The mainstays of Honda’s championship-winning off-road family, the CRF450R, CRF450RX, CRF250R and CRF250RX, are getting major updates for 2025, with the aim of reducing lap times at all levels of competition.
At the heart of the changes is a 70% new aluminum double wishbone frame. This frame has a redesigned front downtube and the reinforced crossbars combine with the new pivot points and upper monoshock support to generate an 8% increase in torsional stiffness and a 5% increase in lateral stiffness, improving the all-important cornering stability.
The frame also has new subframe attachment points, new upper and lower tables and a new front wheel axle attachment that support the new 49 mm Showa front fork, developed to improve rider control from the initial suspension movement to the end of axle travel. The fork is complemented by a new rear monoshock, also from Showa, and a Pro-link connecting rod, a configuration that gives the best performance on the track, even on the toughest surfaces.
The black DID aluminum wheels remain, but the 2025 models include a new front brake caliper with two pistons, developed on the basis of HRC’s racing experience; the pistons of this component are new and so are the sealing grooves, which significantly improves hot braking.
The engines for the 2025 models have new injection maps, a redesigned crankshaft and extensive revisions to the intake and exhaust. The crankshaft has greater rigidity around the connecting rod journal and a better moment of inertia, allowing it to reach higher rpm. Improvements in gas flows mean that the air entering the engine does so via a more direct route through the intake, airbox and intake funnels, which reduces resistance and improves throttle control and acceleration. The exhaust system, which has a new, more robust pan, benefits from new, larger manifolds at the beginning of the stroke and a straighter, even smoother exit, which improves power and acceleration in the medium and high ranges. In terms of electronics, the 2025 CRF250R gains its big sister’s HSTC variable traction control system, with 3 modes and an “off” setting to turn the system completely off.
The 2025 CRF450R and CRF250R feature updated, lightweight guards and covers, adorned with the new CRF family graphics, which now include the Honda Wing, prominently placed on the front mudguard.
The 2025 CRF450RX and CRF250RX take advantage of the same updates as their motocross sisters and have exclusive injection maps for improved enduro performance. The plastic tank with an 8-liter fuel capacity (compared to the 6.3-liter titanium tank of their “R” counterparts), the forged aluminum side stand and the standard handlebar guards are all 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 plant in Japan, feature unique upgrades and configurations that improve performance and appeal.
Both the CRF250RWE and CRF450RWE feature hand-crafted intake/exhaust openings, a high-performance Yoshimura exhaust and TwinAir air filter to improve gas flow management, exclusive ignition mappings complemented by unique start mode settings, plus a striking metallic red engine head cover. As far as the frame is concerned, the upgraded fork features a special dark Kashima coating on the jugs and a titanium coating on the sheaths and rear monoshock, black top and bottom tables, a gold DID DM2 chain, Renthal handlebars, Throttle Jockey seat, black DID-LTX rims, black anodized front axle bracket and new graphics, plus laser engraving on the rims and suspension covers.
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% when compared to a cable-operated system. This also reduces the variation in clutch play and feel as the clutch temperature rises.
The CRF450RWE has a Hinson clutch basket made for this model, with new damping springs and clutch cover that improve wear resistance as well as performance.
For 2025, the smaller members of the CRF family – the CRF150R, CRF125F, CRF110F and CRF50F – follow the example of their bigger sisters and have all the new CRF family graphics.