First Look: 2009 Honda CRF250R 5

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We didn’t get the same deluge of photos that accompanied the new CRF450R for the CRF250R (mostly because it didn’t receive nearly as many changes), but you can check out the bullet points and specs below.

2009 Honda CRF250R

Innovative design has made Honda’s dual-muffler CRF250R a champion on the track as well as a multiple-time repeat-winner in magazine comparison tests.

Features & Benefits

New for 2009

• New cylinder-head combustion chamber shape improves power in the lower- to mid-RPM range.


• New longer exhaust header is tuned to work in conjunction with the new cylinder head for improved power.


• New four-dog transmission gears, revised shift drum and shift drum arm produce more positive shifting.


• Reshaped works-style 240mm front brake rotor is 1.3 ounces lighter. Front disc guard is smaller, lighter and vented.


• New 240mm rear brake rotor features works-style pattern and is 1.0 ounce lighter. New plastic disc guard saves 4 grams of weight.


• New gray-color magnesium cylinder-head cover, clutch cover and left sidecover.


• New handgrip design is 3mm longer.

Engine/Drivetrain

• Powerful four-stroke 249cc liquid-cooled four-valve Unicam® engine.


• 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 Ni-SiC cylinder lining provides cooler and quieter operation for extended engine life.


• 40mm Keihin FCR carburetor features four rollers on the flat slide, resulting in 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, allowing the oil pump size to be reduced.


• 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.


• 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.


• Pro-Link® Rear Suspension with new damper settings.


• Large 50mm diameter for rear shock damper piston 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 D742FA front and D756 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 help reduce rider fatigue and improve comfort.
  
  

When you buy a new Honda Powersports Product, you may be eligible to receive a complimentary one-year membership in the Honda Riders Club of America®, which includes an exclusive Members-only magazine, rider training benefits, access to the Members-only Clubhouse Web site and much more. Some limitations apply. For more information on the HRCA®, log on to www.hrca.honda.com.

Specifications

Model: CRF250R

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: Keihin 40mm flat-slide carburetor 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