2016 Honda TRX250X Test: WITH VIDEO
Testing the most sport-focused, entry-level ATV of 2016.
Honda’s TRX250X returns to their lineup for 2016. As an entry-level, sport/recreation ATV, the TRX250X is a go-to machine for first time sport ATV enthusiasts looking for a lightweight and nimble, recreational trail quad. Recommended for riders age 16 and up, the 250X is an attractive choice for riders who have long-since physically and mentally outgrown their 90cc ATV. It’s also one of the few new machines a younger rider could afford, save up for, and purchase.
The 250X has been proving its superb durability since it was released in 2001 as the 250EX. While it hasn’t changed much over the past 15 years, what makes a great entry-level machine hasn’t changed much either, and chances are if you’re considering buying a 250X, it’s likely new to you. That’s why the 2016 Honda TRX250X was a machine we were determined to put to the test.
The 250X has been proving its superb durability since it was released in 2001 as the 250EX
About the TRX250X
The 250EX, now 250X, was originally based on Honda’s Recon 250, two-wheel-drive, utility machine with a number of changes to enhance its performance, handling, and to reduce weight; not to mention a complete makeover in styling that has improved over the years. 2006 brought about the addition and extra performance of Honda’s SportClutch, its most significant upgrade to date. The machine’s most recent updates include a switch to new 22×7-10 front and 22×10-9 rear Maxxis tires. For 2016, there are two color options, black and white, and a red and white SE model with color-matched red wheel hubs and shock springs, plus an enhanced graphics kit.
Riders and Location
To put the 250X to the test, we gathered up 16-year-old, 5’7”, 165-pound Ethan Wingate and 43–year-old, 5’8”, 205-pound Rob Ray. Dressed in Fly Racing’s 2016 Kinetic Vector Pants and jersey, Kinetic Fullspeed Helmet, Zone Goggles, and Maverick Boots, Ethan outgrew his 90cc automatic CVT-equipped kid’s quad three or four years ago and was thrilled for the opportunity to rediscover riding on a more appropriate-sized machine. Rob Ray’s skill set was utilized to test the limits of the X performance and fun factor. Out test took place partly in Ethan’s grandparents’ backyard and primarily at Haspin Acres off-road park in Laurel, Indiana.
Engine
The 250X is powered by a 229cc, air-cooled, two-valve, pushrod, four-stroke engine fed by a 20mm carburetor.
The 250X is powered by a 229cc, air-cooled, two-valve, pushrod, four-stroke engine fed by a 20mm carburetor. The 250X is the sole holdout in the entry-level sport segment with a sequential five-speed transmission plus reverse. The transmission features an auto-clutch, which allows the rider to take off and shift gears without ever touching a clutch lever. Using the Sport Clutch is completely optional. It acts just like a manual clutch, allowing you to slip the clutch for faster takeoffs or acceleration out of turns.
Shaft drive eliminates chain and sprocket maintenance, but it doesn’t allow you to change the gearing for different size tires
Shaft drive eliminates chain and sprocket maintenance, but it doesn’t allow you to change the gearing for different size tires and is less efficient at transferring power. To combat power loss, Honda mounted the engine longitudinally, turned 90 degrees in the chassis. This eliminates a 90 degree bend at one end of the drive shaft for more efficient power transfer.
Electric start brings the Honda to life. The handlebar-mounted choke is mandatory for frigid days and the 250X seems to take a good five minutes to warm up and run happily. The engine can only be started in neutral, a pain when the engine is cold and you stall it four or five times. The 250X sounds sporty and in spite of the engine being rubber-mounted to reduce vibration, you can still feel the engine’s low RPM thump in the handlebars. No worries–– vibration levels taper off some as RPMs increase. The exhaust emits a deep sporty tone, pleasing to the rider’s ears, yet quiet enough to keep most neighbors happy.
Power delivery is near perfection. It’s most impressive in the first half of the throttle, pulling hard immediately off idle.
