Honda CR 250 2007 Owners manual
IMPORTANT NOTICES
FOR COMPETITION USE ONLY
This motorcycle is designed and manufactured for closed-course competition conducted under the
auspices of a recognized body or by permit. It does not conform to federal motor vehicle standards,
and operation on public streets, roads, or highways is illegal. This vehicle is sold “as is” with no
warranties.
FOR EXPERIENCED RIDERS, NO PASSENGERS
This motorcycle is designed as an operator-only vehicle and for use by experienced riders only. The
load limit and seating configuration do not safely permit the carrying of a passenger.
This manual should be considered a permanent part of the motorcycle and should remain with the motorcycle when it is resold.
All information in this publication is based on the latest product information available at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor
Co., Ltd. reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation.
No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission.
The vehicle pictured on the front cover may not match your vehicle.
©Honda Motor Co., Ltd., 2006
2007
Honda CR250R
OWNER’S MANUAL & COMPETITION HANDBOOK
Introduction
Congratulations on choosing your Honda CR
motocross motorcycle.
When you own a Honda, you’re part of a
worldwide family of satisfied customers - people
who appreciate Honda’s reputation for building
quality into every product.
Your CR is a high performance racing
motorcycle that utilizes the latest motocross
technology and is intended for competition use in
sanctioned, closed-course events by experienced
riders only.
Be aware that motocross is a physically
demanding sport that requires more than just a
fine CR. To do well, you must be in excellent
physical condition and be a skillful rider. For the
best results, work diligently on your physical
conditioning and practice frequently.
Before riding, take time to get acquainted with
your CR and how it works. To protect your
investment, we urge you to take responsibility for
keeping your CR well maintained. Scheduled
service is a must, of course. But it’s just as
important to observe the break-in guidelines, and
perform all the pre-ride and other periodic checks
detailed in this manual.
You should also read the owner’s manual before
you ride. It’s full of facts, instructions, safety
information, and helpful tips. To make it easy to
use, the manual contains a table of contents, a
detailed list of topics at the beginning of each
section, and an index at the back of the book.
As you read this manual, you will find
information that is preceded by a
symbol. This information is intended to help you
avoid damage to your CR, other property, or the
environment.
Unless you are mechanically qualified and have
the proper tools, you should see your Honda
dealer for the service and adjustment procedures
discussed in this manual.
The official Honda Service Manual for your CR
is available (page 136). It is the same manual
your dealer uses. If you plan to do any service
on your CR beyond the standard maintenance
procedures in this manual, you will find the
Service Manual a valuable reference.
If you have any questions, or if you ever need a
special service or repairs, remember that your
Honda dealer knows your CR best and is
dedicated to your complete satisfaction.
Please report any change of address or ownership
to your Honda dealer so we will be able to
contact you concerning important production
information.
You may also want to visit our website at
www.honda.com.
Happy riding!
NOTICE
California Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING: This product contains or emits
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause canser and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Introduction
A Few Words About Safety
Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And operating this motorcycle safely is an important responsibility.
To help you make informed decisions about safety, this manual contains a section devoted to
throughout the manual.
Safety Messages are preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three signal words:
These signal words mean:
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all hazards associated with operating or maintaining a motorcycle. You must use your own good
judgement.
