Benefiting from the
same chassis as that
of the CRF250R, the RX
has excellent handling
and steering traits
Again, benefiting from the updates to the
CRF250R, the RX also gets the three-level HRC
launch control system to give you the best start
across a variety of conditions. Level 3 has peak
revs of 8250rpm and is suitable for muddy
conditions/beginners, Level 2 gives 8500rpm
for dry conditions and Level 3 is 9500rpm for
dry conditions and expert riders. See more
about the system in our test of the CRF250R in
the link.
Next up I took the RX to the Riverhead Trail
Ride, which has completely different terrain
again. Its clay-based, hard packed dirt with
tight, rutted and tree root infested trails. On
those trails the mild lack of torque low down
was less noticeable, but the transition into the
higher rpm power required a bit of managing…
but nothing mode one or a little precise clutch
work to ease power intensity couldn’t sort
out. The upshot of all this is that the motor is
fast and has some good bottom end too, but
42 KIWI RIDER
it requires a little adjustment time and rev
management in the lower midrange to get the
best from it.
Benefiting from the same chassis as that of
the CRF250R, the RX has excellent handling
and steering traits. The ergonomics are good
too, except for the fuel tank which I find is quite
wide at the front by the radiators. I found the
RX to be very stable steering and generally
confidence-inspiring in fast sandy going, but it
also gets into turns like a bug on the tight trails
of Riverhead. It’s quite unusual for a bike to do
both, something that’s genuinely impressive.
The steering head caster angle is 27.3° which
is a little slower than my personal favourite of
26.5°, but no doubt this helps to contribute to
the stable ride at speed and certainly doesn’t
seem to hinder its turning prowess. The RX
feels light, too, which is always a great thing.
Although it’s not a featherweight, the bike still
comes in at a quite reasonable 111kg wet.