When the 2004 CRF250R came out, there was no doubt Honda had a winner. The bike had huge sales and even won our 125 class shootout. Despite its success, Honda decided the little thumper needed revamping. The 2005 CRF250R features changes to the motor and suspension, improvements in the clutch and transmission, a new exhaust pipe, lighter swingarm and more consistent braking.
The CRF250R won our shootout in spite of - rather than because of - it's motor. It had tractable, easy to handle power, but lacked the snap of the other 250 four-strokes. Honda went to work on the motor with a new camshaft profile and cylinder head porting in conjuction with a new ignition map designed to put out more overall power. The suspension received improvements with new fork and shock valving along with new front axle placement.
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