Take motocross performance to the trails with the 2009 Honda CRF250X. This machine has been tuned for off-road riding and it features electric starting, but the race-bred engine and chassis cannot pass unnoticed out where the going gets tough.

2009 Honda CRF250X

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2009 Honda CRF250X
  • Engine/Motor: liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
  • Horsepower: 32.5 HP @ 11000 rpm
  • Transmission: Wide-ratio five-speed
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

 

Introduction


Derived from the Honda CRF250R motocross bike, this off-roader shares its major components with the racing bike. So it can brag with a four-stroke, 249cc, liquid-cooled, four-valve Unicam engine, a twin spar aluminum frame and highly-effective suspension equipment.

For starters, the motor has been retuned for more low and mid-range rpm while also being fitted with an electric starter. This adds, indeed, a little bit of weight, but makes for the adequate choice given the fact that this bike isn’t built just to go fast, but to offer a fair share of comfort too.

Also tuned for off-road riding, the Twin-Chamber Cartridge fork and Pro-Link rear suspension with new damper settings make it easier on the rider’s back while also keeping the bike stable at high speeds and through aggressive cornering.

Being an off-road bike and because of the engine’s 250ccs, Honda didn’t considered necessary to fit their Progressive Steering Damper on it, but this doesn’t radically affect the handling as we would normally tend to think. Also, neither of its competitors comes with anything that would put it in advantage so I guess that Honda is on equal foot with the competition.

Honda CRF250X History



Competition


Furthermore, the 2009 Yamaha WR250F features the liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-stroke engine with five titanium valves. This unit is considered to be more powerful than Honda’s Unicam engine and this has also been tuned for low- and midrange power which is linear and yet aggressive, a combination that is very hard to achieve. The e-start is a must on every off-road bike and Yamaha excludes none of their models.

Not only the WR is powerful and very reliable, but it is built on an aluminum frame, something that brings it even closer to the CRF and tightens out the score between these two off-road machines.  A small detail such as the price would definitely sort things out so it is important mentioning that the Blue/White painted trail blast has a base price of $6,699.

Yamaha and Honda are the only Japanese manufacturers to retain a four-stroke 250cc off-road bike in their lineups.

But don’t worry! The Austrians from KTM have plenty to offer and among their competition off-road bikes, the 250 XC-F soon appears. Powered by a carbureted, liquid-cooled, 249.5cc single-cylinder, four-stroke motor implementing four-valve technology and which is fitted with both a kickstarter and an E-starter, this bike stays true to the category in which it is strategically positioned. The five-gears SX ratio transmission exploits properly the engine’s potential, making the power and tranny worth of being compared to Honda’s.

In what concerns the chassis, that is composed from a central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 frame (characteristic to KTM), an aluminum swingarm and WP suspensions. More of an expensive alternative, the KTM 250 XC-F comes with an MSRP of $7,410.95.

Husqvarna is also in for a piece of the action with the 2009 TE 250. Behind this model year sits a refined liquid-cooled, 249.5cc four-stroke, four-valves, DOHC engine, exhaust and gearbox. But what makes the Husky so competitive is the electronic fuel injection system feeding the small engine and also the MSRP which, although not yet announced, it won’t go above $7,000. Now that’s a winning combination!

Exterior


Probably the best about Honda’s CRF250X model is that, although found in the off-road lineup, it looks like a veritable track motorcycle which makes it more attractive and implicit easier to sell. Two bikes have contributed to this CRF’s design, the Honda CRF250R motocrosser and its biggest sibling, the Honda CRF450X.

Compact and aggressive, the 250X design is nicely contoured by a high mounted front fender and aggressive headlight with white housing, a gas tank that is positioned down into the frame, side panels and graphics for an aggressive touch, these last two both being perfectly blended in with the all red seat.

On all 2009 Honda off-road motorcycles, the CRF250X comes with a white rear fender which unifies with the side number plates. Also, like on previous model years, the fork and disc mudguards are white.

Between those big, 21 inches front and 18 inches rear sits the compact quarter-liter engine which is the source of all fun and entertaining in the woods.

Test Ride



Price


Like Yamaha, Honda suggests a retail price of $6,699 for their 250cc off-road motorcycle, the CRF250X. Compared to the KTM, both of these Japanese motorcycles are better bangs for the bucks, but when compared to the Husqvarna TE 250, things take an unexpected turn. Isn’t carburetion good enough any more?

Conclusion


Honda manages to work its magic on next year’s CRF250X even though without significant changes or upgrades. I can’t wait for the day when Japan’s motorcycle makers will turn to fuel injection even for engines this small, but I believe I’ll have to wait a few years for that to happen. Until then, Honda reliability and performance isn’t a thing to doubt off so it remains an adequate solution for your trail riding needs.

