First Look: 2008 Honda CRF250R & CRF450R

First Look: 2008 Honda CRF250R & CRF450R

Click the following links to photo galleries with multiple angles of the new bikes (both dressed and undressed), along with the new components. 2008 Honda CRF250R Photo Gallery. 2008 Honda CRF450R Photos Gallery.

The 2008 Hondas CRF models have been long-awaited, partly in the hopes that they might have joined the Suzuki RM-Z450 in the Fuel-Injected club. But you'll have to wait at least a year before you'll find that on a Honda motocross bike here in the U.S. Instead, Honda focused on a new steering damper technology, dubbed the HPSD (Honda Progressive Steering Damper) in an effort to improve cornering without sacrificing stability at high speeds. There's also the usual host of suspension changes, wave rotors, and gear-specific engine mapping for first, second and third through fifth gears. Check Honda's text before for the features and benefits, as well as the specs on each bike.

You can also check the homepage on Vital MX for a separate article with a more detailed discussion of the Honda Progressive Steering Damper.

With the introduction of the 2008 CRF450R and CRF250R, Honda introduces innovative technology that extends the performance envelope of two of the most revolutionary motocross machines ever made.

Start with the Honda Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD), a new application of steering damper technology designed specifically to augment more aggressive steering characteristics rather than merely assist straight-line running, as has been the case with steering dampers in past applications. HPSD is at the core of a whole new package of changes in chassis geometry that allow the CRF450R and CRF250R to adopt new, more aggressive steering characteristics for quicker turning, higher cornering speeds, an unprecedented “planted” feeling in the corners, plus superb confidence over rough sections and long stretches of whoops. 

The Honda Progressive Steering Damper.

In addition, the CRF450R boasts a new, lighter CDI with three gear-specific ignition maps—for First gear, Second gear, and Third through Fifth gears—to produce optimum traction and power delivery under a wide range of riding conditions. The CRF450R also features numerous engine mods for better power in 2008, including a tapered exhaust head pipe to enhance low-end and midrange power. In addition, trick works-type brake rotors front and rear reduce unsprung weight significantly, revised fork settings yield a more sophisticated action and revised settings in the rear shock complement changes to the fork.

The CRF250R also boasts significant changes for 2008, including a host of engine modifications. These include a new piston with a higher 13.1:1 compression ratio, new camshaft, revised head porting, lighter valve train components that help boost rev limits to 13,500 rpm and a new exhaust system that increases power output. Like the 450, the CRF250R gets trick works-type brake rotors front and rear that increase power and reduce unsprung weight, and revised fork and shock settings.

Innovative technology combined with refined development ensure the CRF450R and CRF250R continue their reign at the top of the leader board for 2008.

2008 Honda CRF250R (Click the photo for a larger version.)

Features & Benefits

New for 2008

• New piston with 13.1:1 compression ratio
• New cylinder head porting for improved power
• New lighter-weight valve train components raise rev limit to 13,500 rpm
• New lighter counterbalancer shaft and drive gears.
• New exhaust system for more power
• New camshaft timing for added power
• Revised carburetor jetting gives smooth power delivery under all riding conditions
• Engine torque now reaches maximum at 8500 rpm.
• New clutch features judder spring for smother engagement.
• New Honda Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD). Tested by Team Honda, this lightweight, compact steering damper improves cornering ability and reduces rider fatigue.
• New fork triple clamps with 22mm offset for improved cornering.
• New Showa fork features a larger cartridge rod and new cartridge oil piston for improved oil flow and less friction, plus stiffer springs for improved mid-stroke action.
• New rear shock valving matches changes to the fork.
• New works-style front and rear brake rotors reduce unsprung weight.
• New rear fender shape for improved mud protection
• New larger left-side engine guard

