– Detailed 2019 CRF250RX Dirt Bike Review / Buyer’s Guide: Price, Release Date, HP & TQ Performance Info + More! –

It’s been a busy busy 24 hours with Honda just rolling out new 2019 Motorcycle Announcements and I’m still not done yet updating the site with detailed breakdown reviews on each and every model. That’s a good thing though as it means Honda is on the ball and pumping out new motorcycles and if you’ve been around the industry for a decade or more then you know since the economy tanking, we have had our fair share of dismal years where manufacturers didn’t want to invest money into new models in fear of them not selling which leads to them basically burning money $$. Thankfully, for the time being, we’re past all of that and the “good ole days” are back! Which leads me to the All-New 2019 CRF250RX from Honda! This is one of those bikes where they listed to us and built what we wanted… How’s that? Ever since Honda rolled out the CRF450RX a couple of years ago, everybody has been saying that Honda needed to build a 250cc variant, a CRF250RX and they listened! They took the amazing platform that was all-new for last year on the CRF250R and did some more tweaks from the 2019 CRF250R to create a beast and that’s what we’ll be covering today in detail below, the 2019 CRF250RX…

Key 2019 CRF250RX Info (for those in a hurry):

• 2019 CRF250RX Price / MSRP: $8,299
• 2019 CRF250RX Release Date: September 2018
• 2019 CRF250RX Colors: Red
• 2019 CRF250RX Horsepower: 43.5 HP
  
• 2019 CRF250RX Torque: TBA
• 2019 CRF250RX Seat Height: 37.8 inches
• 2019 CRF250RX Weight: 244 lbs (curb)
• 2019 CRF250RX VS 2018 CRF250RX Price / MSRP Increase: None, new model for this year.
• 2019 CRF250RX VS 2018 CRF250RX Changes: None, new model for this year.

• New 2019 Honda Motorcycle Announcements: 

  • 2019 Honda Motorcycle Announcement #1 – Click Here
  • 2019 Honda Motorcycle Announcement #2 – Click Here
  • 2019 Honda ATV Announcement #1 – Click Here
  • 2019 Honda ATV Announcement #2 – Click Here

• 2019 CRF250RX Review Contents:

  • 1. | Introduction
  • 2. | Model Overview
  • 3. | Key Features / Development
    • 3.1 | Engine
    • 3.2 | Chassis / Suspension
  • 4. | Photo Gallery / Pictures
  • 5. | Technical Specifications

1. | CRF250RX Introduction

Honda’s CRF250R has shown itself a worthy weapon for battle in many race-series across the world. In 2018, it made a giant leap, with a full model change that shared the ‘Absolute Holeshot’ philosophy of the 2017 CRF450R, featuring a new seventh-generation frame, revised geometry and Showa suspension – plus a brand new DOHC engine.

Now Honda is expanding the CRF250R platform and adding a cross-country option to the range; the CRF250RX mirrors the CRF450RX and takes the 2019 CRF250R as a base. Fast, agile and easy to ride, it’s a potent machine, with modifications that tailor it perfectly for its new role, making it equally at home speeding up a root-strewn climb or slicing precious seconds off a special Enduro test.

2. | CRF250RX Overview

• Large-capacity, 2.2 gallon resin fuel tank for completing long closed-course off-road loops
• 18-inch rear wheel to enable taller tire sidewalls for improved traction in technical conditions
• Forged aluminum sidestand is designed to be lightweight yet strong
• Sealed drive chain to withstand the elements
• Suspension with settings dedicated to closed-course off-road use

In common with the CRF450RX, the CRF250RX uses the rock-solid base of its moto-cross sibling and adds the essential ingredients for closed-course cross-country riding. Thus, it features a 2.25 gal (8.5L) fuel tank (like the CRF450RX), and also uses an 18-inch rear wheel plus revised suspension settings front and rear. Fuelling and ignition mapping have also been adjusted to deliver a softer power delivery compared to the moto-crosser, and a forged aluminum sidestand is fitted as standard.

The CRF250RX also benefits from the upgrades made to the CRF250R for 2019: engine changes which boost low-RPM torque to gain time out of slower corners

(thanks to revisions from the throttle body all the way to the exhaust), a new front brake caliper, Renthal Fatbars and 3-mode HRC Launch Control to help any rider gain a good start, every time.

