Honda | Media Newsroom

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.

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 (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 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).
• Large 50mm-diameter 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 hrca.honda.com.