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
Motorcycle Safety, as well as a number of Safety Messages
DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
Safety Messages
Contents
MOTORCYCLE SAFETY................................1
Important Safety Information...............................2
Important Safety Precautions..........................2
Accessories & Modifications ...............................3
Safety Labels........................................................4
OPERATING CONTROLS...............................5
Operation Component Locations .........................6
BEFORE RIDING..............................................7
Are You Ready to Ride?.......................................8
Is Your Motorcycle Ready to Ride?.....................9
Pre-ride Inspection..........................................9
BASIC OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS........11
Safe Riding Precautions .....................................12
Starting & Stopping the Engine .........................13
Preparation ....................................................13
Starting Procedure ........................................13
Flooded Engine.............................................13
How to Stop the Engine................................14
Break-in Guidelines ...........................................15
SERVICING YOUR HONDA .........................17
Before You Service Your Honda
The Importance of Maintenance ........................18
Maintenance Safety............................................19
Important Safety Precautions........................19
Maintenance Schedule .......................................20
General Competition Maintenance ....................22
Before & After Competition Maintenance.........26
Between Motos & Practice Maintenance .....26
After Competition Maintenance ...................27
Service Preparations
Maintenance Component Locations...................28
Seat Removal......................................................29
Fuel Tank Removal ............................................30
Subframe Removal.............................................32
Service Procedures
Fluid & Filters
Fuel System........................................................34
Transmission Oil ................................................36
Coolant ...............................................................38
Air Cleaner .........................................................40
Engine
Throttle ...............................................................42
Clutch System ....................................................44
Spark Plug ..........................................................48
Cylinder System .................................................49
RC Valve.............................................................55
Reed Valve..........................................................58
Chassis
Suspension..........................................................60
Brakes.................................................................65
Wheels................................................................69
Tires & Tubes .....................................................70
Drive Chain ........................................................72
Expansion Chamber ...........................................75
Additional Maintenance Procedures ..................76
Appearance Care ................................................78
ADJUSTMENTS FOR COMPETITION ......81
Front Suspension Adjustments...........................82
Rear Suspension Adjustments............................95
Suspension Adjustments for Track Conditions..99
Suspension Adjustment Guidelines..................100
Carburetor Adjustments & Tuning Tips...........103
Chassis Adjustments.........................................110
Gearing .............................................................111
Tire Selection for Track Conditions.................112
Personal Fit Adjustments .................................113
TIPS ................................................................115
Transporting Your Motorcycle .........................116
Storing Your Honda..........................................117
You & the Environment ...................................118
Troubleshooting................................................119
TECHNICAL INFORMATION ...................121
Vehicle Identification .......................................122
Specifications ...................................................123
Torque Specifications.......................................124
High Altitude Carburetor Adjustment ..............127
Oxygenated Fuels.............................................128
Competition Logbook ......................................129
Optional Parts List............................................131
Spare Parts & Equipment.................................132
Wiring Diagram................................................133
CONSUMER INFORMATION ....................135
Authorized Manuals .........................................136
Contacting Honda.............................................137
Your Honda Dealer...........................................138
The Honda Rider’s Club (USA only) ..............139
TABLE OF CONTENTS ...............................140
INDEX .............................................................141
QUICK REFERENCE
Contents
Motorcycle Safety
This section presents some of the most important
information and recommendations to help you
ride your CR safely. Please take a few moments
to read these pages. This section also includes
information about the location of safety labels on
your CR.
Important Safety Information...............................2
Important Safety Precautions..........................2
Accessories & Modifications ...............................3
Safety Labels........................................................4
Motorcycle Safety 1
Important Safety Information
Important Safety Precautions
Your CR can provide many years of pleasure, if
you take responsibility for your own safety and
understand the challenges you can meet in
competitive racing.
As an experienced rider, you know there is much
you can do to protect yourself when you ride.
The following are a few precautions we consider
most important.
Never Carry a Passenger.
Your CR is designed for one operator only.
Carrying a passenger can cause an accident in
which you and others can be hurt.
Wear Protective Gear.
Whether you’re practicing to improve your skills,
or riding in competition, always wear an
approved helmet, eye protection, and proper
protective gear.
Take Time to Get to Know Your CR.
Because every motorcycle is unique, take time to
become thoroughly familiar with how this one
operates and responds to your commands before
placing your machine, and yourself, in
competition.
Don’t Drink and Ride.
Alcohol and riding don’t mix. Even one drink
can reduce your ability to respond to changing
conditions, and your reaction time gets worse
with every additional drink. So don’t drink and
ride, and don’t let your friends drink and ride
either.
Keep Your Honda in Safe Condition.
Maintaining your CR properly is critical to your
safety. A loose bolt, for example, can cause a
breakdown in which you can be seriously injured.
Learn and Respect Your Limits.
