2016 Honda CRF250R and CRF450R

Honda has updated its two motocrossers, the CRF250R and CRF450R, for 2016.

The 2016 Honda CRF250R gets engine updates including new valve springs, increased cam lift, a higher compression ratio, and titanium exhaust valves. Furthermore, the cylinder-head porting, piston shape and connecting-rod shape also have been updated, while the exhaust receives larger outlet diameters for improved breathing and a new header-pipe resonator for better power output, and the radiators are larger than before for better cooling. To match the engine updates, the bike is also fitted with a revised airboot to increase air flow and a modified FI mapping.

The new engine is smoother and stronger off the bottom. With those updates, the CRF250R’s 249cc four-valve Unicam engine has a peak power of 29.4kW at 11,500rpm now (from 28kW at 11,000rpm) with peak torque of 27.1Nm at 9,000rpm (from 26.5Nm @ 8,500rpm).

For suspension, the Honda CRF250R’s Showa 49mm SFF-TAC-Air fork has been lengthened by 5 mm to reduce internal friction – by approx. 25% – and it comes with a new inner seal design and receives a dedicated air valve for adjustment. To match the fork changes, the rear shock receives a new link and new valving. The chain-roller diameter has been reduced from 38mm to 34.

The 2016 Honda CRF250R will be available in September 2015 for $7,599. Available color is Red.

The 2016 Honda CRF450R only gets minor updates, that aimed to enhance handling, stability and usability. The bike gets revised 48mm KYB Pneumatic Spring Forks, with changes in dimension, outer tube rigidity and damping control, as well as improved adjustment range.

The KYB rear shock now features new damping rates, greater adjustability, and a new Pro-Link leverage ratio. It also has been lengthen 5 mm. Meanwile, out back, the suspension gets a new link and spring, plus revised shock settings. Like the CRF250R model, the chain-roller diameter has been reduced by 4mm to 34mm.

The 2016 Honda CRF450R will hit dealerships this July 2015, and will be priced at $8,699. It is available in Red.

Also take a look some pictures of the 2016 Honda CRF250R and CRF450R launched at the MXGP of Italy by Team HRC’s riders Gautier Paulin and Evgeny Bobryshev and Honda Gariboldi’s Tim Gajser and Jorge Zaragoza.