You've got it all wrong... The CRF250F is NOT the bike you think it is!

I've been getting a lot of comments recently on my CRF250F videos with people comparing this beginner friendly air-cooled Honda trail bike to dirt bikes that aren't even in it's class. I believe this comes from Honda's somewhat unfortunate naming structure for their CRF250 lineup which I explain more about in this video. Today, I'm debunking the incorrect comparisons of the Honda CRF250F once and for all and explaining what category of dirt bike this motorcycle truly falls into.
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...
Explore more videos in my 2024 Honda CRF250F playlist to learn all about this trail-blazing machine: • 2024 Honda CRF250F
Are you a beginner and looking to improve your dirt bike riding? Check out these videos:
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• 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:
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• 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

[@notsoupmoto]

What do you think of the CRF250F?

[@DUNEATV]

I recently bought a 2024 250F…I have lots of dirt bike experience (weekend warrior) and I just love it. It’s just a bike…I can go out and have fun on. it takes me everywhere. I need to go and is very comfortable to manage. I feel like I can enjoy myself without running the risk of ending up in the hospital. 🤕

[@notsoupmoto]

@@DUNEATV So true! I wasn’t expecting to enjoy the thing as much as I have honestly. I find myself wanting to ride it more than my Mx bikes haha

[@PaulMelamed]

I used to ride dirt bikes when I was a much younger adult 😀, my last one was a Yamaha IT200, looking to get back into it now as a recreational rider and eyeing the CRF250F

[@DUNEATV]

@@PaulMelamed Similar situation for me. I think you’d like it!

[@notsoupmoto]

@@PaulMelamed the crf is so fun to just putt around on and get lots of seat time with! would be a great option to ease back into riding with!

[@MitchellMcDaniel-vb4yj]

I'm an older rider, and I love the simplicity and forgiving power.

[@notsoupmoto]

that's its biggest selling factor in my opinion! my gf loves the e-start... one of those features that makes it so simple for riders. thx for the comment!

[@PaulMelamed]

@@notsoupmoto Lol, the e-start is something I think is great, but the old school in me wants the kickstart! I wish it had both, but I understand that they probably removed it to reduce weight and cost.

[@notsoupmoto]

@@PaulMelamed i feel that. was one of the first things i noticed looking at it in the dealership. this bike is actually my first dirt bike with an e-start... i was skeptical before i got my drz400sm and after that i haven't looked back haha. they're nice to have on the street but even nicer on a dirtbike. never have to get in an awkward position on a hill to kick it again. although i think you're right... the 250f is heavy af so they probably didn't also put a kicker on it for that reason. unfortunate :(

[@mikecalhoun1563]

Yes, a tractor is a perfect word for the CRF250F and a perfect bike for the average weekend warrior, simple, good power and VERY reliable. I ride a Yamaha WR250f and I have a buddy that used to ride a Honda CR230f and he could ride it faster than me on my WR250F. The Honda air cooled 230 now 250's bikes are Bulletproof and still fun to ride and now they are fuel injected for even more reliability and power. Great bikes for single track, mountain or cross country riding. Keep it simple.

[@notsoupmoto]

Couldn’t agree more! Doesn’t wear you out as much so you can ride the crf250f for longer!

[@user-mk7fw9en6f]

When you check prices the CRF F is a great deal.

[@notsoupmoto]

one of the reasons i bought it as well!

[@cameronlee2678]

Something important to note it the maintenance on the differet style of bikes. The crf250f won't need much at all apart from air filter, oil, and pads. While the crf250r will need all of that at closer intervals and a top end at 50 hours, then a full rebuild at 100. This is significantly more expensive and i don't see this mentioned an any of the the videos on KZbin.

[@notsoupmoto]

So true glad you mentioned it! Definitely an overlooked aspect of the decision making process

[@motoriderguy3854]

50hrs ? No with clean oil and air you can easily do 150hrs ,unless you rev the shit out of it .