Never ride beyond your personal abilities or
faster than conditions warrant. Remember that
alcohol, drugs, illness and fatigue can reduce
your ability to perform well and ride safety.
2 Motorcycle Safety
Installing non-Honda accessories, removing
original equipment, or modifying your CR in any
way that would change its design or operation,
could seriously impair your CR’s handling,
stability, and braking, making it unsafe to ride.
WARNING
Improper accessories or modifications
can cause a crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner’s
manual regarding modifications and
accessories.
Accessories & Modifications
Motorcycle Safety 3
Safety Labels
Read these labels carefully and don’t remove them.
If the label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your Honda dealer for replacement.
4 Motorcycle Safety4 Motorcycle Safety
Operating Controls
Read this section carefully before you ride. It
presents the location of the basic controls on your
CR.
Operation Component Locations .........................6
Operating Controls 5
Operation Component Locations
clutch lever
engine stop button
choke knob
front brake lever
throttle grip
kickstarter
6 Operating Controls
fuel valve
shift lever
rear brake pedal
Before Riding
Before each ride, you need to make sure you and
your CR are both ready to ride. To help get you
prepared, this section discusses how to evaluate
your riding readiness, and what items you should
check on your CR.
For information about suspension, carburetor and
other adjustments, see page 81.
Are You Ready to Ride?.......................................8
Is Your Motorcycle Ready to Ride? .....................9
Pre-ride Inspection .............................................9
Before Riding 7
Are You Ready to Ride?
Before riding your CR for the first time, we
strongly recommend that you read this owner’s
manual, make sure you understand the safety
messages, and know how to operate the controls.
Before each ride, it’s also important to make sure
you and your CR are both ready to ride.
For information about suspension, carburetor, and
other adjustments, see page 81.
Whether you’re preparing for competition or for
practice, always make sure you are:
• In good physical and mental condition
• Free of alcohol and drugs
•Wearing an approved helmet, eye protection,
and other appropriate riding gear
Although complete protection is not possible,
wearing the proper gear can reduce the chance or
severity of injury when you ride.
WARNING
Not wearing a helmet increases the
chance of serious injury or death in a
crash.
Be sure you always wear a helmet, eye
protection and other protective apparel
when you ride.
8 Before Riding
Is Your Motorcycle Ready to Ride?
Competitive riding can be tough on a motorcycle,
so it’s important to inspect your CR and correct
any problems you find before each ride. Check
the following items (page numbers are at the
right):
WARNING
Improperly maintaining this motorcycle or
failing to correct a problem before riding
can cause a crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Always perform a pre-ride inspection
before every ride and correct any
problems.
Pre-ride Inspection
Check the following before each ride:
•Transmission oil level...................................37
• Coolant for proper level................................38
• Cooling system and hoses for condition.......39
• Spark plug for proper heat range, carbon
fouling and high tension cord terminal for
looseness .......................................................48
• Air cleaner for condition and
contamination................................................40
• Clutch lever adjustment and freeplay...........44
• Steering head bearings and related parts
for condition..................................................76
• Carburetor throttle operation ........................42
•Tires for damage or improper inflation
pressure ........................................................70
• Spokes for looseness.....................................69
• Rim locks for looseness................................69
• Front and rear suspension for proper
operation .................................................60, 61
• Front and rear brakes, check operation ........65
• Drive chain for correct slack and adequate
lubrication .....................................................72
• Drive chain guide, sliders and guide rollers
for damage or wear.......................................72
• Expansion chamber springs for damage or
lack of tension...............................................75
•Every possible part for looseness (such as
cylinder head nuts, carburetor insulator bolts,
engine mounting bolts, axle nuts, handlebar
holder bolts, fork triple clamp bolts, drive
chain adjuster, drive chain guide, wire harness
connectors, kickstarter mounting bolt) .......124
Before Riding 9
10 Before Riding
Basic Operating Instructions
This section gives basic information on how to
start and stop your engine as well as break-in
guidelines.
