Honda ups ante for 2015 MX racers

HONDA, known for innovation for many years, has revised its CRF250R and CRF450R motocross racers for 2015.

Honda’s latest CRF250R is more reflective of the technical specifications and philosophy of its larger-capacity sibling, the CRF450R, with both chassis and engine upgrades.

Although the sixth-generation aluminium twin-beam frame is unchanged, a new lower cradle houses the engine and ancillaries, including the lightweight radiators and electronics, to ensure both centralised weight distribution and lower weight. As a result, the Honda CRF250R’s weight is down to a very competitive 105.2kg.

Up front are new generation 48mm Showa air forks, which are much lighter than the steel sprung forks they replace.

So too does the revised PGM-FI engine management system which, combined with bigger bore twin rear mufflers, improves throttle response across the board, but especially in the low to mid range.

Both the 2015-spec Honda CRF250R and CRF450R share a wide range of new features.

In recognising that its motocrossers are raced by both professional and amateur alike, Honda has introduced a three-way Engine Mode Select Button (EMSB). This allows riders to personalise the engine’s power delivery to suit the conditions, from super-smooth to ultra-aggressive, just by pressing a single handlebar-mounted button.

Both new 2015 models also come with a larger front wave brake disc, up from 240mm to 260mm, improved rider ergonomics, lightweight aluminium wheel rims, top-specification Dunlop MX52 tyres and, to distinguish them, revised graphics packages.

Honda’s CRF450R 449cc engine has improved power delivery and feel, enhancing low-rpm operation, plus increased peak output thanks to a redesigned HRC-spec cylinder head.

Among them there’s new exhausts, mufflers and PGM-FI Dual Fuel settings, new radiators for improved cooling, and upgrades to the piston, crankcase and transmission.

The CRF450R’s sixth-generation aluminium chassis features the latest-generation of KYB’s 48mm front forks, which have now added high and low speed rebound damping adjustment.