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/128173
2003 Honda CR125R •• (,{f'onda was pretty smart last year. JlJ They introduced the '02 CR125R long before the other manufacturers debuted their own 125cc motocrossers, and the then-new CR felt pretty good; after all, all of our '01 125cc test bikes were clapped-out after a season of racing, and all were in need of some serious TLC, not to mention top ends, so the brand-new, tight, CR was the bike of choice here at Cycle News when the weekends came around early last summer. It wasn't until we started receiving the other new 125s later on that things started coming to light - that the '02 CR125 wasn't as 71@@[}u powerful as we first thought. In fact, the bike was downright slow, especially compared to the unbelievably fast KTM, and the exceptionally powerful Suzuki and Yamaha. Basically, the '02 Honda CR 125 wasn't a bad bike - it had one of the best chassis in the business, the suspension was good and, since it's a Honda, it was built well, but it was just so slow. And that didn't sit well with Honda, and that's why the '03 CR125 took on many changes, pretty much all of them to make the CR faster. Recently, we took delivery of the new Honda and have ridden the bike twice - once at Carlsbad Raceway fjfj@[Z@[l r!l![){]!iJ /lfJ@ [l()§r!l!CP Motor • Larger reed-valve w/sub-reeds, larger ports, revised port timing, revised compression ratio, and reshaped RC valve to improve low-end, top-end and over-rev power delivery. • Modified expansion chamber and silencer. • Carburetor bore has been increased from 36 to 38mm. • The air-intake system modified for better lowspeed engine performance. • New rear numberplates provide larger intake openings and inner ducts for better airflow management. • New foam gasket between the airbox and air boot improve sealing and airflow management • The air-intake boot is reshaped for more direct airflow and better low-speed engine performance. • New 38mm Mikuni TMX·x carburetor. • New carbon-fiber, four-petal reed-valve w/sub reeds is larger and reshaped for better top-end and low-end power. • Exhaust port is reshaped to improve top-end and over-rev power delivery. • RC-style exhaust valve features an NSR road racing-inspired rotary fiap designed to provide a smoother power transition between low- and midrange engine speeds. Exhaust-valve flap now features more overlap to minimize exhaust-gas leakage between fiap and cylinder. Chassis/Suspension • Third-generation twin-spar aluminum frame is lighter and has taller swingarm pivot plates and thinner frame spars to create a narrower overall frame cross-section to improve rider comfort and maneuverability. 32 SEPTEMBER 25, 2002' cue I e n I!II _ so Motor • Nikasil-plated cylinder • Pistoming groove is anodized for added durability • Four-pole ACG design produces a high-voltage spark throughout the rpm range with low magnetic drag, thus permitting a freer-revving engine • A 16-bit processor in the ignition CPU Chassis • Semi-double-cradle design features a single, large-diameter tapered downtube. Two box-section rails attach to the base of the downtube and support the engine. A forged-aluminum steering head provides a compact and durable mount for the frame spars and engine downtube • Swingarm features a dual-axis, double-taper design with a large cest-aluminum cross-member • Front and rear wheels feeture HRC works-type lightweight aluminum spoke nipples. • Front wheel features large-diameter front axle and wide wheel-bearing span for additional rigidity • Optional 20-inch front wheel • Inverted Kayaba fork features a cartridge design and a rubber bladder lining inside the base of each fork leg to minimize aeration-induced damping-force losses. Inner surface of fork's outer tubes is honed to retain a thin coeting of lubricating oil to reduce friction with fork bushings • Pro-Link single-shock rear-suspension system • Front and rear disc brakes • Lightweight, HRC works-type rear-brake system • Wide, cleated stainless-steel footpegs • Adjustable front-brake lever • Handlebar is rubber-mounted • CR handlebar holders provide three different mounting positions • Works-type handlebar grips add to rider comfort • Front disc-brake cover • Removable rear subframe • Washable, two-stage foam air filter • Repackable silencer