Honda to Launch New CRF250L On/Off-Road Motorcycle in Japan
Honda is all set to laucnh its new 250cc on/off road model CRF250L in Japan. It will start to sell this motorcycle from the month of May. This motorcycle looks similar to Honda Brio (Hero Impulse in India) but has some new features according to Honda. This motorcycle offers smooth riding in various environment be it urban or off road riding. We may see some possibility of this model in India launch in future since it offers good mileage. Here is the complete review of this motorcycle according to Honda.
Honda is marketing this motorcycle with slogan of “‘New On & Off Gear, your right buddy on the road’ to make ‘On’ (daily life) more convenient and ‘Off’ (weekends) more enjoyable.” The development team, by pursuing total balance and driving stability to the utmost, created a vehicle that enables a broad spectrum of users from beginners to experienced riders to enjoy the sheer fun of handling the machine.
Main Features of the CRF250LEngine
The engine aims for powerful output that can be handled with equal ease on on-road and off-road. While achieving powerful torque from the low rpm range to high, the CRF250L’s engine also boasts output characteristics expressing the smooth rev-up that typifies a liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC engine. The Programmed Fuel Injection System (PGM-FI*), the O2 sensor, catalyzer fitted inside the muffler, and the newly applied low-friction technologies embedded in such components as the offset cylinder and the roller rocker arm all form a synergy that delivers high environmental performance along with excellent fuel efficiency of 44.3 km/L (measured at a constant speed of 60 km/h on a level road).
Vehicle body/suspension
The newly-designed frame makes use of a steel twin-tube design to offer a nimble ride while ensuring both agility and stability, and the oval cross-sectional shape of the main pipe helps boost rigidity while enabling a slim vehicle body. The inverted front suspension employs a Separate Function Front Fork having an inner tube diameter of 43 mm and a cushion stroke of 250 mm in a design that secures both light weight and high rigidity to deliver excellent operability and high driving stability. The aluminum monoblock cast swing arm yields high strength and proper rigidity balance and is paired with a Pro-Link rear suspension having 240 mm of axle travel providing the rider with impressive agility and high road-holding capability from urban riding to off road.
Styling
Styling has been refined into a sharper and more aggressive tone while inheriting the concept of “centralized mass with triangular proportions,” a key feature and basic principle of Honda’s CRF motocrosser series. This design asserts a Honda identity befitting the CRF for a new era. A surface encompassing tank shrouds, side covers, and a rear fender has been made flush to project an even sharper image. Meanwhile, the muffler cover and tool box on the left side add accent to the design by forming a shape reminiscent of a side racing number plate. The body comes in one of two colors, Extreme Red featuring a red seat to impose an aggressive image and Ross White with a silver seat to emanate a sense of coolness.
Key equipment
- A headlight visor that enhances a tough and muscular look and a multi-reflector headlight (60/55 W) with superb visibility
- A multifunctional digital meter that incorporates a fuel meter, a clock, and trip/odometer
- Skid plates that prevent mud, flying gravel, and other elements from damaging the engine
- A handle turning angle that extends to 45° on both left and right in a design made for maneuverability
- Cargo hooks in the rear fender section to make loading convenient
- Fuel tank with a capacity of 7.7 liters
Specifications
| Model name | CRF250L | |
| Vehicle name/type | Honda/JBK-MD38 | |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 2,195×815×1,195 | |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1,445 | |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 255 | |
| Seat height (mm) | 875 | |
| Curb weight (kg) | 143 | |
| Riding capacity (No. of occupants) | 2 | |
| Minimum turning radius (m) | 2.3 | |
| Engine type | MD38E, Liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve single cylinder | |
| Total displacement (cm3) | 249 | |
| Bore × Stroke (mm) | 76.0×55.0 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.7 | |
| Maximum output (kW[PS]/rpm) | 17[23]/8,500 | |
| Maximum torque (N･m[kgf･m]/rpm) | 22[2.2]/7,000 | |
| Fuel efficiency (km/L) | 44.3 (constant speed of 60 km/h on a level road) | |
| Fuel supply system | Electronic < Programmed Fuel Injection System (PGM-FI) > | |
| Starter type | Self starter | |
| Ignition type | Full-transistor battery ignition | |
| Lubricating type | Wet sump | |
| Fuel tank capacity (L) | 7.7 | |
| Clutch type | Wet multiplate with coil springs | |
| Transmission type | Constant mesh 6-speed return | |
| Transmission gear ratios | 1st | 3.333 |
2nd | 2.117 | |
3rd | 1.571 | |
4th | 1.304 | |
5th | 1.115 | |
6th | 0.962 | |
| Reduction gear ratio (primary/secondary) | 2.807/2.857 | |
| Caster angle (°) /Trail (mm) | 27°35´/113 | |
| Tire size | Front | 3.00-21 51P |
Rear | 120/80-18M/C 62P | |
| Brake type | Front | Hydraulic disc |
Rear | Hydraulic disc | |
| Suspension type | Front | Telescopic (Inverted) |
Rear | Swing arm (Pro-Link suspension system) | |
| Frame type | Semi-double cradle | |
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