2009 Honda CRF250R First Ride Photo Gallery

Rap the throttle for a minute and you'll be amazed how much power Honda engineers have managed to extract between those petite aluminum engine cases.

Very little rider input is needed to get in pointed into that deep inside rut, and once inside it tracks through with incredible precision.

'The Honda's engine rips,' said our resident pro-level tester, Matty Armstrong.

As you move through the bike's five gears you can notice how much tighter the gearbox feels.

While action isn’t the smoothest, suspension is balanced front-to-rear and the harder and faster you load it the better it seems to work.

This year's CRF250R comes in at a claimed 227 lbs. fully-fueled and ready to ride. MotoUSA's test rider Matt Armstrong demomstrates how easy it is to get it sideways.

Despite the fact that both front and rear brake rotors are new, stopping power doesn't feel much different from last year's bike.

In the tire department, Dunlop's versatile 742 medium-soft compound is shod up front while a 756 medium-hard terrain rear tire handles things out back.

Will the new CRF have what it takes to hold on to the crown of best 250F motocross bike in next month's shootout?

A Pro-Link equipped Showa shock features 4-way adjustability and 12.4 inches travel.

Cosmetic changes include new gray-color magnesium cylinder-head cover, clutch cover and left sidecover.

With its snappy powerband, and super-light clutch, getting out of the corner couldn't be easier on this years CRF250R.

The CRF’s clutch has an exceptionally light pull so all it takes to get the engine zinging in the meat of its powerband is a quick slip.

New 240mm front and rear brake rotor are lighter and features works-style pattern.

Dunlop’s versatile 742 medium-soft compound is used up front while a 756 medium-hard terrain rear tire returns this year. Both tires worked well throughout the day, offering excellent grip in the morning when the track was damp and in the afternoon when it dried out and was slightly hard-pack.

The first thing you notice on this year's quarter-liter CRF is its white and red plastics.

The five-speed gearbox feels tighter this year courtesy of the new four-dog transmission gears, revised shift drum and shift drum arm.

Besides the new colors, however, other changes inside are a bit more difficult to notice.

Twin mufflers return for '09 and are said to keep the bike balanced.

The Renthal 971-bend aluminum handlebars are placed at a reasonable height to accommodate a wide variety of riders.

New longer exhaust header pipe is tuned to work in conjunction with the new cylinder head for improved power.

2009 Honda CRF250R retails for $6549.

Our tester, Matt Armstrong defies gravity aboard the '09 CRF250R.

This year's CRF250R is so smooth and refined that when you're out doing laps at your favorite track, you'll lose track of time.