All Tests – Honda CRF250M Test: SM A2! – Fun and funny to drive

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Honda CRF250M test: SM A2 !

All Tests - Honda CRF250M Test: SM A2! - Fun and funny to drive

Notice to holders of the new A2 license: from June, you can indulge in the joys of Supermoto thanks to a new motorcycle offered by Honda, the CRF250M derived from the CRF250L trail. To be used without moderation, in town or on the track. Test.

Fun and funny to drive

High at first glance, the CRF250M saddle, located 855 mm from the ground (20 mm less than the "L"), is quite easy to get on. The weight of the rider then makes the bike noticeably lower and allows you to put both feet on the ground thanks to the suspensions that remain flexible..

The position is straight, the legs slightly bent, and we can see far, very far. You just have to get used, on this type of machine, to move very close to the tank in order to take the controls in hand. This is also the supermoto style !

By starting the single cylinder, we discover a fairly discreet sound and not necessarily in line with its sporty look. This will be perfect for city dwellers wishing not to wake up the whole district, while the most frustrated can replace the original silencer with an adaptable (for the moment, this part is not provided for in the Honda catalog).

The bike is well in hand after just a few turns. Despite a fairly high center of gravity, its lightness (145 kg) and its agility make it easier to set the angle. And although the surface of the track does not inspire confidence, the stock tires are incredibly efficient and offer great handling in addition to very good grip..

On the engine side, MNC expected that the power would not be demonstrative … and we are not surprised: the small 4-stroke and its 6-speed gearbox inherit a final transmission a bit long.

The reduction of the CRF will surely find its place on the road in order to maintain a possible top speed of 140 km / h. Because on our particularly slow circuit, even the first two reports do not get us out of curves. !

The solution – for this type of "sporty" use – will therefore be to add a few teeth to the crown or to blow one off the pinion, so as to favor acceleration to the detriment of top speed … and fuel consumption !

The other solution is to ride the bike the supermoto way, as Honda rider Martin demonstrated to us. On the program: big glides, big crosses, big braking … nearby, MNC is dragging itself miserably! It is obvious, the CRF250M has potential which requires a certain background in terms of piloting to be properly exploited..

This did not prevent us from taking advantage of the very playful side of the CRF. Although its engine is too linear, the acceleration remains convincing and the gearbox is perfect for playing the selector. As for its long-travel suspensions and powerful braking, they finally agree quite well when you start to force the pace. It’s stable, precise and easy, even for those who are new to this type of motorcycle.

Available from June at a price of € 4,740, this Supermoto-style CRF250M is clearly aimed at a young and urban clientele. And if it corresponds well to the A2 license standard, it still has to convince beginners who are eyeing motorcycles of higher displacement for a price barely higher (Honda NC700S at 4,990 € in promotional price, for example).

To seduce, the CRF250M has a very good quality of manufacture, a remarkable ease of handling, an extreme agility and an engine sobriety appreciated in these times of recession. Will these assets encourage young people allowed to choose it to roam the city, or even to indulge in the joys of the track? … To be continued on MNC: stay connected !

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