Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/127947
NEW BIKES 1999Hondas onda has introduced some of its early-release 1999 models, and, as you might have already guessed, these models are released early because they feature relatively minor changes for the new year. In the off-road category, the CR125 and 250 received just enough changes to keep things interesting. Honda focused most of its attention on the entire breathing track of the CR25O's 249cc liquid-cooled two-stroke engine. To improve throttle response, there's a new 38mm Keihin flat-slide carburetor with a dual-taper needle and a reshaped slow jet circuit, feeding mixture to an all-new six-petal reed block. Honda also went searching for more low-end and midrange power and, in doing so, lowered the cylinder's main ports 0.2mm, redesigned the combustion champer and fitted a new pipe, then added 'a new 16-bit ignition CPU for more accurate timing. That was about it for the motor. In the chassis department, Honda continued its never-ending search for a more plush suspension package. Its answer for 1999 was actually going to stiffer .42kg/mm fork springs, revising damping rates both front and rear, inventing a "comprehensi ve program of friction reduction" in the 47mm inverted Showa cartridge fork, and reworking the linkage ratio for the Pro-Link rear end. The CR250's seat has also been lowered sixtenths of an inch by shortening the Showa shock by 1=. The steering trail has also been increased for "even more precise steering geometry.N Rubber-mounted handlebars are also new to the CR250R. The CR125 took on pretty much the same chassis changes as the CR250, as H . The 1999 Honda CR250R features 8 revamped Induction system, as well as revised spring rates, damping settings, and rearHnleage ratios. AII-new rubber-mounted handlebars are featured on the CR250R. 12 well as a few other changes of its own, such as improving bottoming resistance by going to a higher-density elastomer. A few subtle changes were also made to the 125's twin-spar aluminum frame, such as reshaping the downtube, altering the engine-hanger brackets, adding new forged front engine-plates, and changing steering stem offset to 24mm for improved straight-line handling. Like the CR250, the 125 also gets revised carburetor settings, a dual-taper needle and a 16-bit ignition CPU, plus new carbon-fiber reed petals· The smaller CR80R and CR80R'Expert feature an all-new frame that is claimed to be 20 percen t more rigid, thanks to a larger-diameter tubing and stronger gussets. Frame geometry has been altered as well, with a wheelbase that is shorter by eight-tenths of an in.ch, and a steering head relocated 10mm back and lOmm down for "more precise steering." As with the bigger CRs, the 80s get treated to revamped spring and damping rates, friction reductions for their 37mm inverted Showa cartridge fork, and a 1mm-shorter Showa shock working throligh new linkage ratios for their Pro-Link rear suspensions. All of the CR models, including the unchanged CR500R, are scheduled to be released in September with no price increases. Except for graphics, the entire line of XRs, including the street-legal XR650L, is unchanged for 1999, as are their suggested retail prices. The XR600R, however, is not among these early-release XRs, leaving us to believe that a changed - perhaps only slightly - XR600R is on the horizon. The '99 XR200R, 100R, 80R and 70R are scheduled for release this month, while the XR650L, 400R, 250R and Z50R are slated to be released in July. For the street, the '99 Shadow Ace 750, Ace 750 Deluxe, Shadow VLX, and the Shadow VLX Deluxe will all be available by the end of June.· The Shadow ACE 750 Deluxe is a carbon copy of the previous models, except for new colors. They will now be available in a pair of new two-tone color schemes: black/pearl dark red, and pearl olive green/pearl ivory. The standard ACE 750 is all black. The VLX models feature some changes. Both the standard and Deluxe VLXs now offer a lower 25.6-inch seat height, and a more upright seating position. A combination of lowered suspension, a reshaped (wider) and restyled saddle, a steering head that's been moved down and rearward, and a new handlebar bend all contribute to what Honda claims is a new feel for these Vtwin cruisers. The new VLXs also feature a new chopper-style rear fender with heavily chrOmed accents. Motorwise,. the VLXs receive a new coolant-heated single-carburetor design, which Honda claims improves starting and increases power and torque. Returning to the Honda lineup for 1999 is the entry-level CMX250C Rebel, which is powered by an air-cooled, 243cc parallel-twin, four-stroke motor. The Rebel will be available in two versions - an all-black model that sells for $2999, and a candyred/black model for $3199. Both bikes are scheduled to be on showroom floors by the end of June. Rounding out the early-release models from Honda are the Gold Wing Aspencade and SE luxury touring bikes. These bikes are unchanged except for 50th Anniversary badges mounted on the trunk and on the front-fairing chrome garnish above the headlight. • The ignition keys also feature the 50th Anniversary design. The '99 50th Anniversary SEs will be available in candy red/candy dark red ($17,999), pearl gray-green/dark graygreen, pearl silver / dark silver, pearl white/metallic gray ($17,799), and allblack ($17,499) color schemes. The Aspencades will be colored candy red ($15,299) and all black ($15,099). The SE will be available in July, and the Aspencade in August. L~