Safe Riding Precautions .....................................12
Starting & Stopping the Engine .........................13
Preparation ....................................................13
Starting Procedure ........................................13
Flooded Engine.............................................13
How to Stop the Engine................................14
Break-in Guidelines ...........................................15
Basic Operating Instructions 11Basic Operating Instructions 11
Safe Riding Precautions
Before riding your CR for the first time, please
review the
beginning on page 2 and the previous section,
titled
For your safety, avoid starting or operating the
engine in an enclosed area such as a garage.
Your CR’s exhaust contains poisonous carbon
monoxide gas which can collect rapidly in an
enclosed area and cause illness or death.
Important Safety Precautions
Before Riding.
12 Basic Operating Instructions12 Basic Operating Instructions
Starting & Stopping the Engine
Always follow the proper starting procedure
described below.
Your CR can be kickstarted with the transmission
in gear by pulling in the clutch lever before
operating the kickstarter.
Preparation
Make sure that the transmission is in neutral.
Turn the fuel valve ON.
Starting Procedure
Check the transmission oil and coolant levels
before starting the engine (page 37, 38).
(2)
Cold Engine Starting
1. Turn the fuel valve (1) ON.
2. Shift the transmission into neutral.
3. Pull the choke knob (2) up.
4. With throttle closed, operate the kickstarter.
Starting from the top of the kickstarter stroke,
kick through to the bottom with a rapid,
continuous motion.
5. After the engine starts, the choke knob should
be pushed down as soon as possible to
prevent spark plug fouling.
6. Allow the engine to warm up for at least 2
minutes before riding off, preferably until the
side of the cylinder is very warm to the touch
through your riding glove. Slowly increase
rpm and don’t blip the throttle. Warming the
engine is important to prevent cold seizures.
Warm Engine Starting
1. Turn the fuel valve ON.
2. Shift the transmission into neutral.
3. Push the choke knob down.
4. Open the throttle (1/8 – 1/4) and operate the
kickstarter.
Flooded Engine
If the engine fails to start after repeated attempts,
it may be flooded with excess fuel. To clear a
flooded engine:
1. Push the choke knob down all the way to
OFF.
2. Open the throttle fully.
3. While pushing the engine stop button, crank
the engine several times with the kickstarter.
4. Release the engine stop button.
5. Follow the
Warm Engine Starting procedure.
(1)
(1) fuel valve (2) choke knob
Basic Operating Instructions 13Basic Operating Instructions 13
Starting & Stopping the Engine
How to Stop the Engine
(1)
(2)
(1) throttle grip (2) engine stop button
Normal Engine Stop
1. Shift the transmission into neutral.
2. Turn the fuel valve OFF.
3. Lightly open the throttle grip (1) two or three
times, and then close it.
4. Depress and hold the engine stop button (2)
until the engine stops completely.
Failure to close the fuel valve may cause the
carburetor to overflow, fill the crankcase with
fuel and result in hard starting.
Emergency Engine Stop
To stop the engine in an emergency, press the
engine stop button.
14 Basic Operating Instructions
14 Basic Operating Instructions
Help assure your CR’s future reliability and
performance by paying extra attention to how
you ride during the first operating day or 15
miles (25 km).
During this period, avoid full-throttle starts and
rapid acceleration.
This same procedure should be followed each
time when:
• piston is replaced
• piston ring is replaced
•cylinder is replaced
• crankshaft or crank bearings are replaced
Break-in Guidelines
Basic Operating Instructions 15
16 Basic Operating Instructions
Servicing Your Honda
Keeping your CR well maintained is absolutely
essential to your safety. It’s also a good way to
protect your investment, get maximum
performance, avoid breakdowns, and have more
fun.
To help keep your CR in good shape, this section
includes a Maintenance Schedule for required
servicing and step-by-step instructions for
specific maintenance tasks. You’ll also find
important safety precautions, information on oils,
and tips for keeping your CR looking good.
An ECU (Engine Control Unit) system is used on
this motorcycle; consequently, routine ignition
timing adjustment is unnecessary. If you want to
check the ignition timing, refer to the Honda
Service Manual (page 136).
An optional tool kit may be avaiable. Check with
your Honda dealer’s parts department.
