2004 Honda CR 85R

Honda’s prominent CR series of off-road motocross motorbikes has been a significant flagship for the motor company for the best few decades. CR models can be classified as youth and off-roading motorbikes. Honda launched the 125R and 250R off-roading bikes and the 85R and 85R Expert youth bikes from the CR series in 2004. The 250R is one of the only motorbikes to go undefeated throughout an entire 250 cc Motocross Championship. Riders favor the 2003 125R and 250R for off-roading but still favor the 2004 models over the rest of the motorbikes currently available.

The surveyed riders favored the riding capabilities of the 2004 Honda 85R when compared to other bikes on the market. The 2004 Honda CR 85R Expert was designed for the young racers that are too tall for the base 85R model. All of the CR models come with a nonadjustable one-piece vinyl seat that is meant for one person only. The CR 85R has a ground clearance of 12.6 inches and the 85R Expert is around 14.4 inches. Ground clearance for the 125R is around 13.7 inches and the 250R is around 13.3 inches. Many riders enjoy the engine performance and low maintenance of the Honda CR 125R.

Many of the people surveyed also feel that the 125R is more fun to ride than most motorcycles as well. Riders feel the 2004 Honda 85R is safer than the 2003 model but other bikes provide more value for the money and are still safer than the CR series. Riders felt that all of the other motorbikes on the market were safer than the 2004 CR 250R models. The only thing surveyed riders really liked about the 250R model was the lower repair costs when compared to all of the other bikes. The base MSRP for the 2004 Honda CR 85R is around $2,900 and the MSRP for the 250R is around $6,000.

• For 2004, the engine for the 125R was redesigned and the chassis was retooled as well.
• The 2003 CR 80 R and 80 R2 were replaced with the 85R and 85R Expert trim levels in 2004.
• Overall, surveyed riders preferred the 2004 youth 85 R series over its predecessor. Riders thought the CR 80 R model was more fun but favored the 85R engine performance, reliability, design and off-roading capabilities over the rest of the bikes currently out there.
• The same riders did indicate that the 2004 Honda 85R series was lacking in safety, touring capabilities, racing capabilities, maintenance costs and fun compared to the 2003 80 R series.
• Surveyed riders prefer the 2004 Honda 125R over 2003, but prefer the 2003 Honda 250R over the 2004 model.
• Riders felt the 2004 Honda 125R was significantly safer than in 2003 and compared to other motorcycles as well. Riders also felt the 2004 250SR wasn’t as safe as in 2003 or compared to other motorcycles.