Honda CR 85 - cross-class training motorcycle

Model of the motocross motorcycle Honda CR 85 R

was first introduced in 2003 and was produced until 2007. The motorcycle is a sports equipment for beginner bikers involved in motocross. Very often this model was used to teach children and adolescents. Light weight, small wheels and a powerful 2-stroke engine - all this distinguished it from full-fledged cross-country and enduro motorcycles.

In parallel with the regular version of the Honda CR85R, a version with larger wheels, the Honda CR85RB Expert,

(could not be used in official AMA - American Motorcyclist Association 85cc off-road class competitions).

Among the features of the Honda CR 85, we should highlight a steel frame, fully adjustable sports suspension and wheels of 17′ and 14′ (in the CR85RB Expert version - 19′ and 16′). The engine is a 2-stroke 1-cylinder unit, with a volume of about 85 cm³, producing 26 hp. power and 15 Nm of torque. The motor is high-speed, produces maximum performance at 10,000-12,000 rpm.

The Honda CR85 series was available on the market until 2007 inclusive, after which it was discontinued, giving way to a new 4-stroke model - the Honda CRF150R.

The main competitors of the Honda CR 85 in the class:

• Kawasaki KX 85
• Suzuki RM 85
• Yamaha YZ 85

Appearance

The design of the Honda CR 85 will pleasantly surprise those who are accustomed to thinking that only expensive equipment is beautiful. Yes, the plastic here is cheap, and you can see it up close, but the style of execution is up to par. Moreover, many advanced and expensive motocross bikes cannot boast of such a design.

The frame is half-duplex, steel. It is red, not very bright, but rich. There are black and light gray elements. In general, the appearance is typical for a motocross motorcycle, as it should be. In this class, compliance with standards is especially important, otherwise driving performance and safety would immediately come into question.

Competitors

Yamaha YZ 85.

Suzuki RM 85.

Kawasaki KX 85.

Of course, other representatives of the Japanese four could not ignore the mini motorcycle sector and released their own variations. This:

• Yamaha YZ 85;
• Suzuki RM 85;
• Kawasaki KX 85.

Unlike Honda, which curtailed production for the sake of the environment and new developments, competing models are still produced today. All developments have in common the year of production start ( 2003 ), frame material ( steel ), as well as engine type - 2 strokes . They all have the same volume.

But that's where the similarities end. Honda used a perimeter design . The rest are steel half-duplex .

Comfort

Although this is a training bike, it reflects all the features of cross-country equipment. When you first drive, you immediately feel what kind of car it is. The fit is standard and may seem uncomfortable unless you’re used to it. For example, if a person rides this model for the first time after a sports bike or road motorcycles.

Of course, if you have never driven a motorcycle before, the sensations may be different. After a mountain bike, a motorcycle will be convenient because it is relatively light in weight. And people are already used to off-road driving. But if you don’t want to do motocross, but just need a bike for rough terrain, you should pay attention to enduro. They are generally more comfortable.

Brief history of the model

• 2003 - official start of production and sales.

Model

: Honda CR85R;
Honda CR85RB Expert (Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation:
CR85R3; CR85RB3.

• 2004 - no significant changes.

Model

: Honda CR85R;
Honda CR85RB Expert (Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation:
CR85R4; CR85RB4.

• 2005 - no significant changes.

Model

: Honda CR85R;
Honda CR85RB Expert (Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation:
CR85R5; CR85RB5.

• 2006 - no significant changes.

Model

: Honda CR85R;
Honda CR85RB Expert (Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation:
CR85R6; CR85RB6.

• 2007 is the last year of production.

Model

: Honda CR85R;
Honda CR85RB Expert (Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation:
CR85R7; CR85RB7.

Dimensions and weight

This is a small car. The small fuel tank and weight make the bike bouncy and easy to transport. Do not ride to the racing or training track on the bike itself. The ground clearance, as expected, is high, as is the seat height. Typical entry level motocross bike.

Dimensions:

• tank – 5.3 l;
• ground clearance - 311 mm;
• curb weight – 76 kg;
• height – 1126 mm;
• width – 769 mm;
• length – 1803 mm;
• seat height – 824 mm.

Given its low weight, it is also suitable for people of light build. It will not be difficult to drive the bike with your hands, for example, if you suddenly run out of fuel in the middle of the track. But this only happens due to the carelessness of the rider; the tank here does not cause any complaints, as does the entire fuel supply system.

Design

Inverted front fork.

Rear monoshock.

Steel frame.

• Since the bike is supposed to be a cross bike, the question of choosing a frame material does not arise. Steel is used for production . To reduce weight as much as possible without losing reliability, developers use a perimeter design .
• The grip of the wheels with the coating is ensured by the Showa suspension with the ability to adjust any parameters for both wheels. The front wheel is supported by an inverted fork with a 37 mm , the rear wheel is supported by Pro-Link , a central shock absorber, on a pendulum basis. The working stroke for both axes is the same - 274 mm .

