The new CRF250R enjoys a 3 percent improvement in start performance compared to its predecessor
Honda Reveals All-New 2018 CRF250R
Hurricane Mills, Tenn. – Honda has unveiled the all new CRF250R for 2018. The anticipated motorcross model made its debut with top Honda amateur motorcrossers during the AMA Amateur National Motorcross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch on Sunday.
True to its roots, Honda designed and developed the new CRF250R following the same “Absolute Holeshot” philosophy as with the CRF450R.
As a result of the engine and chassis updates, the new CRF250R enjoys a 3 percent improvement in start performance compared to its predecessor, along with improved acceleration and handling.
“We’re excited to show this all-new, no-compromise model to our customers, and it’s appropriate that we do so with our family of Red Rider amateur motocrossers here at Loretta Lynn’s,” said Lee Edmunds, American Honda’s Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications.
“The CRF450R has become the top-selling 450cc motocross model, and now that the CRF250R shares many of the same performance-focused updates, we’re confident it will enjoy similar success in the market and on racetracks everywhere.”
New CRF450R Engine
Honda Engineers gave the 249cc engine an all-new dual-overhead-cam design, using a finger rocker arm with Diamond Like Coating (DLC).
The end result of the copious changes is an engine with more power across the rev range, especially at peak rpm.
The titanium intake and exhaust valves are larger and have a higher lift and narrower angle, while the valve springs’ coils have an oval cross-section to keep engine height as low as possible.
The engine has more over-square dimensions, the cylinder offset has been increased, and the piston now features a bridge-box design, which is a first for a production Honda motocrosser.
The intake system now has a downdraft design for maximum efficiency, there are twin exhaust ports, and the dual exhaust features smoother routing and optimized pipe length.
An electric starter is standard, powered by a small, lightweight lithium-iron phosphate battery.
Chassis
With highly concentrated mass and a very low center of gravity, the previous CRF450R model set new standards for vehicle packaging in a motorcross machine. The new CRF250R follows suit, with weight reduced overall. Particularly, weight reduction occurred up high and at the ends of the vehicle.
The layout is slim and low, and the machine has capable rear-wheel traction but minimal front-end lift, which is ideal for strong starting and acceleration.
A shorter wheelbase improves overall agility. Honda tapered the main spars of the new-generation, lighter aluminum frame to optimize flex characteristics, as well as provide good stability and reliable rider feedback.
An all-new titanium fuel tank and extruded subframe end save precious weight up high, a new Showa coil-spring fork contributes a plush suspension feel, and a lower, more centralized shock location improves stability. Bodywork mirrors the design of the CRF250R’s bigger brother in form and function, with a minimalist appearance and in-mold film graphics. Dunlop’s superb Geomax MX3S tires are standard.
