The Honda CRF motorcycle series is one of the most popular and well-recognized lineups among riders. The CRF series was launched in 2000 as a replacement for the CR series, and it now includes a wide range of four-stroke motocross, trail, and dual sport motorcycles.
One of the unique aspects of the Honda CRF lineup is the naming conventions used to identify the different models. The "CRF" prefix stands for "Competition Racer Four-stroke", indicating that the bike has a four-stroke engine. The number that follows (e.g. 50, 250, 450, etc.) represents the motorcycle's engine displacement in cubic centimeters (cc). Finally, the last letter indicates the specific type of motorcycle:
CRF - F: Trail
CRF - R: Motocross
CRF - L: Dual Sport
CRF - M: Supermoto
CRF - RX: Enduro
When looking for the right Honda CRF motorcycle, it's important to consider the type of riding you'll be doing and your desired power output. Once you know these factors, it will be easier to select the right model for your needs. In this article, we will be focusing specifically on the "F" series of Honda CRF motorcycles, which are designed for trail riding.
To look at any of the other CRF motorcycle series click here. CRF L, CRF R, CRF RX.
Pros:
Wide range of models available to suit different rider preferences and needs
Four-stroke engines provide smooth and reliable power delivery
Well-balanced chassis and suspension setup for excellent handling and stability
High-quality components and materials used throughout the bike
Strong reputation for reliability and durability
Cons:
Price may be higher compared to some other models in the same class
Some models may be too powerful for beginner riders
Maintenance costs may be higher due to the use of high-quality components
Limited availability of aftermarket parts and accessories
Some models may be too heavy or bulky for certain types of riding
Honda is widely known as one of the leading manufacturers of trail motorcycles, and for good reason. The company's bikes are known for their reliability, performance, and competitive prices. In the Honda CRF lineup, there are five different dirt bikes in the "F" series, each designed to suit riders of different ages and experience levels. This makes the CRF series an excellent choice for riders who are looking for a full-circle riding experience, as they can progress from a smaller bike to a larger one as they gain more experience and confidence on the trails.
One of the great things about the Honda CRF series is that it offers a wide range of bikes for riders of all ages and experience levels. The smaller bikes in the series are ideal for young kids learning to ride, while the larger bikes are more suited for experienced riders who are looking for more power and performance. This makes the Honda CRF series an excellent choice for riders who are looking to progress through the ranks of the dirt bike world, from beginner to expert. Overall, the Honda CRF series offers a great combination of reliability, performance, and value, making it an excellent choice for riders of all levels.
CRF50F - 3.1 HP
CRF110F - 7.2 HP @ 7,500 RPM
CRF125F - 8.9 HP @ 7,500 RPM
CRF250F - 22.8 HP @ 6,000 RPM
The Honda CRF “F” series is the most popular line of trail motorcycles in the industry. This range includes bikes for every size and experience level, all of which encapsulate the reliability and performance that Honda is known for. Across the board, there weren’t a ton of major mechanical updates done to the lineup from last year, but there are some fresh new color schemes and bold graphics. At the time of writing this, the 2023 CRF lineup is the most current, so we will be discussing those models.
CRF50F - As the smallest youth trail bike in this lineup, the CRF50F is a great option for beginner riders. The bike has a low seat height of only 21.6 inches, so kids between the ages of 4 and 7 are ideal candidates for this little guy. Honda added tons of features that both parents and kids can appreciate. A four-stroke engine allows for smooth power delivery, an automatic clutch means no stalling, and an adjustable throttle limiter and key ignition give adults full control over how and when the bike can be ridden. This model comes in two colorways, the classic Honda red and white/pink. Kids will be able to learn the fundamentals of riding on the CRF50F while making lasting memories.
CRF110F - The CRF110F is a step up in size and power from the CRF50F. The motorcycle is suitable for riders aged 8 to 11 and it has a seat height of 25.9 inches. It features the same automatic clutch, four-speed semi-automatic transmission, and adjustable throttle limiter as the 50F to keep your young rider safe and motivated. In addition, the CRF110 has an electric starter and fuel injection system to lessen the hassle of startups. The model comes in two colorways, classic Honda Red and white/teal.
CRF125F - The CRF125F is considered the midpoint of the CRF “F” range. A reasonable step up from the 110F and a great transition bike for those working their way up to something bigger like the 250F. The bike features a four-speed transmission and conventional clutch to give the rider full control of their riding experience. The CRF125F is equipped with a strong twin-spar type steel frame and swing arm as well as a long travel suspension, making the bike more comfortable and extra durable for less experienced riders who are still learning to navigate the trails. If you’re a taller rider interested in the 125F’s powerband there is a Big Wheel version that has all the same great features with larger dimensions.
CRF250F - Honda built the ultimate casual rider's dream trail bike with the CRF250F. The bike is lightweight, agile, and rider-friendly for all experience levels while still producing enough power to get you where you need to go. The do-it-all dirtbike has a full-size single-cylinder 250cc four-stroke engine, fuel injection, and electric start. The adjustable seat position, Showa 41mm telescopic fork, and Showa shock make for a comfortable ride even on rough terrain. If you want to upgrade from a lower-powered dirt bike or just want to ride free and easy, the CRF250F could be the bike for you.
CRF50F - $1,699
CRF110F - $2,599
CRF125F - $3,399
CRF125F Big Wheel - $3,799
CRF250F - $4,899
The Honda CRF F and the Yamaha TTR230 are both popular trail bikes that offer a great combination of reliability, performance, and value. While there are some differences between these two bikes, they are quite similar in many ways.
One of the main differences between the Honda CRF F and the Yamaha TTR230 is the engine. The Honda CRF F has a larger stroke, which allows it to produce more low-end torque. This makes it a great choice for riders who are looking for a bike that has plenty of power and acceleration off the line. On the other hand, the Yamaha TTR230 has a smaller stroke but produces more mid-range and top-end power. This makes it a great choice for riders who are looking for a bike that is more suited for high-speed riding and tackling steep hills.
When it comes to handling, there isn't a significant difference between the Honda CRF F and the Yamaha TTR230. Both bikes have well-balanced chassis and suspension setups that provide excellent stability and handling on the trails. The TTR230 is slightly taller and longer than the CRF F, so this is something to consider if you are looking for a bike that is easier to ride for taller riders or if you need a bike with a longer wheelbase for stability.
Another thing to consider when choosing between the Honda CRF F and the Yamaha TTR230 is the availability of aftermarket parts and accessories. The Honda CRF F has a wider range of aftermarket options available, so it might be a better choice if you are planning to modify and upgrade your bike. Overall, both the Honda CRF F and the Yamaha TTR230 are great choices for riders who are looking for a reliable and fun trail bike.
The Honda CRF F and the Kawasaki KLX R are two great options for beginner dirt bikes. Both bikes are designed to be easy to ride and have a smooth power output, making them ideal for riders who are just starting out. Both bikes are also low to the ground and have simple maintenance requirements, which is important for beginners who might not have a lot of experience working on their bikes.
One of the main differences between the Honda CRF F and the Kawasaki KLX R is the size of the engine. The CRF F has a slightly larger engine than the KLX R, which gives it a bit more power and acceleration. However, the KLX R has one more gear in its transmission, which might make it easier to ride in certain situations.
Both bikes have similar suspension setups, and as a beginner, you probably won't notice much of a difference between them. However, the KLX R does have 1.5 inches more suspension travel than the CRF F, which makes it slightly taller. On the other hand, the CRF F has a longer wheelbase, which is nearly 2.5 inches longer than the KLX R. This can make a difference in the handling of the bike - the KLX R might be easier to steer and make tight turns, while the CRF F might be more stable and better at high speeds.
When it comes to aftermarket parts and accessories, the Honda CRF F has a wider range of options available. This might be an important consideration if you are planning to modify and upgrade your bike. Overall, both the Honda CRF F and the Kawasaki KLX R are excellent choices for beginner dirt bikes. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what matters most to you in a bike. Be sure to take the time to test ride both models and see which one feels the best to you.
The Honda CRF50F and CRF110F are both designed with safety in mind, especially for young riders. Both bikes come with a number of features that are designed to help ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience.
One of the key safety features of the CRF50F and CRF110F is the key ignition. This feature helps to prevent unauthorized use of the bike, and can be especially important for young riders who might not be mature enough to handle the responsibility of operating a motorcycle.
Both bikes also come with an automatic clutch, which makes it easier for riders to control the bike and helps to prevent stalling. The CRF50F and CRF110F also have an adjustable throttle limiter, which allows the rider to set a maximum speed for the bike. This can be a great feature for young riders who are just starting out and might not be ready for the full power of the bike.
In addition to these safety features, both the CRF50F and CRF110F also come with other features that are designed to enhance safety, such as sturdy and reliable brakes and well-balanced chassis and suspension setups. Overall, the CRF50F and CRF110F are both excellent choices for young riders who are looking for a fun and safe dirt bike experience.
Maintaining a Honda CRF F motorcycle is important to ensure that it runs smoothly and reliably. Honda recommends performing routine maintenance, such as changing the oil, every 10 hours or 600 miles, depending on the conditions in which the bike is ridden. This will help to keep the engine running smoothly and prolong the life of the bike.
In addition to routine maintenance, it's also important to take your CRF F in for a full servicing every 100 hours or so, depending on how hard you ride. This will allow a mechanic to thoroughly inspect the bike and make any necessary repairs or adjustments. Some of the things that might be checked during a full servicing include the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and other important components.
It's important to follow the maintenance schedule recommended in the owner's manual for your CRF F to ensure that your bike is running at its best. Failing to perform regular maintenance can result in problems with your bike and potentially even damage it. Taking good care of your CRF F is essential to ensure that it stays in good condition and provides you with many years of reliable and enjoyable riding. Check out the CRF F’s owner's manual for full details, because taking care of your bike isn’t a task to take lightly.
Many of the motorcycles in the CRF lineup feature Special Editions of the bikes that we did not include in this breakdown, so if you’re interested in a Honda CRF but don’t want a basic stock version, take a look at the Special Edition models.
As for aftermarket parts, there are plenty of ways to make your new Honda CRF your own.