The Honda CRF series is a line of four-stroke motocross, trail, and dual sport motorcycles manufactured and marketed by Honda.
The CRF line was launched in 2000 as a successor to the Honda CR series. The full sized motocross bikes are equipped with liquid-cooled, single cylinder four-stroke engines that are available from 149 cc (9.1 cu in) to 449 cc (27.4 cu in). They now have dual-sport motorcycles. The more trail friendly CRF's have simple air-cooled engines, and are available from 50 cc (3.1 cu in) to 230 cc (14 cu in). The Honda CRF450R was the first in the series, followed by the CRF250R in 2004. Further down the line, the CRF450X and CRF250X bikes emerged, both designed for mostly off-road use. They are considered among the best motorcross bikes of their class, and have been a leading seller since their introduction. [1] The CRF450R was CycleWorld's Best Motocrosser for a record eight consecutive years from 2002-2009. [2]
The engines in these bikes use an over-square design, which means that the diameter of the cylinder is larger than the stroke of the piston. This allows for higher engine speeds and a reduction of reciprocating mass for a given displacement. Another technology that is used is short piston skirts. The "skirt" area of the piston is the portion on the side of the piston which comes into contact with the cylinder wall and aids piston stability. While the introduction of the shorter skirt on the piston helps to reduce reciprocating mass, it also leads to more "rocking" of the piston, or minute unwanted rotation of the piston around the axis of its wrist pin. This leads to more frequent maintenance intervals for the pistons, piston rings, and cylinder walls.
As of 2021, the CRF-F series includes the CRF50F, CRF110F, CRF125F, CRF125F (Big Wheel), CRF230F and CRF250F.
For the 2019 Model year the CRF 110F, CRF125F, and CRF250F all come standard with electronic fuel injection. This improves cold weather starting and makes the bike easier to maintain because of the lack of a carburetor to clean.
Simple, air-cooled 4-stroke motorcycles. Typically, these bikes come in low-power and confidence inspiring configurations for new market entrants.
In all, Honda has made a CRF50F, CRF70F, CRF80F, CRF100F, CRF110F, CRF125F, CRF125FB, CRF150F, CRF230F, and a CRF250F.
The CRF70F, CRF80F, CRF100F, CRF150F and the CRF230F have been discontinued. The 70 was replaced by the 110, the 80 and 100 were replaced by the 125, and the 150F does not have a replacement and the 230 was replaced by the 250F.
As of 2017, the CRF-R series includes the CRF150R, CRF250R, and CRF450R.
These liquid-cooled four-stroke machines were designed to be utilized purely for closed-course motorcross racing. The CRF-R lineup lacks any extra accessories; like lights and electric start (Although offered as an option on the 2017 CRF-450R).
2004 | 7/8" Handlebars |
2008 | Honda progressive steering damper |
2009 | Fuel injection |
2013 | Air forks, dual exhaust |
2017 | Oil forks, optional electric start [3] |
Source [4]
As of 2018, the CRF-RX series includes the CRF250RX and CRF450RX.
This machine was built as a CRF-450R that was optimized for hare scramble, hard enduro, GNCC style racing. Essentially the same as the CRF-450R except offered as standard equipment an electric start, larger fuel tank, and an 18-inch rear wheel. This bike is to bridge the gap between the more mild X-model and the closed-course race style R model. (First model year: 2017)
As of 2014, the CRF-X series includes the CRF250X and the CRF450X.
These bikes have electric start, but are still considered race bikes, albeit for off-road rather than motocross. [5] Differences from the R models include lighting, electric start, suspension settings, engine and exhaust tuning for more low-end torque, larger fuel tanks, and a more rugged widespread ratio transmission. Robby Bell won the San Felipe 250 in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
As of 2012, the CRF-L series includes the CRF150L, CRF190L, CRF250L/CRF300L, CRF450RL and the CRF1100L Africa Twin.
