The 2006 Honda CRF250R

By Danny Brault

Photos by Danny Brault and Jay Moore

The Racer X Canada crew had so much fun at the AX Des-Monts indoor track in Quebec two weekends ago that we just had to go back. This time, we brought along the new 2006 Honda CRF250R. Similar to the RMZ-250F test, we wanted to get some feedback on how the CRF worked in tight, indoor conditions. We were looking forward to riding the Honda because our ad rep, Jay Moore, has been racing Hondas since … well, since the first day he threw a leg over a dirt bike. In addition, I am planning to purchase one in the spring and Kyle Keast (who joined us for the test) has been a long-time Honda rider and has raced supercross, arenacross and nationals on both the CRF250R and CRF450R. Our second guest test rider, Rob Pelletier, turned pro after Walton and has been considering a switch to red for next season so we knew that he would provide a unique perspective. 

Obviously, the most noticeable change to the ’06 CRF250R is the addition of an extra muffler. The pipe splits off after the rear shock and the muffler cans barely poke out from the number plates. The intention of the dual-pipe is to improve balance and inertial mass, but test riders were not able to detect a difference in handling or balance compared to their own, single exhaust bikes. (That impression may change on an outdoor-style track rather than a tight arenacross track.) The testers did, however, feel that the ’06 CRF had more bottom end power and expelled a much crisper and enticing sound.

A twin-pipe isn’t the only major change to the Honda for 2006. Here is a list of what’s new and improved on the CRF250R: new piston shape for increased power from mid-to-upper engine rpm, new piston rings for reduced engine friction, new exhaust port shape in the cylinder head for improved power at high rpm, new intake-valve seat material for improved valve durability and new camshaft profile and 40mm Keihin FCR carburetor for increased high-rpm power. A new ignition map works in conjunction with the new cylinder head and camshaft for improved power at virtually all engine speeds. Also, the front hub is lighter and stronger, the front fork outer tube is lighter, the radiators are mounted 5mm lower for a lower centre of gravity, and a redesigned swingarm also features weight savings.

What remains the same for 2006: the CRF still features a unicam, four-valve engine that keeps the Honda feeling light and minimizes engine mass. The twin-sump lubrication system separates transmission and engine oil to prevent contamination of the engine oil. The Honda is now on its fifth-generation twin-spar aluminum frame and the 204 pound (dry) CRF comes with Renthal 971 bend aluminum handlebars. As usual, the Honda features class-leading style with its light, nimble look and durable plastics package.

On the track

It didn’t take long before our test riders were comfortable on the indoor track thanks to the adaptability of the Honda's chassis and its superior handling. “I love it. I felt comfortable on the Honda right away and the motor is fast, but it comes on smooth,” said Pelletier, who raced an RM-Z250F this past summer and finished fourth in the 125 and GP Intermediate classes at the Walton TransCan. Pelletier found the CRF handling traits similar to the Suzuki, but felt that the power delivery was stronger on the Honda. “It’s definitely fast, especially on the bottom and it seems to rev out pretty far,” continued Pelletier.

Keast, who raced the ’06 CRF250R to a tenth-place finish at the Toronto WSXGP already had first hand experience of how the bike works in supercross and race conditions. “Obviously, the bike works well indoors because it turns on a dime. That’s nothing new, Hondas always turn well. I don’t know if it’s the dual-pipes or not, but the ’06 does handle a bit better; it just goes where you want it to,” commented Keast. One area Keast is certain about is the engine improvements. “Power-wise, the new 250F is much more torquey and powerful on the bottom. I would almost say it’s comparable to my ’05 race bike.”

The Verdict 

Every bike we have tested in the past few months has received praise from riders (albeit with a small about of constructive criticism.) But after riding the 2006 CRF250R, we didn’t have any complaints. The CRF250R gives riders a sense of confidence because it feels predictable and goes where you want it to, not where it wants to go. The bike feels stable everywhere on the track, from the whoops, to the corners, to the sharp-banked bowl turns. Complimenting this great handling package is the plush suspension. The Honda soaked up the hard landings, smoothed out the chop and tracked straight through the whoops. (Well, it did for Keast. The rest of us didn’t really try to blitz the whoops, we just tried to make it the other side.) In the past, the CRF250R wasn’t considered one of the fastest 250Fs, but thanks to its improved low-to-mid power, the Honda now has one of the strongest motors. Power delivery is usable as it pulls hard and consistent through the middle to the higher RPMs. Please visit Honda Canada at honda.ca to find out more about the CRF250R and to view their entire line of motorcycles.