The 2016 Honda CRF250R receives the bulk of the changes to Honda’s motocrossers for 2016; CRF450R and CRF150R also return.
2016 Honda CRF250R
Honda has introduced a number of changes to the CRF250R in an effort to increase horsepower and improving handling. Starting with its liquid-cooled, 249cc, Unicam SOHC, fuel-injected engine, Honda engineers have increased compression from 13.5:1 to 13.8:1, increased cam lift and redesigned the lifters. Titanium 25mm exhaust valve replace the steel valves and the CRF250R gets new valve springs and updated cylinder-head porting. Honda has also altered the piston shape and connecting-rod shape.
For better breathing, the CRF250R gets a new air-intake manifold and larger exhaust outlet diameters along with a new header-pipe resonator for improved power output. Honda also updated the fuel-injection mapping have also been incorporated, and enlarged the 250’s radiators for improved cooling efficiency. The result of all the engine changes reportedly results in a two-horsepower increase, which would put the CRF250R at 39.4 horsepower at 11,500 rpm.
The CRF250R’s 49mm Showa (SFF-TAC) triple air chamber fork has been updated as well. The fork is now 5mm longer to help improve stability, and it has also been changed internally to reduce friction by a claimed 25 percent via a different shape and number of air seals that are employed inside the fork. The outer gets its own air valve, and Honda now specifies that the chamber run with about 11.5 psi of air pressure (previously, it was zero psi). Recommended air pressure specs in the inner and balance chambers have been reduced to 156 psi each. The updated fork also offers a wider damping adjustment range, with eight clicks of adjustment compared to four on the 2015 model.
• Color: Red
• Price: $7,599
• Availability: September 2015
2016 Honda CRF450R
Honda has not made any significant engine changes to the CRF450R for 2016. Its 449 cc single, which produces 53 horsepower at 8000 rpm and 35.3 lb.-ft. of torque is plenty capable as evidenced by its six victories this season in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series. Honda hasn’t even altered the engine mapping for 2016.
But the 2016 CRF450R does receive updates to its 48mm KYB Pneumatic Spring Fork, which now boasts a more rigid outer tube and has been extended 5mm longer compared to the previous version for increased stability. The fork also features a wider number of compression and rebound adjustments—with eights vs. four on the 2015 model. The CRF450R’s KYB shock has also been revised to offer more rebound damping in the middle-upper range of the stroke. The rear suspension’s Pro-Link linkage ratio is also new for 2016. The only other noteworthy change is an increase in diameter of the chain roller by 4mm to 34mm.
• Color: Red
• Price: $8,699
• Availability: July 2015
CRF150R/CRF150R Expert
Still the only manufacturer to offer a high-performance motocross four-stroke. Honda continues to manufacture the CRF150R with the belief that it gives younger riders a head start when it comes to motocross racing.
Boasting race-tuned Showa front and rear suspension, a Unicam® engine (based on those of the CRF450R and CRF250R) and a track-designed chassi, the machine is available in two versions to suit a wide variety of riders: the CRF150R and the CRF150R Expert, which has larger-diameter wheels, a higher seat and a longer swingarm.
• Color: Red
• Price
• CRF150R: $4990
• CRF150R Expert: $5140
• Availability: August 2015
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