Honda CRF 250 Review

Used Buyer Review

The CRF250 is a genuinely solid trail bike, but buying one used is where it gets complicated. Honda's four-stroke 250 needs valve checks every 24 hours of riding, and most previous owners absolutely skip this. Before handing over any cash, demand maintenance records and budget for a top-end inspection regardless — figure $200-400 at a dealer. The good news is when they've been looked after, these things run forever and parts are everywhere. On the trail it's light, flickable, and forgiving — perfect for intermediate riders who don't need to impress anyone. Power delivery is smooth rather than snappy, which actually makes you faster in technical terrain. The suspension handles most conditions competently without feeling agricultural. It's not exciting, but 'not exciting' keeps you out of the emergency room. Stick to 2018 onwards if you can stretch the budget — Honda refined the fuel injection and chassis significantly. Anything pre-2014 is genuinely ancient territory now. Walk away from any bike with a rattly top-end or an owner who can't tell you the last time valves were checked.