The prototype was built in 1971, but it was not until late 1972 that production of the 1973 model "out of the box racers" began sale to the general public.

The 1997-8 engines were equipped with a new stator, which supplied DC voltage for the new Keihin carburetor with an electronic 'Power Jet' system, in efforts to control lean mixture preignition.

The 2001 model was nearly identical, with a change to a different CDI box, adding 500 RPM to the redline where two more horsepower lurked.

For 2002, Honda ended the outstanding interchangeability that had existed from 1992~2001, when a completely new engine arrived with a change from cylinder reed induction to an engine case reed induction system and an electronically controlled, cable operated RC valve in place of the centrifugally operated exhaust valve system used since 1992.

Many owners of the final generation of the CR250 felt the need to turn to the aftermarket to bring that engine to its full potential.