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Honda announces more 2013 new models

Honda announced several additions to its 2013 model-year lineup, including several all-new Hondas to go along with the return of a number of off-road favorites.

“These exciting new models really illustrate the engineering capabilities that Honda brings to bear in all segments of the powersports market,” said American Honda powersports press manager Bill Savino. “The radical CRF450R is a potent, game-changing ride for those who are serious about 450-class motocross racing, the CRF250R is the next step forward from the bike that won both Supercross Lites championships in 2012, and the CRF150R race bike continues to set the pace in its class. The all-new CRF250L and CRF110F demonstrate the power of Honda engineering to offer exceptional value to consumers; the CRF250L is a very cool and capable dual-sport model with strong off-road credentials, while the introduction of the electric-start, automatic-clutch CRF110F that replaces the CRF70F represents some out-of-the-box thinking. In addition, Honda’s incredibly popular family of small-displacement recreational off-road bikes, the CRF230F, CRF150F, CRF100F, CRF80F and CRF50F, offers a perfect size for all beginners. Of course, Honda has a long history of bringing innovative ideas and great values to the market, and we’ll see that again as we release even more models later this year.”

Following is a closer look at the latest new models.

CRF450R: Advancing the State of the Art in 450-Class Racing
With the 2013 CRF450R, Honda elevates the level of performance for 450-class motocross machines. This brand-new machine features a rolling chassis fully focused on meeting the needs of today’s “scrub generation” of riders by integrating an all-new aluminum frame along with an innovative suspension package, plus a strategically engineered short dual-muffler exhaust system that tucks in closely to the center of mass. Designed from the get-go as a total package that would be eminently flickable, responsive and lightweight, every element in the 2013 CRF450R chassis has been focused on attaining a low center of gravity along with class-leading mass centralization. The new-concept KYB PSF (Pneumatic Spring Fork) is significantly lighter and it allows incorporation of a larger, more sophisticated 32mm cartridge damper piston that resets traditional thinking for front suspension performance. That’s matched with a new single-shock Pro-Link rear suspension, plus a revised engine that churns out an awe-inspiring hit in the low-end and midrange along with massive top-end power. There’s also a new six-spring clutch, a stouter transmission and much, much more. Bottom line: The 450 motocross machine that has become the ride of choice for many top-level AMA Pro riders now grows even stronger for 2013. To find out more about the CRF450R, go to http://powersports.honda.com/2013/CRF450R.aspx
SRP: TBD
Availability: September 2012

CRF250R: More Potent Than Ever
Even with winning both Supercross Lites championships in 2012, Honda understands the never-ending need to push designs forward to stay competitive. To that end, the new CRF250R incorporates changes to its powerplant and suspension that help kick it up to the next level for 2013. Recalibrated fuel injection settings have given the CRF250R a bigger hit and more response in the low-end and midrange–this in an engine already noted for its broad powerband and an amazing, right-now power response. Superb handling has long been the calling card of the CRF250R, and now new damping circuitry front and rear plus new fork springs with a stiffer rate deliver better bump absorption, improved tracking and more precise handling through those extra-rough sections of track. In addition, new-generation Dunlop Geomax MX51 tires improve traction and feel, while the rear tire also shaves 0.9 pound of unsprung weight off the rear wheel assembly for more responsive action. Such improvements only serve to highlight the CRF250R’s well-documented championship-caliber credentials, and all this and more will help the CRF250R retain its standing as the bike to beat on tracks all around the country in 2013. To find out more about the CRF250R, go to http://powersports.honda.com/2013/CRF250R.aspx
SRP: TBD
Availability: August 2012

CRF250L: New Dual-Sport Ride
With the CRF250L, Honda reintroduces the concept of a 250-class dual-sport motorcycle. This is a machine that’s more than ready to take on some serious off-road challenges without giving up street-riding accommodations. The compact and sophisticated liquid-cooled DOHC 249cc single-cylinder powerplant produces smooth and consistent torque at low rpm to aid off-road work, yet the short-stroke engine also spins up excellent high-rpm performance for the street. All through the rev range, the CRF250L pumps out a well-balanced and very capable level of power, along with excellent fuel economy. Its off-road-oriented chassis, which includes a long-travel 43mm inverted fork and single-shock Pro-Link rear suspension, make it equally at home on city streets or country trails. And with styling cues carried over from Honda’s legendary CRF motocross bikes, the CRF250L offers the full package, whether the day calls for low-cost transportation, a weekday commute or genuine dual-sport adventure. To find out more about the CRF250L, go to http://powersports.honda.com/2013/crf250l.aspx
SRP: $4,499
Availability: August 2012

CRF110F: A New Approach for Fun
Leave it to Honda to expand the notion of what a beginner bike should be. The popular CRF70F has long held a place of honor among Honda’s family of fun, entry-level off-road bikes, but now the CRF110F takes over that slot in the lineup. The CRF110F features a low seat height, modest size, and a four-speed transmission with an automatic clutch on par with the CRF70F that it replaces. The new 110cc powerplant is tuned to meet the needs of those new to riding, and with a new throttle-limiter feature it offers additional tuning options to suit a variety of riders. Also, the CRF110F gets a new, convenient electric starter. Toss in race-inspired styling evocative of the hot new CRF450R, and you have a great new option that expands the family of entry-level dirt bikes from Honda. To find out more about the CRF110F, go to http://powersports.honda.com/2013/crf110f.aspx
SRP: TBD
Availability: Fall 2012

CRF150R/RB: A Big Winner, Sized for Younger Racers
Younger racers may be smaller in stature, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a giant-sized heart for racing — and winning. So for these younger racers, Honda designed the CRF150R/RB as an integral part of the CRF racing lineup. This is the full-on racing machine, with a high-output 149cc liquid-cooled four-valve four-stroke engine with exceptional torque and drivability throughout the powerband. The championship-caliber chassis includes race-tuned suspension components with plenty of travel front and rear, all set to take on the toughest tracks around. Over the years and all around the country, the CRF150R/RB has won tons of championships at the highest levels of amateur racing. And that makes it the proven choice for younger competitors who are ready to take their racing up to the next level. To find out more about the CRF150R/RB, go to http://powersports.honda.com/2013/crf150r.aspx
SRP: CRF150R $4,990; CRF150RB $5,140
Availability: July 2012

Family Values: CRF50F, CRF80F, CRF100F, CRF150F and CRF230F
With the CRF110F replacing the CRF70F, the family of Honda off-road play bikes has never looked better. The automatic-clutch-equipped CRF50F is stair-stepped right below the automatic-clutch-equipped CRF110F, while the CRF80F and CRF100F are a step up with increased power, taller seat heights and manual clutches. Higher up the ladder, we have the CRF150F and CRF230F, which are just the right size to suit older beginners and experienced adult riders equally well. Together, these six progressively sized options in the family make it easy to find just the right match for beginning and advancing riders. And you can rest assured that no matter which of these six bikes fills the bill for your newbie, each one comes fully equipped with that famous Honda quality and reliability that keeps the joy in riding over the long run. All in all, the CRF family offers the perfect set of options for family fun.
SRP: TBD
Availability: CRF50F – Fall 2012; CRF80F, CRF100F and CRF230F – September 2012; CRF150F – October 2012

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