Honda has completely overhauled its CRF250R motocross bike for 2014, offering an all-new engine and an aluminum beam frame inherited from the CRF450R. With a claimed weight of 231 pounds, the 2014 model is actually 4 pounds heavier than the 2013 model, but the new updates are designed to improve mass centralization, with Honda claiming it to be more flickable and nimble than before.

According to Honda, the new frame weighs 20.6 pounds, while the main frame spars meet the steering head lower than on the previous frame, helping lower the center of gravity. Honda says the new frame offers more “tuned” flex, improving front-end traction and corner speed.

The 2014 Honda CRF250R is powered by a liquid-cooled 249cc four-valve Unicam engine. It uses a new cylinder head and piston and has a higher compression ratio (13.5:1 from 13.2:1) than the 2013 CRF250R. Also new is the twin-muffler exhaust system. Both mufflers are shorter and tucked in than the single exhaust on the 2013 model, contributing to mass centralization. Continue Reading »

American Honda released a video teasing a new 2014 off-road model which will be revealed in May 14. The 2:21 video was shot with an action camera mounted along the top of the swingarm as the mystery model races around a motocross track.

The most obvious conclusion is the teaser is for the 2014 Honda CRF450R or CRF250R. Honda already updated the CRF450R for 2013, so it’s unlikely to be the model in the video, but the CRF250R hasn’t had a serious update since 2010 making it a more likely candidate.

Of course, it’s possible Honda may have something different in store. Why else would you hold a teaser campaign if there weren’t something unexpected? Perhaps Honda decided to follow KTM’s route and introduce a 350 model. Honda’s also ramping up its racing efforts by competing in the Dakar Rally again, so it’s possible this is a production version of its rally racer which itself is based on the CRF450X.

That being said, off-road motorcycle sales in the U.S. have been on a downward slope the last few years. The sales decline is only recently starting to flatten, but is this a good time to offer something drastically different? Continue Reading »

American Honda announced it will be a partnering sponsor for the 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb while also entering the competition, racing in nine different classes (well, seventh, plus “Exhibition” entries in both car and motorcycle categories).

Honda R&D staff, engineers, test riders and drivers will compete in car, motorcycle and ATV categories. Honda will field a record ten entries in all, with nine different vehicles including the CBR1000RR, CBR600RR, CRF450R and CRF250R. Honda IndyCar team Schmidt Hamilton HP Motorsports driver Simon Pagenaud will also compete, though his vehicle and class will be announced at a later date. Continue Reading »

Honda is donating the modified CRF250R ridden by actor Daniel Craig in the James Bond thriller “Skyfall” to a charity auction benefiting disadvantaged children in the U.K.

The modified Honda CRF250R is one of several lots in this year’s BBC Children in Need auction. The BBC‘s UK Corporate charity provides grants to programs across the U.K. to help improve the lives of needy children and young adults. The auction begins begins Nov. 16 with the airing of the BBC One show with bids accepted until midnight (GMT) on Nov. 22.

The CRF250R is one of two motorcycles heavily featured in the opening chase scene for “Skyfall”, the 23rd entry in the 007 James Bond film franchise. Bond, played by Craig, commandeers the bike from a Turkish street merchant to chase after the villain Patrice (played by Ola Rapace) who rides another CRF250R dressed to look like a police bike. Continue Reading »

James Bond films are probably better known for their exotic cars but the British superspy does get to ride on motorcycles once in a while. The latest motorcycle to be featured in 007′s vehicle dossier is the Honda CRF250R.

Honda supplied 20 CRF250R models for the upcoming James Bond film “Skyfall”, set to open Oct. 26. Two of those CRFs will be featured in the opening chase scene, with Bond, played by Daniel Craig, riding the model pictured above, chasing a mercenary character named Patrice, played by Ola Rapace.

The scene, shot in Turkey, has Patrice fleeing on a CRF250R seized from a crashed police officer while Bond gives chase on a CRF commandeered from a Turkish merchant. Both models were heavily modified by Academy Award-winner Chris Corbould’s special effects team. Continue Reading »

Honda introduced its 2013 CRF off-road model lineup featuring a new CRF450R motocross bike and a new entry-level CRF110F trail bike.

The 2013 Honda CRF450R was developed from Honda’s factory racebikes in the Japanese Motocross Championship, along with input from its European and AMA factory squads and racing legend Jeremy McGrath. The 2013 model features new Kayaba pneumatic front forks, just like Kawasaki’s competing KX450F.

According to Honda, the air-sprung forks are 1.76 pounds lighter than forks with coil springs with less frictional losses. Preload adjustments are made by changing the air pressure. The standard pressure level of 33psi while the pressure can be adjusted from 32psi to 36psi. The fork is also compression and rebounding damping adjustable. Removing air pressure also helps lower the front end without risking damage to fork seals, making it easier to transport the CRF450R. Continue Reading »

The 2011 Tokyo Motor Show has produced a number of new concepts but there is at least one new production model. Honda premiered a new dual-sport powered by a 249cc engine reportedly based on the CBR250R’s power plant.

The 2012 Honda CRF250L is a step up from the CRF230L and its carbureted air-cooled 223cc SOHC engine. The new CRF250L is powered by a fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC four-valve Single Honda claims delivers “satisfying” torque at low revs and smooth acceleration at high rpms. Honda hasn’t revealed any specifics but if the engine is indeed the same as that of the CBR250R (and considering the R&D invested into that engine, it should be!), power output should be about 22hp.

Continue Reading »