Despite winning numerous comparison tests and awards in 2010, the CRF250R enters the new season sporting a number of improvements that will help it continue its winning ways. A new Honda Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD) with a larger, 24mm damper piston aids tracking precision, and new suspension settings front and rear help give this stellar-handling machine even better chassis balance for 2011. Changes to engine tuning now give the CRF250R a stronger bottom-end and midrange hit, and this model also features a new muffler that meets the 94-decibel sound level required by some racing organizations in 2011.

New for 2011

• New engine tuning produces added response and midrange power production.
• Honda Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD) features larger piston diameter (20mm to 24mm) for improved tracking traits.
• Revised fork valving offers improved balance and bottoming resistance.
• New shock valving helps deliver optimum chassis balance and improved suspension action.
• Redesigned muffler lowers sound emissions to 94 dB.

New for 2010

• All-new, more compact engine.
• Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI).
• Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD)-equipped aluminum frame
• All-new front and rear suspension, featuring upper and lower fork tubes and a shock body developed exclusively for the CRF250R chassis.
• Redesigned higher-capacity airbox for enhanced breathing and increased power also improves filter access.
• All-new single-muffler exhaust system improves mass centralization.
• All-new bodywork.

Engine/Drivetrain

• All-new compact engine.
• Liquid-cooled four-valve Unicam® 249cc engine.
• Engine completely redesigned for improved power delivery from a significantly more compact package that lowers the center of gravity and enhances mass centralization for improved handling.
• New forged slipper-piston material permits a thinner crown. Low-friction surface treatment ensures high-rev potential.
• All-new Programmed Fuel Injection system (PGM-FI) utilizes a 50mm throttle body with 12-hole injector fed by lightweight 50-psi pump to ensure optimum fuel atomization and precisely targeted fuel charge. System also improves fuel consumption.
• PGM-FI system monitors throttle position, intake air and coolant temperatures and manifold pressure to accurately map fuel charge and ignition spark, significantly improving partial-throttle response and helping to ensure excellent rideability.
• AC generator enlarged to service the PGM-FI system. Two crankshaft position sensors quickly determine crank position to provide quick starts, hot or cold.
• New mechanical water pump seal improves durability
• Kashima coating applied to the clutch basket and clutch center improves clutch life and feel.
• All-new transmission ratios match engine power output.

Chassis/Suspension

• All-new HPSD-equipped Twin-Spar Aluminum Frame with forged-aluminum steering head. Spar height was reduced (70mm to 66mm) and width was narrowed (27mm to 26mm). Stronger downtubes improve front-end feel.
• Steering response and overall handling were improved by positioning the front wheel 15mm farther back and closer to the crankshaft.
• Frame, steering head and swingarm modifications permit a reduction in triple-clamp offset (22mm to 20mm).
• Removable rear subframe was redesigned to eliminate brackets. Shape altered to improve air filter access and narrow the bike profile.
• HPSD features a compact damper attached to the lower triple clamp and the steering head to allow more aggressive steering characteristics and assist straight-line handling. Damping action smoothly progresses as handlebar deflection increases, which produces very natural steering characteristics and feel.
• Pro-Link® Rear Suspension features exclusive Showa integrated reservoir with all-new damping and spring settings.
• Brake system integrates the rear master-cylinder and fluid reservoir, eliminating the separate reservoir and hose.
• Link-type front-brake master cylinder and a lightweight brake rotor provide strong braking.

Additional Features

• Engine stop switch features an integrated LED pre-ride check indicator. This confirms the PGM-FI system is operating normally.
• All-new higher-capacity airbox improves filter access.
• PGM-FI tuning connectors located behind radiator shroud for easier access
• Redesigned larger radiators, improve cooling performance
• New fuel-tank tether eliminates need to disconnect fuel line to work on top end.
• Rider ergonomics are optimized by adapting the handlebar, seat and footpeg height to place the rider’s legs at the narrowest part of the frame for improved comfort and handling feel.
• Adjustable front-brake lever for improved control.
• Quick-adjust clutch perch for easy cable adjustment.
• Aluminum Renthal handlebar (971 bend) is rubber-mounted to help reduce rider fatigue and improve comfort.