Before You Service Your Honda
The Importance of Maintenance ........................18
Maintenance Safety............................................19
Important Safety Precautions........................19
Maintenance Schedule .......................................20
General Competition Maintenance ....................22
Before & After Competition Maintenance.........26
Between Motos & Practice Maintenance .....26
After Competition Maintenance ...................27
Service Preparations
Maintenance Component Locations...................28
Seat Removal......................................................29
Fuel Tank Removal ............................................30
Subframe Removal.............................................32
Service Procedures
Fluids & Filters
Fuel System........................................................34
Transmission Oil ................................................36
Coolant ...............................................................38
Air Cleaner .........................................................40
Engine
Throttle ...............................................................42
Clutch System ....................................................44
Spark Plug ..........................................................48
Cylinder System .................................................49
RC Valve.............................................................55
Reed Valve..........................................................58
Chassis
Suspension..........................................................60
Brakes.................................................................65
Wheels................................................................69
Tires & Tubes .....................................................70
Drive Chain ........................................................72
Expansion Chamber ...........................................75
Additional Maintenance Procedures ..................76
Appearance Care ................................................78
Servicing Your Honda 17Servicing Your Honda 17
The Importance of Maintenance
Keeping your CR well-maintained is absolutely
essential to your safety. It’s also a good way to
get maximum performance during each moto.
Careful pre-ride inspections and good
maintenance are especially important because
your CR is designed to be ridden in off-road
competition.
Remember, proper maintenance is your
responsibility. Be sure to inspect your CR before
each ride and follow the Maintenance Schedule
in this section.
WARNING
Improperly maintaining this motorcycle or
failing to correct a problem before you
ride can cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection and
maintenance recommendations and
schedules in this owner’s manual.
18 Servicing Your Honda18 Servicing Your Honda
Maintenance Safety
This section includes instructions on how to
perform some important maintenance tasks.
Some of the most important safety precautions
follow. However, we cannot warn you of every
conceivable hazard that can arise in performing
maintenance. Only you can decide whether or
not you should perform a given task.
WARNING
Failure to properly follow maintenance
instructions and precautions can cause
you to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and
precautions in this owner’s manual.
Important Safety Precautions
• Make sure the engine is off before you begin
any maintenance or repairs. This will help
eliminate several potential hazards:
Carbon monoxide poisoning from engine
exhaust.
whenever you operate the engine.
Burns from hot motorcycle parts. Let the
engine and exhaust system cool before
touching.
Injury from moving parts. Do not run the
engine unless instructed to do so.
• Read the instructions before you begin, and
make sure you have the tools and skills
required.
•To help prevent the motorcycle from falling
over, park it on a firm, level surface, using the
optional work stand or a maintenance stand to
provide support.
Be sure there is adequate ventilation
•To reduce the possibility of a fire or
explosion, be careful when working around
gasoline. Use only a non-flammable (high
flash point) solvent such as kerosene —not
gasoline— to clean parts. Keep cigarettes,
sparks, and flames away from all fuel-related
parts.
Servicing Your Honda 19Servicing Your Honda 19
Maintenance Schedule
To maintain the safety and reliability of your CR,
regular inspection and service is required as
shown in the Maintenance Schedule that follows.
The Maintenance Schedule lists items that can be
performed with basic mechanical skills and hand
tools. Procedures for these items are provided in
this manual.
The Maintenance Schedule also includes items
that involve more extensive procedures and may
require special training, tools, and equipment.
Therefore, we recommend that you have your
Honda dealer perform these tasks unless you
have advanced mechanical skills and the required
tools. Procedures for items in this schedule are
provided in a service manual available for
purchase from your Honda dealer (page 136).
Service intervals in the maintenance schedule are
expressed in terms of races and riding hours. To
avoid overlooking required service, we urge you
to develop a convenient way to record the
number of races and/or hours you ride.
Perform the pre-ride inspection (page 9) at each
scheduled maintenance period.
Summary of Maintenance Schedule Notes and
Procedures:
Notes:
1. Clean after every moto for dusty riding
conditions.
