Honda CRF250R Engine Development: Stage Two Enhancements
Report by Kris Keefer, XPR Motorsports Insight
In a significant advancement for 2025, the Honda CRF250R has emerged as the most improved 250 motocross bike. To further enhance engine performance, Team MCR collaborated with Chad Braun of XPR Motorsports to develop a two-stage horsepower upgrade, with Stage Two introducing a dual-injected XPR system widely utilized in top-tier professional setups.
Stage One Recap:
The initial upgrade included:
- High-compression piston
- Vortex ECU
- Head modifications
- Re-valved REP suspension
- Akrapovic exhaust system
This foundational build prioritized reliability and cost-effectiveness, establishing a robust platform for subsequent modifications.
Stage Two Enhancements:
The latest phase incorporates:
- Dual injector system for increased fuel efficiency and power delivery
- Continued use of the Vortex ECU
- Custom porting and polishing for optimized airflow
These enhancements aim to elevate the CRF250R’s performance while maintaining user-friendly mechanics for amateur racers.
Technical Specifications and Brands:
- Exhaust: Evolution Exhaust System by Akrapovic
- Suspension: Re-valve and re-spring by REP Suspension
- Fuel: MR Pro 6 Fuel from VP Racing Fuels
- Oil: 300V 10W40 from Motul
- Accessories: Elite clutch perch and engine inspection components from Works Connection; Dunlop MX34 tires.
Key Insights:
The dual-injector setup reflects a move towards factory-level performance, aligning with industry standards seen in competitive motocross. This carefully structured upgrade path promotes both enhanced performance and maintenance of reliability.
For detailed restarts and emerging results, teams are encouraged to follow XPR Motorsports and related partners developing cutting-edge motocross technology.
