Developed for young riders looking to up their game, Honda's CRF150R is the first step on the CRF Performance ladder. Though scaled-down in size, Honda's littlest motocrosser touts a Unicam® four-stroke engine and Showa® suspension, giving the next generation of racer a true high-performance experience that is a great foundation for developing advanced skills. The CRF150R is available in both standard and Expert versions—the latter being a great choice for taller riders, thanks to its larger wheels, higher seat and additional rear-suspension travel.
HISTORY
Introduced for the 2007 model year, the CRF150R brought CRF-R four-stroke motocross performance to the younger generation. (Previously, such machines were only available as two-strokes.) Over the years, the littlest member of the CRF Performance lineup has been a big seller, in both its standard and Expert iterations.
STYLING / DESIGN
Designed for performance, the CRF150R is available in two versions: the standard CRF150R (with 17-inch and 14-inch front-and-rear wheels) and the CRF150R Expert (with 19- and 16-inch wheels), which is intended for larger riders. Lightweight plastic body components—including the radiator shrouds, side panels, front and rear fenders, seat base, front number plate and fork guards—mimic the looks of the larger CRF-R models and provide a sleek, smooth rider area to facilitate maneuvering on the bike.
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
Taking inspiration from the CRF450R, the CRF150R features a scaled-down version of Honda's proven Unicam architecture. Designed for optimal power and torque across the entire powerband, the high-performance 149.7cc engine has bore and stroke figures of 66.0mm and 43.7mm, respectively, along with a 11.7:1 compression ratio.
This lightweight engine weighs just 43.6 pounds, contributing to the bike's overall agility and responsiveness. The engine features a twin-sump lubrication system, which separates the oil supply for the crankshaft, piston and valve train from that of the clutch and transmission. This system ensures cool oil for the clutch, reduces the risk of contamination and allows for a smaller, more efficient oil pump.
For easy starting, the CRF150R features a lightweight, compact internal auto-decompression system combined with a handlebar-mounted hot-start, ensuring reliable performance whether the bike is hot or cold. A 32mm Keihin FCR carburetor with an accelerator-pump circuit offers precise fuel metering for crisp throttle response and rideability throughout the powerband. A large-capacity airbox is paired with a reusable two-stage foam air filter, ensuring optimal airflow.
Completing the performance package is a lightweight exhaust system that includes a stainless-steel header and re-packable aluminum muffler for durability and performance. Power is delivered through a durable five-speed, close-ratio transmission.
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
The lightweight, high-tensile steel frame features large-diameter tubing and delivers outstanding turning performance and stability in straight-line tracking. The standard CRF150R has a seat height of 32.8 inches, compared to 34.1 inches for the Expert version.
The suspension is tuned to provide smooth action over even the toughest track conditions, ensuring a controlled ride on even the roughest of tracks. The 37mm leading-axle inverted Showa cartridge fork has friction-reducing technology and offers 10.8 inches of travel.
The Pro-Link rear-suspension system features a single fully adjustable Showa shock, offering responsive handling. Wheel travel is 10.7 inches on the standard CRF150R, 11.1 inches on the Expert version.
Strong, lightweight wheels minimize unsprung weight, enhancing agility and responsiveness. Hydraulic front and rear disc brakes feature high-performance pads, for powerful-yet-precise stopping power. Stout 15mm and 17mm front and rear axles are treated for strength. Meanwhile, high-performance Dunlop tires provide exceptional traction.
