Honda produces and sells a line of four-stroke motocross, trail, and dual sport motorcycles under the CRF series name.
Honda introduced the CRF range in 2000 to replace the CR series. The liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke engines used in the full-sized motocross bikes range in size from 149 cc (9.1 cu in) to 449 cc (27.4 cu in). Dual-sport motorcycles are currently available. Simple air-cooled engines are found in the more trail-friendly CRFs, which range in size from 50 cc (3.1 cu in) to 230 cc (14 cu in). The series’ debut model was the Honda CRF450R, which was followed by the CRF250R in 2004. Later on, the bikes CRF450X and CRF250X appeared; both were primarily made for off-road use. They have been a top seller since their release and are regarded as some of the greatest motorcross motorcycles in their category. [1]
From 2002 until 2009, the CRF450R held the record for the most straight years as CycleWorld’s Best Motocrosser.
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In This Article...
What does the L in Honda CRF stand for?
All of Honda’s CRF dirt and motocross bikes are lightweight, capable machines, and the “L” prefix indicates that they are street legal, complete with LED lights. The CRF250L Rally includes extra bodywork, a skid plate, a little more suspension travel, a windscreen, and handguards for longer-term wind protection that will lessen wind-related tiredness. It also has a larger gas tank for longer trip capability. Also, just have a look at it.
The 250L models had disc brakes up front and down back with an ABS option. To reduce the pop-pop-pop sound of a single, the 250cc single-cylinder, electric-start, double-overhead-cam, liquid-cooled engine is counterbalanced and fuel-injected. For a 250, it has a lot of low-end torque. All the pebbles you’ll be riding over are dampened by the pro-link rear suspension, upside-down front forks, 18 rear wheels, and 21 front wheels.
Since Honda is aware that you’ll likely be riding these bikes for a longer period of time, the L sports a more comfortable seat and seating position than its dirt-specific siblings. After all, you’ll be able to bicycle to the trailhead. The amazing carbon fiber-style eyes and the towering windscreen are features of the Rally variant, which is what you can see in the image above. The non-Rally lacks that aesthetic but makes up for it in capability and is slightly lighter in weight.
The ABS will save your life on the road, but with a simple off switch you can turn it off for when your speed takes you off the tarmac and the ground beneath you becomes loose and steep. Without any finagling like turning off the ignition, which you have to do with some other motorcycles, you can just switch it back on once you’re out the other side of the trail and on pavement. Just that is a significant benefit.
What does the F in dirt bikes stand for?
You’re well on your way to become an authority on KTM if you can figure out the sometimes perplexing Enduro lettering.
- Cross-country 2-stroke dirt bikes fall under this category. Despite falling under the enduro series, the XC versions lack illumination.
- These 4-stroke cross-country racers are designated as XC-F.
- Cross-country off-road enduro motorcycles with a wide-ratio transmission and illumination are known as XCF-Ws.
- XC TPI: The TPI system includes fuel injection.
- EXC-F: The E indicates that the motorcycle is an Enduro cross-country (XC) motorcycle, which is street legal. Although there are no 2-stroke EXC variants, the F verifies the 4-stroke motor.
- XC-W: The W indicates that the XC features illumination and a wide-ratio transmission.
FULLY STREET LEGAL & OFF-ROAD CAPABLE
The CRF450RL has a catalytic converter and is street legal in all 50 states as well as being able to go off-road almost anyplace on the earth. This implies that you can ride it wherever that it is acceptable to drive a car, including public grounds, roads, and state and national parks. Additionally, you don’t have to drive a truck or tow a trailer with your bike to the trailhead.
ELECTRIC START
In all circumstances, a trouble-free starting is guaranteed by an electric start system. The electric starter also powers the clutch side of the crankshaft, which results in a thin engine with a short, sturdy crank and greater lubrication for the starter gears.
cc UNICAM ENGINE
The CRF450RL’s Unicam cylinder-head, which is based on our championship-winning CRF450R, combines the best features of single- and double-overhead-cam designs. Because the camshaft is positioned lower in the head than in a dual-overhead-camshaft motor, the engine is more compact and has a lower center of gravity. You also get a high compression ratio and a narrow included valve angle that flatten the combustion chamber for better ignition flame propagation.
WIDE-RATIO SIX-SPEED TRANSMISSION
The CRF450RL features a wide-ratio six-speed gearbox, just like our CRF450X. This gives you a low gear ideal for confined, slow spaces and a top gear tall enough for riding on the highway to the following gas station or trailhead.
What factory makes Honda CRF?
Honda produced the CR250M Elsinore, its first “made in America product,” in Maryville, Ohio, in 1979. Since then, the factory has remained a mainstay of Honda’s American manufacturing. Motorcycles, ATVs, and dirt bikes are no longer produced there, as it is now a plant for automobiles.
According to Rider Magazine, all Honda motorcycles and dirt bikes are produced at the Japanese plant in Kumamoto since the company stopped producing motorbikes there in 2009. Honda’s other off-road vehicles are produced in South Carolina, but its motorbikes, including the CR, CRF, CB, and Honda Trail bikes, are all created in Japan and imported into the United States.
What Honda CRF model is the best?
