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News: 2021 CRF250R

Endless information on 2021 CRF250R.

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Interesting news filtered through today, as Honda unveiled their 2021 CRF250R. A ton of information dropped in – jump into all of that below.

Press Release

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Site-2021

Honda Powersports

Engineering

HRC Launch Control: We are talking about a special ECU program here: Push the button to select the mode, hold the throttle open, release the clutch, and the CRF250R will do the rest, launching you into the first turn with a big advantage. It turns your bike into a holeshot-seeking machine!

Big Bore/Short Stroke: The CRF250R’s 79.0mm bore and short 50.9mm stroke let our engineers create a high-revving engine with plenty of room for large valves. The engine breathes and revs – the two keys to making power in the motocross world.

Clutch Design and Materials: The CRF250R’s clutch uses two different types of friction material. Why? The clutch can handle the increased power of the engine without being any larger. The lighter rotating weight is directly related to how fast the engine revs. Stronger clutch springs help cope with all that power.

DOHC Engine Layout: The CRF250R uses a double-overhead-cam (DOHC) engine layout with a unique finger-follower rocker design. Together with the rest of the engine’s architecture (bore and stroke, intake tract, piston, and more), you get more power and a higher redline.

Downdraft Intake and Exhaust Layout: The DOHC cylinder-head design let our engineers straighten out the CRF250R’s intake and exhaust tracts. The intake is short and just about arrow straight, and the exhaust flows more efficiently too. No athlete’s going to win a sprint if they try to run while holding their breath, and it’s no different with your bike’s engine. You’ll experience both more power and better throttle response.

Refined Dual-Exhaust System: The CRF250R’s dual-exhaust system is light, compact, and positioned close and low in the frame to take weight off the rear end and bring more mass to the bike’s center for improved handling. The pipes’ length are fine-tuned to give you more low and midrange torque.

Engine Mode Select Button: This simple handlebar-mounted button lets you dial in engine power delivery character with a push of your thumb. Choose between Standard, Smooth and Aggressive depending on track conditions.

Engine Oil Scavenge Pump: Deep in the engine, there’s a special oil scavenge pump. While you may never see it, it helps keep the CRF250R’s overall design compact.

Gear-Position Engine Mapping: Talk about smart. The CRF250R features an ECU with special engine mapping for each gear. You can’t give an inch in this class, so having your engine deliver optimal power for each gear choice is one of the features that separates CRF250R riders from the rest.

Gradual Pipe-Bend Radius: Notice how the CRF250R’s dual exhaust pipes make gradual, large-radius bends out of the head, then flow straight back to the mufflers with no abrupt angle changes. Getting the exhaust out of the engine – while still maintaining a tuned exhaust length, is the key to power, while the pipes’ low mass and twin-silencer design optimize the CRF250R’s center of mass for superior handling.

“H” Section Crank: Look closely at the CRF250R’s crankshaft profile and you’ll see its “H” cross-section design. What’s up with that? Just like a structural “I” beam in an aircraft wing or a skyscraper, it boosts strength and cuts weight over a conventional crank’s shape – a big deal when you consider this part spins at over 14,000 rpm!

Lithium-Ion Battery: Like the rest of the CRF250R, the bike’s Lithium-Ion battery is both super light and high performing. In fact, it weighs less than half the weight of a conventional lead-acid battery.

Shared Engine/Gearbox Lubrication: The 2021 CRF250R uses a shared engine/transmission oiling design. Why? Combining the two systems shaves weight and helps make the engine more compact, especially when it comes to placing the right-side cam drive and the clutch so close together.

Titanium Fuel Tank: Every gram counts on a bike in the 250 class, which is why the 2021 CRF250R has a titanium fuel tank. Light and strong, it’s also thinner than our previous plastic unit, freeing up more space and helping to centralize fuel mass.

Titanium Intake and Exhaust Valves: Light is right when it comes to a high-revving engine’s reciprocating masses. That’s why the CRF250R uses titanium intake and exhaust valves. Plus, the valve angle is a super-narrow 20.5 degrees (included). Ovalized valve springs and long-wearing Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) treated finger rockers complete the package.

Total Air Management: Total air management means complete attention to how efficiently air gets through the intake, through the head, and out the exhaust. Eliminate losses here, and you make more power everywhere. The best part? It’s free horsepower – you just need a bike with smart design.

