2022 Honda CRF250R Update Overview | Pricing & Availability

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Exciting news out of Honda with an updated CRF250R model unveiled for 2022, bringing engine updates for a performance boost, adopting a revised frame and a number of other updates for an improved overall machine.

For those in Australia the 2022 CRF250R is due in September and pricing in Australian dollars is $12,199 MLP, in the US that’ll be $8,099 USD from mid-August, with an RX model available for $8,499. I couldn’t spot UK pricing or availability, but the 2022 bike is listed on the Honda Motorcycles UK website.

So what’s new? Let’s start at the engine, with some nice updates leading to Honda claiming up to 10 per cent more power and up to 15 per cent more torque, with a focus on low rpm performance, without trading off top end. One of the figures I’ve seen bandied around is a 20 per cent boost in power at 6500 rpm.

This is thanks to a revised air intake, significantly larger airbox at 4.1 L, injector angle updated to 60 degrees from 30, and a straight exhaust port. The air filter is easier to access, the intake cam sprocket press fit, double springs are run on intake valves, and oil pathways to camshaft journals updated, with more rigid camshaft holder and head.

Valve timing has been optimised and valves are titanium, with a single muffler replacing the dual mufflers seen on the outgoing model, helping save weight, along the single header, with 1.7 kg saved. To handle the head the radiator is also updated, with mounting angle changed and number of fins adjusted to suit, with two per cent more surface area and better heat radiation by six per cent, while new shrouds increase air flow.

The water pump receives a thicker pump gear, with pressure modified to the head, while the clutch receives an extra disc to nine in total, with more rigid clutch center, for better endurance and reduced clutch load. The gearbox also gets a revised layout for extra strength, with revised ratios for all gears.

On the chassis side of things, we’re being told the CRF250R is following in the CRF450Rs footsteps, and saves 700 g over the previous design, with another 320 g saved in the subframe, with narrow main spars, reduced lateral rigidity and optimized swingarm pivot point rib placement, with the swingarm likewise optimised for rigidity to match the updated frame.

Top and bottom yokes feature increased flex, grasping fully adjustable Showa 49 mm USD factory style forks, which are what the Japanese MX race teams receive. Those forks have been revalved, with more stroke, and the axle clamps are more rigid as well.

The Showa shock received an enlarged main piston valve, with a lightweight steel spring saving 120 g and the Pro-Link ratio is also new.

Rake and trail are tighter at 27.2 degrees and 115 mm, while the wheelbase is 9 mm shorter at 1477 and ground clearance increases to 333 mm, with the weight being claimed at 104 kg, saving three kg off the previous model, although elsewhere I’ve also seen this listed as 3.5 and four kg.

Renthal Fatbar Flex are fitted as standard, with up to four different positions available between the top yoke and holder. DID aluminium rims are also run in black, with Pirelli MX32 tyres to be fitted, with an 80/100-21 inch front and 100/90-19 inch rear.

Brakes are a 260 mm front wave unit with dual piston caliper and the rear runs a 240 mm wave rotor with single-piston caliper, with no changes here.

The seat is also shorter, lighter and lower at the rear, if not for the overall height, but is simpler to remove and install, saving time, with less bolts also holding the bodywork on. The tank cover has also been removed and the bike is slimmer by 70 mm in total, mainly on the non-exhaust side. The tank has been redesigned too, is titanium and holds 6.3 L.

Standard features on the CRF250R are the HRC Launch control with three settings, plus an Engine Mode Select button, offering access to three maps, although there’s again nothing new here, with the launch control, brakes and bars previously updated.

Images and footage courtesy of Honda Motorcycles.

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