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/128157
~~WBikes 2003 Hondas ue to increase at an impressive as its 2003 model line-up shows. That might seem selfish, but the pace, top-selling With several new models and bottom line is that the consumer egardless of the supposedly less- Japanese manufacturer (number- focused improvements to existing benefits, as the bikes covered here than-stellar status of the U.S. two overall, behind Harley- David- models, Big Red is clearly maneu- make clear. Heck, this recession economy, motorcycle sales contin- son), Honda is very aware of this, vering to sell even more units. stuff isn't so bad. By CHRIS JONNUM and as the l:N Off-Roaders Apparently taking direct aim at Yamaha's successful line of TI-R performance playbikes, Honda is offering two all-new models for 2003 - the CRF150F and the CRF230F. The bikes fill a gap between the XR1 OOR and the XR250R, and both feature dependable four-stroke motors. The 230 (actually a 223) features an electric starter, a six-speed tranny. an O-ring chain, an aluminum swingarm (first in its class, according to Honda), and Showa suspension (9.5 inches of front travel, 9.0 inches out back). The 150 (real displacement is 156.8cc) has a kickstarter, five speeds. and 9.1 and 8.8 inches of front and rear travel, respectively. Both bikes boast 240mm front-disc brakes, drum rears, steel frames, cam-type chain adjusters, spark arrestors, MX-style seats, plastic skid plates and folding shift levers and rear-brake pedals. Importantly, they also produce low emissions and meet California Air Resources Board off-road standards. The CRF230F sells for $3299, and the CRF150F sells for $2799. Honda continues to offer its entire XR line-up (50R, 70R, 80R, 100R, 250R, 400R, 650R and 650L), though all are unchanged apart from BNG. CRf230f 2 _1ifi....P~_ _Ii-liiiiq.-...IliG7?.:ii_lIliiCG _..,..-iiii::::::::;_.. . .... 1 -=oO<=- Motocrossers Honda completely re-did its motocross line-up for 2002, 50 it's no surprise that '03 is more of a model year of refinement. Many feel that second-year models are the best to get, since the bugs have been worked out, and Honda appears to have focused on the weak points for its revisions. For example, the CR125R's motor was a renowned weakling this year (the bike finished fourth out of five in our shootout), and Honda says the mill is now "all-new," with a larger reed valve, larger ports, reshaped RC valve, improved expansion chamber and silencer and larger-bore carburetor. The tiddler also gets a modified frame for a narrower cross-section, and both it and the CR250R get reshaped air-intake boots for more direct air flow, larger intake openings in the side plates, and a foam gasket between the airbox and the airboot. CR250R-only changes include an eight-patal reed valve. re-shaped exhaust valve, worksshape expansion chamber and new port shape and timing. Many people put aftermarket triple clamps on the freshman CRF450R four-stroke, and the sophomore effort has its handlebar moved forward 3mm and seat position raised 7mm for improved handling. The swingarm pivot is raised 7mm for improved cornering and clearance, and front-suspension stroke is increased by 10mm for improved handling. The shift lever is now 10mm longer, and the quick-wearing chain guide is now made of a tougher material. Enginewise, the mill gets changes to camshaft-timing and valve lift, and to its clutch damper. As for the littlest CRs, the 85R and 85R Expert have all-new Team Honda-inspired bodywork, stronger frames, larger bores (displacement is up from 83cc to 84.7cc), and thicker third gears. Prices on the 2003 motocrossers are as follows: CR85R, $2899; CR85R Expert. $2999; CR125R,$4999;CR250R,$5899;CRF450R,$6299. r q ca= ;;;;, :t5'> - CR85R Expen --- .'- F - - --- Street Bikes Honda hasn't yet released information on its sport bikes, but apart from some graphic and paint updates, the bulk of its tarmac line-up remains unchanged. The notable exception is the dated-but-still-popuJar ST11 00 sport-tourer, which has been replaced with an all-new ST1300 ($12,999). The heart of the bike is a new, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 1261cc, longitudinally mounted V4 engine that is two inches shorter for better handling and ergonomics, and that meets the California Air Resources Board's 2008 emissions standards. The frame is aU-new and made from aluminum and is said to combine optimal rigidity and tuned flex for excellent handling, riding comfort and road feel. The bike, which features full-coverage plastic bodywork and a windscreen with manually adjustable height, is claimed to be a full 22 pounds lighter than the STllOO. Honda is also offering a ST1300ABS ($14,499) that features an antilock brake system and a windscreen that can have its height and angle adjusted via a push-button motor system. 44 JUNE S, 2002' cue • e n • _ .. -~