Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1990's

Aluminum-framed CR125R for '98 BORN: Allyssia Nichole Bienert to Tony Bienert and his fiancee Stephane Gomes, on May 22, 1997, in Hesperia, California. Bienert is the owner of T-N-T Motorsports. merican Honda Motor Company introduced its 1998 CR and XR motorcycle lineup on Thursday, May 29, and the biggest news was the introduction of its new, aluminumframed CR125. Aside from the obvious race-team-inspired graphics that the entire lineup received, the 1998 Honda CR125 now utilizes a twin-spar, aluminum frame, much like the one introduced last year on the CR25O. The frame is said to be 50 percent more rigid than last year's steel unit and 15 percent less rigid than the current CR250 frame. A larger, single radiator is nestled under the head tube and is reported to be 22 percent more efficient than previous models. In the motor department, Honda wa after more low- to midrange power out of the CR125 .and, as a result, reshaped the cylinder and transfer case ports, redesigned the reed-valve-assembly stoppers and reshaped the exhaust valves and valve guides. A new ACG ignition system features twice the power output, and the COl map has been changed to enhance the motor changes. The transmission has been changed from a six-speed gearbox to a five-speed, close-ratio transmission that Honda claims to be more durable than before. A new linkage ratio was designed for the rear suspension to provide a smoother, more linear response while still utilizing a fully-adjustable Kayaba shock with high- and low-speed compression adjusters. In the front, the 46mm Kayaba forks got new valving and now feature a bump-rubber bottoming systelI] to help prevent hydraulic locking. The new CR125 shares these common parts with the 1998 CR250: subframe, handlebar, radiator shrouds, fuel tank, seat, fenders, side panels, swingarm and rear axle. As for the changes to the 1998 CR250, Honda concentrated on refining the suspension and chassis, and left the motor alone (except for small jetting changes). Honda concentrated heavily on reducing friction in the 47mm Showa inverted forks to achieve smoother action. The fork travel was increased by 9mm and friction-reducing compression and damping changes were made to attain a more controlled ride. In the rear, the same Showa shock with high- and low-speed compression adjusters was retained, but the rear-shock stroke was increased by 5.8mm, resulting in an increase of rear-axle stroke by 10.2mm. A new spring rate (from 5.3 kg/mm to 4.9 kg/mm) and rear-link ratio are said to provide smoother and more linear action. . Honda revised the frame geometry slightly for '98 including steeper caster, shorter trail and a shorter wheelbase to provide greater turning precision. The frame also has a relocated shock mount, new chain roller location (now mounted to the linkage), and improved welding techniques at the headpipe, shock mount, and engine bracket areas to provide greater durability. The subframe uses a thinner wall design and a new mounting location to reduce weight and maintain strength, and a new swingarm with a 1.5mm thicker cross-body for improved rigidity and balance. The CR80R-Expert (big wheel) and CR80R got the new team-inspired graphics and a few other changes including the addition of the front brake lever and master-cylinder assembly from the CR125 and 250, and a new front brake line for improved braking performance. The smaller CRSOR also received revised suspension settings to provide a more compliant ride for smaller riders. Due to the new California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations Honda has revised most of their XR lineup to meet the new standards. The XR100, 200, 250, 400 and 600 wi).! now available in two versions - a California model that complies the new regulati ns and a 49-state model for the rest of the country. Most of the changes involve jetting and intake modifications and the use of closed venting systems. For 1998, the XR400R received revised carburetor jetting, ignition timing and intake/exhaust systems to improve performance, especially as elevation changes. A less restrictive muffler with a new three-ehamber design is said to allow for better power output. The front forks got new piston valves and valving, and stiffer springs (from .38 kg/mm to .40 kg/mm) for improved overall performance. The addition of needle bearings