3. | Key Features / Development

3.1 | CRF250RX Engine

• High-performance, 249cc single-cylinder engine with dual-overhead-cam design and high rev limit, offering great performance
• Finger rocker arm with Diamond Like Coating (DLC) maximizes valve lift while retaining a low engine height
• Downdraft intake layout produces strong power and enables great throttle response by reducing resistance, thereby improving air-charging efficiency
• Dual exhaust ports enable ideal air-charging efficiency
• Cam profile, which is based on feedback on the CRF250R used by the Team HRC factory MX2 race team, provides strong off-corner acceleration
• Intake- and exhaust-port geometry provides strong low-RPM engine power while also maintaining stellar top-end performance
• 44mm throttle body offers ideal low-RPM intake airflow for strong corner-exit performance
• Honda’s piston oil jet with five nozzle holes provides superior piston-cooling efficiency and reduced knocking, enabling a precise ignition-timing setting for optimum power delivery
• Lightweight AC generator keeps weight to a minimum and minimizes friction losses
• Electric-start standard for easy, fast engine startup
• Easily selectable Standard, Smooth, and Aggressive riding modes enable easy tuning depending on rider preference or course conditions
• Selectable HRC launch control provides a steady stream of torque for excellent performance on race starts
• Exclusive ECU settings for ideal engine performance and rideability in off-road situations

Strong peak power is a CRF250R core strength, and was further boosted by a massive 9% for the all-new 2018 CRF250R machine. For 2019, the base engine has been further refined with the focus on low-RPM improvements. Sharper jump out of slow-speed corners has been achieved with a 2mm smaller (now 44mm) diameter throttle body, to speed up low-RPM air flow. The inlet and exhaust ports have been re-shaped and the exhaust valve cam ‘closing’ profile also reduced by 2°, all to boost torque.

The CRF250RX shares the engine with is moto-cross sibling (CRF250R) for a fully-rounded performance throughout the range – with the same peak power – but has revised fuelling and ignition mapping to soften the power delivery.

The fundamentals of the engine are: bore and stroke of 79 x 50.9mm, with a 4.5mm cylinder offset to reduce friction and compression ratio of 13.9:1. Titanium valves – 33mm inlet and 26mm exhaust. Lift is 10.5mm inlet and 9.5mm exhaust and the valve angle is set at 20.5°. The valve springs themselves are oval in section; the inlet valves are fed by symmetrical straight-shot downdraft intakes, which are shorter for improved high RPM snap.

The piston is a Bridged Box design. Its rigidity converts combustion pressure into high output efficiency; for 2019 a 5-hole piston oil jet replaces the previous 4-hole design, improving piston cooling and optimizing ignition timing.

A scavenge oil pump system reduces friction and ‘pumping’ losses at high RPM, by discharging oil and air in the crankcase and maintaining negative pressure. The oil also lubricates the clutch and gearbox, with a total oil capacity of 1.32 qt (1250cm). The combined oil pump/drive gear, oil filter and oil way are on the right side of the engine – the oil’s path around the engine is short and straightforward.

Valve train lubrication is routed through the cylinder head to the inside of both inlet and exhaust cam, directly feeding the sliding surface of cam and rocker arm. The 5-speed gearbox drives a sealed 520 chain through a 13T front and 48T rear sprocket.

The rider controls and displays – engine stop button, EFI warning, EMSB mode button and LED indicator – are rationalised together and sited on the left handlebar:

New for 2019 on the CRF250RX (and the 2019 CRF250R) HRC’s Launch Control system gives any rider the best option for a strong start and has 3 modes to choose from:

• Level 3 – 8,250 RPM, muddy conditions / beginner
• Level 2 – 8,500 RPM, dry conditions / basic
• Level 1 – 9,500 RPM, dry conditions / expert

Activating HRC Launch Control is easy – to turn on, pull in the clutch and push the Start button (on the right). The LED will blink once for Level 1 selection. Push the Start button again, for 0.5s or longer, and the LED will blink twice for Level 2. Repeat the process and the LED will blink 3 times, indication Level 3 has been chosen.

The Engine Mode Select Button (EMSB) alters the engine’s characteristics and three maps are available to suit riding conditions or rider preference: Mode 1 (Standard), Mode 2 (Smooth) and Mode 3 (Aggressive). The LED also displays Mode selected.

