Most of the larger displacement motocrossers are now fuel injected, and the technology is trickling down to the 250cc class. Honda has just announced that the 2010 CRF250R receives a new, completely redesigned, fuel-injected engine, coupled with a new frame. Interestingly, Honda has gone back to a single muffler for 2010, as well. Here are all the details from Honda.
Boasting an all-new, more powerful, more compact engine with Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) combined with an all-new Twin Spar Aluminum Frame featuring the Honda Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD), the 2010 CRF250R continues Honda's long-standing position of class dominance. This latest CRF250R sets a higher benchmark for impressive power and class-leading handling all rolled into one competition-ready package.
All-new front and rear suspension, featuring upper and lower fork tubes and a shock body developed exclusively for the CRF250R chassis.
Redesigned higher-capacity airbox for enhanced breathing and increased power also improves filter access.
All-new single-muffler exhaust system improves mass centralization.
All-new bodywork.
Engine/Drivetrain
All-new compact engine.
Liquid-cooled four-valve Unicam® 249cc engine.
Engine completely redesigned for improved power delivery from a significantly more compact package that lowers the center of gravity and enhances mass centralization for improved handling.
New forged slipper-piston material permits a thinner crown. Low-friction surface treatment ensures high-rev potential.
All-new Programmed Fuel Injection system (PGM-FI) utilizes a 50mm throttle body with 12-hole injector fed by lightweight 50-psi pump to ensure optimum fuel atomization and precisely targeted fuel charge. System also improves fuel consumption.
PGM-FI system monitors throttle position, intake air and coolant temperatures and manifold pressure to accurately map fuel charge and ignition spark, significantly improving partial-throttle response and helping to ensure excellent rideability.
AC generator enlarged to service the PGM-FI system. Two crankshaft position sensors quickly determine crank position to provide quick starts, hot or cold.
New mechanical water pump seal improves durability
Kashima coating applied to the clutch basket and clutch center improves clutch life and feel.
All-new transmission ratios match engine power output.
Chassis/Suspension
All-new HPSD-equipped Twin-Spar Aluminum Frame with forged-aluminum steering head. Spar height was reduced (70mm to 66mm) and width was narrowed (27mm to 26mm). Stronger downtubes improve front-end feel.
Steering response and overall handling were improved by positioning the front wheel 15mm farther back and closer to the crankshaft.
Frame, steering head and swingarm modifications permit a reduction in triple-clamp offset (22mm to 20mm).
Removable rear subframe was redesigned to eliminate brackets. Shape altered to improve air filter access and narrow the bike profile.
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.
Pro-Link® Rear Suspension features exclusive Showa integrated reservoir with all-new damping and spring settings.
Brake system integrates the rear master-cylinder and fluid reservoir, eliminating the separate reservoir and hose.
Link-type front-brake master cylinder and a lightweight brake rotor provide strong braking.
Additional Features
Engine stop switch features an integrated LED pre-ride check indicator. This confirms the PGM-FI system is operating normally.
New fuel-tank tether eliminates need to disconnect fuel line to work on top end.
Rider ergonomics are optimized by adapting the handlebar, seat and footpeg height to place the rider's legs at the narrowest part of the frame for improved comfort and handling feel.
Adjustable front-brake lever for improved control.
Quick-adjust clutch perch for easy cable adjustment.
Aluminum Renthal handlebar (971 bend) is rubber-mounted to help reduce rider fatigue and improve comfort.
Just reading your article on Honda's new CRF250R. Nice bike. Nice
technology. BUT... will it earn a "green sticker" in California? I
doubt it.
Honda is asleep at the wheel. So, but to a lesser extent, is Suzuki
and Kawasaki. Where are the proper dual-sport bikes that are street
legal? Seems to me that KTM pretty much has it sewn up.
I recently went on a dual sport ride (just myself and 40 other close
friends). We rode a lot of dirt, fire roads and some paved roads.
Hence the need for a dual sport. Of the 40-ish bikes there, almost 30
of them were KTMs. A couple of Husabergs (couple of years old). A
couple of Honda XR650s, couple of Suzuki DRZ400s, and the rest were
KLRs. No other Hondas and no Yamahas.
With BMW producing the X650 which is street legal, and soon the 450X
(I understand the 2010 BMW 450 will be street legal in CA), and
Aprillia also making their 450/550 street legal, Honda, Suzuki and
Kawasaki are being left behind in a very profiable market sector... tonyB.