Convenience

Electric Start: The CRF250R is equipped with an effortless electric starter. Convenient and lightweight, it’s a huge deal if you need to restart a stalled bike in the heat of battle.

Performance

Double-Spray Injector Settings: The CRF250R’s fuel-injection system sprays twice per intake cycle. That helps increase fuel atomization without adding the weight or complexity of a second injector. The better fuel atomization means more power in the midrange and on over rev – you’ll feel it the first time you race.

Bridged-Box Piston: The CRF250R’s bridged-box piston is the final piece to the CRF250R’s engine performance package. The design features a reinforcing structure between the skirts and the wrist-pin bosses that helps enable the CRF250R’s high redline.

High Capacity Radiator: When you are making big power and riding long motos, you need plenty of radiator capacity to keep your engine running strong. No worries – the CRF250R has you covered in that department.

High Redline: With our better-breathing DOHC design and the big-bore/short-stroke engine, the CRF250R’s rev limit is way impressive. The same goes for peak power and peak torque.

High-Volume Air Cleaner: The 2021 CRF250R features an air-cleaner element with plenty of surface area and volume. The result? More power!

High-Performance Cam Profiles: With input directly from our HRC factory team, we have given the CRF250R cam profiles that help the engine produce better bottom end torque and power while still retaining the CRF250R’s screaming peak.

More Power: Feel free to hold that throttle open and head for the first turn – the CRF250R is designed to win that critical holeshot drag race. You’ll also feel the increased low-end to mid-range torque.

Throttle Body: With a 44mm venturi designed to speed up airflow, the CRF250R’s throttle body really reaps benefits at low engine operating speeds. You get power and snap, right now.

Handling

Showa Spring Fork: The 49mm Showa fork features a conventional spring design that helps increase the CRF250R’s front-suspension precision, handling and feel. The 39mm piston diameter and 25mm rod diameter guarantee a plush feel and supple action.

260MM Front Brake: The CRF250R’s large front-brake disc measures a whopping 260mm. You get great brake feel and a pattern that cuts down on weight. Front and rear brake-disc guards are part of the package too.

DUNLOP MX3S Tires: Developed using Dunlop’s latest “block-on-block” design technology, the CRF250R’s MX3S tires give excellent feedback and are a perfect complement to the CRF250R’s frame and suspension.

Low-Battery Mounting: To keep a bike’s center of gravity low, you need to pay attention to all the details. That’s why we locate the CRF250R’s battery low in the chassis. It’s just another reason why the bike handles so well.

Low Rear Shock Mount: With its low rear shock mount on the frame, the CRF250R benefits from both a lower center of gravity (cg) as well as chassis stability.

Short Swingarm: The CRF250R’s short swingarm helps make it light, and also helps give the bike better rear-wheel traction, and reduces unsprung mass, important considering how much power you have on tap.

Twin-Spar Aluminium Frame: The CRF250R’s latest twin-spar aluminium frame is identical to the CRF450R’s except for the lower engine cradle where the engine mounts. It’s the foundation for the 250s superb handling.

Comfort

Black Rims: They may not help you go faster, but the sweet black DID DirtStar rims sure look good.

Flat Seat/Tank Junction: The 2021 CRF250R features a flat seat/tank junction, including a titanium fuel tank. The superior ergonomics make it easier to move forward and back on the bike, increasing your control.

“In Mold” Graphics: With the all the time you’ll be spending in victory circle, you need to look your best. The CRF250R has you covered. Our “in mold” graphics look great, and stay looking good.

Rear Subframe: The CRF250R’s subframe uses extruded rear members that produce a 20-percent reduction in weight versus the previous generation. Since that weight comes off the top of the bike, it also contributes to the CRF250R’s low center of gravity.

Smooth Styling: Blending the CRF250R’s body panels does more than just make the bike look smooth, fast, and stylish. It also helps you move around on the bike while riding. Nothing wrong with smooth, fast, and stylish, though.

Words: Press Release | Lead Image: Honda Powersports

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Product News

RENEN Slope/Reset MX gear review

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RENEN was created in the early days of January 2021, not a long time ago in terms of a gear manufacturing company. But, with a guy like Pete Fox at the helm, it was always destined for big things.

