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Honda: 2018 CRF250R

An exciting new bike.

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The 18YM CRF250R leaves the 17YM CRF250R in its roost with a kW/Kg improvement of 5%. In a wheel-to-wheel test the new CRF250R is 3% faster from 0-10m and 3.6% quicker over 30m. That’s close to half a bike length, and a full bike length respectively.

Its DOHC engine, with over-square bore and stroke, bigger valves and revised inlet/exhaust setup makes a hefty 9% more power up top, for far longer, with extended over-rev and higher redline. Out of the gate, and lap after lap, the 18YM CRF250R is built to pull out an advantage and cut lap times.

And the 18YM CRF250R’s new fully mass-centralised chassis – identical to the current 18YM CRF450R – can put the extra power to effective use, its geometry and lower centre of gravity driving the rear tyre into the ground harder. The new CRF250R also employs the same Showa 49mm steel-sprung front fork as the CRF450R offering familiar (and extensive) levels of adjustability.

Like the CRF450R, the CRF250R’s plastics outline neat aerodynamics and a smooth, organic shape giving the rider ample freedom to move. They also feature scratch-resistant film insert graphics, which deliver sharp visuals and a durable finish.

Like the 2018 CRF450R, the new CRF250R is fitted with an electric starter as standard equipment.

Engine

The 18YM CRF250R DOHC engine is a clean sheet design and has been built with the focus on top-end power for acceleration and drive, plus improved over-rev corner-to-corner. The simple facts: it makes 9% more peak power with a spread that delivers that power over a 2,000rpm higher range, and also features a 900rpm increase to the ‘redline’ figure. The dyno graphically tells the story. From 8,500rpm the 249.4cc engine simply takes off compared to the previous model and keeps building power and torque as the revs rise.

Central to the improved performance – which is all about much higher gas flow, in and out – is a revised bore and stroke of 79 x 50.9mm, with a 4.5mm cylinder offset to reduce friction (as opposed to 76.8 x 53.8mm, 4mm offset). This is a much more ‘over square’ layout, with bigger bore and shorter stroke which allows the use of larger titanium valves: 33mm inlet (which feature a neck shaped to reduce intake resistance) and 26mm exhaust (30.5mm/25mm).

Lift is also increased: 10.5mm inlet and 9.5mm exhaust (9.2mm/8.4mm) and the valve angle is more compact, going from 21.5° to 20.5°. The rocker arms feature Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating, a Nano-thin hard film that provides high wear resistance and lubricity; the valve springs themselves are now oval in section. The inlet valves are fed – via PGM-FI with 46mm throttle bore – by symmetrical straight-shot downdraft intakes, which are shorter for improved high rpm snap.

The new engine features twin exhaust ports, each of which has its own exhaust down pipe, with bends that radius gradually to smooth out gas flow. The twin mufflers are sited 24mm inward toward the centre of the machine, to aid mass centralisation.

Compression ratio goes up slightly from 13.8:1 to 13.9:1 but the piston shape is now a Bridged Box design – the first on a Honda MX machine. Its rigidity converts combustion pressure into high output efficiency and, despite the bore increase, the piston carries no extra mass. Four piston jet oil holes (rather than two) reduce friction and ensure optimised cooling.

The new H-Section crankshaft is 350g lighter while maintaining inertial mass, for response and stiffness, and rigidity. To make the engine as physically compact as possible the axis distance between the crank and balancer shaft is reduced by 0.5mm, and 1mm between the crank and primary gears. The cam chain is now on the right, to shorten the distance between the crankshaft and the mass of the Alternating Current Generator (ACG).

Incorporated into the CRF250R’s new engine is an electric starter motor, replacing the kickstarter. Located centrally (the new crankcase layout ensures all inertial masses are closer to the C of G, for improved handling), it drives the one-way clutch and idle gear via a press-fit torque limiter; its Lithium-ion battery is compact and weighs just 0.65kg. Engine weight with the electric starter added is increased by just 1kg.

