2012 Honda CRF250R released

[BlazeNtrigger]

If you havent seen it already: ?

Press release: Superb handling and excellent power stand as the hallmarks of the CRF250R, and the revised 2012 model ups the ante in the 250 class. A new cylinder head, camshaft and 46mm throttle body produce a broadened powerband featuring more low-end and midrange torque for an amazing, right-now hit of power.

In addition, a new suspension linkage along with updated suspension settings front and rear bestow improved tracking and more precise handling upon the CRF250R, enhancements that make a great-handling bike even better than before. In addition to those changes, longer and wider footpegs deliver more support and Dunlop's premium MX51 tires cap off championship-caliber credentials that make the CRF250R the bike to beat in 2012.

WHAT’S NEW FOR THE 2012 HONDA CRF250

(1) New cylinder head, camshaft and 46mm throttle body produce a broadened powerband featuring more low-end and midrange torque.

(2) Updated suspension settings front and rear for improved tracking and more precise handling.

(3) New foot pegs are wider and longer for more support, and are now silver color.

(4) New front axle collars add rigidity to the front end, increasing steering precision.

2012 CRF250 SPECIFICATIONS

Bore and Stroke...76.8mm x 53.8mm

Compression ratio...13.2:1

Valve Train...Unicam, four-valve; 30.5mm intake, titanium; 25mm exhaust, steel

Induction...PGM-FI, 46mm throttle body

Ignition...Full transistor with electronic advance

Transmission...Close-ratio five-speed

Final Drive...#520 chain; 13T/49T

Suspension Front...48mm inverted Showa 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustability; 12.2 inches travel

Suspension Rear...Pro-Link Showa single shock with spring preload, 17-position rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns); 12.5 inches travel

Front brake...Single 240mm disc with twin-piston caliper

Rear brake...Single 240mm disc

Front tire...Dunlop MX51 80/100-21

Rear Tire...Dunlop MX51 100/90-19

Wheelbase...58.6 inches

Rake (Caster Angle)...27°12'

Trail...117mm (4.6 inches)

Seat Height...37.6 inches

Ground Clearance...12.8 inches

Fuel Capacity...1.5 gallons

Color...Red

Curb Weight...227 pounds

http://motocrossactionmag.com/Main/News/SEE-IT-HERE-ALL-THE-NEW-2012-HONDA-MOTOCROSS-MODEL-7861.aspx

MC News mentions a new induction hardened crank? Or is that just copied from a 2010 brochure? Wonder if its true.

http://www.mcnews.com.au/NewsArchives/2011/May/CRF250R.htm

2012 Features:

- All-new cylinder head with revised port shapes, new camshaft and new exhaust valves shape for enhanced drivability at low and medium rpm.

- New narrower throttle body enhancing bottom to mid range power and torque feel with improved throttle control.

- New induction-hardened crankshaft for increased engine life and greater reliability. - Third generation Unicam engine with lightweight battery-less fuel injection for reliable, controllable power.

- New Pro-Link rear suspension linkage for enhanced traction and improved chassis control.

- New suspension settings front and rear ensure stable running on rough terrain, boosting rider confidence.

- New longer and wider footpegs for enhanced control, with new bolt for lighter weight. Revised kickstart arm ensures easy starting.

- New high-capacity muffler ensures compliance with global noise and emissions regulations without compromising performance.

- Tough and lightweight Honda Progressive Steering Damper for improved steering precision and enhanced stability on the toughest terrain.

- Mass-centralised chassis gives fine control at any speed, particularly during mid-air manoeuvres.

- Striking Honda Racing-inspired graphics.

- New front axle collars add rigidity to the front end, increasing steering precision.

http://www.mcnews.com.au/NewsArchives/2011/May/CRF250R.htm

I might be going red next year.

[BlazeNtrigger]

Hmmm, not much interest on the 2012 model it seems.

Is the induction hardened crank new or was that on 2010 brochure just copied over by MCN???

[Charlie C]

Who cares how hard the crank is, it's the crank bearing that fails.

[Keith72]

Yeah isnt it usually the rods and bearings that let go.?

[Charlie C]

Yup, the bearing usually goes first, but the rods break too, but not that often. Honda needs to find a supplier that can deliver a better quality bearing. Maybe sent them off to be DLC treated. I'm sure they'll figure it out evetually.

[BlazeNtrigger]

Missing the point, why would they put in a new crank? (They can easily replace the bearing type/make at this point as well)

Also:

New high-capacity muffler ensures compliance with global noise and emissions regulations without compromising performance.

Was done last year so , maybe the crank thing is just a re-typo from the 2010 specs 'cause non of the other websites report any new crank. Im leaning in the direction that it's just a typo.

Im in the market for a new 250F early next year so just wondering...

[mxneagle]

Yup, the bearing usually goes first, but the rods break too, but not that often. Honda needs to find a supplier that can deliver a better quality bearing. Maybe sent them off to be DLC treated. I'm sure they'll figure it out evetually.

Could it be that the pin is too soft causing wear leading to bearing failure?

[Charlie C]

Could it be that the pin is too soft causing wear leading to bearing failure?

Absolutely.

[150ron]

wow, that is light.