Honda Crf 250 M Manual

							2005
Honda CRF250R
OWNER’S MANUAL & COMPETITION HANDBOOK 
						

							Introduction
Congratulations on choosing your Honda CRF
motocross motorcycle.  
When you own a Honda, you’re part of a 
worldwide family of satisfied customers-people
who appreciate Honda’s reputation for building
quality into every product.  
Your CRF is a high performance racing 
motorcycle that utilizes the latest motocross 
technology and is intended for competition use in
sanctioned, closed-course events by experienced
riders only.  
Be aware that motocross is a physically 
demanding sport that requires more than just a
fine motorcycle.  To do well, you must be 
excellent physical condition and be a skillful
rider.  For the best results, work diligently on
your physical conditioning and practice 
frequently.  
Before riding, take time to get acquainted with
your CRF and how it works.  To protect your
investment, we urge you to take 
responsibility for keeping your CRF well
maintained.  Scheduled service is a must, of
course.  But it’s just as important to observe the
break-in guidelines, and perform all the pre-ride
and other periodic checks detailed in this manual.  
You should also read the owner’s manual before
you ride.  It’s full of facts, 
instructions, safety information, and helpful tips.
To make it easy to use, the manual 
contains a table of contents, a detailed list of 
topics at the beginning of each section, and an
index at the back of the book.  As you read this manual, you will find 
information that is preceded by a 
symbol.  This information is intended to help you
avoid damage to your Honda, other property, or
the environment.  
Unless you are mechanically qualified and have
the proper tools, you should see your Honda
dealer for the service and adjustment procedures
discussed in this manual.  
The official Honda Service Manual for your CRF
is available (page 152).  It is the same manual
your dealer uses.  If you plan to do any service
on your CRF beyond the standard maintenance
procedures in this manual, you will find the
Service Manual a valuable reference.  
If you have any questions, or if you ever need a
special service or repairs, remember that your
Honda dealer knows your CRF best and is
dedicated to your complete satisfaction.  
Please report any change of address or ownership
to your Honda dealer so we will be able to 
contact you concerning important production
information.
You may also want to visit our website at 
www.honda.com
Happy riding!   
NOTICE
Introduction 
						

							A Few Words About Safety
Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important.  And operating this motorcycle safely is an important responsibility.  
To help you make informed decisions about safety, this manual contains a section devoted to 
Motorcycle Safety,as well as a number of Safety Messages
throughout the manual.
Safety Messages are preceded by a safety alert symbol  and one of three signal words:  
DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.  
These signal words mean:  
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.  
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.  
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow instructions. 
Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all hazards associated with operating or maintaining a motorcycle. You must use your own good
judgement.
Safety Messages
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION 
						

							Contents
MOTORCYCLE SAFETY...............................1
Important Safety Precautions..........................2
Accessories & Modifications ..........................3
Safety Labels .......................................................4
OPERATING CONTROLS .............................5
Component Locations .........................................6
BEFORE RIDING ............................................7
Are You Ready to Ride? .....................................8
Is Your Motorcycle Ready to Ride?..... ...............9
Pre-ride Inspection ..........................................9
BASIC OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ......11
Safe Riding Precautions................................12
Starting & Stopping the Engine ........................13
Break-in Guidelines ..........................................15
SERVICING YOUR HONDA........................17
Before You Service Your Honda
The Importance of Maintenance .......................18
Maintenance Safety ...........................................19
Important Safety Precautions........................19
Maintenance Schedule ......................................20
General Competition Maintenance ...................22
Before & After Competition Maintenance........26
Between Motos & Practice Maintenance .....26
After Competition Maintenance ...................26
Service Preparations
Component Locations .......................................28
Seat Removal ....................................................29
Fuel Tank Removal ...........................................30
Subframe Removal ............................................32
Service Procedures
Fluids & Filters
Fuel System .......................................................34
Engine Oil .........................................................36
Transmission Oil ...............................................39
Coolant ..............................................................41
Air Cleaner ........................................................43
Crankcase Breather ...........................................45
Engine
Throttle ..............................................................46
Engine Idle Speed .............................................48
Clutch System ...................................................49
Hot Start Lever ..................................................53
Spark Plug .........................................................54
Valve Clearance.................................................55
Piston/Piston Rings/Piston Pin ..........................63
Chassis
Suspension.........................................................71
Brakes ................................................................76
Wheels ...............................................................80
Tires & Tubes ....................................................81
Drive Chain .......................................................83
Exhaust Pipe/Muffler ........................................86
Additional Maintenance Procedures .................89
Appearance Care ...............................................91
ADJUSTMENTS FOR COMPETITION .....93
Front Suspension Adjustments ..........................94
Rear Suspension Adjustments .........................107
Suspension Adjustments  for Track 
Conditions ...................................................111
Suspension Adjustment  Guidelines .................112
Carburetor Adjustments & Tuning Tips ..........115
Chassis Adjustments........................................127
Gearing ............................................................128
Tire Selection for Track Conditions ................129
Personal Fit Adjustments ................................130
TIPS ................................................................131
Transporting Your Motorcycle ........................132
Storing Your Honda.........................................133
You & the Environment ..................................134
Troubleshooting...............................................135
TECHNICAL INFORMATION ..................137
Vehicle Identification ......................................138
Specifications ..................................................139
Torque Specifications ......................................140
High Altitude  Carburetor Adjustment .............143
Oxygenated Fuels ............................................144
Competition Logbook .....................................145
Optional Parts List ..........................................147
Spare Parts & Equipment ................................148
Wiring Diagram...............................................149
CONSUMER INFORMATION ...................151
Authorized Manuals ........................................152
Contacting Honda............................................153
Your Honda Dealer..........................................154
The Honda Rider’s Club (USA only) .............155
Table of Contents...........................................156
INDEX ............................................................157
QUICK REFERENCE
Contents 
						