The model has become a symbiosis of old proven solutions used for motorcycles with severe use and new developments of the concern. The total result is an excellent, balanced projectile with outstanding (however, this is a common occurrence for a 2-stroke) power and speed indicators.

Exterior

Right view.

Left view.

The appearance of the baby is made according to the canons of the class - a minimum of unnecessary details .

Front end

A large 17-inch wheel, a high-raised front fender that is a continuation of the frame, a number plate and a handlebar - this is how the bike looks from the front.

The exterior of the motorcycle fully corresponds to its purpose.

• Only one point raises questions - the possibility of turning. Since the head tube is firmly seated on the fork traverse, the projectile will not be able to turn in the standard way for a bike, but the developers decided to go a different route . In order to reduce the number of components, lighten the bike, and increase safety, the turning unit itself is located lower. Where the fork fits into the frame. Unlike most two-wheeled vehicles, here this connection is on a hinge .
• An interesting detail is the plate on the engine, which is designed to protect it from dirt flying from under the wheel. She doesn't cover it from below as usual. To make the design minimalist, it was made in the form of a semicircular plate, the lower part of which faces the road. Thus, jumping onto sharp stones can damage the crankcase with all that it entails.

Dashboard

There are simply no indicators on the motorcycle.

The movable joint in the place where controls are usually installed automatically prevented the bike from being able to install anything.

Back view

The rear of the bike does not raise any questions - everything is standard. A sharp, “flying” stem, sharp outlines of the side skirt plates and an exhaust, the can of which is lifted up right under the frame.

Rear wing.

Muffler can.

• The saddle, as is customary for cross-country versions, is in the form a symbolic piece of leather stretched over the frame. Interestingly, in most of the produced models it was painted in the sporty, red and white colors of the brand. On some models, the brand name was also indicated on the side of the saddle.

  The fuel tank is hidden under the pads and covered by the saddle.

• The gas tank cap, standard, under the “lamb” is located in front of the saddle. It itself is located under the plastic, most of it goes under the driver’s seat. It holds 5.3 liters , which in cross-country racing conditions is not such a small volume, especially if you remember what engine is installed on the projectile.

Specifications

The bike is powerful at a low cost. The top speed may not be particularly impressive, but the acceleration to 100 will definitely please you. And this despite a rather weak engine compared to other motocross motorcycles. Otherwise, the technical characteristics are typical for the class.

Of course, as soon as the bike starts from a standstill, the characteristic sounds of the engine are immediately heard. About the same thing happens when working with a chainsaw. But this is normal for the class, and you should treat it leniently. Some people generally find such sounds pleasant. Although fuel consumption is low, the tank volume is also small, so you should always check the fuel level before driving.

Flaws

The main disadvantage is the rather rapid wear of the chain drive, but this is typical for any cross bike.

Like any equipment, the CR85R has its drawbacks:

• incommensurate fuel consumption and tank volume;
• high price of components;
• chain and stars.

and dignity

The Honda CR85 is perfect for teaching motocross to children and teenagers.

There are many more advantages:

• ease of maintenance;
• powerful engine;
• good suspension with maximum possible settings;
• reliability;
• ease of operation, “sit down and go.”

Separately, they note that the motorcycle is not afraid of falls . The motor is recessed, and the external parts are made of impact-resistant plastic.

What do the owners say?

Americans note good value for money. But for them such a used car will cost 700 US dollars. In Russia, you will be able to buy a model with mileage for no less than 65,000 Russian rubles. And if we are talking about a motorcycle that has not been ridden at all, then the cost will be all 150 thousand rubles.

Even though the plastic here is cheap, many people like it. Judging by the reviews, I also like the color of the motorcycle. The design of the muffler is also nice. It's not exactly the pinnacle of aesthetics, but given that this is a motocross trainer, the looks are impressive.

IMPORTANT! Some measured the acceleration, and some even got it to 4 seconds. Although the bike is positioned as a training bike, suitable for people with a light build, many do not agree with this. For example, it was not easy for a man 175 cm tall and weighing 82 kg to cope with the model. Yes, it’s difficult to draw such a conclusion from a photo, but a review from a video makes it clear that the machine is far from so simple.

This does not mean that the machine is not suitable as a training machine for beginners. However, it is important to remember that the most dangerous thing when handling this model is the start. Without the skill, you shouldn’t immediately squeeze everything that it’s capable of out of the engine. And, of course, like any other motorcycle, protection is required, including a helmet, gloves and a “turtle.”

Honda's CR 85 is a good bike, especially considering how much a used version costs. However, a new one will cost many times more. If you use it carefully, you can get good training in a few months. But it’s better not to rush into switching to more powerful motocross equipment until it becomes clear that this bike has already been mastered to perfection.