2. Replace every 2 years. Replacement requires
mechanical skill.
3. Replace after the first break-in ride.
Maintenance Procedures:
I: inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate, or replace,
if necessary
C: clean
L: lubricate
R: replace
If you do not feel capable of performing a given
task or need assistance, remember that your
Honda dealer knows your CR best and is fully
equipped to maintain and repair it. If you decide
to do your own maintenance, use only genuine
Honda parts or their equivalents for repair or
replacement to ensure the best quality and
reliability.
20 Servicing Your Honda
Perform the Pre-ride Inspection at each scheduled maintenance period.
I: Inspect and Clean, Adjust, Lubricate or Replace if necessary. C: Clean. L: Lubricate. R: Replace.
Maintenance Schedule
Frequency
Items
Throttle Operation
Air Cleaner
Spark Plug
Radiator Coolant
Cooling System
Cylinder Head Decarbonizing
Exhaust Valve and Linkage Decarbonizing
Piston and Piston Ring
Piston Pin and Connecting Rod Small End Bearing
Reed Valve Only
Transmission Oil
Drive Chain
Drive Chain Sliders
Drive Chain Rollers
Drive Sprocket
Driven Sprocket
Brake Fluid
Brake Pad Wear
Brake System
Clutch System
Control Cables
Expansion Chamber/Silencer
Suspension
Swingarm/Shock Linkage
Fork Oil
Nuts, Bolts, Fasteners
Wheels/Tires
Steering Head Bearing
Fork Tube/Slider
Damper
Note
(Note 1)
(Note 2)
(Note 2)
(Note 3)
Each race
or about
2.5 hours
I
C
I
I
I
I, L
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I, L
I
I
I
I
Every 3 races
or about
7.5 hours
R
C
C
R
R
R
R
L
R
Every 9 races
or about
22.5 hours
R
R
I
Ref. page
42
40
48
38
39
51
56
51
51, 52
58
36
72
72
73
74
74
66
68
65
44
76
75
60, 61
25, 61
62
86
77, 124
69, 70
76
This maintenance schedule is based upon average riding condition. Machines subjected to severe use require more frequent servicing.
NOTE: 1. Clean after every moto for dusty riding conditions.
2. Replace every 2 years. Replacement requires mechanical skill.
3. Replace after the first break-in ride.
Servicing Your Honda 21Servicing Your Honda 21
General Competition Maintenance
Perform maintenance on firm, level ground using
the optional workstand, or equivalent support.
When tightening bolts, nuts or screws, start with
the larger diameter or inner fasteners, and tighten
them to the specified torque using a crisscross
pattern.
Use genuine Honda parts or their equivalent
when servicing your CR.
Clean parts in non-flammable (high flash point)
cleaning solvent (such as kerosene) when
disassembling. Lubricate any sliding surface,
O-rings, and seals before reassembling. Grease
parts by coating or filling where specified.
After any engine disassembly, always install new
gaskets, O-rings, cotter pins, piston pin clips,
snap rings, etc. when reassembling. After
reassembly, check all parts for proper installation
and operation.
All Pre-ride Inspection Items
Refer to Pre-ride Inspection (page 9).
22 Servicing Your Honda22 Servicing Your Honda
General Competition Maintenance
Handgrips
Always use Pro Honda Handgrip Cement or
equivalent when replacing handgrips.
Throttle Grip
Align the index mark on the throttle grip with the
edge of the throttle cable guide.
Left Handlebar Grip
Align the “>” mark on the left handlebar grip with
the paint mark on the handlebar.
Refer to the Service Manual for installation
instructions.
For added security, you may choose to bind the
handgrips to the handlebar and throttle pipe with
safety wire to prevent the possibility of them
loosening. Position the twisted wire ends away from
your palms and be sure to bend the wire ends well
into the handgrip rubber so they will not snag your
glove.