Once warmed up, the auto clutch makes the 250X virtually stall proof
Power delivery is near perfection. It’s most impressive in the first half of the throttle, pulling hard immediately off idle. Low-end snap is amplified somewhat by the auto-clutch, which engages a little faster at a slightly higher RPM than other auto-clutches we’ve experienced. Good low-end grunt makes the X feel fun and peppy for its smaller engine size. It allows you to get rolling quickly and easily with or without touching the sport clutch. Good low-end power and a compact chassis make the X a willing wheelie machine.
Once warmed up, the auto clutch makes the 250X virtually stall proof, allowing you to pick your way through tough trail sections with no need to feather the clutch, or fear stalling the engine.
Racing through the midrange part of the power band, the engine seems happy and willing to rev. It’s most fun on tight, twisty trails, and there is enough power and torque on tap to race or crawl your way up most hills as long as you aren’t in heavy power-robbing sand.
On top-end, the X’s engine flattens out with the rev limiter kicking in reminding you its past time to upshift. Rob noted a small flat spot around ¾ throttle under load. Between that and its cold nature, we suspect jetting is on the lean side to pass emissions. The engine runs quite good for its size and may run even better with a little richer jetting.
We found the gear ratios to be spot-on with no annoying gaps.
We found the gear ratios to be spot-on with no annoying gaps. First gear is low enough to crawl along in gnarly sections. Second through fourth were ideal for most trails, with fifth on tap for access roads and meadow trails. As long as the manual Sport Clutch isn’t pulled in, engine braking is available to help control speed on long downhills or scrubbing off speed for corners. Neutral is located at the bottom of the shift pattern. Pull the lever back on the right side of the body work and shift down from neutral to reverse. It takes a couple practice runs before you remember where to reach for the reverse lever. We found the reverse gearing spot on.
The SportClutch provides light action at the lever. Rob’s experience allowed him to immediately take advantage of the extra performance and control provided by the Sport Clutch. Thanks to the auto clutch, Ethan quickly picked up the concept of shifting and proper gear selection without being forced to master a manual clutch on his first couple rides.
Dual a-arm suspension front and a swing arm with a solid axle out back deliver 5.9” of suspension travel up front and 5.7” rear.
Handling
The 250X features a tubular steel chassis with a non-removable subframe. Dual a-arm suspension front and a swing arm with a solid axle out back deliver 5.9” of suspension travel up front and 5.7” rear. The shocks are non-adjustable. Their travel is competitive, but on the shorter end for the segment.
The X’s chassis is compact in its class, measuring in at 41.8” wide, with a 44.3”wheelbase, and 31.4” seat height
The X’s chassis is compact in its class, measuring in at 41.8” wide, with a 44.3”wheelbase, and 31.4” seat height. With its higher clearance shaft drive and a drum rear brake, the 250X enjoys 5.9” of ground clearance.
22” Maxxis tires all around are mounted on lightweight, black, aluminum wheels, helping keep strength up and rotating weight down. Fully laden with fluids, the Honda is a lightweight in its class at 384 pounds.
On the trail, the Honda’s handling can best be described as light, nimble, and fun. Steering effort is light and accurate going where you point it with minimal bump feedback felt through the bars. Stability is decent in corners and on moderate side-hills, as long as the terrain isn’t too rough or ridden too aggressively. Body roll isn’t a problem, and the 250X is a willing slider. The engine has enough power to pitch it sideways in turns up to third gear with a 200-pound rider on board, although the machine’s narrower track will get a little tippy if you get too aggressive. With a little experience, you’ll know when you’re pushing the limits before you get there.
Steering effort is light and accurate going where you point it with minimal bump feedback
In spite of its compact dimensions, the X feels planted and manageable at higher speeds on fast, relatively smooth trails.
In spite of its compact dimensions, the X feels planted and manageable at higher speeds on fast, relatively smooth trails. Its compact wheelbase adds to the machine’s wheelie prowess without making the front end feel excessively light on steep climbs.
