Youth · from about 11–12 · competition
Ready for competition? The youth motocross Honda CRF150R
The youth motocross Honda CRF150R marks the move from learner bike to competition motorcycle. It is aimed at teenagers, with around 11 to 16 years as a guideline – although experience and height matter more. Here you can read how to tell whether your child is ready and how to approach buying.
Key facts Honda CRF150R
- Displacement
- 149 cc
- Cooling
- liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 5 gears with clutch lever
- Fork
- 37 mm Showa upside-down fork
- Wheels
- 19/16 in
- Seat height
- 866 mm
Data as published by Honda Switzerland and the dealer; for power and weight please ask the dealer.
From learner bike to competition motorcycle
Compared with the air-cooled CRF125F, a lot changes on the youth motocross Honda CRF150R. Its 149 cc four-stroke engine is liquid-cooled and works with a Unicam cylinder head. Your child shifts through a close-ratio five-speed gearbox and operates the clutch by hand, and thanks to its low rotating mass, the engine responds directly to the throttle.
Up front sits a Showa upside-down fork with 37 mm tubes that is fully adjustable; at the rear, Pro-Link suspension does the work. Brake discs of 220 mm (front) and 190 mm (rear) and wheels of 19 and 16 inches complete the package. As a competition motorcycle, the CRF150R has no road registration.
Is your child ready to move up?
At 866 mm, the seat is far higher than the 548 mm of the CRF50F – your child is sitting on a fully fledged competition motorcycle here. They should be able to hold the CRF150R securely when stationary, find support with the tips of their toes and operate the clutch and gears without thinking.
Good prerequisites are clean clutch work on the CRF125F, smooth cornering and controlled smaller jumps. The CRF150R demands advanced riding skills; moving up too early can unsettle a young rider rather than help them progress.
Train before you buy
The MX-Academy brings rental bikes to every motocross course: CRF50, CRF110, CRF125 and CRF250. Your child can thus refine clutch control and technique on the 125, while older teenagers already get to know the next class on the 250.
Whether a sitting test on the youth motocross Honda CRF150R itself is possible can be clarified with Honda Motorrad Zürich, where advice and sales take place.
Buying new or used, and looking after it
Anyone planning to buy a motocross bike will find new models from stock at the Honda Motoshop and a constantly changing selection of used motorcycles. With a second-hand CRF150R, it pays to check for oil traces on the fork and shock, and to inspect the radiators and hoses, chain, brake discs and steering head bearings. Ask for service records.
After a day of riding, the routine includes a clean air filter, chain care and a bolt check; with the liquid-cooled engine, a look at the radiators and coolant is added.
Racing team and the route to the CRF250R
For racing ambitions, the racing team is the point of contact: the MX-Academy looks after, coaches and organises the official Honda MX-Academy Motocross Team of Switzerland (SAM Motocross and FMS Motocross), and supplies the racing equipment as well.
Once the CRF150R becomes too small, the Honda CRF250R is next: a 249 cc DOHC engine, a weight of 102 kg and HSTC traction control.
Frequently asked questions
How can you tell that your child is ready for the CRF150R?
When they have clutch and gear changes firmly under control on the CRF125F, corner smoothly and are clearly looking for more power. Age – roughly 11 to 16 years as a guideline – counts for less than advanced riding skills.
Can the suspension be adapted to a light child?
The 37 mm Showa fork is fully adjustable and can therefore be tuned to weight and riding ability. The Honda Motoshop of the MX-Academy offers suspension and engine tuning as well as repair and servicing work.
Does a second-hand CRF150R make sense?
Often yes, because teenagers usually ride this model for only a few seasons. Look for a well-maintained engine, suspension and cooling system, and get advice before buying. The selection of used Honda motocross bikes changes all the time.
When is moving up to the CRF250R a good idea?
When the CRF150R becomes too small and your child uses its power confidently. The CRF250R offers 249 cc, HSTC traction control and HRC Launch Control. Because the 250 is available as a rental bike on every MX-Academy motocross course, the switch can be tried out beforehand.
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