Long time Honda guy here. In May I had the same decision, wait for the Honda or get the Kawi now.
I ended up getting a 2017 KX250F for much less than the CRF would have cost me.
What did I "give up" by getting the KX instead of the CR?
Electric Start - not a huge deal but would have been nice. My KXF starts easily with no issues. My opinion may be different once the valves start to go lol
Fit & Finish - as a long time Honda guy there is no denying the bolts, plastics, etc are nicer on a Honda.
Resale - without a doubt Honda holds their resale value better than any other Japanese bike.
Suspension - the new honda has real suspension, the kawi can't compare. That being said Im not fast enough to really max out the suspension speed wise.
Why did I get the KXF?
1. Price. $6k out the door and they took my 2014 CRF in on trade. Thats like a free pipe and fuel.
2. Engine - its pretty darn good. Its a very middle of the road power feel. Not rev happy like the Honda, not bottom end torque like the Yamaha but a nice middle of the road "good for everyone" kind of power. Run VP U4.4 and a FMF 4.1 and it really wakes up.
3. Handeling - its in the middle of the road again. Does corners well, does high speed well. No complaints from the chassis.
4. Im a sucker for a PC looking bike. The factory Kawi's just look awesome IMO.
The 2018 KXF is even better than the 2017 so either bike you get you will be happy.