– 2023 Honda CRF250F Review / Specs | Best Dirt Bike to Buy for Trails under $5,000? –

The largest model in Honda’s CRF Trail family, the CRF250F pairs versatility and capability in a fun, trail-ready package—a perfect choice for those exploring the trail for the first time, as well as experienced riders who opt for more technical, challenging terrain. Equipped with clean-running Keihin electronically controlled fuel injection, the CRF250F delivers smooth power across a wide powerband, ensuring maximum traction on varied terrain. The confidence-inspiring Showa suspension smooths out rough sections of trail with a stable, compliant ride. With design and graphic influence from the industry-leading CRF Performance line, the CRF250F has sharp styling. As with Honda’s entire CRF Trail line, this model is year-round off-road-legal in all 50 states, giving owners thousands of miles of trail waiting to be explored.

If you follow Honda’s entire line of CRF-F, CRF-R, CRF-RX and CRF-X dirt bikes then you would know that the CRF-F models like the CRF230F were usually last on the totem pole. Last in pecking order when compared against the other more performance orientated CRF dirt bikes from Honda and technically with good reason. The more changes and technology that they throw on a bike, the higher the price tag creeps to offset the R&D costs and that’s not what the CRF-F line of trail bikes from Honda is all about, they are about affordable fun. Something you can get into without breaking the bank. It’s a double-edged sword when you really think about it, please one group of people by throwing tech at a bike and then you upset another group of people because that bike’s price increased. That’s where I’ve got to give Honda props, when it comes to the CRF250F, they could have thrown every thing at it when giving updates to the CRF230F and drive its price up to $6,000’ish etc but they didn’t. They made tweaks in the right places, where the CRF230F really needed improvements at, with a sprinkle of new technology and all while only increasing the price-point below $5,000. 

2022 Honda CRF250F Changes Explained: The only changes for 2023 to the CRF250F come in the way of a $150 price increase.

• Quick 2023 CRF250F Info / Spec Overview:
  • 2023 CRF250F Price / MSRP: $4,899
  • 2023 CRF250F VS 2022 CRF250F Price / MSRP Increase: +$150
  • 2023 CRF250F Release Date: October 2022
  • 2023 CRF250F Announcement Date: August 2022
  • 2023 CRF250F Colors: Red
  • 2023 CRF250F Horsepower: 22.8 HP
  • 2023 CRF250F Fuel Tank Size: 1.6 gallons
  • 2023 CRF250F Seat Height: 34.8 inches
  • 2023 CRF250F Weight: 265 lbs (curb)
  • 2023 CRF250F Ground Clearance: 11.3 inches
  • 2023 CRF250F VS 2022 CRF250F Changes: Yes, explained above. 

CRF250F Introduction

The flagship of the CRF Trail line, the CRF250F has Keihin electronically controlled fuel injection and a SOHC long-stroke, air-cooled engine for a linear power delivery. Meanwhile, the secure chassis is a great platform for learning while also providing capability that many riders will never outgrow. The engine boasts 22cc more displacement than the older CRF230F it replaced, while the new 250 chassis has 12mm more rear-wheel travel and 5mm taller seat foam; however, the 34.8 inch seat height is only .2 inches higher. The 1.6 gallon steel fuel tank contains an internal fuel pump with a reserve level sensor; a bar-mounted “low fuel” indicator light means no more reaching down to switch the tank’s petcock to reserve. More power, intuitive handling, race-bike technology and styling, and Honda’s legendary reliability ensure that this starter bike will also be a keeper bike.

• CRF250F VS CRF230F Changes / Updates Overview:
  • CRF250F engine gets a performance bump with a horsepower rating of 22.8 HP VS the CRF230F at 19.0 HP.
  • All-new 250cc overhead-cam engine.
  • All-new Keihin electronically controlled fuel injection systems delivers more linear power and easy start-up whether bike has been sitting or is hot on the trail.
  • All-new tubular steel frame for a stable, nimble chassis.
  • CRF Performance Line philosophy of mass centralization applied to vehicle packaging.
  • New 41mm fork, plus Pro-Link rear-suspension system with single shock.
  • Front and rear hydraulic brakes with petal-style rotors for improved heat dissipation.
  • Handlebar-mounted low-fuel and “key on” indicator lights.
  • CRF Performance Line-inspired muffler with compact positioning.
  • CRF Performance Line-inspired bodywork and graphics.