[@philrc1]

You're right. But, I've known guys that run their competition bikes on the trail and basically never ride them very hard as compared to what they were designed for. Those bikes can easily go 3 to 4 times longer than recommended maintenance intervals when ridden lightly (oil, air filter and brakes excluded). However, I still agree with you, that bikes like the CRF250F can go forever with the only basic service.

[@notsoupmoto]

@@philrc1 yeah I've definitely gone much further on service intervals on my race bikes. and typically its not even going to need the entire top end if you just get the valves checked and they look good. but if you're racing all the time then following closer to service intervals is probably a good idea. as for the trail bikes, they're nearly bulletproof. practically zero maintenance if we're being honest lol

[@notsoupmoto]

@@motoriderguy3854 yeah the manufacturers service recommendations are a bit overkill for most riding applications. same thing with the break in period. more to cover their ass from liability if something breaks

[@outfitr9703]

I'm 70 and ride a built ktm 300 xcw. Its awesome BUT my next bike will be a crf 250. I'm well aware of the differences that is precisely why I'd get one. Your video is spot on, nice job!

[@notsoupmoto]

Appreciate that! Haven't got the chance to ride the 300 xcw but would LOVE to try one out! Glad to hear you've found the right bike for you in the crf250f though. Hope I'll still be ripping around at that age as well haha! have fun out there :)

[@ZeLogicnator5k]

Bought this bike for my wife as her first bike. I ride it more than she does and have officially "procured" it since she never rides it. It's shockingly super fun because it is so easy to ride. Hill climbs, tight single track, light enduro (I don't do hard enduro, not my thing). This thing would be great to start doing hare scrambles. I need to do new springs and linkage lift. May do a can, ecu, larger pegs. I'm 6'4" 225 w/ gear and it's too soft for me unless it's pretty flat. I love my 350. It's snappy, light, and nimble. But the 250f really surprised me. I hope it keeps being labeled a "beginner bike" so the costs stay down. Plus....way way better maintenance.

[@notsoupmoto]

haha couldn't agree more about the "beginner bike" costs! thanks for the comment

[@jovisdedam4648]

I regret selling my 2022 crf250f, but i might just get another one.

[@notsoupmoto]

Did you end up getting something else instead?

[@jovisdedam4648]

@@notsoupmoto ended up getting the crf230f, i liked that it was lighter but the crf250f was peppier and had better suspension.

[@notsoupmoto]

@@jovisdedam4648 interesting! I was wondering how the 230 compared

[@AgustinCacciabue]

In my country this model does not yet exist, but we have what would be the previous model, which has several differences in the chassis and engine but is essentially the same motorcycle. I have a heavy modified one that I use to compete in sand races, it has around 45hp and despite the numbers it is never close to a competition motorcycle like the CRF 250R would be, but it becomes a very fun tractor haha check the videos on my channel, in this year's races I am using this prepared engine. On the other hand, good video and perfect description of what the motorcycle is. greetings from Argentina!

[@notsoupmoto]

wow muchas gracias por el mensaje desde argentina jaja! voy a ver tus videos de seguro my spanish is a bit rusty but yes even though it's like a slow tractor it is still very fun to ride. i find myself wanting to ride it more than my mx race bikes. have fun in the sand on that xr!!!

[@jwaller1327]

Totally agree with you. The CRF250F is way easier to ride off road than the mild 250 and 300 dual sports too. My first off road riding came on a KLX300, the dual sport version. A buddy had the CRF250F and let me try it. I decided to trade my KLX300 in on a CRF250F or KLX230R, which another buddy had let me try. I was even considering the KLX300R trailbike. I got to the dealership and none of those bikes were available. I got talked into getting the CRF250RX. Man, did I have buyer's remorse with that for a while! That was a difficult bike to ride for a dirt newbie like me. I've since traded back down, in a way, to a Beta XTrainer. That bike is a paradox: it's as easy to ride as a trail bike, but has performance closer to the full on competition bikes. It's been a while since I rode a CRF250F. I'd like to ride one back to back with my XTrainer and see how they compare. Maybe the XTrainer just feels super easy because I was coming off the CRF250RX with a non-linear power band.