The name RENEN originates from the German word “RENNEN” which means “race”. Pete liked the sound of that, decided to drop an “N” for aesthetics and there you have it. RENEN was born. Each piece of gear is carefully manufactured just outside Indianapolis, Indiana. This allows every piece of clothing to be overseen, right the way through the manufacturing process. Something they are very proud of.
All of their ranges are fully customisable with name and number on the back, as well as having the number on the shoulder too. The guys at RENEN were kind enough to put my name and number on the back as well as my number on the shoulders. For the custom name and numbers, it will cost you an additional $65 for all 3, but personally, I think it is worth every penny. This isn’t some shoddy shirt printing. They are sublimated into the material so there is no chance of it discolouring or it peeling off.
RENEN isn’t your typical gear company. They do not release a whole gear line every year, they do limited releases which are made to order. This allows them to release new colour ways whenever they see fit.

The first thing you notice when your gear is delivered is the presentation. It doesn’t turn up in a clear plastic bag, it arrives in a cardboard box with the RENEN logo printed on it. Inside the box, you have your invoice/receipt which again is in a custom RENEN envelope. Diving deeper into the box, the gloves come in a material bag, similar to that of a goggle bag. The jersey comes in a RENEN ziplock bag and pants wrapped in dark tissue paper with a RENEN sticker holding it together. It really is the little things that make the biggest difference. Just going that extra mile, makes receiving your gear a nice experience.
The gloves I received were the RENEN GC-2 strapless gloves, which I am a big fan of. The only downside I have found with strapless gloves is that the seam can tear around the strap band after a while, so it will be interesting to see what the durability is like on the gloves. So far though, they are incredibly comfortable. You can’t feel any of the seams and they sit tight to your palm, so no danger of them moving around whilst riding and causing blisters.
On to the pants. In terms of touch the material doesn’t feel overly spectacular. It feels durable but not necessarily high-performance. However, as soon as I started riding the jeans felt light and not restricting in the slightest. The full stretch rear panel takes up any slack around the back of the pants so that they have an even fit all around the waistband. They use a traditional zip and buckle system like most motocross pants and both seem very durable and strong.
On the inside of the pants, RENEN has its own sweat-wicking DRYCYLE lining, which helps keep the moisture down and doesn’t rub and irritate your skin whilst riding. Overall, the pants are very comfortable and have a good tapered fit down the leg. They seem durable and also wash very well. Another point to add is that you do have the option of adding a butt patch. Something that you are not going to get with most gear brands.

Again, using their DRYCYCLE fabrics, the jersey is well-ventilated and a comfortable fit. The jerseys are available in both standard fabric and ventilated mesh. Being from England I opted for the standard fabric which still offered plenty of ventilation. Fully sublimated graphics, names, and numbers really make you feel like a factory rider. It doesn’t get much tricker than a sublimated jersey.
During the off-season heading into 2024. RENEN signed the Triumph America team, with Jalek Swoll, Evan Ferry, and Joey Savatgy. But possibly their biggest rider to date, they signed MXGP podium regular Jeremy Seewer. With all eyes on the new manufacturer in AMA Supercross, and Seewer at the front of MXGP, I fully expect to see RENEN a lot more throughout the paddock at more local and amateur races.
Another thing worth noting is that RENEN offers odd sizes in their gear. So if you’re floating between a 32” and 34”, no need for a diet you can order your jeans in a 33” waist. They are the only gear manufacturer that offers this and is a unique selling point for the brand.


Overall, the gear ticks all the boxes that you would expect. As well as ticking a few extras such as nice packaging, sublimation, and odd sizes. RENEN is certainly raising the bar for all other gear companies to follow.

Tested and written by Brad Wheeler

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Features

Tested: 5 modifications I like to make to my YZ450F before going racing

Read now.

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MX Vice’s Tester, Brad Wheeler, Shares His Thoughts

Since picking up my YZ450F back in November I have been waiting under bated breath for the chance to race it. Practicing is all well and good, but nothing gets the blood pumping more than lining up at the start with 39 other racers.


