First Look: 2008 Honda CRF150R and CRF150RB-Expert

Here are the first of the 2008 Hondas...the CRF150R ($4,199) and CRF150RB-Expert ($4,299). Click either of the photos for a larger image, and check out the specs below.

2008 Honda CRF150R.

2008 CRF150RB-Expert

The revolutionary CRF150R and big-wheel CRF150RB are the world's first high-performance four-stroke mini racers. They feature Unicam engines, race-ready suspension and track-designed chassis for ground-breaking performance. No wonder Dirt Rider magazine picked the CRF150R as its Bike of the Year, the first time in history a minibike captured this coveted award.

Engine/Drivetrain

• High-Performance Unicam® cylinder head design (see Technology Section)
• Lightweight, compact, internal auto decompression and handlebar-mounted hot-start system provide easy starting, hot or cold.
• Compact, lightweight engine assembly weighs only 43.6 pounds.
• Crankshaft is made of high-strength, low-carbon steel with carburized main journals for maximum durability at sustained high-rpm operation.
• Forged 11.7:1-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 the two exhaust rocker arms, further contributing to compact cylinder-head design.
• 32mm 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 potential clutch and transmission material contamination of the engine oil, reduces the amount of circulating oil and permits the use of a smaller oil pump.
• Exhaust system uses a lightweight stainless exhaust header and repackable aluminum muffler.
• Vertically split crankcases feature a built-in oil pump, reducing weight compared to a conventional design.
• 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. A six-disc clutch provides the surface area necessary to handle the engine's impressive torque while carefully matched clutch springs provide a light feel at the lever.
• Durable close-ratio five-speed transmission.

Chassis/Suspension

• Front and rear suspension settings unique to the CRF®150R deliver ideal bump-absorption characteristics.
• Handlebar bend optimizes rider position and comfort.
• Lightweight, high-tensile steel frame with large-diameter frame tubing and cross-member provides excellent turning performance and straight-line tracking.
• Box-section aluminum swingarm is lightweight and rigid.
• Removable subframe is strong and durable.
• 37mm leading-axle inverted Showa cartridge front fork features friction-reducing design to improve compression and rebound control.
• The fork offers adjustable compression and rebound settings.
• Wide-section aluminum top and bottom triple-clamps position fork tubes far apart for good turning and control.
• Tapered-roller steering-head bearings for durability.
• Pro-Link® Rear Suspension (see Technology Section)
• Strong, lightweight wheels are durable and minimize unsprung weight.
• Lightweight front and rear disc brakes with high-performance pads offer powerful, precise braking.
• Stout 15mm front and 17mm rear axles incorporate a surface-treatment for added strength and durability.

Additional Features

• Large-capacity airbox and reusable two-stage foam air filter.
• Lightweight plastic body components (radiator shroud, sidecovers, rear fender, seat base, fuel tank, front fender and front number plate) offer a slim, aggressive style.
• Seat-cushion foam 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.
• High-quality Dunlop tires.
• HRC works-type rear-brake system integrates the rear master cylinder and fluid reservoir, eliminating the separate rear master-cylinder reservoir and hose.
• Adjustable front-brake lever and master-cylinder assembly are the same as CR®125R/CR250R components.
• Stainless-steel clutch cable for long life and improved feel and action.
• Works-type handlebar grips add to rider comfort.