CRF250F Model Overview

 

Increased displacement, more power and better stability enhance the confidence-inspiring nature of the all-new flagship of the CRF Recreational Line and bring performance gains that also make this a great platform for advanced riders. The CRF250F when replacing the CRF230F in 2019, brought an all-new 250cc four-valve engine with Keihin electronic fuel injection for increased power, and it is now 50-state off-road legal.

Hot or cold, stored in the garage or stopped on the bad line up a challenging hill, the CRF250F’s EFI and electric starter fire up the engine with the touch of a button, and there are no carburetor circuits to clog with fuel residue if the bike sits for extended periods. The 1.6 gallon fuel tank enables good range and is protected between the frame spars in the event of a fall, and the integrated fuel pump includes a low-fuel sensor with a handlebar-mounted indicator. Add it all up, and the CRF250F is more bike, for more riders.

Its tubular steel frame brings improved handling—a benefit that will be appreciated by all riders. More torque and a linear power delivery mean new riders can learn at lower, less intimidating rpm, and advanced off-roaders can utilize the strong torque in technical sections. The smooth low-end power blends seamlessly into a stronger midrange and top end, and the increase in torque at all rpm results in fewer shifts so that riders can focus more on trail challenges. The mass-centralization philosophy of the CRF Performance Line is carried over to this trail model, with the muffler positioned closer to the center of mass. The result is a lighter feel, intuitive responsiveness, and confidence-inspiring handling, especially on corner entrances.

The Pro-Link® rear suspension system puts the smooth power to the ground, and the Showa 41mm fork works with the new frame’s steering geometry to provide maximum front-wheel traction. Braking is handled with new petal-style rotors for improved modulation, heat transfer and mud clearing, and the CRF Performance Line-inspired aggressive, compact bodywork allows improved rider/machine interface.

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Overview of Features

CRF250F Engine / Drivetrain:

• Fuel Injection
  • Fuel injection means the CRF250F starts right up, even in cold weather. Compared to a carbureted bike, it also helps reduce emissions and enhance performance and fuel efficiency. And say goodbye to clogged pilot jets when you put this bike away for storage.
• Electric Starter
  • Turn the key, push the button, and let’s go riding! Electric starting is a big help on cold mornings, or if you need to restart out on the trail. Honda’s proven system makes riding just that much more fun.
• Single-Cylinder Engine
  • A single is the perfect choice for a bike like the CRF250F. It’s light, simple, fuel-efficient, and features plenty of power and torque in all areas, along with smooth power delivery—ideal for a wide range of rider experience.

• Counterbalanced Engine
  • Because it features a counterbalancer, the CRF250F’s engine is a smooth runner. You get the narrow overall width and power advantages of a single along with the smoothness of a multi-cylinder bike.
• Clean-Running Engine
  • Another benefit of fitting the CRF250F with fuel injection? It meets CARB and EPA off-road emissions standards. (Green-sticker-legal in California.)
• Transmission
  • Five-speed gearbox is well matched to the broad power spread.

CRF250F Chassis / Suspension:

• 21-inch Front & 18-inch Rear Wheel
  • A 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel give you a wide selection of tire choices for trail riding.
• Petal-Disc Front Brake
  • Front and rear hydraulic brakes with petal-style rotors for excellent heat dissipation. Smooth stopping power provided by front and rear hydraulic brakes, with 240mm and 220mm rotors, respectively.
• Rear Disc Brake
  • Drum brake in the rear like the other CRF-F models? Not with the CRF250F. Honda gave it a disc in the rear, just like the front so you get crisp, balanced, powerful braking at both ends.
• 41mm Showa Fork
  • The telescopic Showa fork features large 41mm sliders. That makes it strong and helps add to the CRF250F’s excellent handling.
• Pro-Link® Rear Suspension
  • Thanks to Honda’s single-shock Pro-Link® rear suspension and Showa® damper, the CRF250F delivers excellent comfort, traction and handling, while also improving rider confidence. The rear suspension features 9.0 inches of travel.
• Strong, Light Twin-Spar Frame
  • The new CRF250F gets an all-new frame too: a tubular-steel twin-spar design that’s both light and tough.

• Low Seat Height
  • CRF250F packs a low, 34.8 inch seat height.
• Comfortable Seating Position
  • With a long, motocross-style seat, you can move forward and back, left and right with ease, helping you navigate changing terrain in comfort.
• MX Styling
  • Honda’s CRF450R and CRF250R are two of the hottest motocross bikes on the circuit. And they’re some of the coolest looking. We gave the new CRF250F plenty of that racing DNA when it comes to style. This is one bike you’ll be proud to ride!

CRF250F Pictures

CRF250F Specs