Honda CR250AF And CR250AFX
Obviously, these two red bikes are meant for very different purposes, but they are the same in terms of engine tuning (2001 CR engine with 2000-style Keihin carburetor). Like the Kawasaki, the conversion is very clean, and the bikes look like they could have come from Honda this way. The X even keeps the superfluous battery to help power the lights. Service designed the bikes to take off-the-shelf FMF pipes, but the two first editions we tested needed the header hammer-clearanced to fit, and crushing the header close to the cylinder surely hampered the power. Production units will have a different cradle that will clear a production pipe. On the track the CR250AF was smoother and less abrupt than the KX. Some of the test crew wasn't sure the two-stroke was as fast as the stock CRF250R as far as overall lap times, but for those of us watching the laps, it was clear that the two-stroke had an advantage in acceleration. When it came down to deciding which bike to keep for a longer test, the CR250AFX was the logical choice. Since all three models cost the same, the standard odometer, big tank, kickstand, easy-access filter and lights make the CR250AFX the best value for those contemplating an off-road mount. In terms of equipment, the bike is a no-brainer. Easy to service and a snap to park, the whole package makes ownership easy. Riding, though, was a little different. For conditions like those found in the East, where the trail is often a mild rut, the bike works great. It feels nimble and willing, and it easily makes a good trail pace. For flat and slippery conditions the front end washes out suddenly at times. We didn't experiment with tires, but it feels like the bike would like more weight on the front for cornering. It handled fine in the rough and showed a more stable nature and a longer feel than a stock 250X offers.
Service Honda: www.servicehonda.com; 219.932.3588
Suggested retail: $9999
Jimmy Lewis
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 185 lb
Vet A
I was really hoping this bike would be the CR250 off-road bike that should be competing with the KTM two-strokes, but it wasn't. It basically showed how good the KTMs have become and how even an engine as good as the 2000/2001 CR250R has aged. The bike definitely has a home-built feel to it even though the build is very sano. Most of that feel comes from what I believe is a mismatched setup or purpose. The bike has an awesome midrange hit and pull and it is fast. But it also lacks on the bottom and on the very top. The bottom-end hinders during technical riding, and you feel that the gearbox is not a wide ratio. First is tall and fifth is short. It needs a lot of clutch, and there isn't the torque on the bottom to make it easy. Then when the power comes on it is a little hard to control since it is so fast; spinning is an issue. And when you're in the power the bike vibrates quite a bit.
The handling was just a bit off, too. I wanted more weight on the front wheel, but at the same time I was looking for a steering stabilizer. The bike has a long and stable feel, but it also has a twitchiness to the front end. It loved to go straight but knifed in a little quick in the turns. Overall, the suspension action was pretty good; I didn't feel like I wanted to change anything here. If you're a Honda guy and you're a two-stroke lover, I'm sure this machine would make you happy, but being so narrowly focused will prevent you from seeing that there are better ways available. I could tune this bike into a winner, but it would take a lot of detail work, starting with the engine placement.