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/128167
2003 Honda CR250R If you liked the 2002 CRSOR, you'll like '03. It's not much dlflerent, but it does have more oomph in the middle of the powerband. DID THE BEST GET BETTER? STORY AND PHOTOS BY BLAKE CONNER [ii';jiJ he 8 2002 Honda CR250R won last year's Cycle News 250cc Motocross Shootout by virtue of its well- rounded performance. Not only was the Honda's motor near the top of all of our tester's lists, but so was the suspension, handling and anything else we could think of. A couple of the biggest changes last year were to the frame and suspension, with the CR earning high marks for compliance and control, which were previously they've tweaked the CR250R a bit more for 2003 in an effort to stay at the front. Honda hasn't done anything revolutionary to the bike, but refinements have been made in key areas in an effort to keep the bike competitive. We recently attended the press introducti9n for the 2003 CR250R in Kernville, California. The first day proved to be more a test of human tolerance - due to the extremely hot conditions - than a test of the bike, but on the second day temperatures plummeted down to a an icy-cool 100 degrees. In the next couple of missing from the aluminum twinspar-framed bike. Honda has finally returned to their 250cc motocrossers through our winning ways with Ricky Carmichael and doesn't seem keen to relinquish their current status any time soon - so mine the best bike for 2003, so stay tuned. eN months, we will be putting all of the shootout routine in an effort to deter- Tech Ticker ENGINE • New cylinder-port shape and timing to help improve lop-end and over-rev • New carbon-fiber eight-petaJ reed valve to help improve off-idle throttle response • New air-inlake system • Air-intake boot is reshaped for more direct airflow, contributing to strong low-speed engine performance • New foam gasket between airbox and air boot for improved sealing and airflow management. • Reshaped exhaust valve for better exhaust flow • New works-shaped expansion chamber • New rear number plates with larger intake openings and inner ducts for better airflow • Durable five-speed, c1ose-ralio lransmission now features thicker second and third gears to match the engine's power. adding even more durability in demanding conditions ADDITIONAL FEAHIRES • Honda Racing-inspired colors and graphics Inlro Info TRACK: TRACK STYLE: Cyrus Canyon QtiV Pork Soft and borderline sandy. moderately rough with rounded bumps (no square-edged stuff). moderately high speed CONDITIONS: Groomed. well watered (qUite good. actually) WEATHER: ......•......•......500· (According to Bloke and KIt's built In heat Indexes). actually only 110· In the shade TIHE ON BIKE: ........•......................................Two and a half hours RIDERS: .........•...........................One Vet Intermediate. One Vet Novice SETUP: .......•....•.......Set sag at 100mm. main Jet changed to a 450 main. 35 pilot. and a different needle than stock (Hondo has since come up with on even better Jetting set up: see fOllowing page) 14 AUGUST 14, 2002· e y e I e ne""s As always, the new Honda appears to be sensitive when it comes to carburetlon Jetting. Ours was decent stock, but we've since made some changes.