance and waited exactley 5 months from the day I paid for it to the day I picked it up !!!! With that have you checked out the 25 Betas ??? The RX 300 now has smaller tank , 5 speed gear box etc - should be an interesting year from all the manufactures , our Triumph dealer 100 miles from me is taking deposits on the new RC 450 !!!!! and Ducati is coming !!! What a time to be involved in out great sport

[@yukonjon5964]

thanks for the vid man!

[@mxengineer1]

You are welcome!

[@dnickens20115]

Man I'm so jealous you got the hydraulic clutch... I've got the 23 Honda 250R....bought the magura hydraulic clutch and put on mine and it's definitely much better

[@Benboss96]

How does the power compare to the 2022/23 yz250f? cheers!

[@mxengineer1]

The Works Edition engine has more power and response than the base 25 CRF250R and builds engine RPM's quickly. The downdraft intake of the 22/23 YZ250F gives it a tick stronger partial throttle torque feel.

[@Joe-pb3lx]

Amazes me how you talk while riding........not an easy feat

[@mxengineer1]

A lot easier to talk while riding when the bike works well!

[@randytidwell5836]

do you know if Honda produced a 250rx works edition for 2025

[@mxengineer1]

Honda has not announced a 2025 CRF250RX Works Edition but you could bolt on an RX tank, 18" rear wheel, and kick stand and make one yourself!

[@michaelgarland579]

Weakast four stroke my yz125 2003 smoke that thing