2022 Honda CRF250R Ride Review (2nd ride): This bike is FUN!!!

Описание

Went to Grear MX for the second ride on my new 2022 Honda CRF250R (Thanks! Rob and Jason at Trojan Powersports in Monroe, Michigan).

The new '22 CRF250R is 8 lbs lighter and comes in at 219 lbs before gas. The lightweight gives the CRF almost 125 2-stroke like agility in motion. Cornering has always been a CRF strength and it is even better on the '22 model. Turn initiation is effortless and the chassis is very responsive to any input. Lighter is better!

The '22 CRF250R engine has significantly improved low to mid power and partial throttle torque feel (this engine needed it). Not YZ250F level but close enough. There are (3) EFI maps (1-stock, 2- soft, 3-aggressive). Map 1 worked well everywhere and Map 2 was a little smoother and worked well in the woods. Map 3 was my favorite with a little quicker throttle response and a freer engine feel (less engine braking). The engine has little vibration with excellent EFI mapping which provides smooth power from low to high RPM. The single muffler is big and the sound level reasonable. Wonder if the works Yoshimura full exhaust will liven up the power? Sure would be nice to have smart phone EFI mapping capability on the CRF.

The Showa suspension has a firm and well damped feel that keeps the chassis balanced with little pitch under acceleration or braking. The forks have a progressive feel which worked well on slower inputs but felt a little too stiff with higher speed choppy inputs and braking bumps. Opening the clickers did little to reduce this feeling. I will take some oil our the forks to see if this helps. The rear shock spring is a little soft for my 195 lb. body weight but worked well overall. The all new '22 CRF chassis has a more compliant feel and better bump absorption compared to the '21 chassis but still has a slightly more rigid feel compared to the YZ250F chassis.

The ergonomics are basically perfect. The '22 CRF250R has that "just feels right" Honda feeling when you sit on it. The seat to footpeg to handlebar relationship feels good though the seat foam is thin and firm. I really like the bend on the Renthal Handlebars too. The cable operated clutch pull is light and the modulation is good. The front brake is "stoppie" powerful and easily to control.

Final thoughts after my first ride:
The '22 CRF250R is super fun to ride with almost 125 like agility and impressive cornering. Makes even a regular rider feel like a hero in the corners. The updated engine is much more Vet friendly with a broad powerband and decent low to mid power so you no longer have to rev it to the moon to go fast. The "just feel right" ergos, agile handling, and responsive power make for perhaps the most "fun to ride" 250F available today.

Looking forward to more rides soon!
Here is a quick back to back comparison I did with my '22 CRF250R and a '22 YZ250F.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lo7I4g_7CDM