Honda promises a lighter, more powerful and race-ready CRF250R
The CRF250R is well known in the MX world for being a reliable and powerful machine. The Japanese manufacturer has just announced its plans for the next year's CRF250R. The 2018 model will be a fresh new version fitted with a brand new power plant, the same frame as its bigger sibling the CRF450R and even an electric starter as standard.
The previous single cam engine is replaced by a DOHC unit that can reach higher revolutions. Honda developed a brand new 249.4cc single with a slightly increased compression ratio 13.9:1 (13.8:1. previous) and Bridged Box design piston. Peak power is increased by 9% and that translates to superior acceleration and greater torque. The electronics system packs three riding modes: Standard, Soft and Aggressive.
The coolest gain for the new CRF is the electric starter that now comes as standard. The kickstarter is now history. Honda managed to only increase the engine's weight by 1 kg with the addition of the starter.
The frame and suspension is borrowed from the CRF450R. The frame is 340g lighter than the old one, and it promises the right balance between rigidity and flexibility. The Absolute Holeshot philosophy of the 2017 CRF450R is now shared by the CRF250R. The rear subframe is 20% lighter, and the gas tank is made out of titanium and can handle 6.3 litres of gas. The whole assembly weights 108.1kg fully loaded.
Both front and rear suspensions are the ones from CRF450R. A 49mm Showa up-side-down front fork and a lowered Showa rear shock that ensures a superior feedback and improved rear wheel drive.
Honda is confident the new CRF250R recipe will make it a winning machine. The main rival in the MX class is the Kawasaki KX250F that has an appetite for being the first, but we will find out next year. We don’t have any information about the price or when it will be available, but we will see it for sure this fall at the Milan show.
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