As you
look at the lineup of dirt bikes from Honda, you’ll note the
absence of the venerable XR 600. Yep, the time-honored air-cooled
big single, which seemingly has been around since the earth cooled,
has finally been eliminated from the Honda stable.
It’s safe to say that the XR 650 has done
its intended job of replacing Old Faithful, and is actually
starting to win a whole bunch of important off-road races. And in
the Baja events, it’s utterly dominating! The balance of the line has not received major changes, and
some of the smaller XR models are virtually unchanged except for
graphics. Still, Honda has an impressive range of models, ranging
from beginner play bikes, to supercross steeds. Let’s take a
look:
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The 2001 CR125R returns with chassis refinements and
aggressive mid-range and top-end power delivery.
Features & Benefits
New for 2001
- New cylinder porting shapes and specifications contribute
to improved engine performance.
- New, larger air intake connecting tube.
 New 4-petal reed valve combined with a new asymmetrical reed
block improves off-idle response, driveability and top-end
power.- New reed-valve stopper shape adds low-end
driveability.
- New exhaust pipe joint seal.
- Exhaust flange bore shape is now oval, which
improves mid-range and top-end power delivery.
- Exhaust valve flaps add a tuned, 2.5mm hole
for improved bottom-end response.
- Redesigned exhaust governor components provide
added stroke adjustment.
- Ignition flywheel mass increased by 8 percent
to improve top-end over-rev character.
- Aluminum ACG cover is redesigned for better
sealing against water and mud.
- New lightweight drive chain is 3 ounces
lighter than the previous design.
- New heavier spring rates in front fork combine
with new damping force rates to produce improved ride quality in
varying riding conditions.
 New anodized
aluminum brake pistons and newly designed front brake disc reduce unsprung weight by nearly 5 ounces in the front brake
system.- New lightweight steering stem features
aluminum top threads and stem nut to reduce weight 2
ounces.
- New handlebar grips add to rider
comfort.
- New side panels feature 20 percent wider air
intake openings for improved mid-range and high-rpm throttle
response and power.
- Optional 20-inch front wheel improves
cornering traction and rider comfort.
- Team Honda-inspired colors and
graphics.
Engine
- Liquid-cooled two-stroke single-cylinder
engine with 54mm x 54.5mm bore and stroke and 8.8:1 compression
ratio.
- Nikasil-plated cylinder reduces friction and
heat to improve overall performance.
 Piston ring groove is anodized for added
durability.- 36mm Mikuni TMX flat-slide carburetor delivers
improved bottom-end throttle response and complements the RC
valve's performance for improved mid-to-high-rpm
rideability.
- Carbon fiber reed-valve petals enhance
throttle response and engine performance.
- RC-style exhaust valve features an NSR road
racing-inspired rotary flap design that provides smoother power
transition between low- and mid-range engine speeds.
- Expansion chamber design enhances the engine's power output and
delivery.
- A 16-bit processor in the ignition CPU
produces faster data calculation and more accurate ignition timing
for the solid-state 3-D map-type digital ignition.
- Eight clutch plates provide significant
surface area to handle the engine's torque. Clutch springs provide
a light feel at the lever.
 Dual radiators provide 21 percent more surface area and a 19
percent improvement in heat dissipation over the previous single
radiator.- Steel water-pump gear and steel
kickstarter-shaft collar improve reliability.
- Five-speed close-ratio transmission is
durable, and combines with 13/52 final-drive gearing to match the
engine's power characteristics.
- Primary kickstarting system allows starting in
any gear.
Chassis Suspension
- Second-generation twin-spar aluminum frame and
swingarm offer an optimal balance of rigidity and strength for light,
easy handling on widely varying track conditions.
- Frame features lightweight twin-spar aluminum
construction with semi-double-cradle configuration.
- Extruded aluminum main frame spars measuring
80mm x 30mm reduce torsional rigidity 25 percent and increase
lateral rigidity 10 percent compared to the first-generation
design. The result provides an ideal balance of rigidity, strength,
compliance and comfort.
- Chassis design locates frame spars lower for a
narrower feel compared to first-generation design.
- Forged aluminum steering head provides a
compact and extremely durable mount for the frame spars and engine
downtube.
- Semi-double-cradle design features a single,
large-diameter, 45mm x 50mm dual-box section downtube. Two rugged
box-section rails attach to the base of the downtube and support
the engine.
- Pro-Link¨ single-shock rear suspension system
features a fully-adjustable Kayaba rear shock with 12.6 inches of
travel and separate low-speed (18 positions) and high-speed (2
turns) compression damping adjusters. The adjusters are located
together in a concentric fashion, with a screw inside a
nut.
- Inverted Kayaba cartridge fork features
improved damping force
transition characteristics. The design isolates the fork oil
and damper oil with an air/oil separator and a unique 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
coating of lubricating oil to reduce friction with fork
bushings.- Swingarm features a dual-axis, double-taper
design with a large cast aluminum cross-member.
- Linkage mount on frame cross-brace is raised
to minimize ground contact on jump landings and rough
terrain.
- Rear axle diameter of 25mm and large-diameter
bearings provide significant rigidity to withstand tortuous track
conditions.
- Compact dual-piston front brake caliper with
aluminum pistons reduces unsprung weight by 48 grams.
 Front disc brake cover helps protect rotor and caliper from
damage.- Large, 240mm front and rear brake
rotors.
- Front wheel features large-diameter front axle
and wide wheel-bearing span for additional rigidity.
- Lightweight hubs and solid-section rims with
strong straight-pull spokes offer a high degree of durability and
minimize unsprung weight.
Additional Features
- Slim design combines with minimal bodywork to
emphasize the beautiful frame and engine. Seat design creates a
narrow profile in the seat and tank area, providing excellent
comfort in competition riding.
- Fenders, shrouds and side covers emphasize a
clean, purposeful design.
- Seat cushion uses soft foam and is positioned
close to the fuel tank, providing a smooth transition to increase
rider mobility and comfort.
- Handlebar is rubber-mounted to reduce rider
fatigue and improve comfort.
- CR125/250
handlebar holders provide three different mounting
positions: standard CR125R holder provides a 3mm rearward set and
can be rotated 180 degrees to position handlebar 6mm forward.
Optional CR250R holders provides neutral position to match rider
preference.
- Removable rear subframe allows easy
maintenance.
- Washable, two-stage foam air filter for
optimal engine protection and easy maintenance.
- Repackable silencer for maximum performance
and minimal noise.
- Lightweight, rugged chain guide and lower
chain roller for maximum durability.
- Comfortable, durable controls and high-quality
fasteners.
 Adjustable front brake lever.- Stainless steel clutch cable for long
life.
- Wide, cleated cast stainless steel footpegs
are self-cleaning, resist corrosion, provide excellent grip and
fold for extra ground clearance.
- Cleated rear brake pedal and folding shift
lever tip.
Specifications |