to the rear suspension linkage were used to provide smoother, more compliant suspension action. A CR-bend handlebar, a more durable right-side footpeg bracket and a stronger rear sub-frame round out the changes. CORRECTION: Motocrosser Jeff Dement didn't attempt to qualify for the AMA 250cc Supercross final at Las Vegas, as we reported in an earlier issue. Dement is currently leading the 125 and 250ccProclass point standings in the Texas Series. Wide Web. The site can be found at the following address: http://www.maxxistires.com. A be given away at the AMA 125/250cc atiOIlal MX at Washougal, Washington, August 10, can do so by mail. Each ticket costs $10 and the money will be donated to injured motocrosser Mike Young Jr. You can mail your check for the raffle ticket to: Mike Young Jr. ew Life Fund, 1042 . Mountain Ave, Suite B, #361, Upland, CA, 91786. According to a release from the California Motorcyclist Safety Program, 1996 was a record year for motorcycle safety. in California. Records from the California Highway Patrol state that 232 motorcyclists were killed in 1996 while 7860 were injured - a drop of 73 and 72 percent from the 851 fatalities and 28,097 injuries from 1986. Eddie Mulder will hold a one-day TT school at the AHRMA TT National in Peoria, Illinois. For more information, call 805/268-0105. The CMC Pac-West Series will begin at Albany Supercross Park in Albany, Oregon, on June 7-8. The race will feature contingency payouts from Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki. For more information, call 541/928-4474. In addition, the CMC Spring Classic will be held at Los Angles County Raceway in Palmqale, California, on June 8. The Quail Canyon round of the series, meanwhile, has been rescheduled to June 14-15. For more information, call 714/367-1141. HlRED: Dan Krueger, as marketing manager for Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, Ca.lifornia, effective June 3. In addition to a nine-year career with Wells Fargo Bank, K.rueger also served on SCRAMP's (Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula) volunteer Board of Directors as co-chairman of the Admissions Committee. CORRECTlON: Cycle Parts West has not moved from its location in Westminster, California, despite mention of such in last week's issue. Cycle Parts West is located at 13682 Beach Blvd. in Westminster. For more information, caU 714/894-9829. ED: Troy Lee Designs' borne page on the World Wide Web. The site can be found at the following address: http://www.troyleedesigns.com. OPE OPENED: Maxxis Tires' home page on the World AUTOGRAPH SIGNING: At Freedom Honda Suzuki of Laconia, New Hampshire, on June 12, from 6 to 7 p.m. Team Suzuki's Aaron Yates, Pascal Picotte and Larry Pegram are scheduled to appear. For more information, call603/524-6636. AUTOGRAPH SIGNING: At New England Cycle Center in Hartford, Connectia.tt, on June 20, from 6 to 7 p.m. Team Suzuki's motocross team Is scheduled to appear. For more information, call 860/527-{)822. AUTOGRAPH SIGNlNG: At Beaverton Honda Yamaha in Beaverton, Oregon, on June 13, from 3 to 6 p.m. Former National Enduro Champion Kevin Hines is expected to appear. For more information, call 503/635-5275. Hines will also be conducting an off-road riding school in the area. OPENED: Willow Springs International Ra,,",way's home page on the World Wide Web. The site can be found at the following address: http://www.sagenet/wsir. fX r---------~-----------------------------------------------------, ~ ~ SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM ame _ Address City _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ State _ _ Zip Order Date _ Please start my subscription to Cycle News: o Every week for one year (50 issues) for $38.00 (can be billed 3 monthly payments) o Every week for two years (100 issues) for $70.00 o Six months second class (25 issues) for $19.00 One year (50 issues), 2nd class Canada or Mexico and all other foreign countries L~~~~:~~!~~=~an~~~~::~~:~~~~~ o This is a 0 New Subscriptjon o Renewal o Please bill me o Bill 3 payments of $12.67 o Enclosed is my check or money order Charge my 0 Visa 0 Mastercard Signature MC/Visa# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Expiration Date ~~ I Sendto:~~, nco P.O. Box 498, Long Beach, CA 90801-0498 Toll Free Subscription Hotline (800) 831-2220 ~~~!~~~~~!~~~~ ~ 3

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