[@notsoupmoto]

The xtrainer is such an interesting bike I’d love to try one out! Thanks for your input

[@philrc1]

I've never ridden an XTrainer but the way it is described, I think it is what ALL modern trail bikes should be. i.e. A bit more power than a trail bike and suspension more like a competition bike but with a reasonable seat height.

[@patrick2360]

Thank You Very Much For Sharing, I'm Finally Learning how to Ride My Bike. Thank You for Everything.

[@notsoupmoto]

Of course! Glad to hear you’re progressing What sorts of things are you working on learning?

[@MarceloG..]

Hey, thanks for the video. I have a CRF300L and want to get another bike. Do you think the 250F is more of the same? . I'm also thinking about the Husky FE250 to have a bit of a different bike. How do you think the two 250's compare, other than the height? I consider myself an "advance beginner". thank you!

[@notsoupmoto]

I've ridden the CRF300L as well! It's similar to the 250f in power delivery but the 300L is bigger and slightly more powerful & catered to the street, whereas the 250f is more tailored to the offroad and trails. The husky fe250 is an enduro bike so it will have the feel of the competition bikes i was talking about in the video. Much snappier power (although its set up for enduro so it will have more low end crawl than the mx models) If you've been riding the crf300L and are at an intermediate level then I don't think the fe250 would be a bad choice!

[@yukonjon5964]

to help us advise, can you tell us what type of terrain you ride? what gear mainly? what things make you wish for a diff bike? what about the 300 is holding you back etc?

[@ZeLogicnator5k]

The main thing about KTM and Husky is, as he said, competition bikes. Way lighter, snappier throttle, better out of the box suspension. You can reduce the snappy throttle with something like a throttle tamer. The main drawbacks of these, imo, is maintenance and cost.

[@Running-with-skizers]

I got a drz 250 and I love it I've been thinking of getting a new crf 250 but only because my bike is 20 years old I could go for an all out enduro but I love my old suzuki and I think the crf would be a great second bike

[@notsoupmoto]

The crf would definitely be a nice upgrade for you if you wanted a bike with a similar power delivery and feel but with modern tech like e-Start, fuel injection etc! However the enduro bikes absolutely shred in the woods so if you’re looking for an actual step up/upgrade in power I’d definitely recommend trying one out! I don’t think you’ll be disappointed Check out my review of the YZ250X and see what you think. That’s an awesome woods bike for a reasonable price.

[@Running-with-skizers]

@@notsoupmoto thanks man I will for sure

[@notsoupmoto]

@@Running-with-skizers no problem. I like the username btw haha

[@Running-with-skizers]

@@notsoupmoto thanks man

[@jasonbull179]

Hi, how tall are you. Would you feel way cramped on the 250f if your 6 feet tall.

[@notsoupmoto]

I’m 6ft! I don’t feel cramped just riding casually. If I were to have this be my main bike and ride it all the time I’d probably just get some taller bars and call it a day

[@bobcheesemin]

Aren't the ttr-230 and klx230r the same class?

[@notsoupmoto]

Yep. Same as the crf250f as well. Air cooled trail bikes

[@dbmission123]

Any overheating issues for tight slow trails in the summer?

[@notsoupmoto]

I have not experienced any overheating issues yet. Seems like a solid, well designed motor.

[@user-cc2gi6ny2v]

Yes

[@yukonjon5964]

a modern 250F MX bike will easily overheat in the woods. this is one of the huge benefits of an old school 4 stroke like the bike in this vid. lower RPM, piston dimensions and mild porting are a lot of it. but in reality you cant compare the engines at all.

[@SeanCunningham-qj6fh]

So i was wondering just for fun if you had to buy another bike what would it be and why

[@notsoupmoto]

personally I would love to get a 2 stroke enduro/woods bike. something like the yz250x for an affordable option or the ktm 300xc if I wanted to splurge haha. i would love a 450 for motocross though at some point. i got to ride a 2020 (i think it was?) crf450 and absolutely loved it.