Engine/Drivetrain

• -Powerful four-stroke 249cc liquid-cooled four-valve Unicam® engine (see Technology Section).
• Lightweight titanium intake valves permit the use of smaller valve springs and reduce overall engine height.
• ACG cover, clutch cover and cylinder-head cover are made of magnesium to reduce engine weight.
• Forged 13.1:1 compression, slipper piston and rings are lighter than a conventional design, revving quickly while maintaining excellent cylinder sealing and high-rpm power.
• Lightweight, compact, internal, auto decompression system and handlebar-mounted hot-start system provide superb operation, hot or cold.
• Lightweight Nikasil cylinder lining provides cooler and quieter operation for extended engine life.
• 40mm Keihin FCR carburetor features four rollers on the flat slide, resulting in very light throttle effort, smooth operation, crisp throttle response and excellent rideability.
• Carburetor features a throttle position sensor (TPS) that helps maintain a linear throttle response throughout the range and new jetting for smoother power response.
• Twin-sump lubrication system separates the oil supply for the crankshaft, piston and valve train from the clutch and transmission. This ensures a cool supply of oil to the clutch, eliminates clutch and transmission material contamination of the engine oil, and reduces the amount of circulating oil, which permits the use of a smaller oil pump.
• Dual-muffler exhaust system centralizes mass and reduces turning inertia to improve the lightweight feel of the bike.
• Dual-muffler exhaust system also increases low-rpm torque.
• Exhaust system uses a lightweight stainless header and repackable aluminum mufflers.
• Gear-driven balancer reduces vibration and drives the water pump.
• Rugged eight-disc clutch and carefully matched clutch springs for light feel at the lever.
• Durable five-speed close-ratio transmission.

Chassis/Suspension

• Fourth-generation Twin-Spar Aluminum Frame with forged-aluminum steering head (see Technology Section)
• HPSD features a compact damper attached to the lower triple clamp and the steering head to allow more aggressive steering characteristics and assist straight-line handling. Damping action smoothly progresses as handlebar deflection increases, which produces very natural steering characteristics and feel.
• Front and rear wheels feature HRC works-type lightweight aluminum spoke nipples.
• Front wheel features large-diameter front axle and wide wheel-bearing span for excellent rigidity.
• Large 25mm rear axle diameter and large-diameter bearings provide significant rigidity to withstand torturous track conditions.
• Revised, sophisticated Inverted Twin-Chamber Cartridge Fork (see Technology Section).
• Pro-Link® Rear Suspension with new damper settings (see Technology Section).
• 50mm rear shock damper piston diameter for consistent performance under demanding riding conditions.
• Link-type front brake master cylinder and a lightweight brake rotor provide strong braking.
• Compact twin-piston front brake caliper, anodized-aluminum brake pistons and lightweight front brake disc minimize unsprung weight for improved turning and handling.
• HRC works-type rear brake system integrates the rear master-cylinder and fluid reservoir, eliminating the  separate reservoir and hose.
• Large works-style 240mm front and rear brake discs.

Additional Features

• Frame design allows airbox sidecovers to have larger intake ducts, contributing to significant airflow in the mid- and upper-rpm ranges.
• Rider ergonomics are optimized by adapting the handlebar, seat and footpeg height to place the rider's legs at the narrowest frame width  for improved comfort and handling.
• Dunlop 742FA front and 756 rear tires for improved traction and cornering.
• Front disc brake cover helps protect rotor and caliper from damage.
• Removable rear subframe allows easy maintenance.
• Washable, two-stage foam air filter for optimal engine protection and easy maintenance.
• Comfortable, durable controls and high-quality fasteners.
• Stainless steel clutch cable for long life.
• Honda Racing™-inspired colors and graphics.
• Cleated rear brake pedal and folding shift lever are made of lightweight aluminum and are designed to complement the riding position.
• Brake pedal features optimized ratio to match integrated rear-brake master-cylinder design.
• Wide, cleated, stainless steel footpegs are self-cleaning, resist corrosion, provide excellent grip and fold for extra ground clearance.
• Aluminum Renthal handlebar (971 bend) is rubber-mounted to reduce rider fatigue and improve comfort.
• Purchase of a new, previously unregistered Honda USA-certified unit by an individual retail user in the United States qualifies the owner for a one-year complimentary membership in the Honda Rider’s Club of America® (HRCA®). Visit www.hrca.honda.com for details.

