The Honda CRF250R vs. Yamaha YZ250F, both are high-quality dirt motorcycles with outstanding performance capabilities.
However, the Honda CRF250R is a game-changer when it comes to engines. Because this motorcycle’s engine has been significantly upgraded by Honda, resulting in a substantial increase in midrange power and torque. Hence, this simplifies riding quickly in critical track sections such as whoops, managing jumps, and accelerating through deep loam and berms.
While the Yamaha YZ250F is meant to triumph, as evidenced by its stellar track record. With its reduced weight and improved suspension performance, this high-tech motocross weapon is sharper, faster, and more supple, and it’s poised to take the podium.
So, which one will you choose? Let’s find out from a comparison of “Honda CRF250R Vs Yamaha YZ250F”
The Battle Between Honda CRF250R vs Yamaha YZ250F
Engine
The Honda is ranked sixth in peak horsepower and tied for sixth in maximum torque with the Yamaha YZ250F thanks to its 37.8 hp and 18.0 lb.-ft output. The CRF250R engine is quite useable on the track because of its powerful middle and second-best bottom-end power. Although promising, the top end falls short of the competition, significantly over 11,500 rpm.
ON THE OTHER HAND, the YZ250F’s powerful four-stroke engine is recognized for its class-leading low-end and mid-range torque and its vast, useful powerband. Furthermore, it boasts a reversed cylinder head design, firm cam profiles, and a high-spec piston.
Suspension
The CRF250R is one of the hardest to set up regarding the suspension. Its Showa 49mm coil-spring fork and Showa shock are all about performance. They aren’t very comfortable over small bumps at low speeds, but they handle bigger hits like landings from jumps.
While a completely interchangeable KYB coil spring-type fork with speed-sensitive damping is included on the YZ250F. This gives the bike a great mix between handling and absorbing bumps, which has helped it win championships. The linkage-style rear suspension has a KYB shock tuned to make the car less shaky when entering and leaving corners.
Handling
The CRF250R handles the best and is very sensitive to the rider’s input, so it’s easy to lean and grab inside lines at any time. But the Honda’s suspension is the most stiff of all these vehicles, which is a compromise for its agility.
On the contrary, the Yamaha YZ250F’s small engine, circular exhaust, and fuel tank are all placed on improving mass centralization and making the bike appear light and easy to control on the track. The large 55 mm footpegs assist in lowering the biker’s centre of gravity, which improves balance, control, and comfort.
Electric Start
The CRF250R has an easy-to-use electric starter. It’s straightforward to operate and light, and it’s a big deal if your bike stops working in the middle of a road and you need to start it up again.
With a small starter motor and a very light lithium battery, the YZ250F makes push-button starting possible on the tracks. This makes it easy to start the bike when the pressure is on, and it’s easy to ride when the time is running out.
Body Frame
You need a suitable frame for excellent handling, and the CRF250R’s design puts you ahead in this area. First, it’s not heavy. By making the frame’s main spars narrower, Honda saved weight, but above all, they improved the chassis sensitivity by improving the lateral stiffness. As a result, the bike goes faster into, around, and out of turn.
While, the YZ250F has an aluminium bilateral beam frame with main spars, engine mounts, and mounting points that are all made to keep the weight in the centre of the bike and provide the best mix between stability in corners and stability in a straight line.
Air Management
Total air management focuses on the efficiency with which air flows across the intake, the head, and the exhaust. Eliminate losses in this area, and you will increase power everywhere.
The Yamaha YZ250F’s air filter is accessible without tools and is mounted in front of the cycle to prevent roost from the rear tire.
Additional Features
The CRF250R has a titanium gasoline tank because every gram counts on a 250-class motorcycle. In addition to being light, durable, and narrower than our prior plastic unit, it clears up extra room and assists with fuel mass centralization.
The YZ4250F sports the same 270 mm front brake rotor, large-diameter pistons, and rigid front caliper. A smaller rear caliper combines with a 240 mm rotor and abrasive pad material to provide superior stopping force and braking control.
