Think of the CRF70F as the perfect stepping stone between its bigger siblings and the CRF50F. Your youngster a tad too big for the 50F, but not quite ready for the CRF80F or 100F? No worries. This bike features the same smooth three-speed semi-automatic transmission (no clutch to deal with) and novice-friendly four-stroke power as its little brother, only in a slightly bigger package. What could me more fun than that?

2008 Honda CRF70F

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2008 Honda CRF70F
  • Engine/Motor: air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
  • Transmission: three-speed with automatic clutch and #420 chain final drive

 

Introduction


Honda makes sure that its riders are properly initiated in the world of motocross and with an automatic clutch, low seat height, three-speed transmission, and low-maintenance 72cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine, the CRF70F is a great introduction to off-road motorcycling.

History


The exciting Honda CRF70F was first launched in 2004 as the compact fun bike with the look and feel of a true motocross champion. It aimed at kids on the move and rapidly growing into the bigger enjoyment to come in the off-road riding so they quickly reacted. What attracted them most was the three-speed constant-mesh transmission with automatic clutch for easy takeoffs and the torque engine providing all the power needed to make it a winner. Another good reason was the front suspension which featured dual-rate springs and revised damping rates right from the very beginning but what made this bike look like a winner on its first race were the CRF-R-inspired bodywork and graphics.

Being now a must for every kid that had outgrown the CRF50F but hadn’t yet gained the sufficient experience for the five-speed manual transmission, CRF80F, the 70cc Honda made the sales graphics look good.

Being a great new machine, the CRF70F now only had to follow CRF-R’s graphic evolution and change it year after year in order to keep the small riders inspired and ready to get muddy.

Competition


Suzuki also enters the scene in 2008 offering the strongest competitor for the Honda. It is known as the DR-Z70 and it only requires a look at its 10-inch wheels and 22-inch seat height to understand that it is a bike with ideal dimensions for up-and-coming riders. It also has performance features designed specially for youngsters and it includes both electric and kick starting. Its 67cc engine offers a smooth, controllable powerband and strong low-end torque. And, because it has a large engine displacement, it boasts great performance, which young riders will enjoy for years as they develop their skills. For 2008, the DR-Z70 also features race-inspired styling, so young riders can imagine riding on their favorite racing machine.

Every young rider yearning to try racing after mastering the basic needs can also jump on the new Kawasaki KX65. From a group of friends at a track to fully-sanctioned motocross races, the KX is an excellent platform for developing and honing those racing skills. With its liquid-cooled, high-performance two-stroke engine, full-racing chassis, long-travel suspension and disc brakes, the smallest KX model is the adequate machine to be lined next to the CRF70F and DR-Z70.

You’re probably thinking on what Yamaha has to offer and I must say that it has a lot. By featuring a three-speed automatic transmission, the PW80 is suitable for the battle but its engine capacity also allows it to enter the battle with the CRF80F which features a manual transmission and signifies a bigger step for a rider’s evolution.

Exterior


Honda designed the CRF70F as the ideal looking machine to carry learning riders over one important step in their riding careers and that is developing skills.

In order to make the kids feel like real race riders, the 2008 machine is following its previous models and it features CRF-inspired bodywork and graphics. Also following the bigger CRFs, the chrome, steel-spoked wheels combine with the overall appearance and blend in with the rest of the unique elements perfectly.

The comfort and handling triangle is formed by CR-style seat shape accommodating a broad range of rider sizes, motocross-style handlebar featuring crossbar, and silver-painted footpegs inspired on the frame’s color.

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Test Drive


Children who have been ridding the new Honda CRF70F had provided me with crucial information concerning performance, handling, and overall riding feel so I will base my test drive on their sayings which, I have to say, were very cheerful. I wouldn’t expect at anything else from a kid riding a Honda, no matter what displacement.

First thing on my list was the engine performance and how does it end up as a wheel shredding dirt.

I found out that the 72cc engine provides controlled power to teach beginners how to ride and sufficient performance for the competitive rider who had jumped back on the machine that turned its passion into skills. This is accomplished with the help of a 13mm piston-valve carburetor obtaining the balance between being user-friendly and powerful when needed.

