It's safe to say that the XR 650 has done its intended job of replacing Old Faithful, and is actually starting to win a whole bunch of important off-road races. And in the Baja events, it's utterly dominating!

The balance of the line has not received major changes, and some of the smaller XR models are virtually unchanged except for graphics. Still, Honda has an impressive range of models, ranging from beginner play bikes, to supercross steeds. Let's take a look:

The 2001 CR125R returns with chassis refinements and aggressive mid-range and top-end power delivery.

Features & Benefits

New for 2001

• New cylinder porting shapes and specifications contribute to improved engine performance.
• New, larger air intake connecting tube.
• New 4-petal reed valve combined with a new asymmetrical reed block improves off-idle response, driveability and top-end power.
• New reed-valve stopper shape adds low-end driveability.
• New exhaust pipe joint seal.
• Exhaust flange bore shape is now oval, which improves mid-range and top-end power delivery.
• Exhaust valve flaps add a tuned, 2.5mm hole for improved bottom-end response.
• Redesigned exhaust governor components provide added stroke adjustment.
• Ignition flywheel mass increased by 8 percent to improve top-end over-rev character.
• Aluminum ACG cover is redesigned for better sealing against water and mud.
• New lightweight drive chain is 3 ounces lighter than the previous design.
• New heavier spring rates in front fork combine with new damping force rates to produce improved ride quality in varying riding conditions.
• New anodized aluminum brake pistons and newly designed front brake disc reduce unsprung weight by nearly 5 ounces in the front brake system.
• New lightweight steering stem features aluminum top threads and stem nut to reduce weight 2 ounces.
• New handlebar grips add to rider comfort.
• New side panels feature 20 percent wider air intake openings for improved mid-range and high-rpm throttle response and power.
• Optional 20-inch front wheel improves cornering traction and rider comfort.
• Team Honda-inspired colors and graphics.

Engine

• Liquid-cooled two-stroke single-cylinder engine with 54mm x 54.5mm bore and stroke and 8.8:1 compression ratio.
• Nikasil-plated cylinder reduces friction and heat to improve overall performance.
• Piston ring groove is anodized for added durability.
• 36mm Mikuni TMX flat-slide carburetor delivers improved bottom-end throttle response and complements the RC valve's performance for improved mid-to-high-rpm rideability.
• Carbon fiber reed-valve petals enhance throttle response and engine performance.
• RC-style exhaust valve features an NSR road racing-inspired rotary flap design that provides smoother power transition between low- and mid-range engine speeds.
• Expansion chamber design enhances the engine's power output and delivery.
• A 16-bit processor in the ignition CPU produces faster data calculation and more accurate ignition timing for the solid-state 3-D map-type digital ignition.
• Eight clutch plates provide significant surface area to handle the engine's torque. Clutch springs provide a light feel at the lever.
• Dual radiators provide 21 percent more surface area and a 19 percent improvement in heat dissipation over the previous single radiator.
• Steel water-pump gear and steel kickstarter-shaft collar improve reliability.
• Five-speed close-ratio transmission is durable, and combines with 13/52 final-drive gearing to match the engine's power characteristics.
• Primary kickstarting system allows starting in any gear.

Chassis Suspension

• Second-generation twin-spar aluminum frame and swingarm offer an optimal balance of rigidity and strength for light, easy handling on widely varying track conditions.
• Frame features lightweight twin-spar aluminum construction with semi-double-cradle configuration.
• Extruded aluminum main frame spars measuring 80mm x 30mm reduce torsional rigidity 25 percent and increase lateral rigidity 10 percent compared to the first-generation design. The result provides an ideal balance of rigidity, strength, compliance and comfort.
• Chassis design locates frame spars lower for a narrower feel compared to first-generation design.
• Forged aluminum steering head provides a compact and extremely durable mount for the frame spars and engine downtube.
• Semi-double-cradle design features a single, large-diameter, 45mm x 50mm dual-box section downtube. Two rugged box-section rails attach to the base of the downtube and support the engine.
• Pro-Link? single-shock rear suspension system features a fully-adjustable Kayaba rear shock with 12.6 inches of travel and separate low-speed (18 positions) and high-speed (2 turns) compression damping adjusters. The adjusters are located together in a concentric fashion, with a screw inside a nut.
• Inverted Kayaba cartridge fork features improved damping force transition characteristics. The design isolates the fork oil and damper oil with an air/oil separator and a unique rubber bladder lining inside the base of each fork leg to minimize aeration-induced damping force losses.
• Inner surface of fork's outer tubes is honed to retain a thin coating of lubricating oil to reduce friction with fork bushings.
• Swingarm features a dual-axis, double-taper design with a large cast aluminum cross-member.
• Linkage mount on frame cross-brace is raised to minimize ground contact on jump landings and rough terrain.
• Rear axle diameter of 25mm and large-diameter bearings provide significant rigidity to withstand tortuous track conditions.
• Compact dual-piston front brake caliper with aluminum pistons reduces unsprung weight by 48 grams.
• Front disc brake cover helps protect rotor and caliper from damage.
• Large, 240mm front and rear brake rotors.
• Front wheel features large-diameter front axle and wide wheel-bearing span for additional rigidity.
• Lightweight hubs and solid-section rims with strong straight-pull spokes offer a high degree of durability and minimize unsprung weight.

Additional Features

• Slim design combines with minimal bodywork to emphasize the beautiful frame and engine. Seat design creates a narrow profile in the seat and tank area, providing excellent comfort in competition riding.
• Fenders, shrouds and sidecovers emphasize a clean, purposeful design.
• Seat cushion uses soft foam and is positioned close to the fuel tank, providing a smooth transition to increase rider mobility and comfort.
• Handlebar is rubber-mounted to reduce rider fatigue and improve comfort.
• CR125/250 handlebar holders provide three different mounting positions: standard CR125R holder provides a 3mm rearward set and can be rotated 180 degrees to position handlebar 6mm forward. Optional CR250R holders provides neutral position to match rider preference.
• Removable rear subframe allows easy maintenance.
• Washable, two-stage foam air filter for optimal engine protection and easy maintenance.
• Repackable silencer for maximum performance and minimal noise.
• Lightweight, rugged chain guide and lower chain roller for maximum durability.
• Comfortable, durable controls and high-quality fasteners.
• Adjustable front brake lever.
• Stainless steel clutch cable for long life.
• Wide, cleated cast stainless steel footpegs are self-cleaning, resist corrosion, provide excellent grip and fold for extra ground clearance.
• Cleated rear brake pedal and folding shift lever tip.

Specifications