Honda with a CRF350 for 2014?

CRF-RIDER339
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CRF-RIDER339
Edited Date/Time 6/13/2013 7:18pm
I have been hearing Honda is going to make a crf350.. I seen on Facebook a couple weeks ago that Jeff Alessi (He posted a picture but all he said was this isn't your normal Honda) was testing one?
It had the ugliest header pipe that wrapped all the way around the engine.

Anyone have any info or pics of this?
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KlootZak
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KlootZak 6/12/2013 11:31am
6/12/2013 11:31am Edited Date/Time 6/12/2013 11:32am
Yes, in 2014 JGR will be a honda team with factory CRF350's while Muscle Milk Honda (with Barcia and Canard) are going to keep riding the 450.
Shawn142
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Shawn142 6/12/2013 11:32am
6/12/2013 11:32am Edited Date/Time 6/12/2013 11:36am
There was a mag concept drawing several years ago of a bike that was labelled a CRF350. And I tell you what, if Honda ever made that thing I'd be in line to buy it. But I highly doubt it.

Edit: here's the image people are getting this rumor from. Notice the date of printing..
GrapeApe
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GrapeApe 6/12/2013 11:35am
6/12/2013 11:35am
No

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Shawn142
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Shawn142 6/12/2013 11:40am
6/12/2013 11:40am Edited Date/Time 6/12/2013 11:41am
Oh I see what Jeff Alessi is talking about..

activeMX
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activeMX 6/12/2013 11:56am
6/12/2013 11:56am
Shawn142 wrote:
Oh I see what Jeff Alessi is talking about.. [img]https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/970863_418405441600901_2137720826_n.jpg[/img]
Oh I see what Jeff Alessi is talking about..

This is not a build from HRA or any part of Honda. It's a private team/company in Italy.
TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 6/12/2013 1:13pm
6/12/2013 1:13pm
So, a Big Bore kit on a CRF250R?

It does work. I'm playing around with 250X motors due to the bullet-proof bottom-end, electric start & really solid handling.

The Best Bang for the Buck I've found is the 1mm over Cylinder-Works kit w/ an R head, Ce-Bu seats, Del West intakes, seats & guides re-aligned & a Stg 1 Hot-Cam.

I call it the RCF260R.
CRF-RIDER339
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CRF-RIDER339 6/12/2013 2:59pm
6/12/2013 2:59pm
Shawn142 wrote:
There was a mag concept drawing several years ago of a bike that was labelled a CRF350. And I tell you what, if Honda ever made...
There was a mag concept drawing several years ago of a bike that was labelled a CRF350. And I tell you what, if Honda ever made that thing I'd be in line to buy it. But I highly doubt it.

Edit: here's the image people are getting this rumor from. Notice the date of printing..
Ya I seen this in my Dirt Rider..

I would buy this for sure if they came out with it.

But I doubt anytime soon.

I was more talking towards the Jeff Alessis bike..

But cool thanks for the info guys!
Flatliner
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Flatliner 6/12/2013 3:13pm
6/12/2013 3:13pm
I bet someone at Honda is curious how the Italian bike pans out.
Lightning78
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Lightning78 6/12/2013 3:16pm
6/12/2013 3:16pm Edited Date/Time 6/12/2013 3:17pm
Flatliner wrote:
I bet someone at Honda is curious how the Italian bike pans out.
I assure you they already know PLENTY about this bike.....did anyone ever read the MXA article a couple years back about the KTM350 that HT racing built? It was a private effort that KTM secretly asked HT racing to build a few years before the 350 actually came out

http://motocrossactionmag.com/Main/News/WE-RIDE-HT-RACINGS-PROTOTYPE-KT…

Id be willing to bet that Honda has a similar arrangement going on
activeMX
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activeMX 6/12/2013 3:17pm
6/12/2013 3:17pm
Flatliner wrote:
I bet someone at Honda is curious how the Italian bike pans out.
No.
activeMX
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activeMX 6/12/2013 3:18pm
6/12/2013 3:18pm
Lightning78 wrote:
I assure you they already know PLENTY about this bike.....did anyone ever read the MXA article a couple years back about the KTM350 that HT racing...
I assure you they already know PLENTY about this bike.....did anyone ever read the MXA article a couple years back about the KTM350 that HT racing built? It was a private effort that KTM secretly asked HT racing to build a few years before the 350 actually came out

