Off road, dual sport, j adventure
touring and Super-Moto buyer’ guide
Back in the early '90s there was a hair
band whose name is not worth remembering, but who did come up with a splendid
idea: Talk Dirty to Me. There’s just something about getting off the pavement
and rooting around in the dirt that lights up smiles on riders' faces. Not that
you absolutely have to leave pavement behind; many of the models covered in
this 2013 buyer’s guide carry lights and horns and wear tires suitable for the
roads, but at heart, all these motorcycles have a special attraction for
off-road environments. This will be a year of incremental improvements, some of
them quite stunning, and only a handful of brand new models. That’s all right -
the field is pretty well covered already: from 50 cc beginner bikes to $20,000 Super
Mudders, there’s an invitation to talk dirty in here for just about anyone. So
go ahead. We know you like it, and we like it too. cc
Gas Gas EC
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Price: $8,795
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Engine Liquid-cooled: four-stroke
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Displacement: 249.3/299.3 cc
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Transmission: Six-speed
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Wheel Size (F/R): 21/18 in.
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Susp. Travel (F/R): 305/298 mm
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Weight: 102 kg
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Fuel Capacity: 9.51
The $8,795 two-stroke Gas Gas 250 and 300 Enduros
are in competition-ready trim and are now identified as such by their
"Racing" model designation. The 2013 ECs feature a redesigned frame
and aluminum sub-frame, Marzocchi closed cartridge 48 mm inverted fork, Ohlins
888 shock, FMF silencer, Excel rims, Renthal handlebar, and revisions to the
engine for improved response at low- and mid-range speeds. Electric start is
available on either model for an additional $100.
Gas Gas TXT
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Price: $4,495-$7,595
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Engine Liquid-cooled: two-stroke
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Displacement: 124.8-294.12 cc
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Transmission: Six-speed
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Wheel Size (F/R): 21/18 in.
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Susp. Travel (F/R): 177/164 mm
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Weight: 66-66.5 kg
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Fuel Capacity: 2.41
World championship competition has a way of
improving a breed. Such is the case with Gas Gas's TXT trials bikes. Offered in
displacements of 125, 250, 280 and 300 cc, the hand-built TXT machines come in
slim, lightweight, com-petition-proven designs. Refinements introduced for 2013
include a lighter fuel tank, new rear linkage with a faster rebound, narrower
radiator and easily interchangeable engine ignition maps. For additional
information about Gas Gas in Canada visit www.gasgaspacific.com.
Honda CRF50F / 70F / 80F
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Price: $1,699 - $2,799
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Engine Air-cooled: four-stroke
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Displacement: 49/72/80 cc
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Transmission: 3-speed;5-speed
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Wheel Size (F/R): 10/10; 14/12; 16/14 in.
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Susp. Travel (F/R): 89/71;81/89; 140/109 mm
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Weight: 47/58/70 kg
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Fuel Capacity: 2.6/4.9
The $1,699 CRF50F retains Honda's venerable
49 cc OHC four-stroke single, along with an automatic clutch, three-speed
gearbox and a single-shock rear suspension. The $1,639 (discounted by $500)
CRF70F uses a big-bore 72 cc version of the same engine, along with a bigger
chassis and larger-diameter wheels. The $2,799 CRF80F has a five-speed
transmission and 16- and 14-inch wheels. The 70F is available only as a
non-current model as it has been replaced by the CRF110F (see below).
Honda CRF100F
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Price: $3,099
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Engine Air-cooled: four-stroke
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Displacement: 99 cc
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Transmission: Five-speed
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Wheel Size (F/R): 19/16 in.
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Susp. Travel (F/R) : 132/147 mm
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Weight: 75 kg
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Fuel Capacity: 4.91
Honda's popular CFR100F is a mainstay in
Honda's off-road lineup and a solid choice for the novice recreational rider.
It is large enough for an adult, with 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels,
but suitable for younger riders. The mildly tuned 99 cc engine and five-speed
transmission require little maintenance and tolerate neglect (not that we
encourage that kind of thing). A Showa fork and Pro-Link rear suspension
withstand spirited riding. A keyed ignition switch deters theft.
Honda CRF110F
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Price: $2,399
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Engine Air-cooled: 4-stroke
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Displacement: 110 cc
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Transmission: Four-speed automatic
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Wheel Size (F/R): 14/12 in.
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Susp. Travel (F/R): 100/87 mm
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Weight: 74 kg
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Fuel Capacity: 51
Taking over from the CRF70F is the new
CRF110F, which offers a similarly-sized machine with a bigger, more powerful
motor. The four-speed automatic transmission uses twin clutches to enable
smooth getaways and crisp gear changes. Fledgling riders can still use kick
start if they wish but the 110F is also equipped with electric start. The steel
frame, Swingarm and larger-diameter fork are all new, the seat height is still
only five mm taller than on the 70F and wider-set foot-pegs provide greater
control for beginners.
Honda CRF150F / 150RB / 230F
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Price: $4,149-$5,549
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Engine Air-cooled: 4-stroke
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Displacement: 149/223 cc
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Transmission: 5-speed/6-speed
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Wheel Size (F/R): 19/16; 21/18 in.
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Susp. Travel (F/R): 231/226; 241/229; 275/283 mm
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Weight: 85-108 kg
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Fuel Capacity: 4.3-7.2 I
The CRF150F and 230F are great entry-level
off roaders. The $4,149 150F, with smaller wheels for the vertically
challenged, has recently revised jetting designed for improved performance from
the air-cooled four-stroke single. The $4,599 230F has bigger wheels, increased
suspension travel, a six-speed gearbox and is the better choice for those
pushing maximum density. For 2012 the $5,549 CRF150RB Moto crosser received
engine and suspension upgrades for improvements in power and handling.
Honda CRF250R/X / CRF450R/X
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Price: $8,499-$9,499
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Engine Liquid-cooled: four-stroke
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Displacement: 249/449 cc
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Transmission: Five-speed
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Wheel Size (F/R): 21/19; 21/18 in.
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Susp. Travel (F/R): 310/313; 315/315 mm
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Weight: 103/115 kg
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Fuel Capacity: 5.7/7.2 I
For 2013 the $8,499 CRF250R receives
revised fuel injection mapping to increase response at low- and mid-range
engine speeds. New, stiffer-rate fork springs and damping circuitry and Dunlop
Geomax MX51 FA tires also highlight the 250's upgrades. The $9,499 CRF450R
features a re-engineered aluminum frame and Swingarm, lighter KYB fork and
extensive engine upgrades. The unchanged $8,999 250X and $9,199 450X come with Enduro
lighting, wide-ratio gearboxes, and larger rear wheels and fuel tanks.
Husaberg FE
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Engine Liquid-cooled: four-stroke
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Displacement: 248.6/349.7/510.4 cc
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Transmission: Six-speed
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Wheel Size (F/R): 21/18 in.
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Susp. Travel (F/R): 300/335 mm
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Weight: 107.5-112.5 kg
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Fuel Capacity: 8.5 l
Husaberg s FE four-stroke Enduro line is
represented by new 250, 350 and 501 cc models. For 2013 these three come with
fresh bodywork, lighter and stronger sub-frames, new Chromoly-Steel frames and Swingarms,
PDS shock, 4CS WP closed-cartridge forks, air boxes and translucent fuel tanks.
The FE machines share a Keihin fuel injection system with 42 mm throttle body,
six-speed transmissions and engines derived from KTM, which also distributes
the Husaberg brand.
