2010 Honda CRF250R Revealed - Dirt Rider Magazine

Honda introduced a radical new 450R last year, and for 2010 it looks as though they've applied that innovation to their 250F. We don't have a bike in our hands yet, but we're finally allowed to pass the basic new model information on to you.We've been living very happily with FI on a few 450 models, but have yet to ride a production FI 250 motocrosser. The move to electronics taking over the fuel management promise crisp 'jetting' at any altitude as well as improved throttle response and fuel economy everywhere. Too extreme to worry about fuel economy on your race bike? That can translate into weight savings if you can start a moto with less fuel in the tank.

The new bike's more compact engine claims to be more powerful, the frame is all new, as is the airbox - designed for greater capacity and to improve ease of air filter maintenance, and the suspension has been designed specifically for this model. The twin-pipes that have been a signature of the Honda 250F since 2006 are gone, replaced by a single muffler exhaust system designed to further centralize mass. This exhaust does not mirror the 450R's 'wrap around the front' routing.Again, these are all claims pulled from information provided by Honda. We will have our test bike soon and give you Dirt Rider test information as soon as possible. The 2010 New Bike Derby is off to an exciting start. Check out the info provided to us from Honda below. We're passing on everything that we are allowed to know at this point -2010 Honda CRF250RThis from Honda:Torrance, CA: American Honda Motor Company's Powersports Division announced today its summer release of 2010 motorcycle, ATV and MUV products. This announcement follows the earlier release of Honda's 2010 Fury, and the SH150i and Elite scooters."Today we're releasing 2010 Honda off-road motorcycles, ATVs, Big Red Side-by-Side, and the legendary Gold Wing," said Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino. "Leading the list of big changes is the all-new CRF250R featuring a whole new engine with fuel injection and an all-new twin-spar aluminum frame. These new 2010 models together with the 2009 and 2010 models already released represents our complete line of Off-Road motorcycles, ATV, Scooters and Side-by-Side vehicles. Later this year, we will be announcing additional street models. We're excited about the extensive and varied line of products we continue to offer our customers for work and pleasure."More detailed information and images of Honda's model line can be found on www.powersports.honda.com or see your local Honda powersports dealer.Honda Off-Road: Play or competition, Honda's line has it all from CRF50F to CRF450RCRF250R
Topping the list of exciting news is the 2010 CRF250R motocrosser. Boasting an all-new, more powerful, more compact engine with electronic fuel injection and an all-new twin-spar aluminum frame with 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. Available in Red. In dealerships September 2009. MSRP: $7,199.00CRF450R
The perennial darling of the enthusiast press and racers alike, the CRF450R returns in 2010 to take its rightful place at the head of the class. With class-leading power and handling, the CRF450R features the perfect blend of power, suspension and handling for a genuine revolution in the premier motocross class. Available in Red. In dealerships TBD. MSRP: $TBDAmerican Honda will also be offering a lineup of Honda Genuine Accessories developed by HRC for the CRF250R and CRF450R. The HRC-branded line will include both functional and cosmetic accessories. More information will be available later this summer.Continue to page 2 for CRF250R bike specs...CRF250RBoasting 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.Features/BenefitsNew for 2010- All-new, more compact engine.- Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI).- Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD)-equipped aluminum frame- 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(r) 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(r) 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.- All-new higher-capacity airbox improves filter access.- PGM-FI tuning connectors located behind radiator shroud for easier access- Redesigned larger radiators, improve cooling performance- 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.SpecificationsModel: CRF250REngine Type: 249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-strokeBore and Stroke: 76.8mm x 53.8mmCompression ratio: 13.2:1Valve Train: Unicam, four-valve; 30.5mm intake, titanium; 25mm exhaust, steelInduction: PGM-FI, 50mm throttle bodyIgnition: Full transistor with electronic advanceTransmission: Close-ratio five-speedFinal Drive: #520 chain; 13T/48TSuspension
Front: 48mm inverted Showa 16-position rebound and 18-position compression damping adjustability; 12.2 inches travel
Rear: Pro-Link Showa single shock with spring preload, 20-position rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed (18 positions) and high-speed (1.5 turns); 12.6 inches travelBrakes
Front: Single 240mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear: Single 240mm discTires
Front: Dunlop 742FA 80/100-21
Rear: Dunlop D756 100/90-19Wheelbase: 58.8 inchesRake: (Caster Angle): 27? 9'Trail: 116mm (4.56 inches)Seat Height: 37.6 inchesGround Clearance: 12.8 inchesFuel Capacity: 1.5 gallonsColor: RedCurb Weight*: 226 pounds*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel--ready to ride.Consult owner's manual for optional parts.Specifications subject to change.2009 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. All Rights Reserved.