Key Specifications: Honda CRF250R Vs Yamaha YZ250F
Honda CRF250R
- Engine Type: four-stroke 249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder;
- Bore and Stroke: 79.0mm x 50.9mm
- Compression Ratio: 13.9:1
- Transmission: Five-speed
- Front Tire: Pirelli Scorpion MX32 80/100-21
- Rear Tire: Pirelli Scorpion MX32 100/90-19
- Front Brake: Single 260mm disc
- Rear Brake: Single 240mm disc
Honda CRF250R Top Speed
Variables, including rider weight, terrain, and atmospheric conditions, can affect the maximum speed of the Honda CRF250R. According to Honda, the maximum speed of the CRF250R in optimal conditions is approximately 80 mph (128.7 km/h).
Honda CRF250R Graphics
The graphics on the Honda CRF250R may vary depending on the year and specific model of the bike. However, most models of the CRF250R feature bold graphics and colors
Honda CRF250R Parts
The Honda CRF250R is a popular motocross bike, and many parts and accessories are available to customize and maintain it.
Yamaha YZ250F
- Engine Type: 250cc, Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve
- Bore and Stroke: 77.0mm × 53.6mm
- Compression Ratio: 13.8:1
- Transmission: Constant-mesh 5-speed; multi-plate wet clutch
- Tyres / Front: 80/100-21 Dunlop® Geomax MX33F
- Tyres / Rear: 110/90-19 Dunlop® Geomax MX33
- Brakes / Front: Hydraulic disc, 270mm
- Brakes / Rear: Hydraulic disc, 240mm
Yamaha YZ250F Top Speed
Yamaha claims that the YZ250F has a maximum speed of approximately 85 mph (136.8 km/h) in optimal conditions which is higher comparing Honda CRF
Pros and Cons: Honda CRF250R Vs Yamaha YZ250F
Let’s look at these bikes’ major advantages and disadvantages.
Honda CRF250R
Pros of Honda CRF250R
- Big bike appeal.
- Performance.
- Ride quality.
Cons of Honda CRF250R
- Subjective front styling
- No ABS
Yamaha YZ250F
Pros of Yamaha YZ250F
- High-Performance Engine
- Durable Components.
- Strong Aftermarket Support.
Cons of Yamaha YZ250F
- Difficult starting in cold weather
- Stiff Suspension
Maintenance of Honda CRF250R vs Yamaha YZ250F
While modern dirt bikes are generally rock solid, the upkeep for bikes like the Honda 250cc varies greatly depending on the rider.
Maintenance of a Yamaha YZ250F
The YZ250F’s air-cooled engine produces about half as much power as the previous model. Therefore, it is easier on the engine’s moving parts and lubricant. As a result, you may put off maintenance like oil changes, valve inspections, and engine rebuilds for longer.
An oil change may only be necessary for the average trail rider after 5-10 hours, and the engine should easily survive 400+ hours. For any motorcycle, keeping the air filter clean is crucial to preventing debris from entering the engine.
Maintenance of a Honda CRF250R
High-performance engines with liquid cooling have more moving parts and generate more heat. Heat is the number one enemy of an engine. Therefore, it’s only natural to accelerate its components’ wear and tear.
More frequent upkeep is required when the engine is revved excessively, and the rev limitation is repeatedly hit. Oil changes should be done every 5 hours, and the engine should be rebuilt every 50 hours, at the very least.
If you’re careful with the gas and clutch, you can get 200+ hours out of the engine’s top end before it needs to be rebuilt. If you’re only going to “putt around” or ride cautiously, the CRF250R enduro motorbike isn’t for you.
What about racing and jumping on the YZ250F & CRF250R?
The Yamaha YZ250R
It is possible to jump with the stock suspension safely, but it is much too soft. You’ll reach the limit of the fork’s and rear shock’s travel and stop there.
Both you and the motorcycle are in danger if you continue. Parts can be damaged if the suspension is repeatedly bottomed out. When you land, it will throw you off balance and perhaps buck you off, which can lead to serious injury.
The Honda CRF250R
Need the newest suspension technology for MX jumping and racing? The CRF250R boasts a more advanced suspension system and more extended travel.
