Bike Tests

One of the nifty features on the 2002 Honda CRF450 four-stroke is the separated oil cavities. Unlike a normal engine, the Honda has distinctly different oil compartments for top-end oil and transmission oil. This is a great idea, although…
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The MXA test crew has used a special needle in its 2002 YZ125. The original MXA needle was a works part that was hand made. During testing, the works needle performed better than the stock YZ125 needle. Unfortunately, the hand-made needle…
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Honda released pics and specs on their 2002 CRs. Here is all the info you need to know! (click on photo) CR125: The new list: 1. New third generation twin spar aluminum frame and swingarm. (1.1 lb lighter than last years frame) 2.…
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CRF450: 1. New third generation twin spar aluminum frame. (1.1 lb lighter than last years frame) 2. Redesigned rear brake system with integrated reservoir and master cylinder. 3. New Unicam valve train. 4. Pin-rotation type auto…
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(click on photo) CR250: 1. New third generation twin spar aluminum frame and swingarm. (1.1 lb lighter than last years frame) 2. Redesigned rear brake system with integrated reservoir and master cylinder. 3. All-new case-reed engine. 4.…
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Amidst all the hype surrounding the first outing of Honda's RC450, Yamaha also debuted a new bike at the October 22nd race in Japan. That's right, at the same mud race where Tortelli showed the world the RC450, Ernesto Fonseca proved to the…
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Honda is a strange company. Less than a month ago they refused to tell or show their dealers any details on the CR450 four-stroke at the annual dealer meeting in Las Vegas. Now, they bring the bike out in public at this week's Japanese race…
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Believe it or not, Yamaha will race a four-stroke in the 125 class next year. No, not a 125cc four-stroke---a 250cc four-stroke. Under current AMA rules the 125 class is limited to 0-to-125cc two-strokes and 0-to-250cc four-strokes. The…
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Want to know what's different on the 2001 CR125 compared to the CR250 other than a smaller motor? HERE'S WHAT'S NEW ON THE 2001 CR250 1. New cylinder port shapes and timing specs provide a smoother and stronger power delivery, and produce…
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There is no doubt that the Yamaha YZ-F will encourage lots of new riders into the four-stroke fold. The rite of passage for any neophyte four-stroke rider is starting one of the beasts. The golden rule--tattoo this on your forehead is:…
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Want to know what next year's RM's will look like (about six months before they release them)? Look no further. The 2001 RM's will feature a totally new gas tank, new radiator wings, side panels, fender and front number plate. Insiders…
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Why are so many of the factory riders testing 20-inch front tires? Are they guinea pigs? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the new tire size? Is the 20-inch actually smaller than a 21-inch tire? Are consumers going to have to dig…
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