How does the 2019 CRF250RX stack up against the other 2019 CRF dirt bike models in the engine performance department? Here’s horsepower numbers on each of the CRF models:

• 2019 CRF50F HP – 3.1
• 2019 CRF110F HP – TBA
• 2019 CRF125F / B HP – TBA
• 2019 CRF150R HP – 23.5
• 2019 CRF230F HP – 19.0
• 2019 CRF250F HP – 22.8
• 2019 CRF250RX HP – 43.5
• 2019 CRF250R HP – 43 
• 2019 CRF450X HP – 44.3
• 2019 CRF450R HP – 60.8
• 2019 CRF450RX HP – 60.8
• 2019 CRF450L HP – 41.7
  • * The rest of the 2019 CRF model lineup list will be updated with official numbers on they are released.

3.2 | CRF250RX Chassis / Suspension

• Lightweight aluminum frame with tapered main spars provides great rider feedback
• Low center of gravity reduces front-end lift for strong acceleration
• Renthal Fatbar® handlebar reduces steering-system weight, and flexes for comfort
• Top triple clamp features two handlebar-holder locations for moving the handlebar rearward and forward by 26mm, ensuring rider comfort. When holder is turned 180 degrees, the handlebar can be moved an additional 10mm from the base position, resulting in four total unique handlebar positions
• Newly shaped footpegs are 20% lighter and shed mud more easily, giving the rider great feel and confidence in all riding conditions
• Engine guard allows excellent airflow, boosting engine-cooling performance
• 49mm Showa SPG coil-spring fork with dedicated settings for ideal handling and comfort in technical conditions experienced in off-road racing
• Fork protectors have outstanding coverage for protection in off-road conditions
• Black rims offer strong presence parked in the pits or out on the trail
• Lightweight front-brake caliper uses pistons of different diameters (30mm and 27mm) for strong braking performance
• Front-brake hose resists expansion for precise braking
• Smooth bodywork layout eases rider movement
• In-mold graphics are durable and resistant to peeling caused by washing or abrasion
• Dunlop Geomax AT81 tires provide optimum feel and traction in challenging riding conditions

The CRF250RX uses the same tapered-spar aluminum frame as the CRF250R, which returns excellent feedback and rear wheel grip due to its low centre of gravity.

Unchanged in its transition to RX-spec. it does use a new twin-piston front brake caliper – common with the YM19 CRF450R – which has 30 and 27mm diameter pistons. This allows for a lighter body and, along with low expansion rate brake hose, improved brake feel and staying power. It works on a 260mm wave-pattern disc, matched by a rear 240mm wave-pattern disc and single-piston caliper.

The Renthal Fatbar reduces the weight of the steering system and flexes for optimal comfort; the top yoke features two handlebar-holder locations for moving the handlebar rearward and forward by 26mm. When the holder is turned 180 degrees, the handlebar can be moved an additional 10mm from the base position, resulting in four total unique riding positions.

Rake and trail are set at 27.3°/115mm, with wheelbase of 1486mm. Curb weight for the 2019 CRF250RX comes in at 244 lbs (111kg). The fully adjustable 49mm Showa USD coil spring fork is a version of the Showa ‘factory’ fork supplied to MX race teams in the Japanese championship; the cylinder has a 25mm diameter, the rod 14mm and the compression piston 39mm. The Showa rear shock is also fully adjustable

Lightweight DID aluminum rims, with directly attached spoke pattern layout are now finished in black; the front is a 21 x 1.6 in, the rear an 18 x 2.15 in. Fitted as standard equipment are Dunlop’s Geomax AT81 Enduro tires, 90/90-21 front and 110/100-18 rear.

Like its big brother the CRF250RX uses an 2.25 gal (8.5L) plastic fuel tank, giving a potential range of 40 miles (65km). The radiator shroud is CRF250RX-specific, while the smooth external lines of the plastics help the rider move easily and the narrow frontal area and front mudguard directs an efficient funnel of air to the radiator. A forged aluminum sidestand tucks neatly out of the way when not in use.

The bodywork uses durable film inset graphics that cover a wide area with scratch-resistant style; the engine sump guard has been redesigned to improve engine cooling and fork protector modified to reduce chance of stone damage.

4. | CRF250RX Photo Gallery / Pictures

5. | Technical CRF250RX Specifications

* Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride Specifications subject to change.

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