2016 Honda CRF-R motocross bikes

The announcement of 2016 motocross tackle keeps on rolling in, with Honda revealing some major engine updates to its CRF250R while the CRF450R remains in a consolidation mode save for some minor suspension tweaks to improve handling and traction.

The main focus of the CRF250R revolves around a completely revised cylinder head, piston and conrod. The 249cc four-valve Unicam engine retains a bore and stroke of 76.8mm x 53.8mm, with peak power now a claimed 39.4hp at 11,500rpm (up from 37.5hp at 11,000rpm) and peak torque torque of 27.1Nm at 9000rpm (up from 26.5Nm at 8500rpm).

Honda says that low-rpm torque is improved, as is high-rpm over-rev. The exhaust downpipe now features a resonator chamber and the twin rear mufflers redesigned internals. The airbox, too, has been revised to improve air flow.
The new, lighter piston also delivers a compression ratio of 13.8:1 (up from 13.5:1). On the intake side the airbox features an added air intake duct plus revised inner duct length and insulator. Both the intake and exhaust ports are redesigned to HRC-specification, and the 25mm diameter exhaust valves are now titanium (rather than steel) matching the 30.5mm intake valves.

A brand new camshaft profile operates redesigned valve lifters; both intake and exhaust valve lift has been increased. The inlet valve spring material is also new. The PGM-FI fuel injection, with 46mm throttle body, features new settings to match the engine’s new free-flowing head.
There are three different power modes, with a couple of them available for further tailoring via the existing HRC mapping hardware and software.

On the chassis side, Showa’s SFF-TAC-Air forks receive a host of internal changes and are also 5mm longer. The shock settings have also been altered.

Meanwhile, the 2016 CRF450R receives revised 48mm KYB pneumatic spring forks, which are now longer although the stroke remains the same. Both compression and rebound damping rates are firmer, and the adjustability is increased. The rear shock too has more rebound damping in the middle-upper range of its stroke, and has a new Pro-Link ratio.

Other updates include a revised footpeg design and a new chain roller, down from 38mm to 34mm.

Adjustments in fork length and shock linkage have combined to make subtle changes to the steering geometry. Rake goes from 27.07 to 27.15 degrees, with trail up 1mm to 117mm. Curb weight remains 110.6kg.

The 449cc engine is unchanged for 2016. Bore and stroke is set at 96mm x 62.1mm, with 36mm inlet valves and 31mm exhaust valves. Compression ratio is 12.5:1, peak power is 52.9hp at 9000rpm, and maximum torque of 48Nm arrives at 7000rpm.

Honda Australia is yet to announce price and availability.