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We know the hype of the 2021 was not justified. Sounds like the hype of the 2025 is on the rocks. Interesting the frame is near identical on the 250 and the complaints far fewer.

It is interesting that you notice this on the Yamaha/Kawi. I think most people would say those two brands have had the most comfortable frame feel for years.

To the op.. I felt the same about my 21we. I dont think much has really changed in that feel department since. Bought a 23 yam and after about an hours worth of riding, i got used to the initial different feel. Long story short, both of my bikes i mentioned were stolen. Picked up a 23sr as my first kawi in 29 years of moto. Great for play riding but too lethargic in the handling department even changing clamp offset. Back at 24 yam and i literally love that i feel like i have the best of both worlds...

Perhaps read up on the previous generation 20-24' CRF chassis adjustments. I think Honda tried to address them with the 25' chassis package but your mileage may vary. Bars, triple clamps, chassis bolt torque specs, rear wheel distance, extra sag, etc...all played into making the 20-24' CRF chassis more compliant and comfortable. I have a 23' 450R I've been chasing some of this stuff on and it def makes a difference.

As CBE mentioned springs. At 195# Factory Connection went to .53. kg fork springs & a 5.7 on rear. FC recommended 108 sag, fork 2.5mm showing. last years shorter springs work with a spacer or FC machined a new clip in inner fork tube for lower spring seat. I raised fork oil from the 340ml they sent it back with to 345 may go 350 re valved yes .The base valve is firmer than stock, mid is more progressive. oil up from 313ml .rebound stack is stiffer & more progressive than the stock stacks. Also they drilled a 1mm bleed...

With your background you would probably have a better understanding with resonance and transfer of energy but I have noticed the biggest difference between the Honda frames over the years and the Kawi/Yami frames are the relief holes. Kawi and Yamaha both have relief holes drilled in every section of the frame of varying sizes, underside of the swing arm each side, 2 holes where the linkage mounts, inside of the perimeter section each side and so on. The Hondas only have one hole in the cross member where the shock mounts. This is why I believe the Yamaha and...

Stock shock spring is a 5.3kg that is too light for 180lbs. I’m 185lbs and should be a 5.5 or 5.7 rear spring. preload close or over 10mm probably need stiffer spring.

Fcp engine hangers & some Ti bro…all day long…. professional125 can back me on this…

I though going stiffer made the bike less hash. That is what Honda claims anyway.