Confirming months of speculation, Honda announced the 2006 CRF250R will feature a dual-muffler exhaust system. Honda claims this system centralizes mass for improved handling and increases low-rpm torque. Overall, the bike received several other changes and features a dry weight identical to the 2005 model. Here is a reprint of Honda’s features and specifications for this model.

2006 Honda CRF250R- Features and Benefits

New for 2006

• New dual-muffler exhaust system centralizes mass and reduces turning inertia to improve the lightweight feel of the bike.
• Dual-muffler exhaust system also increases low-rpm torque.
• New piston shape increases mid- and high-rpm power.
• New thinner piston ring for reduced engine friction.
• Cylinder head features new exhaust port shape for improved power at high rpm.
• Intake valve seats incorporate a new material to improve valve durability.
• New camshaft profile increases high-rpm power.
• New 40mm Keihin FCR carburetor increases high-rpm power.
• New ignition mapping works in conjunction with new cylinder head and camshaft for improved power throughout the rev range.
• New front hub is lighter and stronger.
• New front fork outer tubes for lighter weight.
• Radiators are mounted 5mm lower for lower center of gravity and improved weight feel.
• New swingarm construction for lighter weight.
• New front and rear suspension valving for improved bump absorption.

Engine/Drivetrain

• Powerful four-stroke 249cc liquid-cooled four-valve Unicam(R) engine is designed to produce power across a wide rpm range for easy-to-control operation.
• Lightweight, compact, internal auto decompression and handlebar-mounted hot-start system provide superb operation, hot or cold.
• Compact, lightweight engine assembly weighs only 52.7 pounds.
• Unicam valve train provides the light weight of a compact single-cam drive and the optimum combustion chamber shape for maximum power at all engine rpm.
• Unicam valve train features a carburized single camshaft that directly actuates two 31mm titanium intake valves. The camshaft exhaust lobe actuates two 26mm steel exhaust valves via a forked, low-friction roller rocker arm.
• Lightweight titanium intake valves permit the use of smaller valve springs, reducing overall engine height.
• Crankshaft is made of high-strength, low-carbon steel with carburized main journals for maximum durability at sustained high-rpm operation.
• ACG cover, clutch cover and cylinder-head cover are made of magnesium to reduce engine weight.
• Forged 12.9:1 compression slipper piston and rings are lighter than a conventional design, revving quickly while maintaining excellent cylinder sealing and high-rpm power.
• Double-carburized connecting rod utilizes a big-end needle bearing for maximum high-rpm performance and durability.
• Nikasil cylinder lining is lightweight and provides cooler operation for extended engine life.
• Press-fitted aluminum spark plug pipe fits between forked exhaust rocker arms, further contributing to compact cylinder head design.
• 40mm Keihin FCR carburetor features four rollers on the flat slide, resulting in very light throttle effort, smooth operation, crisp throttle response and excellent rideability.
• Carburetor features a throttle position sensor (TPS) that helps maintain a linear throttle response throughout the range.
• Twin-sump lubrication system separates the oil supply for the crankshaft, piston and valve train from the clutch and transmission. This ensures a cool supply of oil to the clutch, eliminates clutch and transmission material contamination to the engine oil, reduces the amount of circulating oil and permits the use of a smaller oil pump.
• Vertically split crankcases feature a built-in oil pump, reducing weight compared to a conventional design.
• Exhaust system uses a lightweight stainless exhaust header and repackable aluminum mufflers.
• Dual radiators feature a refined core area for improved heat dissipation compared to conventional dual-radiator design.
• Gear-driven balancer reduces vibration and drives the water pump. Eight clutch disks provide the surface area necessary to handle the engine’s impressive torque, while carefully matched clutch springs provide a light feel at the lever.
• Durable five-speed close-ratio transmission.

Chassis/Suspension

• Fourth-generation twin-spar aluminum frame is derived from Honda’s CR(R) series. Forged aluminum steering head and tapered downtube section are designed to optimize frame rigidity. In addition, tall swingarm pivot plates and thin-frame spars create a narrow overall frame cross-section for superb rider comfort and maneuverability.
• Frame design features a single, large-diameter, tapered downtube. Two rugged box-section rails attach to the base of the downtube and support the engine. A forged aluminum steering head provides a compact and extremely durable mount for the frame spars and engine downtube.
• The aluminum frame design is matched to rider ergonomics to maximize handling and control operation.
• Swingarm features a dual-axis, double-taper design with a large cast-aluminum cross-member.
• Front and rear wheels feature HRC works-type lightweight aluminum spoke nipples.
• Front wheel features large-diameter front axle and wide wheel-bearing span for excellent rigidity.
• Rear axle diameter of 25mm and large-diameter bearings provide significant rigidity to withstand torturous track conditions.
• Lightweight, 47mm inverted Showa twin-chamber cartridge fork with aluminum dampers. The fork offers 12.4 inches of travel, 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustability. The inner surface of the front fork outer-tubes receives same honing treatment as works bikes for low-friction operation.
• Pro-Link(R) single-shock rear suspension system features a fully adjustable Showa rear damper and 12.4 inches of wheel travel, separate low-speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns) compression damping adjusters and 17-position rebound damping.
• Rear shock damper piston diameter is 50mm for consistent performance under demanding riding conditions.
• Compact twin-piston front brake caliper, anodized aluminum brake pistons and lightweight front brake disc minimize unsprung weight for improved turning and handling.
• HRC works-type rear brake system integrates the rear master cylinder and fluid reservoir, eliminating the rear master cylinder reservoir and hose.
• Large, 240mm front and rear brake discs.

Additional Features

• All plastic body components (radiator shroud, sidecovers, rear fender, seat base, fuel tank, front fender and front number plate), offer a slim, aggressive style and light weight.
• Frame design allows airbox sidecovers to have larger intake ducts, contributing to significant airflow in the mid- and upper-rpm ranges.
• Rider ergonomics are optimized by adapting the handlebar, seat and footpeg height to place the rider’s legs at the narrowest cross-section of the frame for improved comfort and handling.
• Seat cushion uses foam construction that follows the shape of the fuel tank, providing a smooth transition to increase rider mobility and comfort.
• “Non-slip” seat cover for increased rider control.
• Cleated rear brake pedal and folding shift lever are made of lightweight aluminum and are designed to complement the riding position. Brake pedal features optimized ratio to match integrated rear-brake master cylinder design.
• Wide, cleated, stainless steel footpegs are self-cleaning, resist corrosion, provide excellent grip and fold for extra ground clearance.
• Aluminum Renthal handlebar (971 bend) is rubber-mounted to reduce rider fatigue and improve comfort.
• Ownership includes one-year complimentary membership for an individual in the Honda Rider’s Club of America(TM) (HRCA(R)). Benefits include: discounts, travel benefits, roadside assistance, one year of Honda Red Rider(TM) magazine, access to HRCA Clubhouse Web site (www.hrca.honda.com) and access online to Honda Common Service Manual. For HRCA details, call 1-800-847-HRCA. For dealers only, please call (310) 783-3958.

2006 Honda CRF250R Specifications

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