DIRT AND TRAIL

A returning feature on the Honda CRF’s for 2018 are the
three ECU maps. Map one is standard, map two is mellow, and
map three is aggressive. Map two makes the bike much easier
to ride. The power is less hard hitting and not as snappy as
the other two maps. Map three offers the maximum amount of
power, which is understandably what our boys preferred. Two
of those maps can be reprogrammed with Honda’s special
mapping tool. Technology these days is just so cool!
The 250R:
The engine is an all-new 250 with a major change in
architecture. Honda has abandoned the Unicam design that it
has had since 2004 and gone with a traditional DOHC motor
that is more oversquare than ever. As you can guess, this
change is about getting more revs out of the 249cc power
plant. Although it is an all-new CRF250R, the chassis—frame,
suspension and wheels are almost identical to the CRF450R,
which was redesigned last year. While the suspension
components are the same at the CRF450R, the 2018 Honda
CRF250R gets its own settings, and the rear tyre is narrower.
Here’s what the boys had to say about the 250:
1. Ergonomics are great. Even with having to make room
for two independent exhaust systems, the 2018 Honda
CRF250R’s ergonomics are perfect. The grips/seat/pegs
triangle was exactly to our liking. Moving around on the
comfortable seat is no problem. The boys did set the bars etc
up to their own liking.
2. We love electric start! Nothing beats pushing the button
to get the motor fired up, and it makes life so easy when you
race. The additional weight was of no concern.
40 DIRT & TRAIL MAGAZINE MARCH 2018