Honda have updated their core model line-up – CRF 450/250 R and RX models – with updates to the chassis’ including a new frame, yokes, plus suspension and more power for the 250s.

Ignoring the fact Honda thought releasing their 2025 CRF model news last thing on a Friday night was a good idea (7pm in Europe Honda, you still at work then?), the news is significant and we figured you’d want to mull it over the weekend rather than wait until Monday.

MY25 Honda CRF model update highlights:

• Significant upgrades for the CRF450R, CRF450RX, CRF250R and CRF450RX aimed at improving cornering stability and control
• 70% new aluminium frame with new top and bottom yokes
• All-new 49mm Showa front suspension generates ultra-smooth fork stroke; paired with updated rear shock and linkage
• New front brake caliper
• Engine updates improve power output beyond peak rpm and generate more torque and acceleration especially at mid to high rpm
• All new lightweight shrouds and sidecovers
• CRF250R and CRF250RX inherit Honda Selectable Torque Control from CRF450R
• CRF250RWE and CRF450RWE to be available in Europe for the first time
• All 25YM CRF off-roaders now available with striking new graphics

Chassis updates

While the hyperbole about “cutting lap times for riders at all levels of competition” might sound a bit race-focused for many in enduro and off-road, aimed more at motocross you might think, if it boils down to a better handling bike then we’re all for it.

Honda say at the heart of the changes is a 70% new twin spar aluminium frame which we believe is common to all 450 and 250 models. It has a redesigned front down tube, spars, new pivot plates and upper shock mount which they say generates an 8% increase in torsional and 5% increase in lateral rigidity, improving that cornering stability.

The MY25 frame also features new subframe attachment points, top and bottom yokes and front wheel axle clamp.

The clamps hold all-new 49mm Showa front forks which also improve control all the way from initial movement to the end of the stroke they say. The forks are paired with a new rear Showa shock and Pro-link linkage ratio.

The black DID aluminium rims remain but for 25YM now feature an all-new two piston front brake caliper developed from HRC racing experience, that features new pistons and piston seal grooves to deliver significant improvements in braking performance when hot.

Engine updates

The 25YM models’ engines benefit from new injection settings, a redesigned crankshaft and extensive revisions to both intake and exhaust paths, Honda says.

The new crankshaft is more rigid around the crank pin and spins up faster. Airflow improvements also see air being drawn more directly into the engine through the intake, airbox and intake funnels, reducing resistance and improving throttle control and acceleration.

The exhaust system, which includes a new, more robust muffler, has a new longer header pipe at the start of the exhaust as well as a straighter, smoother exit path improving both mid to high-range power output and acceleration.

In terms of electronics, for 25YM, the CRF250R gains Honda Selectable Torque Control from its larger sibling, featuring 3 modes and an ‘off’ setting.

Fresh graphics

The 25YM CRF450R and CRF250R feature updated lightweight shrouds and side covers with new CRF family graphics, which now include the Honda Wing, prominently displayed on the front mudguard – kinda old-school we reckon.

Not forgetting the enduro boys and girls

The 25YM CRF250RX and CRF450RX benefit from the same updates as their motocross siblings for a change, not one year later or anything.

They feature unique ECU fuel injection mapping for enduro and retain their eight litre plastic fuel tank (compared to their ‘R’ counterparts’ 6.3L titanium tank), forged aluminium sidestand and hand guards as standard.

Europe gets the ‘Works Edition’

For the first time, Honda’s European CRF line-up will include the CRF250RWE and CRF450RWE. These ‘Works Editions’, built alongside their 25YM siblings at Kumamoto in Japan, both feature upgrades and unique settings that enhance the performance and appeal – no word on the prices as yet.

They are pure hand-made red sauce which feature hand finished intake/exhaust ports,  Yoshimura muffler and a TwinAir air filter to improve air flow management, exclusive ignition timings paired to unique start mode settings, plus a striking metallic red engine head cover.

On the chassis side, upgraded forks feature a special dark Kashima coating on the outer tube and a titanium coating on the slide pipe and rear shock, black top and bottom bridges, a gold DID DM2 chain, Renthal bar grips, a Throttle Jockey seat, black DID-LTX wheel rims, black anodised front axle holder as well as updated graphics and laser engraving on the wheel rims and suspension caps.

The CRF250RWE also comes equipped with a new hydraulic clutch system with a revised clutch slave cylinder which reduces clutch lever pulling force by 16% when compared to a cable operated system. It also reduces the amount of variation in clutch free play and feel as the clutch temperature increases.

The CRF450RWE is equipped with a bespoke Hinson clutch basket with new clutch dampers and cover that enhances wear resistance as well as performance.

For 25YM the smaller CRF family members - the CRF150R, CRF125F, CRF110F and CRF50F - follow the lead of their bigger siblings and feature all new CRF family graphics.

More information: www.powersports.honda.com or www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles