The 2010 Honda CRF250R is loaded with progressive technology and ready to confirm its domination of Supercross and Motocross tracks yet again. Its lightning-quick prowess and radical looks are matched with a new fuel injection system, even more power, lighter weight and smooth, easy handling characteristics. Whether you’re out to thrash the competition or just enjoy getting the best out of yourself and your motorcycle, the CRF250R is the tool to showcase your expertise.
New for 2010
- New ultra-light battery-less fuel injection system delivers enhanced performance, a wider, higher power range and improved power delivery, as well as kick-start capability.
- New fuel injection system automatically adjusts fuel injection and ignition timing to optimal conditions, maximising the engine’s potential in varying environments.
- Indicator integrated with engine stop switch shows any problem with the fuel injection system.
- New more durable piston material accommodates increased power while keeping weight gain to a minimum.
- Engine bore is decreased to 76.8mm for greater strength.
- Compression ratio is changed from 13.1:1 to 13.2:1, delivering more power.
- New straight cylinder head port facilitates more efficient air intake and thus more power.
- New valve spring made of ultra-high-strength material uses MotoGP technology to improve durability and achieve higher rpm.
- Large-diameter throttle body (50mm) delivers stronger power and enhanced performance across the entire range.
- New, lighter crankcase wall saves weight by retaining thickness only where it is needed and shaving it off to a mere 2.0mm where extra strength is not required.
- Crankcase reed valve with horizontal layout allows crankshaft to be moved down for a lower centre of gravity.
- New low-friction Kashima coating increases clutch durability.
- New gear ratios enhance engine performance and torque feel throughout all rpm ranges, while gear strength has been improved in conjunction with stronger output.
- Revised gearbox layout increases distance between main (input) and counter (output) shafts from 51.5 to 55mm, allowing for larger, tougher gear.
- Each component of the auto-decompression system has been optimally set, the kick start ratio has been revised and PGM-FI has been adopted, all greatly improving starting.
- New, more rigid crankshaft has been lowered by 10mm compared to conventional models, lowering the engine’s centre of gravity.
- Revised geometry optimises front and rear mass distribution for best balance and control.
- New Fifth-generation twin-spar aluminium frame with modified dimensions and optimised lateral and torsional stiffness is based on the CRF450R frame, but with centre and lower spars tailored to match CRF250R engine power.
- New frame incorporates lower engine mount position and more rearward front axle position, resulting in a lower centre of gravity, greater agility, easier manoeuvring and a more planted front feel.
- New 29mm longer swingarm improves stability during acceleration.
- New dimensions include slightly longer wheelbase for improved traction during acceleration, balanced by a smaller caster angle for better cornering.
- New single-muffler exhaust layout enables a weight saving of 850g.
- New layout achieves mass centralisation and optimum machine balance by positioning muffler forward and keeping length to a minimum.
- New radiator increases radiation amount from 14.6 to 14.7 kW, providing better cooling in proportion to engine power increase.
- Improved fuel consumption enables tank capacity to be decreased (by 1.6L), thus facilitating more weight savings and a more compact size which eases rider movement.
- New plastic fuel pump module attached to bottom face of plastic fuel tank responds directly to fuel pressure.
- New, lower fuel cap height facilitates smoother movement along seat and greater rider comfort.
- New airbox makes removal and replacement of air filter easier and incorporates funnel rather than straight pipe for air intake, improving bottom and mid driveability.
- New 48mm front fork with larger 24mm cylinder size and new fork oil provides smoother, more linear damping and further improves controllability. Fork offers 310mm of travel and 16-step rebound and compression damping adjustability.
- Modified front fork outer tube shape provides extra rigidity, while shorter spring length reduces weight, both contributing to improved handling.
- Rear cushion sub-tank configuration has been greatly revised to integrate damper case, resulting in a 100g weight reduction, while also avoiding possibility of interference between rider’s foot and sub-tank.
- New wheel rim contour provides extra strength to the wheel rim flange.
- New Revolutionary Ergonomics Design (RED) and slimline CRF450R-based bodywork with smooth surfaces improve riding position for easier, more comfortable rider movement.
- New HRC settings kit, developed from long years of racing experience, provides an easy-to-use programming system with precise data for setting up the machine to meet all race situations. Ignition timing and fuel mapping settings can be uploaded by connecting the motorcycle to a computer and following simple step-by-step instructions. The system radically simplifies the setup process and makes tuning accessible to a wide spectrum of riders. Connection is simple with only one connector and no need to remove the fuel tank.
Engine/Drivetrain
- Powerful 249cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke 4-valve Unicam engine produces optimal, easy-to-control power across a wide rpm range.
- Lightweight and compact engine features specially designed cylinder head area for improved power delivery in all rpm ranges and lighter weight.
- Unicam valve train provides both the light weight of a compact single-cam drive and an optimum combustion chamber shape for maximum power at all engine speeds.
- Unicam valve train features a single carburised camshaft directly actuating two titanium intake valves. The camshaft’s centre exhaust cam lobe actuates two steel exhaust valves via a low-friction forked roller rocker arm.
- Forged slipper piston and rings rev quickly while maintaining excellent cylinder sealing, high compression ratio and high-rpm power.
- Ni-SiC (nickel-silicon-carbide) coating with high wear resistance has been applied inside the cylinder.
- Balancer shaft and lightweight drive/driven gear balancer reduce vibration.
- Drum stop arm, drum stop arm spring and shift cam are all designed to optimise shift feeling.
- Clutch cover and cylinder-head cover made of magnesium for reduced engine weight.
- Twin-sump lubrication system separates oil supply to crankshaft, piston and valve train from clutch and transmission. This ensures a steady supply of cool oil to the clutch and prevents clutch and transmission material from contaminating the engine oil.
- Rugged eight-plate clutch provides ample surface area to handle the engine’s massive torque, while carefully matched clutch springs provide a light feel at the lever.
Chassis/Suspension
- Dual-axis, double-taper swingarm design integrates a large cast aluminium cross-member.
- Rear wheel features a thin wall axle, contributing to light weight.
- Front and rear wheels feature lightweight HRC Works type aluminium spoke nipples for reduced unsprung weight.
- Front fork inner cartridge is treated with Kashima coating for a smoother surface, reducing friction of piston and inner cartridge and improving functionality.
- Compact and lightweight Honda Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD), developed by Team Honda, improves cornering ability and reduces rider fatigue. HPSD features a compact and rugged hydraulic damper attached between the steering head and the lower triple-clamp to augment more aggressive steering characteristics and assist straight-line handling. The damper’s progressive damping action smoothly increases with handlebar deflection, which produces very natural steering characteristics and feel.
- Pro-Link rear suspension system features a single fully adjustable Showa rear damper with 320mm of wheel travel, separate low-speed (13-step) and high-speed (3.5 turns) compression damping adjusters and 17-step rebound damping.
- Large 50mm-diameter rear damper piston performs consistently under demanding riding conditions.
- Link-type front brake master cylinder and lightweight brake rotor combine to provide strong braking control.
- Compact dual-piston front brake caliper, anodised aluminium brake pistons and lightweight front brake rotor minimise unsprung weight for improved turning and manoeuvring.
- HRC Works-type rear brake system integrates the rear master cylinder and fluid reservoir, eliminating conventional external reservoir and hose.
- Front and rear brake discs and disc covers are designed for low weight.