A scavenge oil pump system reduces friction and ‘pumping’ losses at high rpm, by discharging oil and air in the crankcase and maintaining negative pressure. The oil also lubricates the clutch and gearbox – total oil capacity 1250cm3 – as opposed to 850cm3 engine and 750cm3 gearbox of the previous design (1600cm3 in total).

The combined oil pump/drive gear, oil filter and oil way are on the right side of the engine; the oil’s path around the engine has been simplified, shortened and valve train lubrication is routed through the cylinder head to the inside of both inlet and exhaust cam, directly feeding the sliding surface of cam and rocker arm. Lightweight water hoses are now 3mm, rather than 4mm in wall thickness.

While exactly the same physical size as before the clutch outer features a revised clutch basket. Delivering consistency in hard use it utilises differing friction material on the two outer plates. The clutch lever housing is also redesigned, simplified and lighter. The 5-speed gearbox is constructed from new, high-strength steel and is 200g lighter; it also uses slightly shorter gear ratios for first and second, and the final drive ratio drops one tooth to 48T on the rear sprocket.

The engine stop switch and Engine Mode Select Button (EMSB) are incorporated into a small housing on the left side of the handlebar. Three maps are available to suit riding conditions and rider preference: Mode 1 (Standard), Mode 2 (Smooth) and Mode 3 (Aggressive). A small indicator light displays Mode selected.

On the right of the handlebar is the starter button. The resin slider of the throttle housing is now incorporated into the throttle cable itself, reducing load; a knurled nut adjusts free play.

Chassis

The 18YM CRF250R employs the same frame and suspension setup as the current CRF450R, with the same basic aims; connect the rider to the terrain with superlative feedback and gain rear wheel grip and drive through a rearward shift in weight bias, tied to a lower centre of gravity.

Saving 340g over the previous design the seventh-generation aluminium beam frame features tapered main spars with a carefully tuned balance between rigidity and flexibility, designed to deliver front-end stability plus a direct feel for traction.

Compared to the outgoing CRF250R design the chassis’ geometry markedly differs; wheelbase is 3mm shorter at 1486mm and the distance between the swingarm pivot point and rear axle is 15mm shorter at 573mm. Rake is set at 27.5° with trail of 116mm. The C of G is 1.4mm lower.

The rear subframe is now extruded aluminium (rather than forged) and is 20% lighter, aiding mass centralisation. Seat height is 6mm taller at 957mm, with 5mm more ground clearance at 327mm. Wet weight (without fuel) is 103.3kg, with fuel 108.1kg.

The Showa SFF-TAC-Air front fork of the previous model has been replaced with a 49mm Showa USD coil-spring fork. Debuted on the current CRF450R it’s not an evolution of the older 48mm fork, but a version of the Showa kit fork supplied to MX race teams in the Japanese championship.

The cylinder has a 25mm diameter, the rod 14mm with the compression piston 39mm. As you’d expect from what is effectively full race-spec suspension the fork action is supple, smooth and always in control. It’s also fully adjustable.

With a top mount 39mm lower and located directly on the machine’s centre line the fully adjustable Showa rear shock works the aluminium swingarm – 220g lighter – through Pro-Link.

A 260mm wave-pattern disc delivers effective heat dissipation, power and feel from the two-piston brake caliper working it; a matching 240mm wave-pattern disc and single-piston caliper is at the rear. Lightweight aluminium rims, with directly attached spoke pattern layout reduce unsprung weight; the front is a 21 x 1.6in, the rear a 19 x 1.85in. Fitted as standard equipment are Dunlop’s GEOMAX MX3S tyres, 80/100-21 front and 100/90-19 rear.

The new 18YM CRF250R also shares the CRF450R’s 6.3L titanium fuel tank, which at 1039g weighs 513g less than the plastic design it replaces. The loss of half a kilo sat high on the machine contributes to the lower C of G, and the flattened tank cap and lower profile enables the rider to move forward easily.

Wearing plastics with smooth external lines to help the rider move easily the frontal area is also narrower; the front mudguard directs a more efficient funnel of air to the radiator. The bodywork also uses durable film inset graphics that cover a wide area with scratch resistant style.

Words: Press Release | Lead Image: Honda Racing Corporation

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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