For off-road fun, nothing beats the electric-start CRF150F. Big enough to keep experienced adults entertained but small and light for beginning riders, the CRF150F is the darling of the off-road enthusiast press.

Honda CRF History

The Honda CRF series is a line of four-stroke motocross motorcycles manufactured and marketed by Honda.

The CRF line was launched in 2002, both as a successor to the Honda XR series and a replacement for the two-stroke Honda CR Series. The full sized motocross bikes are equipped with liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke engines that are available from 249 cc to 449 cc. The entry-level CRF's have simple air-cooled engines, and are available from 50 cc to 230 cc.

The Honda CRF450R was the first in the series,

2004 Honda CRF450R SPECS
Model: CRF450R
Engine Type: 449cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 96mm x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio: 12.0:1
Valve Train: Unicam; four-valve
Carburetion: Keihin 40mm flat-slide
Ignition: CD with electronic advance
Transmission: Close-ratio five-speed
Final Drive: #520 chain; 13T/48T
Suspension:

• Front: 47mm inverted Showa cartridge fork with 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustability; 12.4 inches travel
• Rear: Pro-Link Showa single shock with spring preload, 17-position rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns); 12.5 inches travel

Brakes:

• Front: Single 240mm disc with twin-piston caliper
• Rear: Single 240mm disc

Tires:

• Front: 80/100-21
• Rear: 110/90-19

Wheelbase: 58.5 inches
Rake (Caster Angle): 26.91
Trail: 108mm (4.25 inches)
Seat Height: 37.6 inches
Ground Clearance: 13.4 inches
Dry Weight: 222.0 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 2.0 gallons
Color: Red

followed with the CRF250R in 2004.

2004 Honda CRF250R SPECS
Model: CRF250R
Engine Type: Type: 249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 78mm x 52.2mm
Compression Ratio: 12.5:1
Valve train: Unicam; four-valve
Carburetion: Keihin 37mm flat-slide with throttle position sensor (TPS)
Ignition: Solid-state CD with electronic advance
Transmission: Close-ratio five-speed
Final Drive: #520 chain; 13T/51T
Suspension:

• Front: 47mm inverted Showa cartridge fork with 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustability; 12.4 inches travel
• Rear: Pro-Link Showa single shock with spring pre-load, 17-position rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns); 12.4 inches travel

Brakes:

• Front: Single 240mm disc with twin-piston caliper
• Rear: Single 240mm disc

Tires:

• Front: 80/100-21
• Rear: 100/90-19

Wheelbase: 58.3 inches
Rake (Caster Angle): 27.49
Trail: 120.1 mm (4.7 inches)
Seat Height: 37.9 inches
Ground Clearance: 14.2 inches
Dry Weight: 206 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 2.0 gallons
Color: Red

Further down the line, the CRF450X and CRF250X bikes emerged, both designed for mostly off-road use. They are considered among the best motocrossers of their class, and have been a leading seller since their introduction.

As of 2008, the CRF series includes the 230F, 150F, 100F, 80F, 70F and 50F.

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Test Ride

The CRF 150F is definitely a good bike to satisfy most riders no matter how long you've been riding. It has plenty of power but could have a little more. It would be nice to crank out 3rd gear wheelies. It has enough power stock but I didn't like the sound. Anyway, the bike definitely has a decent suspension and the bike handles well in the air, the weight will definitely give you a work out and make you so much better of a rider because if you can throw around 236 pounds, you can handle the weight of any bike. TIP--Ditch the stock pipe & GET HAND GUARDS!

Complaints?

• It's fun to ride but is not the fastest bike. It gets up hills really easy and gets through mud pretty good but if you want to go fast, this isn't your bike.

 

Conclusion

The advantage of the bike is the electric start . It is great when you are stuck on a steep hill or stuck in the middle of a deep stream. Just punch it and go. It's definitely for beginners or if you're experienced, it's fun to mess around on. If you want to have a lot of fun on the trails, then get this bike.

Features

 

New for 2008

• Narrower seat, fuel tank and new handlebar shape increase rider comfort.
• New carburetor jetting improves engine performance.

 

Engine/Drivetrain

• Dependable 149cc single-cylinder air-cooled four-stroke engine produces smooth, easy-to-use power that's ideal for recreational riders.
• 24mm carburetor offers excellent throttle response.
• Ultra-reliable CD ignition never needs maintenance.
• Electric starter for convenient starting in all conditions.
• Heavy-duty clutch offers smooth engagement and durability.
• Smooth-shifting five-speed transmission.
• Five-speed transmission ratios to match engine power characteristics.

 

Chassis/Suspension

• Lightweight semi-double-cradle high-tensile steel frame.
• 35mm leading-axle Showa front fork offers 9.1 inches of compliant suspension travel.
• Pro-Link Rear Suspension (see Technology Section)
• Heavy-duty Showa rear shock offers 8.9 inches of travel.
• Powerful 240mm front disc brake.
• Lightweight rear drum brake.

 

Additional Features

• Engine design produces low emissions that meets both EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) off-road standards.
• Maintenance-free battery.
• Snail-type chain adjusters for easy maintenance.
• Durable body components.
• High-impact plastic skidplate for undercarriage protection.
• Motocross-style seat is low and comfortable and allows maximum rider movement.
• Cleated, folding and self-cleaning footpegs offer secure footing.
• Folding shift lever and brake-pedal tips.
• Fork boots keep dirt and moisture away from fork seals.
• Durable steel sprockets.
• Washable, reusable, foam air filter.
• Quiet, USDA-qualified spark arrester/muffler.
• CRF-R inspired bodywork.
• Keyed ignition switch.
• Transferable six-month limited warranty.

 

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SPECS

Model:      CRF150F
Engine Type:     149cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke:     57.3mm x 57.8mm
Compression ratio:     9.5:1
Valve Train:     SOHC; two-valve
Induction:     24mm piston-valve carburetor
Ignition:     CDI
Transmission:     Five-speed
Final Drive:     #520 O-ring- sealed chain; 13T/48T
Suspension:

• Front: 35mm leading-axle Showa fork; 9.1 inches travel
• Rear: Pro-Link Showa single shock; 8.9 inches travel

Brakes:

• Front: Single 240mm disc
• Rear: Drum

Tires:

• Front: 70/100-19
• Rear: 90/100-16

Wheelbase:     52.2 inches
Rake (Caster angle):     26.7o
Trail:     87mm (3.4 inches)
Seat Height:     32.5 inches
Ground Clearance:     10.0 inches
Curb Weight:     236 pounds
Fuel Capacity:     1.9 gallons, including 0.4-gallon reserve
Color:     Red
Meets current CARB and EPA standards.