First Look: 2015 Honda CRF250R and CRF450R 3

For 2015, Honda has come out with a host of changes, including larger front rotors, new Dunlop MX52 tires, new electronics and an engine mapping selection button. Biggest of all, however, are the two new suspension systems from Showa and KYB.

The 2015 CRF250R features its own version of Showa's SFF TAC system. The air spring is managed inside the right side fork, while the left side takes care of the damping. Because the left side fork already has a brake caliper mount, the third air chamber (TAC) is located inside of the left fork lug. The damping side fork also features a larger base valve piston and shim size compared to other models featuring this new fork.

The 2015 CRF450R comes equipped with KYB's newest PSF fork. The new forks feature high- and low-speed rebound adjustments on the right side fork, while the left fork has high- and low-speed compression adjustments. In the rear, there's a new shock adjuster, based off the same unit in use by KYB's factory race teams. The rebound adjustment has been moved from the bottom of the shaft, up into the housing of the adjuster. Now rebound, high- and low-speed compression adjustments are made from the housing on the top of the shock body.

Availability on the 250 ($7599) is August, and September for the 450 ($TBD).

You can check the rest of Honda's info below.

2015 Honda CRF250R - Features and Benefits

In 2014, the Honda CRF250R earned another AMA 250 Supercross championship, and was the ride of choice for Supercross riders. An impressive 48% of all competitors in the Supercross 250-class Championship rode the CRF250R in 2014. For 2015, the CRF250R offers a host of improvements, with a new-generation 49mm Showa Separate Function Fork, Triple Air Chamber (SFF-Air) air fork and engine mode selector leading the way.

NEW FOR 2015

  • New Engine Mode Select button—an industry first among motocross machines—allows the rider to easily select one of three different EFI/ignition maps to match each track/riding conditions.- HRC® accessory tuning tool can be used to program custom maps actuated by the Engine Mode Select button.
  • Larger-diameter exhaust system and new fuel-mapping settings for the Dual-Timing PGM-FI fuel injection system increase engine performance for smoother acceleration, improved throttle response, quicker revving and more peak power.
  • New throttle return spring gives a lighter pull.

  • New 49mm Showa Separate Function Fork, Triple Air Chamber (SFF-Air) fork eliminates steel springs for less weight (2.8 pounds lighter) while offering a wider range of adjustments compared to conventional spring fork.
  • Left fork leg contains the triple air chamber, while the right fork leg contains the rebound and compression damping mechanism.
  • Pro-Link® rear suspension uses a single shock now equipped with a lighter and stiffer spring.
  • New front/rear wave-style rotors with a larger 260mm front brake disc add to overall braking performance.
  • New-generation Dunlop Geomax MX52 motocross tires front and rear offer improved traction in a wide variety of terrain.
  • Front brake guide and radiator grill now feature a black finish
  • New fork covers. - All-new CRF® graphic.

Honda Genuine Accessories
PGM-FI Tuning Kit, Workstand, Air Pump, Skid Plate, Radiator Braces, Sprocket Cover

2015 Honda CRF250R - Specifications

Engine Type: 249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 76.8mm x 53.8mm
Compression ratio: 13.5:1
Valve Train: Unicam®, four-valve; 30.5mm intake, titanium; 25mm exhaust, steel
Induction: Dual-Timing PGM-FI, 46mm throttle body
Ignition: Full transistor with electronic advance
Transmission: Close-ratio five-speed
Final Drive: #520 chain; 13T/49T

Suspension
Front: 49mm inverted Showa SFF-Air fork with 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustability; 12.2 inches travel
Rear: Pro-Link Showa single shock with adjustable spring preload, 17-position rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns); 12.3 inches travel

Brakes
Front: Single 260mm wave-style disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear: Single 240mm wave-style disc

Tires
Front: Dunlop MX52 80/100-21
Rear: Dunlop MX52 100/90-19

Wheelbase: 58.6 inches
Rake (Caster angle): 27° 23’
Trail: 118mm (4.6 inches)
Seat Height: 37.4 inches
Ground Clearance: 12.7 inches
Fuel Capacity: 1.7 gallons
Color: Red
Curb Weight*: 231.0 pounds
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride.
Consult owner’s manual for optional racing parts.

