Honda CRF150r - Performance Art

Honda's CRF150R frame feels much less flexy and the suspension less squishy than a Honda CR85R's. No doubt part of that feeling is partially due to the less-abrupt power of the four-stroke engine, but the larger axles and beefier frame tubing do their part. But the BBR-framed bike is on another level of chassis rigidity. Just looking at the bike, you can tell the aluminum perimeter frame is orders of magnitude stronger. As a material, aluminum has less flex, and the most delicate of the aluminum-frame tubes used is larger than equivalent steel tubes on the stock chassis. As nice as the chassis feels on the track, it looks better than modern art. If I had the cash, I'd keep one just to look at and never get it dirty.Karel Kramer/6'1"/210 lb/Wannabe mini rider

Opinions
There is no need for a front tire on this bike. The wheel is never on the ground! The power is so crazy that you have to keep your weight forward at all times and be careful with the throttle. It was hard to be smooth on a tight track, but it would be super fun on a big track or off-road. You don't even have to try to clear jumps. Can I borrow it for Mammoth?Sean Foos/5'3"/95 lb/Novice

This Service Honda 250 Junior-R is a really gnarly bike! There is so much power everywhere in the rpm range, you just can't keep the front wheel down. It was actually a little out of control because it had so much power. Kyle Engle/5'2"/110 lb/Expert

This bike is easy for any experienced adult rider to handle, and I can think of at least five of my friends who should have one. I shouldn't have one. I can't afford it, and I don't have room in the garage for it, but I still want one. It is that much fun. Imagine a 450 that shrunk. A good value isn't necessarily the cost of a bike, but the smile-per-dollar ratio. This one is off the charts.Karel Kramer/6'1"/210 lb/Wannabe mini rider

Service Honda 250 Junior-R
For the mad scientists at Service Honda (www.servicehonda.com; 219.932.3588), too much is just barely enough. No doubt you have heard of the famed aluminum-framed 500cc two-strokes it builds by carefully transplanting the megapower engines into modern 250cc chassis. Believe it or not, transplanting a 35-horsepower CRF250R engine into a lightweight CRF150R rolling chassis provides a performance leap every bit as impressive as the jump from a 250cc four-stroke to a 500cc two-stroke. Despite having 30-plus percent more power and torque, the 250 Junior-R is surprisingly easy to manage. Breathing through the smaller 150R airbox and exhaling through an under-96-decibel FMF Q4 quiet spark arrestor softens the low-rpm grunt and smooths the hit. On a bike this small and light, controlled delivery is a very good thing.

This bike is not legal in any youth motocross class we can think of, so the expected audience consists of compact adults who like to play motocross on small, powerful motorcycles and closed-course-type off-road racing. Naturally, this bike is legal in most vet, senior and women's classes. It will be interesting to see how the sales numbers shake out on this model. Service also sells a 250 Junior-X that has a CRF250X off-road engine, with electric start, in a CR85R chassis. All but one of those bikes has been sold to a woman for off-road racing and trail riding. Only four of these 150R-based machines had been built at the time of the test, and all had gone to adult males. We see no reason that a female couldn't ride this kickstart-only version. Starting is easy and consistent, and the machine is noticeably lighter than the X-based model. Despite it being considerably more powerful, the bike can be easily managed through technical sections by a rider with decent throttle control aboard.

Visually, it takes a close look to distinguish the 250 from the 150 or even to tell where the frame is modified to accept the taller and wider engine. But once you ride the bike, there is no mistaking the 250. It pulls away from a stop at very low rpm and with a far smaller throttle opening than the 150 demands. Leaning forward is a very good idea as the rpm climb, since the acceleration is astonishing and the possibility of a loop-out is all too real.

Adults actually adapted to the bike more easily than mini riders. Adults have experience with powerful engines, and they have developed the throttle control needed. Mini pilots-whether they ride an 85 or a 150-generally set the throttle on puree and control acceleration with the clutch lever. That plan is a poor one on the 250 Junior-R.

Obviously, this bike is aimed at a relatively small group of enthusiasts, and that is fine. For a small rider who wants big-bike power without the size or weight, it is great to at least have the option-even if it costs $7999. If you are a power-addict who likes small bikes, the 250 Junior-R is priceless.