[@mikethemaniac1]

What I think causes AT LEAST half of what you're speaking on is the fact that Honda pretends their "Trail Bike" Has "Racing DNA" when really they just put race bike plastics on an XR250. There's not a great deal to really say is "Wrong" with it, but I wish "Trail bikes" would evolve a little to be better for this weird discipline the engineering teams on trail bikes must never do called "Trail riding." I'd like to take it on more technically challenging or single track and trails but the forks grab things to the side of the tire and the when you're next to a steep drop off like I was last weekend on the thing, it ends up feeling like you're suspended on a wet noodle. To me, the fact that the season where you can only really ride trail bikes and OLD race bikes sees a steep drop in riding, and still you mostly just see old race bikes, tells me that trail bikes need to be less like the trail bikes from the 1970's and more like the race bikes of the last 30 years. Is the 250F good for a beginner? Sure. Is it gonna stay good? I'm starting to doubt so.

[@notsoupmoto]

Yeah they should probably just be called something to the effect of “Beginner bikes” not necessarily trail bikes. Look into the beta x-trainer though. I think it would be something you’re kind of looking for to fill that gap. Still approachable for beginners but fully trail capable.

[@KentwoodWarrior]

You should try the klx230 dual sport

[@notsoupmoto]

Looks cool I’ll have to search more into it ! Thanks!

[@philrc1]

KLX230, CRF230 (older version of the CRF250F), TTR230 are all comps to the CRF250F. The theme being "Air Cooled" trail bike. BTW: KLX300 is water cooled and not really a good comp. This class of bike will typically have around 20-25 horsepower where the competition bikes in the same 250CC size but water cooled, are basically race bikes and have around 40-45 horsepower.

[@notsoupmoto]

thanks for the comment! that's an important distinction on the KLX300

[@chrisvozza6530]

I grew up on an xr200 and this bike would be fun as hell I think especially with that fuel injection both disc brakes . I wouldn't have to worry about the flame out with those motocross bikes with all that compression . I would definitely buy this bike and I would have alot of fun on it I know it

[@notsoupmoto]

Definitely would be reminiscent of the xr but with those modern touches for sure. 👍🏼

[@Paul-gu2lv]

Unfortunately they are not available in my part of the world and I ended up getting a wr250f which has now because a motocross race bike🤦. It's great, but not what I want.

[@notsoupmoto]

That’s unfortunate:( what part of the world are you from?

[@egirlegirlegirl]

i like the tractor analogy, esp when you consider how much more work it takes to maintain a race car than a tractor

[@notsoupmoto]

True facts. That’s something I forgot to mention in the videos but a commenter reminded me. A HUGEEE difference between beginner trail bikes and race bikes is maintenance intervals

[@egirlegirlegirl]

@@notsoupmoto yea race bikes forgo everything for speed and they only need to last a moto

[@benschlechter2868]

Is the top speed the same as a race bike

[@notsoupmoto]

From what I’ve seen, the top speed of the 250f stock is somewhere in the ballpark of 60-70mph. Race bikes vary but it seems the stock top speed of a CRF250R is similar at around 65-70mph. You have to keep in mind, gearing will change the top speed wildly as some people gear their bikes to slower more technical terrain and others gear them super tall for high speed desert riding. It’s all relative to what you want to be doing on the bike. You can buy aftermarket sprockets to change your gearing.

[@LouisPratt-wh9sy]

What do you think of the new GPX Moto FSE 250E. It is suposed to be a copy of of the Honda CRF 250F Engine with Fuel Injection and a 6 speed transmision. The bike frame and suspension is a copy of KTM but is made in China with linkless rear suspension and a dry weight of 237 lbs. The seat height is 37 inches. The price is cheaper than the Honda CRF250F. GPX Moto also makes a cheaper version of the FSE 250E that is more in line with the specs. of the Honda CRF250F at even a lower cost. Check out their Websight GPX Moto. They are located in Utah and according to the reviews the quality of the bikes is awesome along with their customer service with no issues in getting parts.