							Motorcycle Safety
This section presents some of the most important
information and recommendations to help you
ride your CRF safely.  Please take a few
moments to read these pages.  This section also
includes information about the location of safety
labels on your CRF.  Important Safety Information...............................2
Important Safety Precautions..........................2
Accessories & Modifications ...............................3
Safety Labels ........................................................4
Motorcycle Safety1 
						

							Important Safety Information
Important Safety Precautions
Your CRF can provide many years of pleasure, if
you take responsibility for your own safety and
understand the challenges you can meet in
competitive racing.
As an experienced rider, you know there is much
you can do to protect yourself when you ride.
The following are a few precautions we consider
most importsnt.
Never Carry a Passenger. 
Your CRF is designed for one operator only.
Carring a passenger can cause an accident in
which you and others can be hurt.
Wear Protective Gear. 
Whether you’re practicing to improve your skills,
or riding in competition, always wear an
approved helmet, eye protection, and proper
protective gear.
Take Time to Get to Know Your CRF. 
Because every motorcycle is unique, take time to
become thoroughly familiar with how this one
operates and responds to your commands before
placing your machine, and yourself, in
competition.
Learn and Respect Your Limits. 
Never ride beyond your personal abilites or faster
than conditions warrant. Remember that alcohol,
drugs, illness and fatigue can reduce your ability
to perform well and ride safety.
Dont’t Drink and Ride.
Alcohol and riding don’t mix. Even one drink
can reduce your ability to respond to changing
conditions, and your reaction time gets worse
with every additional drink. So don’t drink and
ride, and don’t let your friends drink and ride
either.
Keep your Honda in Safe Condition.
Maintaining your CRF properly is critical to your
safety. A loose bolt, for example, can cause a
breakdown in which you can be seriously
injured.
2Motorcycle Safety 
						

							Accessories & Modifications
Motorcycle Safety3
Accessories & Modifications
Installing non-Honda accessories, removing
original equipment, or modifying your CRF in
any way that would change its design or
operation, could seriously impair your CRF’s
handling, stability, and braking, making it unsafe
to ride.  
WARNING
Improper accessories or modifications
can cause a crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.  
Follow all instructions in this owner’s
manual regarding modifications and
accessories.   
						

							4Motorcycle Safety
Safety Labels
Read this label carefully and don’t remove it.  
If the label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your Honda dealer for replacement.   
						

							Operating Controls5
Operating Controls
Read this section carefully before you ride.  It
presents the location of the basic controls on your
CRF.  Component Locations ..........................................6 
						

							6Operating Controls
Component Locations
clutch leverhot start lever
front brake lever
engine stop button
fuel fill capthrottle grip
choke knob
fuel valveshift lever
kickstarter
rear brake pedal