http://motocrossactionmag.com/Main/News/WE-RIDE-HT-RACINGS-PROTOTYPE-KT…

Id be willing to bet that Honda has a similar arrangement going on
That was the way KTM did it but it won't be Honda's.
racerx217
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racerx217 6/12/2013 3:44pm
6/12/2013 3:44pm
TeamGreen wrote:
So, a Big Bore kit on a CRF250R? It does work. I'm playing around with 250X motors due to the bullet-proof bottom-end, electric start & really...
So, a Big Bore kit on a CRF250R?

It does work. I'm playing around with 250X motors due to the bullet-proof bottom-end, electric start & really solid handling.

The Best Bang for the Buck I've found is the 1mm over Cylinder-Works kit w/ an R head, Ce-Bu seats, Del West intakes, seats & guides re-aligned & a Stg 1 Hot-Cam.

I call it the RCF260R.
no way thats happening, toyota isn't going to let them run honda bikes. Their only options are bike companys that dont make cars..... unless they are switching and running honda accords in nascar too.... lol
motosicko
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motosicko 6/12/2013 4:24pm
6/12/2013 4:24pm
With all the success Honda had 3 decades ago, I'm pretty sure they haven't forgotten how to build a decent 350.
Underground 6/12/2013 6:22pm
6/12/2013 6:22pm
TeamGreen wrote:
So, a Big Bore kit on a CRF250R? It does work. I'm playing around with 250X motors due to the bullet-proof bottom-end, electric start & really...
So, a Big Bore kit on a CRF250R?

It does work. I'm playing around with 250X motors due to the bullet-proof bottom-end, electric start & really solid handling.

The Best Bang for the Buck I've found is the 1mm over Cylinder-Works kit w/ an R head, Ce-Bu seats, Del West intakes, seats & guides re-aligned & a Stg 1 Hot-Cam.

I call it the RCF260R.
Is there any difference in the bottom ends between the R and X models other than cases to accept starter and drive, gear ratios and possibly heavy crank Team green? I have been considering this exact path for a bit as I do a bit of track and and a bit of off road also. And I miss my electric leg from when I had a WR. Should just buy a KTM350EXE I suppose and modify to cater for both but they did have some issue with those as I remember.
backinthesaddleagain 6/12/2013 10:03pm
6/12/2013 10:03pm
motosicko wrote:
With all the success Honda had 3 decades ago, I'm pretty sure they haven't forgotten how to build a decent 350. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2013/06/12/24694/s1200_1983Honda_XR350R.jpg[/img]
With all the success Honda had 3 decades ago, I'm pretty sure they haven't forgotten how to build a decent 350.
Always kind of liked those. A cople friends rode them in the woods of New England. The 1974 xl350 were modded for some national enduros. That was a feat.
burn1986
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burn1986 6/12/2013 10:16pm
6/12/2013 10:16pm
I seriously doubt the big 4 go to 350s. Only if Honda gives the go-ahead, then there would be some kind of announcement by the AMA to give the teams a year or so to get ready.
CRF-RIDER339
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CRF-RIDER339 6/12/2013 10:27pm
6/12/2013 10:27pm
Underground wrote:
Is there any difference in the bottom ends between the R and X models other than cases to accept starter and drive, gear ratios and possibly...
Is there any difference in the bottom ends between the R and X models other than cases to accept starter and drive, gear ratios and possibly heavy crank Team green? I have been considering this exact path for a bit as I do a bit of track and and a bit of off road also. And I miss my electric leg from when I had a WR. Should just buy a KTM350EXE I suppose and modify to cater for both but they did have some issue with those as I remember.
The new KTM SX are all E-Start..
Just buy the 350SX-F and then add the off-road stuff..

