2021 Honda CRF250RX MC Commute Review

In Southern California winter means one thing: dirt bikes. Enter Honda’s loveable 2021 CRF250RX ($8.399). Introduced a couple of years ago, the RX is a friendlier, but still competition-specification dirt bike for off-road riders who want one bike that can tackle a variety of terrain. It’s positioned above air-cooled trailbikes like the CRF250F ($4,699) and adjacent to Big Red’s CRF250R ($7,999) motocrosser.

Editor’s note: The CRF250RX is a non-street-legal motorcycle for use on closed courses or in legal off-road riding areas.

Dirt bikes are tall—and the CRF250RX is no different. But if you’re a 6-foot-tall rider, you’ll stand flat-footed at a stop. An aluminum kickstand supports the vehicle when not riding (motocross bikes don’t include a sidestand, so it’s a nice feature). The RX is slim between the rider’s legs, but is a tad broader up front versus other dirt bikes due to its larger 2.25-gallon plastic fuel tank. This affords greater range for off-road adventures that go past 45-minute motos at the track.

Push-button electric start and fuel injection make it easy to get the 249cc liquid-cooled single fired. Unlike other dirt bike models, the clutch lever must be squeezed for the engine to start. A handy yellow cold-start knob elevates engine idle and makes it easy to get it lit when the mercury drops.

Smooth power and a broad spread of torque make the RX a friendly dirt bike to ride on trail or on track. Lug the engine a gear high or rev it out toward its 14,000-plus rpm redline, and the Honda happily obliges. It cranks out just over 38 hp. Not bad for a 244-pound dirt bike. Riders can further tune throttle response in three increments (Standard, Smooth, and Aggressive) via a button on the left switch gear. Overall we preferred the Standard setting.

Squeezing the cable-actuated clutch isn’t too strenuous and it offers a responsive feel with a friendly engagement point. A precise-shifting five-speed gearbox puts power back to an 18-inch rear wheel shod with Dunlop’s gummy Geomax AT81 rubber. The tires grip well but wear quickly. There’s also an O-ring drivetrain to help boost durability. Up front it rolls on a standard 21-inch D.I.D DirtStar rim.

Like most dirt bikes, engine vibration is present through the controls but it isn’t excessive. The engine emits a nice bark through its signature twin mufflers (Honda says it fits dual mufflers for improved vehicle balance) which make it more fun to yank on the twist grip.

A sturdy set of footpegs provide good grip against the rider’s boots and we like the neutral bend of the Renthal handlebar. The top clamp integrates an alternative pair of mounting points so you can move the handlebar forward if desired. The position of the front brake lever and rear brake pedal can also be tweaked based on rider preference.

The CRF rolls on Showa suspension with more than 12 inches of suspension travel fore and aft. The components are more supple feeling than many moto bikes which help the RX find grip over slick dry terrain. Yet the suspenders offer enough damping support to withstand impacts from jumps and other obstacles encountered at speed even with a heavy 191-pound rider. Suspension damping can be tuned based on terrain or rider preference and has a wide range of adjustment. We also value its above-average stability especially over rough terrain in top gear and its nimbleness in low gear in the woods. Our only knock is the gearing is a tad tall for slow-speed riding over chunky and technical obstacles.

A pair of hydraulic disc brakes keep speed in check and offer strong and fade-free response from either end. Unlike a road bike there are no safety aids in the form of ABS or traction control. However, the RX does include three-position-adjustable electronic launch control which holds engine rpm at a certain threshold in launches at the start of a race.

Off-road riders looking for a capable do-it-all dirt bike that is easier to live with than its R-spec brother will do well with the ’21 CRF250RX. More capable than an air-cooled CRF with a forgiving engine and suspension package—you don’t need to be a pro-level racer to get the most out of the RX. Yet with its elevated performance envelope, it’s a fun dirt bike that provides more excitement than other dirt bikes.