X-rated!
By TMX Archives on 18th May 04
IT'S BECOME such a popular mantra that we're now talking borderline clich but there really is no such thing as a bad new bike anymore (okay, there are a few notable exceptions but we won't go into them here).Intensive IT'S BECOME such a popular mantra that we're now talking borderline clich but there really is no such thing as a bad new bike anymore (okay, there are a few notable exceptions but we won't go into them here).Intensive R&D, technological advancements and fierce competition in the market place - driven by an increasingly demanding buying public - mean that the days of off-the-shelf sheds are mercifully long gone.It's almost reached the point where bike tests have become redundant. Over the last few years the only new bike test in dbr I can remember that's been more negative than positive was for the late, unlamented Cannondale. Of course, there are the occasional mechanical glitches at tests but most problems only rear their ugly heads a few months down the line when the bikes have been used and abused.So that said, why accept an invite to the launch of Honda's CRF250-X with the June magazine deadline looming? Hmmm...three days on expenses in Spain, the chance to hoon around on baked-dry fireroads. Dumb question really.But there was a little more to it than just a quality skive/freebie. Since 1998 Honda have been top dogs in UK motocross as far as sales are concerned but the number of bikes they've shifted in the UK enduro market has more-or-less been treading water since 1996 when they were the daddies by a long, long way. Not good when you consider that this sector of off-road sales has grown by over 500 per cent in this time with KTM moving up to take the lion's share ahead of Yamaha with Honda slipping back to third in the pecking order. So our real mission was to see what they've come up with to turn it all around.Up until now, give or take the odd CRE, Honda's corner in the enduro market has been fought by the dated XR range that's more geared towards the trail riding side of things than full-on enduro competition so Big Red's fall from grace is hardly surprising.But this could all be about to change...Based around their proven race-winning CRF250 MX thumper, the CRF-X is a hardcore woods weapon from stock with the potential to be a whole lot more after a handful of mods and a trip to the aftermarket.The similarities to the CRF are unmistakable - and unsurprising given it's the same frame and, give or take a few tuning mods, the same high-revving engine and same Showa suspension. And you also get an electric start, lights and a wide ratio gearbox in the 4,995 RRP.So is it any good? Of course it's good! In fact, it's better than bloody good!The first day starts on a hardpacked motocross track - not typical enduro going but relevant as representing the kind of conditions faced in MX-style rather than cross-country special tests. First impressions are favourable and the power compares to this year's WRF250 - smooth, user-friendly and nicely tailored to the kind of rider who's thinking of upgrading from his XR.A quick pitstop to remove the spark arrester and it's a different story. It's a bit noisier - but still, according to the Honda press briefing, within the legal limits - and throttle response is immediately improved as the 250 four-stroke engine is allowed to breathe more freely.The Spanish track features one hillclimb in particular that's steeper than anything I've ever seen in the UK - it may not be as long as the hills at, say, Hawkstone or Talsarn but the gradient is pure evil - and the CRF-X just eats it up, even from a less than full-bore run at it thanks to its plentiful reserves of lovely tractable grunt. Just wind her on and up you go!Handling is precise and she turns good and quick - especially after the front forks are lifted 5mm through the top clamps - and the softer enduro suspension soaks everything up nicely. Faster men may opt for stiffer suspenders but for the kind of thing I've got in mind it's just fine thank you very much. Gear shifting is effortless and brakes etc are exactly what you'd expect if you bought a new bike from a manufacturer like Honda.Out on the fireroads and the performance is just as impressive. On fast and flowing trails she feels nimble, responsive and inspires confidence with enough of a hit through the range to leave me flailing about like a monkey in a mangle (cheers Wayne)! Get off the beaten track and into full-on WEC going and the CRF-X is equally at home threading its way between trees, fighting through ruts and firing up trials-type sections.For a baby 250 it feels pretty spacious and the riding position isn't cramped - just the ticket for a full day in the saddle. Of course, you'll still get baboon butt if you ride it for long enough but this is a competition motorcycle, not an armchair. And let's not forget the electric start that works faultlessly throughout the test and will definitely make the bike more appealing to four-stroke fans.A few sections of roadwork do highlight one potential short-coming - top speed ain't that high. Maybe it's unfair to bring this up as, after all, the chances of most of the bike-buying public (me included) getting involved in any off-road fifth-gear-pinned activity are slim to non-existent. But the fast n' hairy boys are going to want a little more up top as well.In the hands of most riders it will be more than enough and for the lucky few who are gifted with the skills to push it to the limit in stock clobber, there's always bolt-on bits to further stoke its fire.If the objective of the CRF250-X is to help Honda regain their hold on the lucrative enduro market - or at least make inroads into the leads of KTM and Yamaha - then it's a worthy weapon for the mission. Especially if it's lined up alongside the CRF450-X that's surely just around the corner...Words by Sean Lawless