Honda CRF 2025: the motocross range gets updates to suspension, chassis and engine

The renowned off-road family of Honda, comprising the CRF450R, CRF450RX, CRF250R and CRF250RX, receives significant updates for 2025. These improvements, in both the mechanical and structural areas, are aimed at delivering greater stability, control and performance in a variety of competition conditions. The CRF250RWE and CRF450RWE will reach the European market for the first time.

The most notable improvement in this update is a twin-spar frame made of aluminium, redesigned by 70%. This new chassis incorporates a front down-tube and stiffer spars, increasing torsional rigidity by 8% and lateral rigidity by 5%. To improve cornering stability, new swingarm pivot plates and an upper shock mount have also been added, a notable improvement for motocross and enduro riders.

Suspension and braking

The frame also features new mounting points for the subframe, front axle closures, and renewed upper and lower triple clamps. These hold a new 49 mm Showa front fork, and a new Showa rear shock with an updated Pro-link linkage ratio has also been integrated.

For 2025, the black DID aluminium wheels remain, but the new two-piston front brake caliper, developed thanks to HRC’s experience, includes improved pistons and seal grooves.

Tuned engines with more power

The engines of the 2025 models have been fully revised, introducing new fuel injection settings, a redesigned crankshaft and significant improvements to the intake and exhaust paths. The crankshaft is now stiffer around the crankpin and has increased inertia, allowing faster revving. Air intake to the engine is more direct thanks to a straighter intake path, which significantly reduces resistance and throttle control effort.

The exhaust system has also been renewed with a more robust new silencer and longer exhaust headers, which optimise power delivery in the mid-to-high rev range and improve acceleration by reducing resistance. The CRF250R incorporates the Selectable Torque Control Honda, inherited from its bigger sibling, with three modes and an off option.

Design and electronics

The 2025 CRF450R and CRF250R models feature lighter radiator guards and side covers lighter and decorated with new CRF family graphics, highlighting the iconic wing of Honda on the front fender. The enduro versions, CRF250RX and CRF450RX, also benefit from these updates and feature an exclusive ECU mapping to improve their performance in this type of competition. In addition, they keep an 8 L fuel tank, forged aluminium sidestand and handguards as standard.

Special editions: CRF250RWE and CRF450RWE

For the first time, Honda presents the CRF250RWE and CRF450RWE special editions, manufactured in Kumamoto, Japan. These versions include exclusive improvements and adjustments that enhance their performance and appeal. Both models feature hand-finished intake and exhaust ducts, a Yoshimura silencer, a TwinAir air filter and specific ignition timing synchronisation. They also feature exclusive launch-mode settings, a metallic red cylinder head cover, and a special coating on the fork and rear shock.

The CRF250RWE features a new hydraulic clutch, which reduces the force needed to operate the lever by 16%, while the CRF450RWE is equipped with a Hinson clutch pack, improving wear resistance and performance.