Although the front shocks’ firm settings undoubtedly help keep body roll in check traversing small bumps and ripples in the trail, the suspension’s action is a little firmer than we would like, regardless of each rider’s size. Smaller tabletops were fun to jump, but Rob’s 205-pound mass was enough to bottom both ends’ hard flat landing from a few feet of air. Overall, the rear end seems a bit plusher and bottoms less. Ethan’s antics never bottomed the suspension hard. However, by the time he starts going as big as Rob, he too will be over-riding the limits of the suspension. We don’t expect a beginner machine to handle big air, but we believe the 250X could benefit from a slightly more forgiving ride over typical imperfections in the trail.
We don’t expect a beginner machine to handle big air, but we believe the 250X could benefit from a slightly more forgiving ride over typical imperfections in the trail.
It might be hard to find better all-around tires for the X. The Maxxis tires provided good, forward braking, and directional control in every condition we threw at them.
The Brakes
The 250X brakes are a mixed bag of good and outstanding. The drum rear brake lacks the feel and instant power of a hydraulic disc brake, but as drum brakes go, it’s about as good as it gets and works pretty well. The front hydraulic disc brakes offer superb feel and awesome stopping power. The 250X stops fast, is easy to control on steep downhills, and stoppies are no problem for the experienced rider.
The 250X stops fast, is easy to control on steep downhills.
Riders between 5’0” and 5’6” will feel right at home on the 250X. Even six feet tall riders have some room to move around.
Fit and Finish
Ergonomically, the 250X fits a large number of riders well. Those between 5’0” and 5’6” will feel right at home. Even six feet tall riders have some room to move around. The relationship between the bars, seat, and footpegs is well laid out for casual or aggressive riding. The seat is flat and easy to move around on, but perhaps a touch too firm for long, casual excursions. We’re very happy with the feel and operation of the controls, although the parking brake seems dated and takes two or three hands to activate. Neutral and reverse indicator lights make up the machine’s instrument display, which, in our opinion, is perfect. Sport ATVs don’t need unnecessary frills or distractions that add to their retail price.
The 250X is rather low maintenance. The air filter can be accessed with no tools and removed with a Philips Head screw driver. Keep it and the oil clean, and the TRX250X should provide years of trouble-free operation. Honda is known for their exceptional quality and durability, and the 250X has proven to live up to the brand’s reputation for more than a decade.
A family could buy three 250X or two 250X and a 400X or 450R for dad for less than the price of most four-seat UTVs and no one will get stuck in the back seat.
Dollars and Sense
Unlike most of the other entry-level sport machines in recent history, Honda builds the 250X in house, in their US manufacturing facility in South Carolina, helping ensure quality of craftsmanship and American jobs! The black and white model 250X retails for $4,699, with the red and white SE model we tested listing for $4,899. The base price is at the higher end of the segment, yet it’s affordable enough that a young rider could conceivably save up and purchase one without financing. A family could buy three 250X or two 250X and a 400X or 450R for dad for less than the price of most four-seat UTVs and no one will get stuck in the back seat.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, a great entry-level sport ATV needs to feel quick, handle light and predictably, be extremely durable, and come at a price most enthusiasts can afford. The 2016 Honda TRX250X offers all of that.
What’s best is that the 250X is one of those ATVs that’s always nice to have around as nearly anyone can have a great time riding it
The TRX250X is a great, first sport quad for inexperienced off-road enthusiasts. It’s a good option for a teen looking to gain experience before moving up in a machine. Most wives or girlfriends could enjoy it nearly forever. What’s best is that the 250X is one of those ATVs that’s always nice to have around as nearly anyone can have a great time riding it, and that’s really what Honda’s TRX250X is all about.
Manufacturer: Honda
Model: 2016 TRX250X
MSRP: Base Model $4,699, SE $4,899
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE
DRIVE TRAIN
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES
DIMENSIONS
OTHER
FACTORY WARRANTY INFORMATION
2016 Honda TRX250X Test Ratings
Summary: At the end of the day, a great entry-level sport ATV needs to feel quick, handle light and predictably, be extremely durable, and come at a price most enthusiasts can afford. The 2016 Honda TRX250X offers all of that.
3.8
3 Ride Test
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