Words: Brad Wheeler | Lead Image: Supplied


The lack of racing got me thinking, what are some of the things that I would like to do to the bike before I go to my first race on the BluCru. I have logged around 10-15 hours on the bike now and feel I have established a solid base setting and something I can build on moving forward. With that being said here are 5 modifications I will be making before my first race, which is looking like early March time.

I wasn’t going to do these in any particular order but I think it will be more beneficial for you all if I go from most important to least important, in my opinion.  

1) A genuine Yamaha holeshot device:

More often than not if you look down the starting line at any level of racing you will see bikes with a holeshot device. The point of the device is to preload the front fork. This does several things. It makes the bike lower to the ground, meaning you have a lower centre of mass and more control getting off the line. Secondly, it allows you to get more weight over the front of the bike, meaning you can hit the power harder and not have to worry as much about going into a wheelie. Finally, it also increases balance. Being lower to the ground you can touch the floor more comfortably. 

I have used several different brands in my time, from cheaper to more expensive and I have found that if the OEM makes their own, that is the way to go. In this instance, the Yamaha one is easy to install and simple to use. The clamp opens right up so no need to remove the fork leg. It also has a big button making it easy to engage if you are trying to set your own device. In my opinion, if you are serious about racing, a holeshot device is an absolute must.

TIP: The buttons can work themselves loose over time on any brand of device so be sure to check them regularly.  

2) ProGrip 799 ultra soft grips: 

It’s no secret that Japanese standard grips are not built with comfort in mind. They will most likely outlast any aftermarket grip on the market, but I’m looking for a bit more out of my grip. 

If you’re doing qualifying and 5 motos over the course of a weekend you’re looking at around 120-150 minutes of riding. That’s a lot of holding on. So I want a grip that is kind to my hands and also makes it easier to hold on.

Step forward Pro Grip 799 ultra soft. I have used this grip for as long as I can remember, all the way back to 50cc days. The grip is incredibly comfy and almost moulds to the shape of your hand. Don’t get me wrong, one little slide off and you can kiss the end of the grip goodbye, but that is the price you sometimes have to pay to have a comfier ride. Rather than spending thousands on suspension, try a softer grip first. You’d be amazed at the difference it can make.

3) GYTR factory racing seat cover: 

For me, this really only applies to 450s. My Yamaha 450 is a rocket ship and pulls like an express train. This is great when my arms are fresh and I can hold myself forward, but as fatigue sets in, the sheer torque of the motorcycle pushes me back towards the rear of the seat. 

The standard seat is relatively grippy and as stock seat covers go, is one of the better ones. However, the GYTR factor seat cover has 5 ribs up the seat which aid in keeping you up the front of the bike. The material of the cover itself is stickier than the stock seat cover.  

Other seat covers are available, GUTS does several different varieties of gripper seats but the GYTR is similar to the factory cover that Jago Geerts and Maxime Renaux use, and who doesn’t want to look factory?  

4) Raptor RME013 edge titanium footpegs: 

Footpegs can often be something that people overlook. They’re one of the points of contact between yourself and your machine yet get neglected. Standard footpegs have come a long way from the breadsticks they used to stand on back in the 80s. Even so, the increased grip and strength you get with the Raptor titanium peg is second to none.  

The peg bites into your boot making it virtually impossible to slip off of it. Titanium is not only lighter than steel but is also stronger. Over time the areas under stress on a steel peg become weak and are likely to fracture. However, with titanium, it would take a long time and an incredible amount of force to crack a titanium peg.  

I’m not sure if I am supposed to say this but Star Racing Monster Energy Yamaha actually BUY these pegs for their race bikes. That’s right, Eli Tomac, Cooper Webb, Justin Cooper and the other 36 250 riders they have all use Raptor titanium footpegs.  

Another plus is that the RME013 model doesn’t have the middle section you see on most pegs. This stops mud from getting jammed in there. Raptor also offers a variety of different offset pegs which is something we will be playing around with throughout the year.  

5) GYTR Akrapovic Full Exhaust System: 

The final modification that I will be making before I go racing is the addition of a GYTR  Akrapovic. For me, this is the lowest priority of the 5. Riding a YZ450F, I am not looking for more power, and the ability to move the power around with an exhaust system has been bypassed by the tuner apps available these days. 

