The quarter-liter thumper also gets the HPSD, 22mm offset triple clamps, three-way ignition mapping, fork and shock adjustments, works-style brake rotors and new rear fender shape. Specific to the machine are a myriad of engine adjustments. A new piston jumps the compression ratio to 13.1:1 compared to '07's 12.9:1, and moves underneath a cylinder head with new porting. Lighter valve train components, counterbalancer shaft and drive gears and revised cam timing all add to a claimed increase in power. The 40mm Keihin FCR carburetor has new settings to smooth out the delivery and the exhaust system is reworked.

Honda claims this one is ready to ride at 227 pounds which is one pound heavier than our 2007 unit. Neither machine has a listed MSRP for the time being.

Engine Type: 249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder 4-stroke

Bore and Stroke: 78mm x 52.2mm

Compression Ratio: 13.1:1

Valve Train: Unicam, four-valve; 31mm intake, titanium; 26mm exhaust, steel

Induction: Carburetor, Keihin 40mm flat-slide with throttle position sensor (TPS)

Ignition: CD with electronic advance

Transmission: Close-ratio five-speed

Final Drive: #520 chain; 13T/51T

Fork: 47mm inverted Showa cartridge fork with 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustability; 12.4 inches travel

Shock: 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

Front Brake: Single 240mm disc with twin-piston caliper

Rear: Single 240mm disc

Front Tire: 80/100-21

Rear: 100/90-19

Wheelbase: 58.2 inches

Rake (Caster Angle): 27.9

Trail: 125mm (4.9 inches)

Seat Height: 38 inches

Ground Clearance: 14.2 inches

Fuel Capacity: 2.0 gallons

Color: Red / Black

Curb Weight: 227 pounds (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel-ready to ride

Check out other new machines in our 2008 New Model Roundup page.

Let us know what you think about the 2008 Honda CRFs in the MotoUSA Forum .

Source: [url=http://www.auto123.com/en/info/news/roadtest,view,HONDA.spy?artid=89012]Auto123[/url]