Transmission is automatic and it is there to complement the engine’s abilities and to provide smooth power delivery yet sufficient to make the rider feel at home even when it reaches top end.

Being user-friendly and providing a smooth ride, the Honda CRF70F, widely opens handling and comfort chapters for riders willing to improve skills formed on the CRF50F. This means that the bike uses the triangle I previously mentioned in order to comfortable accommodate its rider of various sizes and the rest of the process makes use of the front suspension equipped with dual-rate springs to continue what riding position initially started. The package wouldn’t have been complete without the reliable rear single shock featuring 3.5 inches of travel but Honda took care of that issue as well.

Simple and small, this CRF brings things to a complete stop by using the reliable and efficient stopping power provided by the front and rear drum brakes. I heard no complains related to the brakes or any other system fitted on this motocrosser.

Overall, the Honda CRF70F is a treasure providing tips as experience is gained and it becomes an absolute enjoyment to ride after following its advices, but most of all, taking things step by step.

Price


All the qualities necessary for a great success can be found on the 2008 Honda CRF70F, a motorcycle which is being offered for a retail price of $1,699. This is another advantage showing that the way for success starts with small steps and little money.

Conclusion


Honda CRF70F indeed completes its purpose of being the pass from 50cc to 100cc or even to start from no experience at all. This way it becomes on of the most desired small rides out there and this review shows it.

By being reliable and user-friendly while still offering enough power to complete the journey with a decent TopSpeed, Honda’s mini motocross machine proves to be versatile and enjoyable from the very first day. 

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SPECIFICATIONS

 

Engine and Transmission


Displacement: 72cc
Engine Type: air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 47mm x 41.4mm
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Valve Train: SOHC; two-valve
Induction: 13mm piston-valve Carburetor
Ignition: CD
Transmission: Three-speed with automatic clutch
Final Drive: #420 chain; 15T/36T

Chassis and Dimension


Front Suspension: 27mm telescopic fork; 3.2 inches travel
Rear Suspension: Single shock; 3.5 inches travel
Front Brake: Drum
Rear Brake: Drum
Front Tire: 2.50-14
Rear Tire: 3.00-12
Wheelbase: 42.0 inches
Rake (Caster Angle): 27.03 degrees
Trail: 61.5mm (2.4 inches)
Seat Height: 26.1 inches
Ground Clearance: 7.0 inches
Curb Weight: 139 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 1.3 gallons, including 0.3 reserve

Other


Color: Red

Features

 

Engine/Drivetrain

-Fuel-efficient SOHC 72cc four-stroke engine offers easy-to-use power and high level of dependability.
-13mm piston-valve carburetor offers excellent rideabillity and high fuel mileage.
-Closed crankcase vent system safeguards against engine oil contamination.
-Automatic cam-chain tensioner.
-Maintenance-free CD ignition.
-Quiet, USDA-qualified muffler/spark arrester.
- #420 drive chain is tough and durable.
-Three-speed constant-mesh transmission with automatic clutch for easy takeoffs and shifting.

Chassis/Suspension

-Lightweight and rigid backbone frame configuration.
-Smooth-action 27mm front fork provides 3.2 inches of suspension travel for confident control over rugged trails.
-Triangulated swingarm with single shock is durable and offers 3.5 inches of rear wheel travel.
-Brakes are compact, lightweight and feature leading-/trailing-shoe-design front and rear.
-Knobby tires offer excellent grip and long life.

Additional Features

-CRF-R-inspired graphics.
-Engine design produces low emissions that meet both EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) off-road emission standard.
-Keyed ignition switch provides added security.
-Chrome, steel-spoked wheels combine with Honda Racing styling and graphics to look like the bigger CRFs.
-CR-style seat shape accommodates a broad range of rider sizes.
-Small and lightweight feel combine with low seat height to inspire confidence in young riders.
-Tough and durable plastic body parts.
-Motocross-style handlebar with crossbar.
-Folding, cleated footpegs offer secure footing even in muddy conditions.
-Silver-painted frame and footpegs.
-Front suspension features dual-rate springs for improved rider comfort and bump absorption.
-Transferable six-month limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.