Air Cleaner
Clean and oil your air cleaner regularly because the volume
of air able to pass through it has a great effect on
performance. Both engine performance and long term
durability may be affected by an air cleaner that has
deteriorated and allows dirt to pass. Inspect the cleaner
closely each time it’s serviced for evidence of small tears or
seam separation. Keep a spare air cleaner oiled and ready to
install, sealed in a plastic bag. Riding in dusty conditions
may require servicing the air cleaner or replacing it with a
pre-serviced air cleaner between motos. Be careful not to
over oil the air cleaner. While it is important to oil the air
cleaner thoroughly, over oiling will cause an overall rich
running condition, probably more noticeable off idle and in
low rpm performance. Follow the servicing instructions in
the Maintenance section. Use Pro Honda Foam Filter Oil or
an equivalent. Be sure to grease the air cleaner flange where
it contacts the air cleaner housing. Pro Honda White
Lithium Grease, or an equivalent, is handy for this because
any dirt that penetrates this sealing area will show up clearly
(page 40).
Use the Honda genuine air cleaner or an equivalent air
cleaner specified for your model.
Using the wrong Honda air cleaner or a non-Honda air
cleaner which does not have equivalent quality may cause
premature engine wear or performance problems.
Throttle Control
Remove the throttle control every few rides, clean the inside
of the throttle pipe and handlebar thoroughly, and apply a
light coating of silicone lubricant. Inspect the cable carefully
for kinks or other damage that may restrict throttle control in
any way. Move the handlebar from lock to lock to be sure
there is no cable interference. Check to be sure the top of
the carburetor is screwed on tight. Make certain the throttle
operation is perfect after servicing and inspecting.
Transmission Oil
Drain and replace transmission oil often to ensure the
greatest service life of the transmission and clutch. Frequent
changes will also assure consistent performance of both
shifting and clutch action (page 36).
Air Cleaner Housing Sealing
Remove and reseal the air cleaner connecting boot where it
connects to the air cleaner housing with silicone sealer if
there is any doubt to its sealing integrity. Inspect the air
cleaner and air intake tract regularly for signs of
deterioration or dirt penetration.
Servicing Your Honda 23Servicing Your Honda 23
General Competition Maintenance
Spark Plug Cap
Install a small plastic tie-wrap around the spark plug cap to
reduce any possibility of it loosening or of water
penetration.
Spark Plug
Some non-resistor plugs may cause ignition problems.
Refer to the recommendations elsewhere in this manual for
specific types so you will be sure to use the proper reach
and heat range. Replace periodically as specified in the
Maintenance Schedule (page 21, 48).
Electrical Connectors
Clean electrical connectors and wrap them with electrical
tape to reduce the possibility of unwanted disconnections,
water shorts or corrosion. Additional corrosion protection is
offered by using Pro Honda Dielectric Grease on all
electrical connections.
Gaskets
Always use new gaskets when reassembling components.
Cylinder Removal
Put a little grease on the cylinder mounting dowels to
prevent corrosion from dissimilar metals. The tolerances are
quite tight, so it’s important to keep these dowels absolutely
clean (page 50).
Fuel Filter
Periodically drain the fuel from the tank, remove and clean
the fuel valve/filter. Replace the fuel valve O-ring if there
are any signs of damage or deterioration (page 35).
Fuel Contamination
Periodically drain the float chamber and inspect the
carburetor for contamination from dirt (page 35).
Inlet Tract Sealing
Air leaks around the carburetor insulator and reed valve
assembly should be cured by disassembling, cleaning and
resealing with new gaskets and some sealing agent. Be
careful not to overtighten the mounting bolts — this is the
most common cause for leaks here.
Engine Mounting Bolts
Make sure the engine mounting bolts are tightened to the
proper torque specification. For added peace of mind,
remove the nuts, clean the threads, and apply Pro Honda
Hondalock or an equivalent prior to torquing the nuts.
24 Servicing Your Honda
Ignition
Remove the alternator cover and keep it off for a few hours
after each washing to let condensation evaporate. Pull the
flywheel rotor every few rides and clean it and its crankshaft
mounting surface, the alternator stator, the ignition pulse
generator pickup and the entire ignition cavity thoroughly.