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SPEFICIATIONS

 

Engine and Transmission

 

Displacement: 249cc

Type: liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke

Bore and Stroke: 78mm x 52.2mm

Compression ratio: 12.9:1

Valve Train: Unicam, four-valve; 31mm intake valve; 26mm exhaust valve

Induction: Keihin 37mm flat-slide carburetor with Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)

Ignition: CD with electronic advance and lighting coil

Starting: Electric and kick

Transmission: Wide-ratio five-speed

Final Drive: #520 T-ring-sealed chain; 13T/49T

 

Chassis and Dimensions

 

Suspension Front: 47mm inverted Showa cartridge fork with 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustability; 12.4 inches travel

Rear: Pro-Link Showa single shock with spring preload, 17-position rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns); 12.4 inches travel

Brakes     Front: Single 240mm disc with twin-piston caliper

Rear: Single 240mm disc

Tires Front: 80/100-21

Rear: 100/100-18

Wheelbase: 58.3 inches

Rake (Caster angle): 27.54o

Trail: 118mm (4.7 inches)

Seat Height: 37.7 inches

Ground Clearance: 13.6 inches

Fuel Capacity: 1.9 gallons

Curb Weight: 253 pounds

Features

 

Unique Features

 

  • Electric-start system for easy starting in all conditions.

  • Gas-tank capacity is 1.9 gallons.

  • Resettable, easy-to-read three-digit odometer.

  • USDA-qualified muffler/spark arrester.

  • Powerful 35-watt halogen headlight features an innovative lens for a wide range of illumination.

  • Integrated LED taillight in rear fender.

  • Convenient sidestand.

  • Easy-access air filter.

  • Wide-ratio five-speed transmission.

  • Suspension tuned for competitive off-road riding needs.

  • 18-inch rear wheel for greater flat-tire protection.
  •  

    Engine/Drivetrain

     

  • Powerful four-stroke 249cc liquid-cooled four-valve Unicam® engine is designed to produce power across a wide rpm band for easy-to-control operation (see Technology Section).

  • Electric starter drives the clutch side of the crankshaft to provide superior lubrication to starter gears and produce a narrow engine with a short, strong crankshaft.

  • Compact, lightweight engine assembly weighs only 59.3 pounds.

  • ACG cover, clutch cover and cylinder-head cover are made of magnesium to reduce engine weight.

  • Forged 12.9:1-compression slipper piston is lighter than a conventional design, revving quickly while maintaining excellent cylinder sealing and high-rpm power.

  • 37mm Keihin FCR-type carburetor features four rollers on the flat slide, resulting in light throttle effort, smooth operation, crisp throttle response and excellent rideability.

  • Carburetor features a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) to help maintain linear throttle response throughout the rpm range.

  • Twin-sump lubrication system separates the oil supply for the crankshaft, piston and valve train from the clutch and transmission. This ensures a cool supply of oil to the clutch, eliminates clutch and transmission material contamination of the engine oil, reduces the amount of circulating oil and permits the use of a smaller oil pump.

  • Exhaust system uses a lightweight stainless-steel exhaust header and muffler equipped with spark arrester.

  • Dual radiators feature a refined core area for improved heat dissipation compared to conventional dual-radiator design, and coolant recovery tank.

  • Gear-driven balancer reduces vibration and drives the water pump. Eight clutch plates provide the surface area necessary to handle the engine's massive torque, while carefully matched clutch springs provide a light feel at the lever.

  • T-ring- sealed chain is approximately 1.6mm narrower and is stronger compared to conventional chains.

  • Durable five-speed wide-ratio transmission.
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    Chassis/Suspension

     

  • Fourth-generation Twin-Spar Aluminum Frame with forged-aluminum steering head (see Technology Section).

  • 18-inch rear wheel features same lightweight rear hub and HRC works-type lightweight-aluminum spoke nipples as used on the CRF250R.

  • Front wheel features large-diameter front axle and wide wheel-bearing span for excellent rigidity.

  • Rear-axle diameter of 25mm and large-diameter bearings provide optimum rigidity to withstand torturous off-road conditions.

  • Revised, sophisticated Inverted Twin-Chamber Cartridge Fork (see Technology Section).

  • Pro-Link® Rear Suspension with new damper settings (see Technology Section).

  • Large 50mm diameter for rear shock damper piston for consistent performance under demanding riding conditions.

  • HRC works-type rear brake system integrates the rear master cylinder and fluid reservoir, eliminating the need for a separate reservoir and hose assembly.
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    Additional Features

     

  • Rider ergonomics are optimized by adapting the handlebar, seat and footpeg height to place the rider's legs at the narrowest frame width for improved comfort and handling feel.

  • Rear brake pedal and shift lever are made of lightweight aluminum and are designed to complement the riding position. Brake pedal features optimized ratio to match integrated rear-brake master-cylinder design.

  • Wide, cleated, stainless-steel footpegs are self-cleaning, resist corrosion, provide excellent grip and fold for extra ground clearance.

  • Aluminum Renthal handlebar (971 bend) is rubber-mounted to help reduce rider fatigue and improve comfort.

  • Handlebar holders provide two different mounting positions to match rider preference.

  • Works-type handlebar grips add to rider comfort.

  • Adjustable front brake lever.

  • Quick-adjust clutch.

  • Chain-guide material offers improved wear resistance, and service life is five times greater than conventional materials.

  • Front disc brake cover helps protect rotor and caliper from damage.

  • Removable rear subframe allows easy maintenance.

  • Washable, two-stage foam air filter for optimal engine protection and easy maintenance.

  • Comfortable, durable controls and high-quality fasteners.

  • Stainless-steel clutch cable for long life.

  • Honda Racing- inspired colors and graphics.

  • When you buy a new Honda Powersports Product, you may be eligible to receive a complimentary one year membership in the Honda Riders Club of America, which includes an exclusive Members-only magazine, rider training benefits, access to the Members-only Clubhouse website and much more.