That being said, it still has its perks. The GYTR Akrapovic (which I’m almost 100% the same as the Akrapovic Evolution system) weighs 0.85 kgs less than the standard system.  Titanium is also a stronger and more durable material, so will be less prone to cracks in weak spots like welded joints. 

This is Yamaha’s recommended after-market pipe of choice, so you know it is going to work well with the engine. Even if it isn’t more hit you are looking for, it is always nice to have your machine running smoother and sounding a little more factory than your buddies.  

Last but not least, and this cannot be understated, just how awesome the system looks. I truly believe there is something in the whole “look good, feel good” saying. I know if I pull up to the track and I have fresh gear and my bikes looking good, I am already in a positive mindset heading to the line. And as we know motocross is just as mental as it is physical.  

These 5 modifications are not gospel. What works for me, may not work for you. But, I have been racing for 22 years and my experience has taught me that these are the 5 things that make the biggest difference to myself. If you have any questions about the  

above products drop me an email at [email protected] and I will assist in any way I can.  

Tested and written by Brad Wheeler

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MX Vice News

Fox Racing Announces New Adventure Collection

Everything You Need in Adventure-ready Gear. Nothing You Don’t.

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Fox Racing, the global leader in motocross and mountain biking gear and apparel, announced the  expansion into the adventure market with a purpose-built ADV Collection that inspires performance on dirt. The all-new ADV Collection includes three jacket and pant offerings—Recon, Defend, and Ranger—built with a  minimalist chassis, GORE-TEX waterproofing, and CE protection across the board. The collection launches this  Spring on www.foxracing.com, and at participating Fox Racing dealers and channels globally.  


Words: Press Release | Lead Image: FOX


Expanding the brand’s commitment to Equip and Inspire riders, the ADV Collection draws from Fox Racing’s deep  racing heritage and appetite for performance innovation. “We recognize that off-road riding is no longer contained  to tracks and the trailheads of mountains and deserts. It can now be an extension to a rider’s commute or  countryside tour where every technical feature matters to maximize the experience on the bike. The ADV Collection was built with this in mind—connecting riders to dirt with highly versatile gear that has everything you  need and nothing you don’t. It’s a differentiated point of view in an evolving category that’s authentic and credible  to our brand,” said Michael Crocco, Sr. Global Marketing Manager at Fox Racing.  

Developed and tested over the course of three years, the all-new ADV Collection blends the brand’s expertise in  performance racewear with the utility adventure riders demand. Performance starts with the minimalist chassis  design approach and a closer-to-body fit to inspire movement in variable terrain. The main body is GUARANTEED  

TO KEEP YOU DRY with fully seam-sealed GORE-TEX materials, the gold standard in waterproof-breathable  technology. CE protection comes in the form of removable D30® back, shoulder, elbow, and knee protectors, and  reinforced fabrics to increase abrasion resistance and durability. Other features such as stretch fabrics, ventilation, and storage vary across the three product tiers to meet the demands of a multi-day or an out-and-back ride.  

The Recon GORE-TEX ADV Jacket and Pant are 949.95€ and 899.95€, respectively, and deliver maximum mobility and breathability with a minimalist fit for peak performance on dirt. The Defend GORE-TEX ADV Jacket and Pant  are 699.95€ and 649.95€, respectively, and offer maximum storage and ventilation for adaptability on the move. 

The Ranger GORE-TEX ADV Jacket and Pant are 549.95€ and 499.95€, respectively, and are the most accessible offering for essential performance on the bike. 

PRICING

Recon jacket 949,99£ / 949,95$
Recon pant 899,99£ / 899,95$
Defend jacket 699,99£ / 699,95$
Defend pant 649,99£ / 649,95$
Ranger jacket 549,99£ / 549,95$
Ranger pant 499,99£ / 499,95€

Follow @foxracing on Instagram for the official release date of the ADV Collection plus exclusive information  celebrating the brand’s 50th anniversary for 2024.  

About Fox Racing 

For over five decades, Fox Racing has been the global leader in motocross and mountain bike gear and apparel.  Fox outfits the world’s best competitive action sport athletes and enthusiasts with products that combine  innovation and style, rooted in the brand’s original competitive motocross spirit. The company is based in Irvine,  California, with offices, retail stores, and an international roster of sponsored athletes, located around the world.  www.foxracing.com

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