First Look: 2008 Honda CRF150R and CRF150RB-Expert

Here are the first of the 2008 Hondas...the CRF150R ($4,199) and CRF150RB-Expert ($4,299). Click either of the photos for a larger image, and check out the specs below.



2008 Honda CRF150R
2008 Honda CRF150R.




2008 Honda CRF150RB-Expert
2008 CRF150RB-Expert

The revolutionary CRF150R and big-wheel CRF150RB are the world's first high-performance four-stroke mini racers. They feature Unicam engines, race-ready suspension and track-designed chassis for ground-breaking performance. No wonder Dirt Rider magazine picked the CRF150R as its Bike of the Year, the first time in history a minibike captured this coveted award.

Engine/Drivetrain


  • High-Performance Unicam® cylinder head design (see Technology Section)
  • Lightweight, compact, internal auto decompression and handlebar-mounted hot-start system provide easy starting, hot or cold.
  • Compact, lightweight engine assembly weighs only 43.6 pounds.
  • Crankshaft is made of high-strength, low-carbon steel with carburized main journals for maximum durability at sustained high-rpm operation.
  • Forged 11.7:1-compression slipper piston and rings are lighter than a conventional design, revving quickly while maintaining excellent cylinder sealing and high-rpm power.
  • Double-carburized connecting rod utilizes a big-end needle bearing for maximum high-rpm performance and durability.
  • Nikasil cylinder lining is lightweight and provides cooler operation for extended engine life.
  • Press-fitted aluminum spark plug pipe fits between the two exhaust rocker arms, further contributing to compact cylinder-head design.
  • 32mm 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.
  • 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 potential clutch and transmission material contamination of the engine oil, reduces the amount of circulating oil and permits the use of a smaller oil pump.
  • Exhaust system uses a lightweight stainless exhaust header and repackable aluminum muffler.
  • Vertically split crankcases feature a built-in oil pump, reducing weight compared to a conventional design.
  • Dual radiators feature a refined core area for improved heat dissipation compared to conventional dual-radiator design.
  • Gear-driven balancer reduces vibration and drives the water pump. A six-disc clutch provides the surface area necessary to handle the engine's impressive torque while carefully matched clutch springs provide a light feel at the lever.
  • Durable close-ratio five-speed transmission.

Chassis/Suspension


  • Front and rear suspension settings unique to the CRF®150R deliver ideal bump-absorption characteristics.
  • Handlebar bend optimizes rider position and comfort.
  • Lightweight, high-tensile steel frame with large-diameter frame tubing and cross-member provides excellent turning performance and straight-line tracking.
  • Box-section aluminum swingarm is lightweight and rigid.
  • Removable subframe is strong and durable.
  • 37mm leading-axle inverted Showa cartridge front fork features friction-reducing design to improve compression and rebound control.
  • The fork offers adjustable compression and rebound settings.
  • Wide-section aluminum top and bottom triple-clamps position fork tubes far apart for good turning and control.
  • Tapered-roller steering-head bearings for durability.
  • Pro-Link® Rear Suspension (see Technology Section)
  • Strong, lightweight wheels are durable and minimize unsprung weight.
  • Lightweight front and rear disc brakes with high-performance pads offer powerful, precise braking.
  • Stout 15mm front and 17mm rear axles incorporate a surface-treatment for added strength and durability.

Additional Features


  • Large-capacity airbox and reusable two-stage foam air filter.
  • Lightweight plastic body components (radiator shroud, sidecovers, rear fender, seat base, fuel tank, front fender and front number plate) offer a slim, aggressive style.
  • Seat-cushion foam follows the shape of the fuel tank, providing a smooth transition to increase rider mobility and comfort.
  • Non-slip seat cover for increased rider control.
  • High-quality Dunlop tires.
  • HRC works-type rear-brake system integrates the rear master cylinder and fluid reservoir, eliminating the separate rear master-cylinder reservoir and hose.
  • Adjustable front-brake lever and master-cylinder assembly are the same as CR®125R/CR250R components.
  • Stainless-steel clutch cable for long life and improved feel and action.
  • Works-type handlebar grips add to rider comfort.










































Model:
CRF150RB-Expert / CRF150R
Engine Type:
149cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke:
66mm x 43.7mm
Compression ratio:
11.7:1
Valve Train:
Unicam, four-valve; 26mm intake, steel; 22.5mm exhaust, steel
Induction:
Keihin 32mm flat slide with throttle position sensor (TPS)
Ignition:
Solid-state CD with electronic advance
Transmission:
Close-ratio five-speed
Final Drive:
#420 chain; 15T/56T(CRF150RB-Expert) / #420 chain; 15T/50T (CRF150R)
Suspension
Front: 37mm fully adjustable leading-axle inverted Showa cartridge fork; 10.8 inches travel
Rear: Pro-Link fully adjustable Showa single shock; 11.5 inches travel (CRF150RB-Expert) / 10.8 inches travel (CRF150R)
Brakes
Front: Single 220mm disc
Rear: Single 190mm disc
Tires
Front: 70/100-19 (CRF150RB-Expert) / 70/100-17 (CRF150R)
Rear: 90/100-16 (CRF150RB-Expert) / 90/100-14 (CRF150R)
Wheelbase:
50.6 inches (CRF150RB-Expert) / 49.6 inches (CRF150R)
Rake (Caster angle):
27o48' (CRF150RB-Expert) / 27o02' (CRF150R)
Trail:
96mm (3.85 inches) (CRF150RB-Expert) / 78mm (3.07 inches) (CRF150R)
Seat Height:
34.1 inches (CRF150RB-Expert) / 32.8 inches (CRF150R)
Ground Clearance:
13.2 inches (CRF150RB-Expert) / 11.9 inches (CRF150R)
Fuel Capacity:
1.14 gallons
Color:
Red
Consult owner's manual for optional racing parts.
0 comments

The Latest