09/05/2007 - Torrance, Calif. - Innovative design has made Honda's dual-muffler CRF250R the winner of Transworld magazine's 250cc four-stroke "Motocross Bike of the Year" for four years in a row.
New for 2008
New piston with 13.1:1 compression ratio
New cylinder head porting for improved power
New lighter-weight valve train components raise rev limit to 13,500 rpm
New lighter counterbalancer shaft and drive gears.
New exhaust system for more power
New camshaft timing for added power
Revised carburetor jetting gives smooth power delivery under all riding conditions
Engine torque now reaches maximum at 8500 rpm.
New clutch features judder spring for smother engagement.
New Honda Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD). Tested by Team Honda, this lightweight, compact steering
damper improves cornering ability and reduces rider fatigue.
New fork triple clamps with 22mm offset for improved cornering.
New Showa fork features a larger cartridge rod and new cartridge oil piston for improved oil flow and less friction, plus stiffer springs for improved mid-stroke action.
New rear shock valving matches changes to the fork.
New works-style front and rear brake discs reduce unsprung weight.
New rear fender shape for improved mud protection
New larger left-side engine guard
New Black color (2008 special color†)
Engine/Drivetrain
Powerful four-stroke 249cc liquid-cooled four-valve Unicam® engine (see Technology Section).
Lightweight titanium intake valves permit the use of smaller valve springs and reduce overall engine height.
ACG cover, clutch cover and cylinder-head cover are made of magnesium to reduce engine weight.
Forged 13.1:1 compression, slipper piston and rings are lighter than a conventional design, revving quickly while maintaining excellent cylinder sealing and high-rpm power.
Lightweight, compact, internal, auto decompression system and handlebar-mounted hot-start system provide superb operation, hot or cold.
Lightweight Nikasil cylinder lining provides cooler and quieter operation for extended engine life.
40mm Keihin FCR carburetor features four rollers on the flat slide, resulting in light throttle effort, smooth operation, crisp throttle response and excellent rideability.
Carburetor features a throttle position sensor (TPS) that helps maintain a linear throttle response throughout the range and new jetting for smoother power response.
Twin-sump lubrication system separates the oil supply for the crankshaft, piston and valve train from the clutch and transmission. This ensures a cool supply of oil to the clutch, eliminates clutch and transmission material contamination of the engine oil, and reduces the amount of circulating oil, which permits the use of a smaller oil pump.
Dual-muffler exhaust system centralizes mass and reduces turning inertia to improve the lightweight feel of the bike.
Dual-muffler exhaust system also increases low-rpm torque.
Exhaust system uses a lightweight stainless header and repackable aluminum mufflers.
Gear-driven balancer reduces vibration and drives the water pump.
Rugged eight-disc clutch and carefully matched clutch springs for light feel at the lever.
Durable five-speed close-ratio transmission.
Chassis/Suspension
Fourth-generation Twin-Spar Aluminum Frame with forged-aluminum steering head (see Technology Section)
HPSD features a compact damper attached to the lower triple clamp and the steering head to allow more aggressive steering characteristics and assist straight-line handling. Damping action smoothly progresses as handlebar deflection increases, which produces very natural steering characteristics and feel.
Front and rear wheels feature HRC works-type lightweight aluminum spoke nipples.
Front wheel features large-diameter front axle and wide wheel-bearing span for excellent rigidity.
Large 25mm rear axle diameter and large-diameter bearings provide significant rigidity to withstand torturous track conditions.
Revised, sophisticated Inverted Twin-Chamber Cartridge Fork (see Technology Section).
Pro-Link® Rear Suspension with new damper settings (see Technology Section).
Large 50mm rear shock damper piston diameter for consistent performance under demanding riding conditions.
Link-type front brake master cylinder and a lightweight brake rotor provide strong braking.
Compact twin-piston front brake caliper, anodized-aluminum brake pistons and lightweight front brake disc minimize unsprung weight for improved turning and handling.
HRC works-type rear brake system integrates the rear master-cylinder and fluid reservoir, eliminating the separate reservoir and hose.
Large works-style 240mm front and rear brake discs.
Additional Features
Frame design allows airbox sidecovers to have larger intake ducts, contributing to significant airflow in the mid- and upper-rpm ranges.
Rider ergonomics are optimized by adapting the handlebar, seat and footpeg height to place the rider's legs at the narrowest frame width for improved comfort and handling.
Dunlop 742FA front and 756 rear tires for improved traction and cornering.
Front disc brake cover helps protect rotor and caliper from damage.
Removable rear subframe allows easy maintenance.
Washable, two-stage foam air filter for optimal engine protection and easy maintenance.
Comfortable, durable controls and high-quality fasteners.
Stainless steel clutch cable for long life.
Honda Racing™-inspired colors and graphics.
Cleated rear brake pedal and folding shift lever are made of lightweight aluminum and are designed to complement the riding position.
Brake pedal features optimized ratio to match integrated rear-brake master-cylinder design.
Wide, cleated, stainless steel footpegs are self-cleaning, resist corrosion, provide excellent grip and fold for extra ground clearance.
Aluminum Renthal handlebar (971 bend) is rubber-mounted to help reduce rider fatigue and improve comfort.