One of the greatest and most dependable versions in the series is the Honda CRF450R model, which was produced in 2008. This model has an aggressive appearance in addition to being dependable. A basic 5-speed manual transmission is also included with the CRF450R 2008.
It’s also significant to note that this bike weighs only 228 pounds, making it considerably lighter than the previous model. It’s also incredibly comfortable on this dirt bike thanks to the Pro-Link rear suspension. The fuel capacity of the CRF450R is 1.9 gallons.
The Honda CRF450R’s extremely powerful and broad powerband is another key characteristic. Therefore, compared to some other manufacturers’ motorcycles, the riding experience feels significantly smoother. This dirt bike has excellent mid-corner stability, crisp turn-in, and good rear-tire tracking.
This dirt bike has a 450cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, 4-stroke engine that provides strong performance. The Honda CRF450R has a seat height of 37.6 inches, which is rather high. This model’s brakes consist of a single 240mm disc on the front and rear wheels. Nevertheless, the front one has a twin-piston caliper.
Why did Honda discontinue producing two-stroke engines?
Takeo Fukui, President of Honda, made the announcement that the Japanese automaker would phase out two-stroke engines back in 2003. Honda immediately started gradually getting rid of two-stroke motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds. The CR 250, 125, and 85 motocross bikes were the last of its line to be produced. Goodbyes with a kiss. Honda made their threat come true today. There won’t be any more two strokes as of 2008, according to the official statement. This indicates that you won’t need to premix oil in your Honda’s petrol tank after 2007.
Honda is taking a risk with this decision since they are the first of the top five motorcycle manufacturers to make it—a move that most experts in the business agree will soon become unavoidable. Dedicated two-stroke racers will undoubtedly take revenue away from Honda, but only temporarily. Honda’s choice to give up port timing in favor of valves and cams signals the end of the end for pre-mix and expansion chambers, much as the Yamaha 400-F signaled the beginning of the end for those technologies.
What effects will this have on motocross racers? Anyone riding a four-stroke in the 85cc class will feel like they are humming along on a weed mower. Honda is optimistic that the AMA will understand their struggle and permit throaty, 150cc four strokes to crush micro class racers, nevertheless. There might also be a significant reduction in talk in the pits. Once the decibel level exceeds the four-stroke tipping point, it is unlikely that anyone will be able to talk, order a hot dog, or debate with the starting officials. Mini dads will no longer be heard by us or their muffled children as a result of change. By the summer of 2008, be ready for significant sound inspections.
The Honda CRF is it an automatic?
This motorcycle, which dates to the 1960s, launched countless riders into their professions. Given how well it has lasted the test of time, it is probably one of the most dependable motorcycles you can purchase. The 2022 Honda CRF50F has an auto-clutch/manual-shift three-speed transmission and a 21.6-inch seat height to satisfy beginners. Simple and sparse maintenance is required. The one thing it lacks is electronic start, making it the sole non-EFI starter motor in the 2022 CRF-F series. It also still has a carburetor. However, the CRF50F is Green Sticker legal in California, same like every other CRF-F.
What does the R in Yamaha R1 stand for?
“Racing” is what the R in Yamaha R1 stands for. The R1’s frame, engine, riding position, and handling were all created with race tracks in mind, despite the fact that the bike is street legal.
Motorcycle aficionados have made various jokes and guesses about what the R in R1 represents over the years in commercials and on message boards.
However, the majority of Sportsbikes of this quality include a R in their designation to indicate that, although you may legally ride the bike on city streets, Yamaha made it for racing.
The line between a superbike that is MotoGP-ready and a factory racebike is blurred by the technologies used in the Yamaha R1. The letter R in its name boldly denotes that this moto-monster is prepared for competition.
What does CR in cr250 mean?
In 1973, the CR250M Elsinore went on sale. It was one of the first in its class, with a two-stroke engine, and set the bar for two-stroke motorcycle advancement. Little changed in the CR250M design in 1974 or 1975. Honda updated the CR250M and renamed it the CR250R in 1978, with the R denoting racing. [8] Honda unveiled a redesigned suspension in 1981. A new hydraulic front disc brake and an exhaust valve were added to the 1984 model. [9] Minor modifications to the CR250R between then and 1990 included a larger carburetor, Showa front suspension, and hydraulic back brake.
A redesigned, more aggressive design for the CR250R was introduced in 1992, but it had the drawback of providing more power than the CR250R’s frail steel frame could handle. Numerous riders urged Honda to switch to a stronger frame, but successful riders who were sponsored by Honda, such Jeremy McGrath and Ronnie Mac alone the screaming eagle, preferred the previous stiff, fragile design. The aluminum frame was first introduced in 1997. Although many racers favored this frame, the bike was not popular with ordinary riders in the desert, so Honda began a redesign and unveiled an enhanced aluminum frame in 2000. The bike was made faster and lighter in 2002, and a third-generation aluminum frame and electronic power valve were included. The 249 cc (15.2 cu in) liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine in the Honda CR250 generated roughly 45 horsepower. [10] It had a two-gallon petrol tank and a five-speed transmission with Showa suspension. [11] Honda made the announcement that after that year, they would stop making two-stroke engines.