It’s more complicated than a trail bike, but you can still go fast without worrying about falling off. You’ll be able to perform giant leaps and whoops without worrying about the forks and shock bottoming out because they are significantly more rigid and have more significant travel.
Because of its height and length, the CRF250R is top-heavy and has a slower steering ratio, yet it is purpose-built to handle track turns and ruts.
Jumps and whoops benefit, but tight single-track routes do not. The ride can be rough and tiring when traveling slowly through uneven terrain, such as a trail with pebbles and tree roots.
Is trail riding possible with the CRF250R?
Trail bikes are more comfortable and functional than CRF250Rs, especially on narrow and technical trails. Traction is reduced, and stalling is facilitated by a lightweight flywheel on a slippery route.
Trails with sharper turns will present more of a challenge for a vehicle with a close-ratio transmission because of the increased clutch slipping required. Shorter gearing (slower 1st gear speed) can be achieved using sprockets of a different size, but this eliminates the option of quickly shifting into fifth gear in an emergency.
However, if you’re an average-sized rider, the stiff suspension will make the bike harsh and hard to ride on most trails. The 250R can be converted into a forest bike with a few modifications, but an off-road motorbike or combat bike is a better choice for a beginner.
Conclusion: Honda crf250r vs Yamaha yz250f, which one to Choose?
The Honda CRF250R and the Yamaha YZ250F are powerful dirt motorcycles built for motocross and off-road competition. Picking between the two will hinge on your preferences and riding technique.
The Honda CRF250R has a reputation for being simpler to operate and having better power delivery, making it an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate motorcyclists. The Yamaha YZ250F, on the contrary, has a more aggressive power delivery and is better adapted for experienced motorcyclists seeking a more exhilarating ride.
Both the Honda CRF250R and the Yamaha YZ250F are excellent options for motocross and off-road cycling. However, ccording to your needs and tastes, you may choose the best one!
FAQ
What distinguishes the Honda CRF250R from the Yamaha YZ250F?
Both the Yamaha YZ250F and the Honda CRF250R are extremely fast motocross bikes made for off-road racing. They differ slightly in terms of suspension, engine displacement, and other aspects. While the Yamaha YZ250F features a liquid-cooled, four-stroke motor with a displacement of 249cc, the Honda CRF250R has a liquid-cooled, 250cc engine. While the YZ250F has a KYB spring fork and a link-type rear suspension, the CRF250R boasts a sophisticated suspension system that includes a Showa air fork and a Pro-Link rear suspension.
Which motorcycle is faster, the Yamaha YZ250F or the Honda CRF250R?
The peak speed of both the Honda CRF250R and Yamaha YZ250F can change based on a number of variables, including the rider’s weight, the terrain, and the wind. The YZ250F has a top speed of about 85 mph (136.8 km/h) under ideal conditions, whilst the CRF250R has a top speed of about 80 mph (128.7 km/h), according to the makers. It’s crucial to remember that performance measurements for bikes go beyond top speed and include things like acceleration, handling, and braking.
Which motorcycle—the Honda CRF250R or the Yamaha YZ250F—is better for beginners?
The high-performance motocross bikes Yamaha YZ250F and Honda CRF250R are both made for experienced riders. However, it’s crucial to pick a bike that matches your experience and skill level if you’re a beginner. Starting out on a smaller, less powerful bike and working your way up to a bigger bike like the CRF250R or YZ250F may be preferable. The ideal bike for you will ultimately depend on your riding objectives and personal preferences.
How much does the Honda CRF250R cost more than the Yamaha YZ250F?
The pricing of the Honda CRF250R and Yamaha YZ250F can differ based on the bike’s model and year. However, the Yamaha YZ250F is typically a bit more affordable than the Honda CRF250R. Whether you are purchasing a new or used bike, as well as your location, can affect prices.
Which bike, the Yamaha YZ250F or the Honda CRF250R, is more dependable?
The Yamaha YZ250F and Honda CRF250R are both renowned for their dependability and toughness. To keep the bike operating properly and avoid issues, proper care and routine maintenance are necessary, just like with any machine. To maintain the longevity of your bike, it’s critical to adhere to the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance routine and use high-quality components and fluids.
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