[@notsoupmoto]

might want to try to make your ad read a little more subtle next time bro lol

[@joshuabroadhurst936]

How tall are you ? Because i am interested in buying a bike like this but im 6ft tall i dont want to feel cramped on the bike

[@notsoupmoto]

I’m also 6ft tall and I feel fine on it

[@joshuabroadhurst936]

@@notsoupmoto alright thanks

[@notsoupmoto]

@@joshuabroadhurst936 no problem!

[@jamesking4225]

If it had good suspension it would be my go to

[@notsoupmoto]

yeah the suspension is meh but adequate for what its designed for

[@Allstar-0702]

shoudl i get a crf 250r instead

[@notsoupmoto]

What type of riding do you do? What’s your skill level?

[@Allstar-0702]

@@notsoupmoto maybe a little race and a little trail

[@notsoupmoto]

@@Allstar-0702 what's your skill level and how long have you been riding?

[@enduro_j]

We beat ours to death. Super reliable, fun, easy bike. Will learn so much on this platform n these things are so fun to wheelie. Great value. Not powerful, not scary, once u get some skills.

[@notsoupmoto]

💪🏼

[@Nicko_92]

My neighbour just got a 2018 rmz 450 and within 5 minutes of riding it I realised the 450 is too much power for me im definitely getting 250 now lol

[@notsoupmoto]

Yeah 450s are definitely wicked

[@sumatai1]

Bamboozald!! Well explained

[@notsoupmoto]

Haha thanks!

[@07scoobywrx]

The crf250f is a modern day xr200 great all around bike, reliable useable power!

[@notsoupmoto]

Hell yeah!

[@user-cc2gi6ny2v]

I hate this bike I’ve been riding for 1.5year and this is my current and first bike, I hate it because it’s so slow and the suspension is terrible and so soft you can’t jump it at all the speed is only good up to fourth gear and basically no fifth I’d perfer going for a 250rx but learning on a lower gear my next bike is 250r and I do not ride motocross but if your just looking for something fun and a farm bike I’d get it

[@notsoupmoto]

yeah if you want to hit jumps and go fast on an mx track, the crf250f isn't the right tool for the job

[@yukonjon5964]

wait... why not get the CRF250RX? more usable that the MX model. better suspension for most things too.

[@sfsf9954]

Its an amazing bike ! My wife lives it......

[@notsoupmoto]

😎

[@Dean_Richard]

A good beginner bike

[@notsoupmoto]

Facts

[@danten7774]

f is ❤for fun

[@notsoupmoto]

haha exactly! that's what honda says on their website too

[@Moreymoto]

the people who dont know the difference between this and a ktm 300xc should definitely buy this bike if they dont want to die

[@notsoupmoto]

Yeah…😂

[@rfiskillingussoftly6568]

People are dumb!

[@notsoupmoto]

lol I feel the sentiment but I think they’re just misinformed. That’s why I made this video

[@natew9617]

I wanna buy a 250f and turn it into a dual sport

[@notsoupmoto]

Check out Adventure Daily. He did exactly that!

[@twowheelsdown2002]

That is a good option as long as you will be on secondary roads. The 250F only has a 5 speed, so the gearing limits it on the road. I was thinking of doing this too, since I watch that channel too. But I travel in an RV, and really need something that gets down the road better. The CRF300L has an overdrive 6th gear, and can cruise at 70, and has 3.6 gallon fuel tanks cheaply available. A Ktech suspension upgrade for $1,000 ups the off road capability enormously. Still not as light as the 250F, but a very versatile bike.

[@daverossignolful]

Did this with my 2022 to use around town and commute to work on occasion, also nice to leave the house and hit the trails without trailering. Changed the gearing to a 14 on the front, could use a 45 on the rear due to that 5 speed. Still a blast in the trails. I come from a competition enduro tx300, the Honda crf is just as fun in its own way, the low maintenance and cost of ownership is a huge bonus. We have a lot of fun on this bike.