Honda announces major MX upgrades

Honda has announced major upgrade for the 2014 CRF250R

Following last year’s major upgrades to the CRF450R, the CRF250R has now been given extensive improvements for even greater usability ahead of the 2013-14 season. A completely new mass-centralised chassis plus upgrades to the engine and suspension enhance rider control and feel, both on the ground and in the air. 

The flagship CRF450R, meanwhile, has received further engine development for greater torque, throttle feel, top-end power and over-rev. Its 48mm KYB air front fork has also been upgraded for improved oil flow and damping characteristics. 

CRF250R:

The 2013 Honda CRF250R was a careful evolution of the previous model, a machine that won both U.S. Supercross Lites titles in 2012. Fighting in a finely balanced arena of competition the CRF250R has consistently proven itself a complete and winning package – its combination of power, poise and pin-sharp agility, devastatingly fast.

For 2014 HRC’s development engineers have chosen revolution over evolution, and upgraded the CRF250R with the same mass-centralised aluminium beam frame and design philosophy as the awesome CRF450R. The engine and PGM-FI fuel injection likewise have received updates to further improve power, torque and throttle control, while weight has been trimmed wherever possible.

Model overview:
At the heart of the 2014 CRF250R’s transformation is the aluminium beam frame that debuted on the CRF450R for the 2013 model year. The low centre of gravity and reduced turning inertia the new chassis brings, help improve the already stunning handling abilities of the CRF250R over ground and – perhaps even more importantly – in the air. Internal improvements to the 48mm Showa inverted front fork are complemented by a compact new Showa rear shock, revised Pro-Link suspension and redesigned aluminium swingarm. 

Always a jewel of usability, delivering incredible drive from anywhere in its wide rev-range, the 249cc engine has received a multitude of upgrades from HRC’s development engineers including major work on the PGM-FI fuel injection, gas flow through the head as well as intake and exhaust efficiency. 

The new CRF250R has been honed to an even higher state of perfection and, once again, HRC has created a motorcycle in a state of the purest balance, the ultimate riding tool for the professional and amateur alike.

CRF450R:

Matching an agile state-of-the-art chassis to big-hitting four-stroke power and torque, since its introduction in 2002 the Honda CRF450R has proven itself a complete, winning package for the professional Motocross racer while its reliability, longevity and build quality have also made it a popular machine for the amateur racer and hobby rider alike.

The 2013 model year CRF450R featured a brand new mass-centralised frame built around KYB air suspension USD front forks, a major evolution focused on assisting the rider to turn in super-fast lap times with less effort, on the ground and whilst airborne. Packed with a host of detail upgrades from HRC, the 2014 CRF450R builds on its abilities and success.

Model overview:
Delivering improved bottom-end torque, the CRF450R’s 449cc single-cylinder engine benefits from new Dual Fuel injection timing and updated twin rear silencers while the clutch features lighter springs – with no loss of durability. These modifications are aimed at providing a direct, yet sensitive connection to the rear tyre, enhancing rear wheel traction and drive plus the rider’s feel for available grip. Work on the intake and exhaust ports by the CRF450R’s development engineers has also produced improved over-rev and power at peak rpm. 

The sixth generation aluminium twin-beam frame remains unchanged for 2014, as do the aluminium swingarm and Pro-Link rear suspension linkage. Rebound and compression damping have been refined on the company KYB rear shock, and the 48mm KYB front forks receive revised internals for improved damping response. The CRF450R’s crisp styling – combining stark form with brutal function – allows the rider complete freedom to move intuitively.