2013 Honda CRF110F

As part of the 2013 Honda CRF motocross range, the Japanese company has released the CRF110F, a new mini bike variant that replaces the CRF70.

Scheduled to arrive in Australia late in 2012, pricing for the bike hasn't been confirmed yet, but shouldn't be too far north of the CRF70's $2290 price.

Designed for riders aged between 8 and 10 year's old, Honda decided that the step from CRF50 to the 70 was too small, so now the CRF110F takes its place, offering more power from its 109cc air-cooled twin-valve single cylinder engine.

Along with the boost in power that the bigger SOHC engine brings, the CRF110F appears to be a little larger, with slightly more suspension travel in the front forks.

The automatic gearbox of the 72cc version has been updated for the 2013 CRF110F, featuring twin auto clutches - one for moving away from standstill and the other to shift through gears. Honda reckons this makes "changing gears easier and smoother than a conventional system".

The new CRF110F is made for "...the younger generation of off-road riders" and features a new look inspired by the big daddy CRF450R and things like electric start are standard.

Handling has been improved thanks to a new chassis comprising new steel frame and swingarm and "completely upgraded" suspension: new telescopic front fork diameter is 31mm (4mm larger than the CRF70F) and with 100mm of travel.

The rear shock has a 7mm larger piston damper, now 28mm, with 90mm travel, while the anchors are drum brakes front and rear.

Ergonomics are have been tweaked too, with wide-set foot pegs to give the little tackers a bit more control, and there's a redesigned kick-starter too.

The seat height has risen 5mm over the CRF70F but is still the lowest in class claims Honda. The CRF110F's wheels are same tiddlers used on its predecessor, 14-inch front and 12-inch rear.