The Honda CRF-E2 distills the capabilities of the company‘s famed CRF line of motocross bikes into a miniature battery-powered package. Blending approachable performance with legendary branding, this all-new model ushers novice riders into the world of electric motorcycles.
Overview
- The CRF-E2 replicates the look and feel of Honda‘s trail bikes in a pint-sized electric platform suitable for youngsters
- Handling bumps and jumps with four inches of front suspension travel and a plush rear shock
- Weighing under 110 pounds thanks to its aluminum frame and electric motor
- Optional swappable batteries enable practically unlimited run time
- Equipped with the same quality tires, disc brakes, adjustable ergonomics as adult off-road models
- Achieves 20 mph top speed and about two hours per charge
- Positioned between toy store bikes and $5,000 youth motocrossers
Digging into the details reveals how substantively Honda has scaled down its performance two-wheelers to an approachable, eco-friendly platform for new riders.
Technical Specifications
| Spec | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 38 inches |
| Seat Height | 24 – 25.5 inches (adjustable) |
| Ground Clearance | 7.8 inches |
| Weight | 106 pounds |
| Top Speed | 20 mph (10 mph limit option) |
| Range | ~2 hours |
Motor: 48V electric with peak 3.4 horsepower and 18.4 lb-ft torque
Battery: 48V Lithium-Ion, 11.9 pounds
Charge Time: 4 hours (standard); 2.5 hours (optional 8A quick charger)
Frame: Aluminum twin-spar
Suspension (F/R): Inverted telescopic fork, 4 inches travel / Single shock, 8 inches travel
Brakes: Hydraulic 190mm front and rear disc
Tires: 12-inch Kenda Millville knobby tires
Building Upon the CRF Legacy
The CRF line represents Honda‘s core offerings for motocross and off-road riding. In gas-powered form, CRF bikes boast advanced four-stroke engines delivering abundant torque across rev ranges.
Dialing back the power yet retaining the uncompromising suspension and chassis makes the CRF-E2 approachable for younger riders. Its familiar styling pays homage to Honda‘s storied racing heritage dating back over half a century.
While the CRF-E2 produces less than five percent of the horsepower of a CRF450R, it maintains the ergonomics, capabilities and aura of its combustion-powered forebears. An aluminum frame paired with long-travel suspension soaks up impacts while the knobby 12-inch tires maintain grip.
Generous ground clearance allows leaning into inclines without smacking the undercarriage. Beefy disc brakes on both wheels supply retarding force for controlling speed on descents.
Purpose-Built EV Powertrain
Underseat batteries feed electrons to the rear wheel-mounted electric motor. In lieu of an internal combustion engine, the brushless DC motor provides usable torque from zero RPM. Peak horsepower reaches 3.4 at 4,000 RPM, enabling a 20 mph top speed in Level 2 mode.
The 48-volt Li-ion battery enables up to two hours of continuous operation on a single charge. An included wall charger fully refreshes its capacity in around four hours.
Swappable Batteries
In a clever adoption from electric cars, the CRF-E2 allows quickly swapping depleted battery packs for fully charged replacements. The 11.9-pound modules lock into place just behind the front shocks.
A top-mounted handle lets small riders hoist the battery packs out and swap in fresh ones. This enables essentially unlimited ride time as you cycle batteries from charger to bike. Each extra unit costs a lofty $1,000, but delivers convenience unmatched by fixed packs.
Corner-Carving Dirt Bike Hardware
True to its intentions for real riding, Honda fits 12-inch wheels with legitimate off-road tires. The knobby Kenda Millville rubber combines grippy cornering feel with predictable breakaway characteristics.
Slowing the lightweight EV‘s momentum are hydraulic disc brakes grasping 190mm front and rear rotors. Metal-lined brake hoses prevent expansion for consistent lever feel. This grade of hardware is rare among junior bikes, enabling youngsters to hone real riding techniques.
First Ride Impressions
With similar capabilities to a modern minibike but more approachable power delivery, the CRF-E2 garners positive reviews from motocross outlets. Testers praise its composure across bumpy terrain and stability at speed thanks to the low center of gravity battery mounting.
The swappable battery system earns acclaim as a clever feature enabling hours of total ride time. For smaller riders, the limiter-equipped power output prevents intimidating wheel spins while still allowing double-digit speeds.
Overall the Honda CRF-E2 earns praise as a legitimate dirt bike capturing the quality and capabilities of larger gasoline-powered offerings. It brings young riders into the Honda brand with both approachable performance and an authentic motocross experience.
