Honda unveils 2018 CRF250R, the motocross bike with a new engine and more aluminium

Honda has unveiled 2018 CRF250R, the all-new motocross bike with new engine, chassis, and suspension. The bike features a DOHC engine with a nine per cent power boost over the older version, a higher rev-limit, and it also shares the 450’s mass-centralised frame and 49mm Showa forks.

The newer model has also saved on weight with generous use of aluminium over the chassis. It features seventh-generation aluminium beam frame that saving 340g over the previous design. The frame features tapered main spars that merge rigidity and flexibility.

The chassis’ geometry differs considerably compared to the outgoing model.

The rear subframe is made of extruded aluminium which used to be forged earlier and is 20 per cent lighter, aiding mass centralisation. Seat height is 6mm taller at 957mm, with 5mm more ground clearance at 327mm. The bike’s wet weight (without fuel) stands at 103.3kg and with fuel 108.1kg.

The Showa SFF-TAC-Air front fork has been replaced with a 49mm Showa USD coil-spring fork. It is not an evolution of the older 48mm fork, but a version of the Showa kit fork supplied to MX race teams in the Japanese championship. The fully adjustable Showa rear shock works the aluminium swingarm, which is also 220g lighter.

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Lightweight aluminium rims, with directly attached spoke pattern layout also contribute towards reducing unsprung weight.

Honda will have a production bike on display at Loretta Lynn's. The bikes are expected to be media launched in October and the commercial launch is expected in late 2017.