The presence of dirt between the ignition pulse generator
and the flywheel makes the ignition control module
compensate to maintain the ignition curve. Cleaning dirt
from the ignition side main seal helps to prevent premature
seal wear. Close inspection of this seal can reveal a leakage
problem before engine damage occurs.
Pressure/Vacuum Leak-Down Test
Perform this test at regular intervals to minimize the
possibility of engine damage from air leaks.
General Competition Maintenance
Swingarm Pivot Lubrication
Clean, inspect and lubricate when servicing suspension
linkage pivots. Be sure all of the suspension pivot seals are
in good condition. Use Honda Moly 60 paste (U.S.A. only)
or molybdenum disulfide paste (containing more than 40%
molybdenum disulfide additive).
Suspension Linkage Lubrication
Disassemble, clean, inspect and lubricate all pivot bearings
after each 7.5 hours of running time in order to maintain
proper suspension performance and minimize component
wear. Use Honda Moly 60 paste (U.S.A. only) or
molybdenum disulfide paste (containing more than 40%
molybdenum disulfide additive).
Swingarm
Do not attempt to weld or otherwise repair a damaged swingarm.
Welding will weaken the swingarm.
Footpegs
Worn footpeg teeth can be repaired by filing the grooves
between the teeth with a triangular-shaped file.
Be aware that filing them too sharp will reduce boot sole
lifespan. Sharpen only the points of the teeth. Filing the
grooves deeper will weaken the footpegs. Be sure the pegs
are free to pivot freely and that the pivot pin retaining cotter
pins are in good condition.
Brake Fluid Replacement
Refer to Brake Pad Wear on page 68.
Brake Caliper Inspection: Be sure both the front and rear
calipers are able to move freely on the caliper bracket pins.
Check pad thickness periodically and replace the pads when
minimum thickness is reached. If the brakes fade when they
are hot, inspect the pads for glazing or damage, and replace
if necessary.
Brake Fluid Replacement: Replace the hydraulic fluid in the
brake system every two years. Replace the fluid more
frequently if you subject your brakes to severe use. Heavy
braking heats the brake fluid and it may deteriorate sooner
than expected. Any type of riding, that requires frequent use
of the brakes, such as in tight woods, can shorten the service
life of brake fluid.
Water Pump Inspection Hole
After every race, check the inspection hole, located just
below the water pump cover on the right crankcase cover.
Clean away any clogged dirt or sand, if necessary. Look for
coolant or oil leakage. Leaking coolant indicates a worn or
damaged water seal. Leaking oil indicates a bad
transmission oil seal. If replacement is necessary, both seals
should be replaced.
Steering Head Bearings
Periodically clean, inspect and regrease the steering head
bearings — especially if wet, muddy or extremely dusty
courses are encountered often. Use Urea based multipurpose grease with extreme pressure (example: Kyodo
Yushi EXCELITE EP2, Shell stamina EP2 or equivalent).
Fork Oil/Performance
Disassemble, clean and inspect the front fork and replace oil
regularly. Contamination due to the tiny metal particles
produced from the normal action of the fork, as well as
normal oil breakdown, will deteriorate the performance of
the suspension. Refer to the Honda Service Manual. Use
only Pro Honda HP Fork Oil 5W (U.S.A. only) or
equivalent which contains special additives to assure
maximum performance of your CR’s front suspension.
Frame
Because your CR is a high-performance machine, the frame
should not be overlooked as part of your overall competition
maintenance program. Periodically inspect the frame
closely for possible cracking or other damage. It makes
good racing sense.
Spokes
Check spoke tension frequently between the first few rides.
As the spokes, spoke nuts and rim contact points seat-in, the
spokes may need to be retightened. Once past this initial
seating-in period, the spokes should hold their tension. Still,
be sure your race maintenance program includes checking
spoke tension and overall wheel condition on a regular basis
(page 69).
Nuts, Bolts, Etc
Application of a thread locking agent to essential fasteners
offers added assurance and security. Remove the nuts, clean
the threads of both the nuts and bolts, apply Pro Honda
Hondalock or an equivalent and tighten to the specified
torque.
Servicing Your Honda 25
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