For the last few years, the Honda 250 has been easily among the fastest bikes you could buy, but it had a flaw. The bike was all top end, with a weak hit down low and a below average mid-range. This, combined with a demanding chassis, made for a hard to ride bike.

While most of the rest of their 2005 line was released, Honda simply did not release the 250 2-stroke until the got it right. This year, finally, the Honda 250 has a user-friendly motor . How the got it is in the rather detailed updates. The suspension and balance of the chassis is largely unchanged. All this for $6199.

New for 2005

• New cylinder design features RC exhaust valve housed in removable case for improved sealing and performance.
• New precision-cut stainless steel cylinder base gasket and revised port timing for improved bottom-end and mid-range power.
• New cylinder head combustion chamber shape for improved bottom-end and mid-range power.
• New one-piece exhaust valve for improved sealing.
• New piston dome shape for improved intake charge flow.
• New piston features single keystone piston ring for reduced friction and improved sealing.
• New crankshaft design for improved drivability.
• New crankcase with redesigned intake port for smoother air flow and increased journal thickness to decrease crank deflection.
• New six-petal reed valve with narrower profile for stronger bottom-end power.
• New reed valve mounting angle to improve charge flow and top-end power.
• New ECU mapping and RC valve control settings to match new engine power characteristics.
• New exhaust pipe shape has increased volume for improved low- to mid-range power.
• Thicker radiator core (from 24mm to 28mm) improves cooling capacity to handle extra power.
• New front axle placement for improved fork action and turning.
• New swingarm features a dual-axis, double-taper design with a large cast aluminum cross member that is lighter weight and stronger.
• New rear hub is stronger and lighter.
• New rear shock valving for improved bump absorption
• New Honda Racing-inspired graphics.

Engine/Drivetrain

• Liquid-cooled two-stroke single-cylinder engine with 66.4mm x 72mm bore and stroke and 8.5:1 compression ratio.
• Air intake boot is shaped for direct airflow, contributing to strong low-speed engine performance.
• Foam gasket between airbox and air boot for better sealing and airflow management.
• Lightweight 38mm flat-slide Mikuni TMX carburetor provides both initial throttle crispness and instant throttle response to complement the engine's power character. Carburetor now has throttle position sensor (TPS) to calibrate timing with exhaust valve for improved power delivery.
• Crankcase reed induction with carbon fiber six -petal reed valve contributes to excellent off-idle throttle response and top-end and over-rev power delivery.
• RC-style exhaust valve features an NSR road racing-inspired rotary flap design with electronic control. The electronic control module uses engine rpm and throttle (TPS) opening to calculate exhaust valve position and signal a DC servo motor to adjust the RC valve, providing both a smooth transition from low- to mid-range rpm and a broader torque curve.
• Exhaust header and expansion chamber are designed to maximize top-end power delivery.
• A 16-bit CPU incorporates both the DC capacitive discharge ignition and exhaust valve servo control, producing immediate data calculation and extremely accurate ignition and exhaust valve timing for maximum performance.
• Dual radiators permit forward engine placement and provide significant cooling capacity.
• Steel water-pump gear for excellent reliability.
• Eight clutch plates provide significant surface area to handle the engine's torque while carefully matched clutch springs provide a light feel at the lever.
• Clutch damper design improves rear suspension feel and action while accelerating over bumps.
• Lightweight magnesium clutch cover.
• Durable five-speed close-ratio transmission offers consistent performance in demanding conditions.
• Primary kickstarting system allows starting in any gear.

Chassis/Suspension

• Revised suspension settings deliver more controlled suspension action along with a plusher ride.
• Third-generation twin-spar aluminum frame delivers superior rider comfort and maneuverability.
• Semi-double-cradle design features a single large-diameter, tapered downtube. Two rugged box-section rails attach to the base of the downtube and support the engine. A forged aluminum steering head provides a compact and extremely durable mount for the frame spars and engine downtube.
• Swingarm features a dual-axis, double-taper design with a large cast aluminum cross-member.
• Front and rear wheels feature HRC(r) works-type lightweight aluminum spoke nipples to help reduce unsprung weight.
• Front wheel features large-diameter front axle and wide wheel-bearing span for additional rigidity.
• Optional 20-inch front wheel improves cornering traction and rider comfort.
• Rear axle diameter of 25mm and large-diameter bearings provide significant rigidity to withstand torturous track conditions.
• Lightweight, 47mm inverted Showa(r) twin-chamber cartridge fork with aluminum rods features 12.4 inches of travel, 16-position rebound damping adjustability and 16-position compression damping adjustability. The inner surface of the front fork outer-tubes receives the same honing treatment as works bikes for low-friction operation.
• Pro-Link(r) single-shock rear suspension features a fully adjustable Showa rear damper and12.6 inches of wheel travel, separate low-speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns) compression damping adjusters, and 17-position rebound damping.
• Rear shock's damper piston diameter is 50mm for consistent performance under demanding riding conditions.
• Compact twin-piston front brake caliper, anodized aluminum brake pistons and lightweight front brake disc reduce unsprung weight for improved turning and handling.
• HRC works-type rear brake system integrates the rear master cylinder and fluid reservoir, eliminating the rear master cylinder reservoir and hose.
• Large, 240mm front and rear brake rotors provide optimum braking control.

Additional Features

• Aluminum Renthal 971 bend handlebar.
• Frame design allows sidecovers to have larger air intake ducts, contributing to significant airflow in the mid- and upper-rpm ranges.
• Carefully developed ergonomics position the rider's legs at the narrowest cross-section of the frame for improved comfort while maintaining excellent handling feel.
• Brake pedal and shift lever are designed to complement the riding position.
• Brake pedal features optimized ratio to match integrated rear-brake master cylinder design.
• Seat cushion follows the shape of the fuel tank, providing a smooth transition to increase rider mobility and comfort.
• Non-slip seat cover for increased rider control.
• Wide, cleated stainless steel footpegs are improved for self-cleaning, corrosion resistance, provide excellent grip and fold for extra ground clearance.
• Cleated rear brake pedal, shift lever and folding shift lever tip are made of lightweight aluminum.

• Adjustable front brake lever for maximum control.

• Quick-adjust clutch perch.
• Dunlop D742 front and D756 rear tires for optimum traction and cornering.
• CR handlebar holders provide three different mounting positions: standard CR(r)250R holder provides neutral position and optional holder (CRF(r)450R/CR125R/CRF250R-type) provides +/-3mm fore or aft position to match rider preference.
• Works-type handlebar grips add to rider comfort.
• Front disc brake cover helps protect rotor and caliper from damage.
• Removable rear subframe allows easy maintenance.
• Washable, two-stage foam air filter for optimal engine protection and easy maintenance.
• Repackable silencer for maximum performance and minimal noise.
• Comfortable, durable controls and high-quality fasteners.
• Stainless steel clutch cable for long life.
• Ownership includes one-year complimentary membership in the Honda Rider's Club of America(tm) (HRCA(r)). Benefits include: discounts, travel benefits, roadside assistance for off-road bike transport vehicle while motorcycle is being transported, one year complimentary subscription to Honda Red Rider(tm) magazine, access to HRCA Clubhouse Web site (www.hrca.honda.com), access online to Honda Common Service Manual. For HRCA details, call 1-800-847-HRCA.