In 2008, the CRF230L was introduced as an entry-level dual sport and was street legal from the factory, but still retained a dirt-oriented design. All have full lighting and electric starters. They have a different frame and engine from Honda's other CRF formats, and most other components are not shared with the other CRF(non-street-legal) motorcycles. These different components meet emissions and government road regulations. Outside of the United States, the CRF230L was marketed as the XR230L. It was discontinued in 2009.
In April 2012, the completely redesigned dual-purpose CRF250L was launched in Japan. It shares a liquid-cooled 249 cc 4-stroke DOHC single-cylinder EFI engine with the CBR250R. It is manufactured in Thailand. [6]
The stroked-up CRF300L was introduced in November 2020. [7]
In November 2017, the 150 cc model called CRF150L was launched in Indonesia. It shares an air-cooled 149 cc 4-stroke SOHC single-cylinder EFI engine with the Verza. It is manufactured by Astra Honda Motor. [8]
In 2008, the CRF230L was the first to offer a supermoto version of the original dual sport, which had several mechanical and cosmetic differences including:
In April 2013, exactly one year after the initial launch of the CRF250L, Honda announced plans to sell a supermoto version of their dual-purpose motorcycle in Europe. [9] The CRF250M is based on the popular dual-purpose CRF250L, with revised suspension, uprated front brake and 17-inch wheels with wider road tyres. The CRF250M adds another A2 licence-friendly machine to Honda's line-up.
The CRF 250 Rally and 300 Rally are the more road oriented versions of the CRF 250L and 300L. The top differentiators are the larger fuel tanks, more fairing and different headlights. 300 Rally tank is 5 litre larger (12.8L vs 7.8L) and it has LED headlight integrated in a sizeable windshield, versus classic halogen bulb on 300L and no windshield.
Aprilia is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer founded immediately after World War II in Noale, Italy, by Alberto Beggio. The company started as a manufacturer of bicycles and moved on to manufacture scooters and small-capacity motorcycles. In more recent times Aprilia has produced large sportbikes such as the 1,000 cc V-twin RSV Mille and the V4 RSV4.
KTM AG formerly KTM Sportmotorcycle AG) is an Austrian motorcycle, bicycle and sports car manufacturer owned by Pierer Mobility AG and the Indian manufacturer Bajaj Auto. It was formed in 1992 but traces its foundation to as early as 1934. Today, KTM AG is the parent company of the KTM Group, consisting of a number of motorcycle brands.
Motocross is a form of off-road motorcycle racing held on enclosed off-road circuits. The sport evolved from motorcycle trials competitions held in the United Kingdom.
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is a Japanese multinational manufacturer of motorcycles, marine products such as boats and outboard motors, and other motorized products. The company was established in 1955 upon separation from Yamaha Corporation, and is headquartered in Iwata, Shizuoka, Japan. The company conducts development, production and marketing operations through 109 consolidated subsidiaries as of 2012.
Supermoto is a form of motorcycle racing held on race tracks that alternate between three kinds of track surfaces: the hard packed dirt of flat track, the irregular jumps and obstacles of motocross, and the paved tarmac of road racing. Supermoto was originally conceived by Gavin Trippe in 1979 as a segment of the TV show Wide World of Sports. It was something like an all-star game, in which the best riders from the three separate genres of motorcycle racing could temporarily leave their normal race class to come together and compete for the title of best all around racer. Today supermoto is a distinct genre of its own and riders in the other classes do not routinely cross over into supermoto.
The Honda XR series is a range of four-stroke off-road motorcycles that were designed in Japan but assembled all over the world.
The Honda CR series is a range of off-road motorcycles made by the Honda corporation from 1973 onwards.
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Husaberg was a manufacturer of enduro motorcycles with four and two-stroke engines, the displacements ranging from 125 cc to 650 cc. Originally based in Sweden, its motorcycles were later manufactured in Austria by parent company KTM until the line was retired in 2014.
