Major 25YM updates and new members for Honda’s European CRF family

• Significant upgrades for the CRF450R, CRF450RX, CRF250R and CRF250RX aimed at improving cornering stability and control

• 70% new aluminium frame with new top and bottom yokes

• All-new 49mm Showa front suspension generates ultra-smooth fork stroke; paired with updated rear shock

• Engine updates improve power output beyond peak rpm and generate more torque and acceleration especially at mid to high rpm

• All new lightweight shrouds and sidecovers

• CRF250R and CRF250RX inherit Honda Selectable Torque Control from CRF450R

• CRF250RWE and CRF450RWE to be available in Europe for the first time

• All 25YM CRF off-roaders now available with striking new graphics

The key foundations of Honda’s multi-championship winning off-road family, the CRF450R, CRF450RX, CRF250R and CRF250RX, receive major updates for 25 year model aimed at cutting lap times for riders at all levels of competition.

At the very heart of the changes is a 70% new twin spar aluminium frame. Its redesigned front down tube and stiffener spars combine with new pivot plates and upper shock mount to generate an 8% increase in torsional and 5% increase in lateral rigidity, improving all-important cornering stability.

The frame also features new subframe attachment points, top and bottom yokes and front wheel axle clamp that hold the all-new 49mm Showa front forks which have been developed to enhance rider control all the way from initial movement to the end of the stroke. These are paired with a new rear Showa shock and Pro-link linkage ratio for ultimate track performance on even the roughest of surfaces.

The black DID aluminium rims remain but for 25YM now feature an all-new two piston front brake caliper developed from HRC racing experience, that features new pistons and piston seal grooves to deliver significant improvements in braking performance when hot. 

The 25YM models’ engines benefit from new injection settings, a redesigned crankshaft and extensive revisions to both intake and exhaust paths. The crankshaft features increased rigidity around the crank pin and an improvement in the moment of inertia, allowing it to spin up faster. Airflow improvements see air being drawn into the engine via a more direct route through the intake, airbox and intake funnels, reducing resistance and improving throttle control and acceleration. The exhaust system, which includes a new, more robust muffler, benefits from new extended header pipes at the start of the exhaust as well as a straighter, smoother exit path improving both mid to high-range power output and acceleration. In terms of electronics, for 25YM, the CRF250R gains Honda Selectable Torque Control from its larger sibling, featuring 3 modes and an ‘off’ setting.

The 25YM CRF450R and CRF250R feature updated lightweight shrouds and side covers adorned with new CRF family graphics, which now include the Honda Wing, prominently displayed on the front mudguard.

The 25YM CRF250RX and CRF450RX will benefit from the same updates as their motocross siblings and feature unique ECU fuel injection mapping for improved enduro performance. They retain their 8L plastic fuel tank (compared to their ‘R’ counterparts’ 6.3L titanium tank), forged aluminium sidestand and knuckle guards as standard.

For the first time, Honda’s European CRF line-up will be bolstered with the introduction of the CRF250RWE and CRF450RWE. These ‘Works Editions’, built alongside their 25YM siblings at Kumamoto in Japan, both feature upgrades and unique settings that enhance the performance and appeal.

Both the CRF250RWE and CRF450RWE feature hand finished intake/exhaust ports, with a performance Yoshimura muffler and a TwinAir air filter to improve air flow management,  exclusive ignition timings paired to unique start mode settings, plus a striking metallic red engine head cover.  On the chassis side, upgraded forks feature a special dark Kashima coating on the outer tube and a titanium coating on the slide pipe and rear shock, black top and bottom bridges, a gold DID DM2 chain, Renthal bar grips, a Throttle Jockey seat, black DID-LTX wheel rims, black anodised front axle holder as well as updated graphics and laser engraving on the wheel rims and suspension caps.

The CRF250RWE also comes equipped with a new hydraulic clutch and hydraulic clutch system with a revised clutch slave cylinder which reduces clutch lever pulling force by 16% when compared to a cable operated system. It also reduces the amount of variation in clutch free play and feel as the clutch temperature increases.

The CRF450RWE is equipped with a bespoke Hinson clutch basket with new clutch dampers and cover that enhances wear resistance as well as performance.

For 25YM the smaller CRF family members - the CRF150R, CRF125F, CRF110F and CRF50F - follow the lead of their bigger siblings and feature all new CRF family graphics.