Honda Announces Launch of '99 Models of the CR Series of Motocross Competition Bikes
June 3, 1998, Japan
Tokyo, June 3, 1998 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has revealed the new '99 models of the Honda CR series (250R/125R/80R/80R2) of motocross competition bikes, which are fitted with high-performance liquid-cooled 2-cycle engines. Several modifications have been made across the series. The CR250R, CR80R and CR80R2 will go on sale in Japan on July 17, and the CR125R on August 17.
Over the years, Honda CR-series bikes have appeared all over the world in many motocross competitions. The technological advances Honda has been able to make with these machines is partly a result of the pounding these bikes have taken on all manner of courses over the roughest of terrain - since the lessons learned are constantly fed back into the development process.
To give that extra professional image, the '99 models are decked out in the same colors as those used by Honda works teams in the AMA Supercross and All-Japan Motocross Championship series.
Honda CR250R
Honda CR80R
Honda CR125R
Honda CR80R2
Domestic annual sales target:
1,400 units
Upgrade modifications made to the CR-series '99 models
CR250R
Engine
- The air intake and exhaust have been improved in the '99 model to ensure the engine pumps out plenty of power at all revs - from the low range right through to the high end. The number of reed valves on the air intake has been increased from four to six. Also, the timing on both the intake and exhaust ports has been altered to make the bike easier to handle and give it better response at lower speeds. At 58.2 PS, the maximum power output is 2.7 PS higher than the '98 model.
Chassis
- The suspension has been upgraded both at the front and the rear, boosting performance at the limits and increasing ride smoothness in the process. On the rear suspension, this has involved changes to the linkage ratios and the damping forces. On the front suspension, the shape of the oil passage has been optimized at the piston and the rod-end, while the damping forces have also been changed, providing a much smoother ride.
CR125R
Engine
- With response at medium and high revs acclaimed by many, Honda has concentrated on improving the lower end. The reed valves are now made out of carbon, rather than the plastic used previously. The engine's response has also been heightened through the incorporation of a digital ignition control system and through changes to the carburetor settings.
Chassis
- The CR125R's aluminum twin-spar frame is highly regarded for its racing performance. In the '99 model, the bolts securing the engine to the frame have been increased from 8mm in thickness to 10mm, making the connections much stronger and boosting the bike's rigidity. As with the CR250R, the suspension has been upgraded to boost performance at the limits and increase ride smoothness. On the rear suspension, this has involved changes to the linkage ratios. On the front suspension, low-friction components have been used for the surfaces of the piston and slide bushes to improve operation.
CR80R/80R2
Chassis
- The frame tubing has been enlarged substantially compared with earlier models, boosting frame strength by 20% and also improving handling and safety.
- The front suspension outer tubes have been honed in a liquid process that helps them preserve the oil within the system better, lowering friction in the process.
The body color for the '99 CR-series models is Nuclear Red.
Main specifications:
| Model | CR250R | CR125R | |
| Type | ME03 | JE01 | |
| Length x width x height | (m) | 2.183x0.827x1.259 | 2.157x0.828x1.269 |
| Wheelbase | (m) | 1.482 | 1.465 |
| Ground clearance | (m) | 0.336 | 0.338 |
| Seat height | (m) | 0.944 | 0.943 |
| Dry weight | (kg) | 97.0 | 87.5 |
| Engine type/cooling system | liquid-cooled 2-cycle single-cylinder | liquid-cooled 2-cycle single-cylinder | |
| Displacement | (cm3) | 249.3 | 124.8 |
| Bore/stroke | (mm) | 66.4x72.0 | 54.0x54.5 |
| Compression ratio | 8.7 | 8.8 | |
| Maximum power output | (PS/rpm) | 58.2/8,000 | 41.0/11,500 |
| Maximum torque | (kg-m/rpm) | 5.20/8,000 | 2.76/11,000 |
| Carburetor type | PWK00A (main bore 38 mm) | PJ15N (main bore 36 mm) | |
| Fuel tank capacity | (l) | 7.5 | |
| Clutch | coil spring | ||
| Transmission | 5-speed return | ||
| Gear ratios | 1st gear | 1.800 | 2.357 |
| 2nd gear | 1.470 | 1.867 | |
| 3rd gear | 1.210 | 1.579 | |
| 4th gear | 1.000 | 1.333 | |
| 5th gear | 0.869 | 1.130 | |
| Drive ratios (primary/final) | 3.000/3.846 | 3.150/3.923 | |
| Rake (degrees)/trail (mm) | 27°32' /113.4 | 27°00' /107 | |
| Tire sizes | Front | 80/100-21 51M | |
| Rear | 110/90-19 62M | 100/90-19 57M | |
| Brakes | Front | hydraulic disc | |
| Rear | hydraulic disc | ||
| Suspension | Front | inverted telescopic (axle travel 315 mm) |
inverted telescopic (axle travel 308 mm) |
| Rear | swingarm (axle travel 327 mm) |
swingarm (axle travel 319 mm) |
|
| Frame type | aluminum twin-spar | ||
Main specifications:
| Model | CR80R | CR80R2 | |
| Type | HE04 | ||
| Length x width x height | (m) | 1.787x0.772 x1.120 | 1.905x0.772x1.177 |
| Wheelbase | (m) | 1.246 | 1.289 |
| Ground clearance | (m) | 0.320 | 0.366 |
| Seat height | (m) | 0.833 | 0.877 |
| Dry weight | (kg) | 65.0 | 67.0 |
| Engine type/cooling system | liquid-cooled 2-cycle single-cylinder | liquid-cooled 2-cycle single-cylinder | |
| Displacement | (cm3) | 79.4 | |
| Bore/stroke | (mm) | 6.0x47.8 |
|
| Compression ratio | 8.4 |
||
| Maximum power output | (PS/rpm) | 25.7/12,500 |
|
| Maximum torque | (kg-m/rpm) | 1.50/11,000 |
|
| Carburetor type | PE68D (main bore 28 mm) | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | (l) | 5.8 | |
| Clutch | coil spring | ||
| Transmission | 6-speed return | ||
| Gear ratios | 1st gear | 2.333 | |
| 2nd gear | 1.722 | ||
| 3rd gear | 1.400 | ||
| 4th gear | 1.174 | ||
| 5th gear | 1.000 | ||
| 6th gear |
0.855 | ||
| Drive ratios (primary/final) | 4.117/3.267 | 4.117/3.666 | |
| Rake (degrees)/trail (mm) | 26°43' /75 | 27°48' /99 | |
| Tire sizes | Front | 70/100-17 40M | 70/100-19 42M |
| Rear | 90/100-14 49M | 90/100-16 52M | |
| Brakes | Front | hydraulic disc | |
| Rear | hydraulic disc | ||
| Suspension | Front | inverted telescopic (axle travel 275 mm) |
inverted telescopic (axle travel 275 mm) |
| Rear | swingarm (axle travel 280 mm) |
swingarm (axle travel 292 mm) |
|
| Frame type | semi-double cradle | ||