The Yamaha WR450F is an off-road motorcycle made by Yamaha Motor Company. It currently has a 450 cc (27 cu in) liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. First offered in 1998 at 400cc, it shared many components and design concepts with the YZ400F motocross model. It is basically the racing YZ450F detuned slightly for more controllable power, with a headlight and lighting coil, softer suspension, a kickstand, lower noise specifications, larger radiators and lower emissions. The WR in the name indicates a wide-ratio gear box common to most enduro or trail bikes and stands in contrast to the close-ratio gearbox essential to a motocross racer. Over the years the WR has benefited from the advances made in the YZ motocross version gaining displacement and advancements such as an aluminum frame and improved suspension. Over much of its life the weight of the WR450F has remained fairly constant ranging from 244 to 249 pounds dry weight.
Beta is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer, specialising in off-road motorcycles. Beta are best known for their popular observed trials bikes. In 2005, they launched a range of enduro motorcycles using KTM engines. In 2010 they launched the new RR series, with a new engine made in-house. Beta motorcycles have been used by world trials champions such as Jordi Tarrés, Dougie Lampkin, Albert Cabestany and Enduro riders Steve Holcombe and Brad Freeman. Production in 2018 was expected to be in excess of 20,000 motorcycles, ranging in size from 50 cc to 480 cc.
The Honda XR250R and XR250L are trail and dual-sport motorcycles made by Honda from 1979 through 2004, as part of the Honda XR series. They have four-stroke, SOHC four-valve 249 cc (15.2 cu in) single-cylinder engines.
The Yamaha YZ450F is a four-stroke racing motocross bike built by Yamaha Motor Corporation. It was the successor to the previous YZ426F which was discontinued in 2003. It is credited by Cycle World and Dirt Rider magazines as the bike that started the four-stroke dirt bike revolution. The 2006 YZ250F and YZ450F were the first production motorcycles equipped with titanium suspension springs.
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The Yamaha WR250F is an off-road motorcycle made by Yamaha Motor Company. It has a 250 cc (15 cu in) liquid-cooled single nikasil coated cylinder engine. First offered in 2001, it shared many components and design concepts with the YZ250F motocross model. It is basically the YZ250F detuned slightly for more controllable power, with a headlight and lighting coil, softer suspension, a kickstand, better noise specifications, larger radiators, and lower emissions. The WR250F is basically a YZ250F modified for enduro competitions, extreme enduro competitions and hard enduro competitions and the practice of these extreme sports. The WR in the name indicates a wide-ratio gear box common to most enduro or trail bikes and stands in contrast to the close-ratio gearbox essential to a motocross racer. Over the years the WR250F has benefited from the advances made in the YZ motocross version gaining advancements such as an aluminum frame and improved suspension.
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The Honda CRF250L is a dual-sport motorcycle, part of the Honda CRF series, manufactured by Honda for their global market. It was first released in 2012 for the 2013 model year.
The Honda CRF450X is an off-road motorcycle made by Honda Motor Company. It currently has a 450 cc (27 cu in) liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. First offered in 2005, the CRF450X shares very little with the CRF450R motocrosser.
The Honda CRF450L is a CRF series 450 cc (27 cu in) dual-sport motorcycle made by Honda. It was announced in May 2018 and available from September of the same year. It is the fifth member of CRF dual-sport lineup offered by Honda, after CRF230L, CRF250L, CRF1000L Africa Twin and CRF150L. Unlike other bikes from this lineup, the frame and engine of the CRF450L are directly taken from CRF450R motocross and CRF450X enduro bikes, while the other bikes such as CRF150L and CRF250L do not share anything from its motocross and enduro counterparts.
If there's a cloud, it's only in the CRF's legal status. Currently, as a competition bike, there's no requirement for a speedometer, brake light or other basics (and it has none, nor even an ignition key), although it can still be registered for the road. This grey area may yet be addressed by legislation, which could mean retro-fitting some kit or buying a trailer.