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TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 6/13/2013 9:31am
6/13/2013 9:31am Edited Date/Time 6/13/2013 9:32am
TeamGreen wrote:
So, a Big Bore kit on a CRF250R? It does work. I'm playing around with 250X motors due to the bullet-proof bottom-end, electric start & really...
So, a Big Bore kit on a CRF250R?

It does work. I'm playing around with 250X motors due to the bullet-proof bottom-end, electric start & really solid handling.

The Best Bang for the Buck I've found is the 1mm over Cylinder-Works kit w/ an R head, Ce-Bu seats, Del West intakes, seats & guides re-aligned & a Stg 1 Hot-Cam.

I call it the RCF260R.
Underground wrote:
Is there any difference in the bottom ends between the R and X models other than cases to accept starter and drive, gear ratios and possibly...
Is there any difference in the bottom ends between the R and X models other than cases to accept starter and drive, gear ratios and possibly heavy crank Team green? I have been considering this exact path for a bit as I do a bit of track and and a bit of off road also. And I miss my electric leg from when I had a WR. Should just buy a KTM350EXE I suppose and modify to cater for both but they did have some issue with those as I remember.
Go read thru this...Jay has "Been there, Done that" with Honda 250 R & X motors...he truly PRAISES the X for being Very well built and "tough"...

http://jayclarkent.com/category/project-bikes/

Scroll down and read the few stories that're based on 250 X's...also..the Novemener 2010 Dirt Bike "R" article applies...even-tho it's based the newer R...

I look at the X's as a VERY SOLID base for the Ultimate Vet-Moto & Off-Roader. I know...Ive got a Fleet of'em! I buy'em for $2500 in EXCELLENT shape and less for fixxers...

My best builds:

Fastheads built '09R head ($699 Service from Brent at Fastheads includes hardware...AWESOME!)
Cometic Gasket set that raises Comp to 13.1:1 (Stock or Vertex piston)
Hot Cams Stg 1
'05 FMF R Header-Mega Bomb & Power-Core rear (Baja) 4.1 rear (Moto)
37mm Carb updated to '08 "R" internals and mechanicals (Done by PowerCurve in Redding)
Hinson Clutch parts: I run their basket once the stocker is warn-out. They add a little bit of flywheel-effect and LAST FOREVER!
Renthal 14/47 Baja & 13/49 Moto
VP U4R fuel when I want all that I can get outta it...aka Moto-Racing against FoFiddys!

There's my motor for the masses: Fun, Reliable, Cheap and it LASTS FOREVER...keep good oil and filters in it!
twosmoke30 6/13/2013 9:40am
6/13/2013 9:40am
i'm sorry but a "cheap" 250x mod motor like you described would be just a little faster than a 250f and would be heavier at that. Not to mention those mods are not cheap, thats at least 1500 into the engine.

and if they went tot he 350's andrew short my leave pro racing lol
TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 6/13/2013 10:31am
6/13/2013 10:31am
twosmoke30 wrote:
i'm sorry but a "cheap" 250x mod motor like you described would be just a little faster than a 250f and would be heavier at that...
i'm sorry but a "cheap" 250x mod motor like you described would be just a little faster than a 250f and would be heavier at that. Not to mention those mods are not cheap, thats at least 1500 into the engine.

and if they went tot he 350's andrew short my leave pro racing lol
I've got a few 250Xs that have around $4500 in'em. TOTAL!

They'll do miles in Baja that'll make my 450 angry. I can pull of the lights and stuff and have a Vet-Moto-Scoot in minutes. Would you like to talk "mileage"...which is kinda important in The Baja! (2-strokes lost that argument A LONG TIME AGO).

I know, I know...your beloved Smoker is better. Fine. Bring it to Baja and pre-run for a Thousand miles and then go home, hose it off, take your Baja stuff off and race it at an MX...oh...wait...

You're gonna need a Clutch, A top-end-kit, A new Pipe 'cause yours is smashed from the rocks up near Mike's Sky Ranch....you get my point?

