Honda will be heading into the 2014 motocross season with a seriously updated CRF250R to go along with its Open-class CRF450R and CRF150R/RB four-strokes. The CRF250R borrows technical features from its big sister while its exhaust system returns to a basic design featured on past 250R models.
CRF250R
The 2014 CRF250R now enjoys the many of the technical highlights brought forth in the new-generation CRF450R that debuted in 2013, and Honda is hoping that these changes, which include a thoroughly revised engine in an all-new chassis, will vault the 250R back to the head of the class.
The 250R’s 249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke motor has been retuned for more midrange thump, courtesy of a new cylinder head and a new piston. The changes help bump the compression ratio from 13.2:1 to 13.5:1, while its 46mm Kehin PGM-GI fuel injection gets a new dual-timing system designed for even crisper throttle response. Its close-ratio five-speed transmission has been modified to increase its durability. Honda has also returned to a dual-muffler exhaust system on the CRF250R with the goal of centralizing the bike’s mass and also reducing noise emissions.
The all-new frame is designed to lower the CRF250R’s center of gravity. Its 58.6-inch wheelbase, 27 degrees of rake and 4.6 inches of trail are the same as the 2013 model, but changes to the frame, subframe and airbox make the bike slimmer and more compact while also saving weight, although the 2014 model checks in at a claimed weight of 231 lbs., 4 lbs. heavier than the 2013 250R. The radiators and the fuel tank have also been revised, the latter receiving a capacity increase from 1.5 gallons to 1.66 gallons.
The CRF250R’s suspension gets revised settings for 2014, but the fork remains a cartridge and coil-spring unit rather than the air fork currently used on the CRF450R. Up front, the 48mm inverted Showa unit features 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustability, delivering 12.2 inches of travel. The Pro-Link Showa single shock features adjustable spring preload, 17-position rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns), with 12.3 inches of available travel.
The new Honda CRF250R will hit the dealerships in September.
CRF450R
The CRF450R builds on the strengths of the 2013 model with a few revisions of its own. For 2014, its 449cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke receives new intake and exhaust ports along with a 46mm Kehin PGM-FI fuel injection system that also receives the new Dual-Timing system. The 450R’s muffler internals have also been redesigned and are said to increase the motor’s torque output and also improve throttle response.
The CRF450R’s slim aluminum perimeter chassis is unchanged for 2014, boasting the same 58.7-inch wheelbase, 27-degree rake and 4.57-inch trail, and its claimed weight of 242.7 is identical to the 2013 model’s. But there are changes in the suspension department, namely revised internals in the KYB PSF (Pneumatic Spring Fork). The fork uses air rather than traditional steel coil springs to save weight, and the design also allows the use of a larger 32mm cartridge damper piston for better fork action. The 2014 version is said to yield better damping response for improved bump absorption performance than the 2013.
The CRF450R should be available in Honda dealerships in August.
CRF150R/CRF150RB
The Honda CRF150R/CRF150RB returns unchanged for 2013. Honda’s pioneering four-stroke mini features a high-output 149cc liquid-cooled four-valve four-stroke engine that is claimed to offer would-be mini heroes exceptional torque and drivability throughout the powerband. Its aluminum perimeter chassis includes Showa suspension components, with a fully adjustable 37mm inverted cartridge fork delivering 10.8 inches of front wheel travel while the fully adjustable Showa single shock out back boasts 11.1 inches of travel on the CRF150RB and 10.7 inches of travel on the CRF150R.
The CRF150R and CRF150RB will be available at Honda dealerships in September.
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