Honda Announce All-New 2022 CRF250R

The bike raced by Team Honda HRC riders Jett and Hunter Lawrence, the CRF250R has been completely redesigned as Honda revealed the 2022 CRF250R today.

The all-new model features a host of engine and chassis changes leading to improved acceleration on corner exits, increased agility, and better endurance over a race distance.

Since its 2004 introduction, the CRF250R has amassed nine Regional AMA 250SX Supercross titles (including the 2019 and ’20 East Region crowns), plus two AMA 250MX Championships. Phoenix Racing has also won the last three AMA Arenacross titles with the CRF250R, with Kyle Peters going undefeated during the 2021 season.

With seven of 12 rounds completed, Jett and Hunter Lawrence have both earned 250MX overall wins in the AMA Pro Motocross series, and they sit second and third in the title chase, respectively.

Here in Australia, Kyle Webster has shown the bikes capabilities early in the 2021 ProMX championship dominating the championship standings having won all but one moto across the opening three rounds of the year.

Nonetheless, Honda engineers weren’t interested in letting the model rest on its laurels for 2022, as they introduced a host of updates that raise the bar for usable power, impeccable handling, and robust durability, by boosting engine performance, increasing toughness, and cutting weight. The redesigned engine produces more low-rpm torque without sacrificing usable top-end power, resulting in a broader powerband.

Chassis updates delivered significant weight savings and improved ergonomics while preserving the model’s renowned handling prowess. A redesigned exhaust system and additional lightened components resulted in a substantial reduction of 8 pounds, for a 229-pound vehicle curb weight. In addition, durability was improved by thoroughly reexamining the engine, its cooling system, and the drive components, while notable improvements were also made to the clutch.

“The CRF250R has always been all about racing, and its success record proves that, with top results at the factory level by Jett and Hunter Lawrence, and also in the amateur ranks,” said Brandon Wilson, Sports & Experiential Manager at American Honda.

“With reduced weight, increased power where it matters most, and improved durability, the all-new 2022 CRF250R is more competitive than ever, and we can’t wait to see what the Lawrence brothers and all Red Riders do with it on motocross tracks across the U.S.”

In order to achieve the design goals of increased power and improved durability, the CRF250R’s 249cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, double-overhead camshaft four-valve engine is significantly updated, boosting low rpm torque through modification of the air intake, revised valve timing and a straightened exhaust port with single exhaust header and muffler.

Together, the changes deliver a 20% increase in power at 6,500 rpm, while strong top-end power is retained. Meanwhile, the chassis—already exemplary on the previous generation—borrows heavily from that of the latest-generation CRF450R, resulting in reduced vehicle weight. The redesigned frame has optimized flex characteristics, while the modern bodywork facilitates rider movement and is more easily removed. The combination results in reliable tracking, precise turning, exemplary straight-line stability and overall rideability, thanks in part to 8-pound-lighter vehicle weight.

The 2022 Honda CRF250R is due to arrive in September 2021 and will be priced at an MLP of $12,199 in Extreme Red.

For more information on the 2022 Honda CRF250R here in Australia head to Honda Motorcycles Australia website

2022 HONDA CRF250 SPECS