Some of us STILL have our Smokers (Thank you Kawasaki!) & still love'em; but, we've gone waaaaay beyond the usual pissing-match and know what works fo us.

So, yes...I'm only talkin' 40 horses...20 Ft-Lb...but...it's power that get's to the ground and is REALLY Easy to Utilize. Also, like I said...the parts availability...the ability to register it for the street (A real unusual benefit in CA!) and the fact that they LAST FOREVER is kinda nice, too.
PressPassP
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PressPassP 6/13/2013 2:06pm
6/13/2013 2:06pm
A 350?? Pffftt it'll never work

(A even if it does work in Europe,it'll never work in the US Whistling )
Underground 6/13/2013 7:18pm
6/13/2013 7:18pm
TeamGreen wrote:
So, a Big Bore kit on a CRF250R? It does work. I'm playing around with 250X motors due to the bullet-proof bottom-end, electric start & really...
So, a Big Bore kit on a CRF250R?

It does work. I'm playing around with 250X motors due to the bullet-proof bottom-end, electric start & really solid handling.

The Best Bang for the Buck I've found is the 1mm over Cylinder-Works kit w/ an R head, Ce-Bu seats, Del West intakes, seats & guides re-aligned & a Stg 1 Hot-Cam.

I call it the RCF260R.
Underground wrote:
Is there any difference in the bottom ends between the R and X models other than cases to accept starter and drive, gear ratios and possibly...
Is there any difference in the bottom ends between the R and X models other than cases to accept starter and drive, gear ratios and possibly heavy crank Team green? I have been considering this exact path for a bit as I do a bit of track and and a bit of off road also. And I miss my electric leg from when I had a WR. Should just buy a KTM350EXE I suppose and modify to cater for both but they did have some issue with those as I remember.
TeamGreen wrote:
Go read thru this...Jay has "Been there, Done that" with Honda 250 R & X motors...he truly PRAISES the X for being Very well built and...
Go read thru this...Jay has "Been there, Done that" with Honda 250 R & X motors...he truly PRAISES the X for being Very well built and "tough"...

http://jayclarkent.com/category/project-bikes/

Scroll down and read the few stories that're based on 250 X's...also..the Novemener 2010 Dirt Bike "R" article applies...even-tho it's based the newer R...

I look at the X's as a VERY SOLID base for the Ultimate Vet-Moto & Off-Roader. I know...Ive got a Fleet of'em! I buy'em for $2500 in EXCELLENT shape and less for fixxers...

My best builds:

Fastheads built '09R head ($699 Service from Brent at Fastheads includes hardware...AWESOME!)
Cometic Gasket set that raises Comp to 13.1:1 (Stock or Vertex piston)
Hot Cams Stg 1
'05 FMF R Header-Mega Bomb & Power-Core rear (Baja) 4.1 rear (Moto)
37mm Carb updated to '08 "R" internals and mechanicals (Done by PowerCurve in Redding)
Hinson Clutch parts: I run their basket once the stocker is warn-out. They add a little bit of flywheel-effect and LAST FOREVER!
Renthal 14/47 Baja & 13/49 Moto
VP U4R fuel when I want all that I can get outta it...aka Moto-Racing against FoFiddys!

There's my motor for the masses: Fun, Reliable, Cheap and it LASTS FOREVER...keep good oil and filters in it!
Good to see you get it TG and thanks for the info and links. I love my 2T's also but love my 4T's for different applications and reasons. This is just a project I'd like to do as I like the handling of Honda's over KTM's and should be cheaper. Plus I can get my hands on some odd special parts for these too. I was also looking at EFI. Basically I'd like a late model EFI CRF250 with the thinner chassis bored and stroked (320-350cc) with an electric start, wide ratios and street rego that I can do it all with. And a set of motard wheels for a bit of street blasting to top it all off.
BTW - I had a Hot Cams stage 1 inlet only in my WR250F that gave it much needed bottom and mid with a tad less top and made it so much easier to ride trail and MX. Better mod than the PC, YZ or CRD pipes I used. Paired it with a CRD 92Db ISDE exhaust with some rejetting and loved it.

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