Specifications

Engine Type: 249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 78mm x 52.2mm
Compression Ratio: 13.1:1
Valve Train: Unicam, four-valve; 31mm intake, titanium; 26mm exhaust, steel      
Induction: Carburetor, Keihin 40mm flat-slide with throttle position sensor (TPS)
Ignition: CD with electronic advance
Transmission: Close-ratio five-speed
Final Drive: #520 chain; 13T/51T

Suspension           

Front: 47mm inverted Showa cartridge fork with 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustability; 12.4 inches travel
Rear: Pro-Link Showa single shock with spring preload, 17-position rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns); 12.4 inches travel

Brakes           

Front: Single 240mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear: Single 240mm disc

Tires

Front: 80/100-21
Rear: 100/90-19

Geometry/Dimensions/Capacity

Wheelbase: 58.2 inches
Rake (Caster Angle): 27.9
Trail: 125mm (4.9 inches)
Seat Height: 38 inches
Ground Clearance: 14.2 inches
Fuel Capacity: 2.0 gallons
Color: Red / Black
Curb Weight*: 227 pounds

*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel-ready to ride

Consult owner's manual for optional racing parts.

2008 Honda CRF450R (Click the photo for a larger version.)

Features & Benefits

New for 2008

• New tapered exhaust head pipe improves low-end and midrange power.
• New lighter counterbalancer shaft and drive gears.
• New works-type multi-map CDI system uses a transmission gear-position sensor to provide specific ignition maps for First gear, Second gear and Third through Fifth and produce the optimum power curve in each gear.
• Rev limit of 11,270 rpm has increased 50 rpm.
• Friction-reducing coating on the clutch basket, clutch center and pressure plate improve clutch life and clutch feel.
• New Honda Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD).  Developed by Team Honda, this lightweight, compact steering damper improves cornering ability and reduces rider fatigue.
• New fork triple clamps with 22mm offset for improved cornering.
• New Showa fork features a larger cartridge rod and new cartridge oil piston for improved oil flow and less friction, plus stiffer springs for improved mid-stroke action.
• New rear shock valving matches changes to the fork.
• New works-style front and rear brake rotors reduce unsprung weight.

Engine/Drivetrain

• Powerful engine churns out 55 bhp at 9000 rpm and 36.9 lb./ft. of torque at 6500 rpm. Power is produced across a wide rpm band for easy-to-control operation.
• Liquid-cooled four-valve Unicam® 449cc engine produces more than 120 hp per liter (see Technology Section).
• Lightweight titanium intake valves permit use of smaller valve springs and reduce overall engine height.
• Forged slipper piston is more than 4.5 ounces lighter than a conventional design.
• Lightweight Nikasil cylinder lining provides cooler and quieter operation for extended engine life.
• Auto decompression and hot restart system make starting easy in all conditions.
• 41mm FCR carburetor features four rollers on the flat slide, resulting in very light throttle effort, smooth operation, crisp throttle response and excellent rideability.
• The capacitive discharge ignition system (CDI) features an 8-bit digital CPU for extremely accurate ignition and maximum performance.
• Twin-sump lubrication system separates the oil supply for the crankshaft, piston and valve train from the clutch and transmission. This ensures a cool supply of oil to the clutch, eliminates clutch and transmission material contamination of the engine oil and reduces the amount of circulating oil and minimizes oil pump size.
• Exhaust system features a titanium header and heat shield. The repackable silencer is aluminum with a stainless steel connector pipe.
• Gear-driven balancer reduces vibration and drives the water pump.
• Eight clutch plates provide the surface area necessary to handle the engine's massive torque, while carefully matched clutch springs provide a light feel at the lever.

