Here’s the 411 on the 2015 Honda CRF lineup, with noteworthy changes to its full-size CRF450R and CRF250R motocross machines.
Honda has launched its 2015 line of CRF motocross and off-road machines for 2015, and its big motocrossers are expected to benefit from some key changes to keep them running with the pack.
2015 Honda CRF450R
Changes to the 2015 CRF450R were designed to deliver more performance and durability from its liquid-cooled, Unicam SOHC-equipped four-valve four-stroke single durability and an extra level of tuning adjustability to match track conditions. These include an all-new cylinder head that can easily identified from the previous generation by its right-side exhaust port and new exhaust system. The motor also gets revised fuel and ignition timing settings to its Dual-Timing PGM-FI fuel injection, with the goal being to generate more top-end power and additional overrev. The timing and mapping changes raise the rpm at which CRF450R’s peak power occurs.
However, in addition to more power, Honda engineers have made the CRF450R easier to tune for track conditions by incorporating multiple fuel and ignition maps in the ECU, which can be adjusted by an Engine Mode Select button mounted on the right side of the handlebar. A popular feature on top-shelf sportbikes for the past five years, the multiple map selection on the CRF450R is an industry first among motocross machines. The Engine Mode Select buttion allows the rider to easily select one of three different EFI/ignition maps in its stock configuration, but these maps can be custom programmed via an HRC accessory tuning tool as well.
In the suspension department, the CRF450R also receives a new KYB PSF air fork with high/low compression and rebound damping adjustments that offer wider adjustability and improved suspension action, according to Honda. The CRF450R’s brakes also bear new wave-style front and rear rotors.; The front rotor is the largest unit ever fitted on a Honda CRF, measuring 260mm, to improve stopping power. The CRF450R also gets a new graphics scheme to give it a distinctive look for 2015. Price for the CRF450R has yet to be determined, but the machine will be availabile in Honda dealerships by September 2014.
2015 CRF450R Specifications
Engine Type: 449cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 96.0mm x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio: 12.5:1
Valve Train: Unicam, four-valve; 36mm intake, titanium; 31mm exhaust, steel
Induction: Dual-Timing PGM-FI, 46mm throttle body
Ignition: Full transistor with electronic advance
Transmission: Close-ratio five-speed
Final Drive: #520 chain; 13T/48T
Suspension
Front: 48mm inverted KYB PSF (Pneumatic Spring Fork) with air-adjustable spring rate, and rebound and compression-damping adjustability; 12.2 inches travel.
Rear: Pro-Link® KYB single shock with adjustable spring preload, rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed and high-speed; 12.4 inches travel
Brakes
Front: Single 260mm wave-style disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear: Single 240mm wave-style disc
Tires
Front: Dunlop MX52 80/100-21
Rear: Dunlop MX52 120/80-19
Wheelbase: 58.7 inches
Rake (Caster angle): 27° 04’ (‘= minutes)
Trail: 116mm (4.6 inches)
Seat Height: 37.5 inches
Ground Clearance: 13.0 inches
Fuel Capacity: 1.7 gallons
Curb Weight*: 243.0 pounds
Color: Red
MSRP: TBA
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride.
2015 Honda CRF250R
The 2014 Honda CRF250R proved its mettle by earning the Monster Energy AMA 250cc West Supercross Championship in the hands of GEICO Honda rider Justin Bogle, and the CRF250R was the most popular machine in the class–no less than 48 percent of all competitors in the 250cc class were mounted on CRF250Rs. But as good as the 2014 bike is, the 2015 model features a number of changes to maintain its popularity with professionals and weekend warriors alike.
For starters, the 2015 CRF250R is fitted with a 49mm Showa Separate Function Fork, Triple Air Chamber (SFF-Air) air fork, replacing the Showa SFF fork that was spec’d on the 2014 model. As its name implies, the SFF-Air fork eliminates the steel spring that was used in the original SFF fork. Honda claims that the SFF-Air is 2.8 pounds lighter than the old SFF design and offers a wider range of adjustments than a conventional spring fork.
Engine changes to the 2015 CRF250R are similar to its open-class sister, including new fuel map settings to its Dual-Timing PGM-FI fuel injection system, intended to deliver smoother acceleration, improved throttle response, quicker revving and more peak power. Like the CRF450R, the CRF250R also receives Honda’s class-innovating Engine Mode Select button that allows the rider to tailor engine power to match the track conditions by selecting one of three available EFI/ignition maps. The CRF250R also features the new wave-style front and rear brake rotors along with the larger 260mm front disc brake and new graphics like those on the CRF450R. MSRP for the 2015 Honda CRF250R has been set at $7599, and the machine will be available through your local Honda dealer in August 2014.
2015 Honda CRF250R Specifications
Engine Type: 249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 76.8mm x 53.8mm
Compression Ratio: 13.5:1
Valve Train: Unicam®, four-valve; 30.5mm intake, titanium; 25mm exhaust, steel
Induction: Dual-Timing PGM-FI, 46mm throttle body
Ignition: Full transistor with electronic advance
Transmission: Close-ratio five-speed
Final Drive: #520 chain; 13T/49T
Suspension
Front: 49mm inverted Showa SFF-Air fork with 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustability; 12.2 inches travel
Rear: Pro-Link Showa single shock with adjustable spring preload, 17-position rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns); 12.3 inches travel
Brakes
Front: Single 260mm wave-style disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear: Single 240mm wave-style disc
Tires
Front: Dunlop MX52 80/100-21
Rear: Dunlop MX52 100/90-19
Wheelbase: 58.6 inches
Rake (Caster angle): 27° 23’ (‘= minutes)
Trail: 118mm (4.6 inches)
Seat Height: 37.4 inches
Ground Clearance: 12.7 inches
Fuel Capacity: 1.7 gallons
Curb Weight*: 231.0 pounds
Color: Red
MSRP: $7599
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride.