Honda CRF250R 2005 User Manual

94 Adjustments for Competition
Front Suspension Adjustments
The front suspension can be adjusted for the
rider’s weight and riding conditions by using one
or more of the following methods:
• Oil volume — The effects of higher or lower
fork oil level are only felt during the final 3.9
in (100 mm) of fork travel.
• Compression damping — Turning the
compression damping screw adjusts how
quickly the fork compresses.
• Rebound damping — Turning the rebound
damping screw adjusts how quickly the fork
extends.
• Fork springs — Optional springs are
available in softer and stiffer types than the
standard rate. (page 147)
The inverted fork on your CRF features sealed
damper cartridges with dual (separate air and oil)
chambers to prevent aeration. The design also
isolates the oil in each fork tube/slider, which
may contain air bubbles and/or metal particles,
from the sealed cartridge to provide more
consistent damping.
(1) compression damping adjuster
(2) rebound damping adjuster
(1)
(2)
Front Suspension Air Pressure
Air is an unstable gas which builds up pressure
as it is worked (such as in a fork). Air pressure
acts as a progressive spring and affects the entire
range of fork travel. This means the fork action
on your CRF will get stiffer during a race. For
this reason, release built-up air pressure in the
fork legs between motos. Be sure the fork is
fully extended with the front tire off the ground
when you release the pressure.
The standard air pressure is 0 psi (0 kPa, 0
kgf/cm
2
). You may relieve accumulated air
pressure in the fork legs by using the pressure
release screws. The front wheel should be off the
ground before you release the pressure.The air
pressure should be adjusted according to the
altitude and outside temperature.
1. Place an optional workstand under the engine,
so that the front wheel is off the ground.
Do not adjust air pressure with the front wheel
on the ground as this will give false pressure
readings.
2. Remove the pressure release screw (1).
3. Check that the O-ring (2) is in good condition.
4. Install the pressure release screw to the
specified torque:
0.9 lbf·ft (1.2 N·m, 0.12 kgf·m)
(1) pressure release screws (2) O-ring
(2)
(1)
Front Suspension Damping
Rebound Damping
Adjustment
The fork rebound damping adjuster screw (1) has
16 positions or more. Turning the adjuster screw
one full turn clockwise advances the adjuster four
positions. To adjust the rebound damping to the
standard setting, proceed as follows:
Turn the adjuster clockwise until it will no longer
turn (lightly seats). This is the full hard position.
The adjuster is set in the standard position when
the adjuster is turned counterclockwise 8 clicks.
Make sure that both fork legs are adjusted to the
same position.
Compression Damping
Adjustment
This adjustment affects how quickly the fork
compresses. The fork compression damping
adjuster screw (2) has 16 positions or more.
Turning the adjuster screw one full turn changes
the adjuster four positions. To adjust the adjuster
to the standard position, proceed as follows:
Turn the adjuster clockwise until it will no longer
turn (lightly seats). This is the full hard position.
The adjuster is set in the standard position when
the adjuster is turned counterclockwise 10 clicks.
Make sure that both fork legs are adjusted to the
same position.

Honda CRF250R 2005 Specifications

General

Engine Type	Single-cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement	249 cc
Bore x Stroke	78.0mm x 52.2mm
Compression Ratio	12.5:1
Transmission	5-speed
Valve Train	Unicam, four-valve
Ignition	CDI
Final Drive	Chain
Front Suspension	47 mm inverted Showa cartridge fork with 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustability; 12.4 inches travel
Front Brake	Single 240 mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear Brake	Single 240 mm disc
Front Tire	80/100-21
Rear Tire	100/90-19
Wheelbase	58.3 inches
Fuel Capacity	1.9 gallons
Fuel System	37mm Keihin FCR carburetor
Rear Suspension	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); 12.4 inches travel
Curb Weight	204 lbs

Summary

Motorcycle Safety

Important Safety Information

Provides crucial safety recommendations and information for operating the CRF.

Accessories & Modifications

Discusses potential risks of installing non-Honda accessories or modifying the CRF.

Safety Labels

Highlights the importance of reading and understanding safety labels on the CRF.

Operating Controls

Component Locations

Illustrates and identifies the location of essential controls on the CRF motorcycle.

Before Riding

Are You Ready to Ride?

Guides on assessing personal readiness and understanding safety measures before riding.

Is Your Motorcycle Ready to Ride?

Details the essential pre-ride inspection checklist to ensure the motorcycle is safe.

Basic Operating Instructions

Safe Riding Precautions

Provides essential safety advice for operating the CRF, especially regarding exhaust fumes.

Starting & Stopping the Engine

Explains the correct procedures for starting, stopping, and handling a flooded engine.

Break-in Guidelines

Offers guidance on how to properly break in the CRF for optimal reliability and performance.

Servicing Your Honda

Before You Service Your Honda

Emphasizes the importance of maintenance for safety, performance, and investment protection.

Maintenance Safety

Details crucial safety precautions to follow during maintenance tasks to prevent injury.

Maintenance Schedule

Outlines recommended service intervals and procedures based on usage and time.

General Competition Maintenance

Provides guidelines for performing maintenance specific to competition riding conditions.

Before & After Competition Maintenance

Covers essential checks and adjustments required before and after competition events.

Service Preparations

Covers preparations for servicing, including component locations and removal procedures.

Service Procedures

Covers maintenance procedures for fluids, filters, engine, and chassis components.

Appearance Care

Provides recommendations for washing and maintaining the motorcycle's appearance.

Adjustments for Competition

Front Suspension Adjustments

Details how to adjust front suspension air pressure, compression, and rebound damping.

Rear Suspension Adjustments

Explains rear suspension adjustments for spring preload, compression, and rebound damping.

Suspension Adjustments for Track Conditions

Offers tuning advice for suspension based on different track surface conditions like sand or mud.

Suspension Adjustment Guidelines

Provides a chart to diagnose and adjust suspension stiffness based on symptoms.

Carburetor Adjustments & Tuning Tips

Guides on fine-tuning the carburetor for specific competition needs and conditions.

Chassis Adjustments

Discusses adjustments to fork height/angle and wheelbase for improved handling.

Gearing

Explains how changing final drive ratios can optimize power delivery for track conditions.

Tire Selection for Track Conditions

Offers recommendations for choosing tire tread patterns and compounds for specific terrains.

Personal Fit Adjustments

Suggests adjustments for control positioning and handlebar setup for rider comfort and responsiveness.

Tips

Transporting Your Motorcycle

Provides guidelines and recommendations for safely transporting the motorcycle.

Storing Your Honda

Details procedures for preparing and storing the Honda for extended periods.

You & the Environment

Offers tips for environmentally responsible motorcycle ownership and waste disposal.

Troubleshooting

Presents flow charts to diagnose and resolve common performance issues at low/high speeds.

Technical Information

Vehicle Identification

Explains how to identify the motorcycle's serial numbers (VIN, frame, engine).

Specifications

Lists key dimensions, capacities, and technical specifications of the motorcycle.

Torque Specifications

Provides a comprehensive list of torque specifications for various fasteners and components.

High Altitude Carburetor Adjustment

Explains how to adjust the carburetor for optimal performance at high altitudes.

Oxygenated Fuels

Discusses the use of oxygenated fuels and their potential effects on the motorcycle.

Competition Logbook

Recommends recording tuning, maintenance, and racing data for performance analysis.

Optional Parts List

Lists optional parts available from the Honda dealer for customization and performance enhancement.

Spare Parts & Equipment

Suggests essential spare parts and tools to carry for event preparedness and quick repairs.

Wiring Diagram

Illustrates the motorcycle's electrical system wiring for diagnostic purposes.

Consumer Information

Authorized Manuals

Information on obtaining the official Honda Service Manual and Common Service Manual.

Contacting Honda

Provides contact information and procedures for providing feedback to Honda.

Your Honda Dealer

Guidance on interacting with your Honda dealer for services and information.

The Honda Rider’s Club (USA only)

Details membership benefits and activities of the Honda Rider’s Club of America.