2006 Honda CRF250R Dirt Bike - Long-Term Testing Update #2

We have clocked more than 61 hours on our 2006 CRF250 hourmeter, and the toll of such extensive riding included regular maintenance items and resulted in a search for performance improvements. At 45 hours, we did a pretty extensive overhaul on the bike. First, we had Team Honda's Dave Chase do the top end (a separate story is coming soon on the factory four-stroke top end rebuilds). While the engine was apart, we had Factory Connection modify and service the suspension.

Factory Connection runs the official Honda 250F race team, so I decided the company would be a great choice for dialing in the suspension, and I can't say enough about how great it performs. The stock suspension is very good, but the modified suspension made this one of the best-handling motorcycles I have ever ridden. It tracks straight, is very balanced and the cornering was also improved. Suspension performance decreased notably with time, and there is always performance to be gained by dialing it in for your weight and ability level. For my 165-pound Vet Intermediate pace, FC installed softer 0.44kg/mm fork springs (0.45kg/mm stock) as well as lighter 1.61kg/mm pressure springs (1.91kg/mm stock), which improve the "small bump" performance. On the shock, FC installed a one-piece oil seal to improve seal life and its own high-speed compression adjuster spring to improve square-edge performance, which also allows you to run more sag (the company's reps recommend 105mm). Finally, we went all out and installed the FC linkage system, which is designed to complement the entire package. It definitely works!

The DR staff did an extensive CRF250 exhaust comparison in the July '06 issue, and I noticed the Akrapovic Evolution twin was one of the quietest systems in that test and it also performed well. So I bolted up the system and have been happy with the quiet power ever since. K&N is now offering its high-flow air filters for most motocross bikes, claiming the filters lend the bike extra power. I am not as sensitive as a dyno, so I can't confirm if that is true, but it does seem to make the finicky '06 CRF carburete better. And it is extremely easy to clean and goes longer between cleanings, both huge bonuses to me.

On the maintenance side, I replaced the stock brake pads with DP pads on both the front and rear. Brake pads lose performance with heat cycles, and the DPs brought the performance right back up to par. The stock front brake rotor got bent from a rock, so I replaced it with a Moto Master oversize kit, which further improved the braking. The stock chain and sprockets were done at 53 hours, so I replaced them with a Renthal chain and sprocket set (stock gearing). Finally, at 59 hours, I installed a set of Factory Effex DVS graphics and DX1 number backgrounds, plus a new Acerbis front fender to freshen up the looks. The bike is better than new and still ticking out the hours like a Timex.

Running Tally #2

Hours on Bike: 61
Modifications: $2507.20