Feburary 2010 Bed Toys 2010 Honda CRF 250R

Bed Toys

From the February, 2010 issue of Four Wheeler

By Ken Brubaker

Photography by Honda Motor Company

Are you fed up with carburetors? Well, fuel injection is continuing to find its way into production dirt bikes, and one of the latest bikes to get it is the all-new 2010 Honda CRF250R.

The batteryless programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) on this bike utilizes a 50mm throttle body with 12-hole injector that's fed by a lightweight 50psi pump. This pump ensures optimum fuel atomization and a precisely targeted fuel charge. The PGM-FI system monitors throttle position, intake air and coolant temperatures, and manifold pressure to accurately map the fuel charge and ignition spark. Honda says this significantly improves partial-throttle response and helps to ensure excellent rideability. They also say that overall, the system improves fuel consumption, too.

This fuel injection system is integrated into an all-new, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-valve Unicam 249cc engine. This engine is completely redesigned for improved power delivery from a significantly more compact package that lowers the center of gravity and enhances mass centralization for improved handling. But that's not all.

The CRF250R has an all-new Twin-Spar Aluminum Frame, and it has a forged-aluminum steering head. Compared to the previous model, spar height and width was reduced, and it has stronger downtubes, which improve front-end feel. Steering response and overall handling were improved by positioning the front wheel 15mm farther back and closer to the engine crankshaft. Further, the removable rear subframe was redesigned to eliminate brackets. The shape was also altered to improve air filter access and narrow the bikes profile.

The Pro-Link Showa single shock suspension with spring preload features an exclusive Showa integrated reservoir with all-new damping and spring settings. This system is fully adjustable and features 12.6 inches of travel. The inverted 48mm Showa front suspension is fully adjustable and has 12.4 inches of travel. The front also features Honda's Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD). This system 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.

Other cool features of the CRF250R include an all-new high-capacity airbox, PGM-FI tuning connectors behind the radiator shroud, large radiators, improved rider ergonomics, rubber-mounted Renthal handlebars, and an engine stop switch with integrated LED pre-ride check indicator that confirms that the PGM-FI system is operating normally.

The carburetor-less CRF250R was engineered to deliver "punch" and throttle response along with the ability to handle big jumps and tough whoops. It's available at your local Honda dealer.

Specifications General
Vehicle model: 2010 Honda CRF250R
Base price: $7,199
Color: Red

Engine
Type: Liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement (cc): 249
Bore x stroke (mm): 76.8 x 53.8
Compression ratio: 13.2:1
Fuel system: Programmed fuel injection
Ignition: Full transistor with electronic advance
Starter: Kick

Drivetrain
Transmission: Close-ratio 5-spd
Final drive: Chain

Suspension
Front: 48mm inverted Showa 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustability; 12.4 inches of 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); 12.6 inches of travel

Brakes
Front: Single 240mm disc w/twin-piston caliper
Rear: Single 240mm disc

Tires/Wheels
Front: 80/100-21
Rear: 100/90-19
Wheels: N/A

Dimensions/Capacities
Weight (lbs): 226
Ground clearance (in): 12.8
Fuel capacity (gal): 1.5
Seat height (in): 37.6
Wheelbase (in): 58.8
Overall length (in): N/A
Overall width (in): N/A
Overall height (in): N/A