The machine that took Chase Sexton to the 2019 AMA 250SX East Region Supercross Championship and Jace Owen to the 2019 Kicker Arenacross title gets a host of important updates for 2020, including engine enhancements aimed at bettering low-to-midrange power, and chassis revisions that improve handling. To increase torque and improve driveability, the cam profile is new, the combustion chamber is reshaped, and the exhaust resonator has been removed. At the same time, maneuverability has been improved through a lighter frame and swingarm with optimized flex characteristics, along with a lower battery position and internal front-and-rear suspension updates.
2020 Updates
- New cam profile delays opening of exhaust valves and has reduced valve overlap, resulting in improved torque and power in the 6,000-10,000 rpm range.
- Optimized combustion-chamber shape.
- Ignition timing is optimized at 8,000 rpm for improved torque and power.
- Gear-position sensor added to allow dedicated ignition maps for each gear.
- Header-pipe resonator is removed for improved power character when shifting from second to third gear.
- Muffler is revised for improved low-to-midrange torque.
- New air-filter element is 10% larger for increased airflow.
- Enlarged left-side radiator for efficient cooling with higher engine-power output.
- Second gear has revised (higher) ratio for improved drive, while second and third gears have a new WPC surface treatment for improved durability and reduced friction.
- Clutch capacity is increased by 18%, and clutch spring has a higher rate.
- New lighter aluminum perimeter frame and aluminum swingarm are designed to achieve increased yaw-angle stiffness while retaining lateral and torsional stiffness, resulting in improved stability.
- Newly shaped footpegs are 20% lighter and shed mud more easily, giving the rider great feel and confidence in all riding conditions.
- Thanks in part to revised internal suspension settings (fork has increased low-speed damping, while shock has increased low-speed compression and reduced high-speed compression), handling has been improved in the following areas: stability, tracking, turning and traction.
- Battery repositioned 28mm lower to drop center of gravity for better handling.
- Rear brake has a shorter hose and longer, lighter pedal, as well as a new pad material with improved power and better durability in muddy conditions. Lower-rear brake guard removed for reduced unsprung weight and improved cooling.
- New graphics.
Engine/Drivetrain
- High-performance, DOHC, 249cc single-cylinder engine with dual-overhead-cam design and high rev limit, offering great performance.
- Finger rocker arms with Diamond Like Coating (DLC) maximize valve lift while retaining a low engine height.
- Downdraft intake layout produces strong power and enables great throttle response by reducing resistance, thereby improving air-charging efficiency.
- 44mm throttle body provides ideal low-rpm intake airflow for strong corner-exit performance.
- Piston oil jet uses five nozzle holes for efficient piston-cooling efficiency and minimized knocking, enabling a precise ignition-timing setting for optimum power delivery.
- Advanced AC generator reduces weight and friction losses.
- Electric-start standard for easy, fast engine startup.
- Easily selectable Standard, Smooth, and Aggressive riding modes enable simple tuning depending on rider preference or course conditions.
- Selectable HRC launch control provides a steady stream of torque for excellent performance on race starts.
Chassis/Suspension
- Low center of gravity reduces front-end lift for strong acceleration performance.
- Lightweight and compact 1.66 gallon titanium tank keeps weight to a minimum.
- Lightweight front-brake caliper uses pistons of different diameters (30mm and 27mm) for strong braking performance.
- Front brake hose resists expansion for precise braking.
- Renthal® Fatbar® reduces weight of the steering system, and flexes for optimal comfort.
- Top triple clamp features two handlebar-holder locations for moving the handlebar rearward and forward by 26mm, ensuring rider comfort. When holder is turned 180 degrees, the handlebar can be moved an additional 10mm from the base position, resulting in four total unique riding positions.
- Black rims deliver a strong presence on and off the track.
- Smooth bodywork layout eases rider movement.
- In-mold graphics are durable and resistant to peeling caused by washing or abrasion.
- Geomax MX3S tires, exclusively available through Honda, for superior bump absorption and grip in wide variety of conditions.
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