The main “pillars” of Honda’s championship-winning off-road family, the CRF450R, CRF450RX, CRF250R, and CRF250RX, receive significant updates for 2025, aiming to reduce lap times at all competition levels.
At the core of the changes is a 70% new aluminum twin-spar frame. This frame features a redesigned front lower tube and reinforcement cross members that combine with the new pivot points and upper shock mount to generate an 8% increase in torsional rigidity and a 5% increase in lateral rigidity, enhancing crucial cornering stability.
The frame also includes new mounting points for the subframe, new upper and lower triple clamps, and a new front wheel axle mount that supports the new 49mm Showa front fork, designed to enhance rider control from initial suspension movement to end-stroke. The fork is complemented by a new Showa rear shock and Pro-Link linkage, providing optimal track performance even on the toughest surfaces.
The black DID aluminum rims remain, but the 2025 models feature a new dual-piston front brake caliper, developed based on HRC’s competition experience; the pistons in this component are new, as are the seal grooves, significantly improving hot braking performance.
The engines of the 2025 models have new injection maps, a redesigned crankshaft, and extensive revisions to the intake and exhaust. The crankshaft has increased rigidity around the connecting rod journal and better moment of inertia, allowing for higher RPMs. Improvements in gas flow mean that air entering the engine does so through a more direct path via the intake, airbox, and intake funnels, reducing resistance and improving throttle control and acceleration. The exhaust system, which features a new, more robust muffler, benefits from larger headers at the beginning of the system and a straighter, smoother exit, enhancing power and acceleration in the mid to high ranges. In terms of electronics, the 2025 CRF250R gains the variable traction control system (HSTC) from its larger sibling, with 3 modes and an “off” setting to completely disable the system. The 2025 CRF450R and CRF250R feature updated, lightweight guards and covers adorned with the new CRF family graphics, now including the prominent Honda Wing placed on the front fender.The 2025 CRF450RX and CRF250RX take advantage of the same updates as their motocross siblings and have exclusive injection maps for better enduro performance. The 8-liter plastic fuel tank (compared to the 6.3-liter titanium tank of their “R” counterparts), forged aluminum side stand, and standard handguards are components that have been retained.
For the first time, Honda’s European CRF range will be strengthened with the introduction of the CRF250RWE and CRF450RWE. These “Works Editions,” produced alongside the other 2025 CRFs at the Kumamoto factory in Japan, feature unique updates and configurations that enhance performance and appeal.
Both the CRF250RWE and CRF450RWE feature hand-worked intake/exhaust ports, a high-performance Yoshimura exhaust, and a TwinAir air filter to improve gas flow management, exclusive ignition mappings complemented by unique start mode settings, as well as an impressive metallic red cover on the engine head. As for the frame, the improved fork features a special dark Kashima coating on the forks and a titanium coating on the tubes and rear shock, black upper and lower triple clamps, a gold DID DM2 chain, Renthal handlebar, Throttle Jockey seat cover, black DID-LTX rims, black anodized front axle holder, and new graphics, as well as laser etching on the rims and suspension caps.
The CRF250RWE also comes equipped with a new clutch and hydraulic system, with a revised secondary pump that reduces the clutch lever pull force by 16% compared to a cable-operated system. This also reduces variation in clutch play and feel as clutch temperature increases.
The CRF450RWE features a Hinson clutch basket designed for this model, with new damping springs and clutch cover that improve wear resistance and performance.
For 2025, the smaller members of the CRF family – the CRF150R, CRF125F, CRF110F, and CRF50F – follow the lead of their larger siblings and all have new CRF family graphics.