Chassis/Suspension

• Fourth-generation Twin-Spar Aluminum Frame with forged-aluminum steering head (see Technology Section),
• HPSD features a compact damper attached to the lower triple clamp and the steering head to augment more aggressive steering characteristics and assist straight-line handling. Damping action smoothly progresses as handlebar deflection increases, which produces very natural steering characteristics and feel.
• Front and rear wheels feature HRC works-type lightweight aluminum spoke nipples.
• Front wheel features large-diameter front axle and wide wheel-bearing span for excellent rigidity.
• Rear axle diameter of 25mm and large-diameter bearings provide significant rigidity to withstand torturous track conditions.
• Revised, sophisticated Inverted Twin-Chamber Cartridge Fork (see Technology Section).
• Pro-Link Rear Suspension (see Technology Section) with new damper settings.
• Large 50mm rear shock damper piston diameter for consistent performance under demanding riding conditions.
• Compact dual-piston front brake caliper saves more than 1 ounce.
• HRC works-style rear brake system integrates the rear master-cylinder and fluid reservoir, eliminating the separate  reservoir and hose.
• Link-type front brake master cylinder and a lightweight brake rotor provide strong braking.
• Large works-style 240mm front and rear disc brake rotors. 

Additional Features

• Frame design allows sidecovers to have larger air-intake ducts, contributing to significant airflow increase in the mid- and upper-rpm ranges.
• Rider ergonomics are optimized by adapting the handlebar, seat and footpeg height to place the rider's legs at the narrowest part of the frame for improved comfort and handling feel.
• Brake pedal and shift lever are designed to complement the riding position.
• Brake pedal features optimized ratio to match integrated rear-brake master-cylinder design.
• Wide, cleated stainless steel footpegs are self-cleaning and corrosion resistant, provide excellent grip and fold for extra ground clearance.
• Rear brake pedal and shift lever are made of lightweight aluminum.
• Adjustable front brake lever for maximum control.
• Quick-adjust clutch perch for easy cable adjustment.
• Aluminum Renthal handlebar (971 bend) is rubber-mounted to reduce rider fatigue and improve comfort.
• Handlebar holders provide two different mounting positions to match rider preference.
• Works-type handlebar grips add to rider comfort.
• Dunlop 742FA front and 756 rear tires for improved traction and cornering.
• Front disc brake cover helps protect rotor and caliper from damage.
• Removable rear subframe allows easy maintenance.
• Washable, two-stage foam air filter for optimal engine protection and easy maintenance.
• Repackable silencer for maximum performance and minimal noise.
• Comfortable, durable controls and high-quality fasteners.
• Stainless steel clutch cable for long life.
• Honda Racing™-inspired colors and graphics.
• Purchase of a new, previously unregistered Honda USA-certified unit by an individual retail user in the United States qualifies the owner for a one-year complimentary membership in the Honda Rider’s Club of America® (HRCA®). Visit www.hrca.honda.com for details.

2008 CRF450R Specifications

Engine Type: 449cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 96mm x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio: 12.0:1
Valve Train: Unicam, four-valve; 36mm intake, titanium; 30mm exhaust, steel
Induction: Carburetor, Keihin 41mm flat slide
Ignition: CD with three-gear-position electronic advance
Transmission: Close-ratio five-speed
Final Drive: #520 chain; 13T/48T

Suspension           

Front: 47mm inverted Showa cartridge fork with 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustability; 12.4 inches travel
Rear: Pro-Link Showa single shock with spring preload, 17-position rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns); 12.5 inches travel

Brakes           

Fron: Single 240mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear: Single 240mm disc

Tires

Front: 80/100-21
Rear: 110/90-19

Geometry/Dimensions/Capacity

Wheelbase: 58.6 inches
Rake (Caster Angle): 26.76
Trail: 111.4 mm (4.3 inches)
Seat Height: 37.6 inches
Ground Clearance: 13.4 inches
Fuel Capacity: 1.9 gallons
Color: Red / Black
Curb Weight*: 238 pounds

*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel-ready to ride

Consult owner's manual for optional racing parts.

Optional Limited Edition Black. Click for a larger version.