2015 Honda CRF450R - Features and Benefits

The new CRF450R features innovations forged by competition at the highest levels. An innovative Engine Mode Select button—an industry first for motocross machines—allows the rider to easily select one of three different EFI/ignition maps. A new fork with both high-/low-speed compression and rebound damping adjustment, larger front brake, new cylinder head, exhaust system, and revised settings for the Dual-Timing PGM-FI fuel injection elevate the CRF450R’s performance to a whole new level.

New for 2015

  • New cylinder head for more top-end power and added over-rev features right-side exhaust port to accommodate new exhaust system.
  • New exhaust system uses larger-diameter pipe and exhaust outlet to aid top-end power.
  • Overall exhaust system length is much shorter and closer to the bike’s center of mass for more agile handling.
  • Revised ignition map settings and new settings for the Dual-Timing PGM-FI fuel injection help increase power.
  • Peak power hits earlier in the rev range and carries longer than before.
  • New piston is even stronger thanks to a new heat-treatment process.

  • New Engine Mode Select button—an industry first among motocross machines—allows the rider to easily select one of three different EFI/ignition maps to match each track/riding conditions.
  • HRC® accessory tuning tool can be used to program custom maps actuated by the Engine Mode Select button.
  • New ACG flywheel incorporates more mass for smooth power delivery and enhanced low-end response, and makes it less prone to stalling or flame out.
  • Transmission gears are stronger for added durability.
  • New throttle return spring gives a lighter pull.
  • New clutch cable design gives a lighter pull at the lever.

  • New KYB Pneumatic Spring Fork (PSF) now offers five ways to adjust performance: high-speed and low-speed adjusters for both rebound and compression damping settings, plus air-spring adjustability.
  • New fork damper cartridge and other changes in fork construction yield a weight savings of more than 7 ounces.
  • Rear shock adjuster for rebound damping settings is now located for more convenient access.

  • New front/rear wave-style rotors with a larger 260mm front brake disc add to overall braking performance.
  • New-generation Dunlop Geomax MX52 motocross tires front and rear offer improved traction in a wide variety of terrain.
  • Front brake guide and radiator grill now feature a black finish
  • New fork covers. - All-new CRF® graphic.
  • Honda Genuine Accessories
  • PGM-FI Tuning Kit, Workstand


2015 Honda CRF450R Specifications

Engine Type: 449cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 96.0mm x 62.1mm
Compression ratio: 12.5:1
Valve Train: Unicam, four-valve; 36mm intake, titanium; 31mm exhaust, steel
Induction: Dual-Timing PGM-FI, 46mm throttle body
Ignition: Full transistor with electronic advance
Transmission: Close-ratio five-speed
Final Drive: #520 chain; 13T/48T

Suspension
Front: 48mm inverted KYB PSF (Pneumatic Spring Fork) with air-adjustable spring rate, and rebound and compression-damping adjustability; 12.2 inches travel.
Rear: Pro-Link® KYB single shock with adjustable spring preload, rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed and high-speed; 12.4 inches travel

Brakes
Front: Single 260mm wave-style disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear: Single 240mm wave-style disc

Tires
Front: Dunlop MX52 80/100-21
Rear: Dunlop MX52 120/80-19

Wheelbase: 58.7 inches
Rake (Caster angle): 27° 04’
Trail: 116mm (4.6 inches)
Seat Height: 37.5 inches
Ground Clearance: 13.0 inches
Fuel Capacity: 1.7 gallons
Color: Red
Curb Weight*: 243.0 pounds

*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride.
Consult owner’s manual for optional parts.

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