Actually, that headline’s not strictly accurate, but the suspension upgrades that the CRF450R and CRF450RX are enjoying for 2022 are yesterday’s news. The big news for this week is the upgrades the CRF250R and CRF250RX receive, and they’re fairly substantial.
For some, the most exciting update to the ’22, two-fiddy will be the frame and swingarm. The middleweight motocrosser now gets the same frame and swingarm as it’s big, 450cc brother. The same frame and swinger that Tim Gajser won the 2019 and 2020 MX GP World Championship with.
The 250cc engine has had a good going over, too. Intake and exhaust efficiency has been improved with a bigger airbox, re-angled fuel injectors, new valve timing, a ‘straight-down’ exhaust port and a lighter exhaust pipe. There’s also a new nine-plate clutch and revised gear ratios in there. All the changes equate to 10% more top-end power and 15% more midrange torque, which is definitely not to be sniffed at.
Sniff this…
The Showa suspension has all been re-valved enhancing, according to Honda, the 250s cornering ability and handling. They say that the improvements have made it easier for riders of all levels to go constantly faster for longer, lap after lap. They obviously haven’t seen me ride an MX bike…
As well as all the technical updates, they’ve given the CRF250R and CRF250RX new bodywork too. It’s lighter, simpler and provides better airflow to the radiator.
The CRF250RX also gets a new fuel injection map for 2022, said to improve Enduro performance. It also comes with an 8L plastic fuel tank (rather than the 6.3L titanium one on the ‘R’), a side stand and a pair of new hand guards. Lovely.
All of the new CRF models, that’s the CRF50F, CRF110F, CRF125F, CRF150R, CRF250R, CRF250RX, CRF450R and CRF450RX, come in a new very red, very ‘Honda’ colour scheme. A colour scheme I’m, personally, not sure about, but I’ll let you make your own minds up about that.
2022 HONDA CRF250R 20YM HONDA CRF250RX
How much?
If you want a new 2022 Honda CRF, this is how much it’ll cost you…
| Honda CRF50F | £1,799 |
| Honda CRF110F | £2,349 |
| Honda CRF125F | £2,749 |
| Honda CRF150R | £TBA |
| Honda CRF250R | £7,799 |
| Honda CRF250RX | £8,319 |
| Honda CRF450R | £8,499 |
| Honda CRF450RX | £8,979 |
