HRC-Framed Magazine Build – 2005 Honda CR250R

In Japan, Off-Road, Race by Tim HuberLeave a Comment

M66 Productions is a San Diego-based production company specializing in action sports who are capable of putting together everything from standalone YouTube videos to full DVD releases. In addition to professional video and photography work, M66 appears to dabble in high-performance project builds as well. Their latest project comes in the form of a 2005 Honda CR250R that has supposedly been constructed around a full factory HRC frame. In addition to the super-trick chassis, this 250 smoker has been outfitted with just about every upgrade imaginable – including the use of several factory HRC components – resulting in a seriously well-farkled, pro-grade, two-stroke MXer.

Though Honda had completed a CR250R prototype in 1971, it would be another year before the “out of the box racer” would see production. The Japanese brappers were an instant success, leading to dozens of model updates as well as inspiring other marques to join the race-ready production MXer game. In 2007, Honda would pull the plug on the CR250R, but this didn’t stop it from continuing to be one of the most beloved dirt bikes of all time. The stock CR’s were competent bikes, but HRC’s factory racers took things a few steps further. It probably didn’t hurt that HRC was developing the CR for none other than Jeremy McGrath during the mid 1990’s through the mid 2000’s.

This 2005 CR250 no doubt has benefited from much of the R&D that was born out of McGrath’s time with Honda. On top of its full factory HRC frame, this example comes with an HRC cylinder. The buyer gets to pick either red or fluo-yellow plastics. Unless you work for HRC or are close with a buddy who does, it is extremely difficult to come across genuine HRC components, and full HRC frames are even rarer as they’re typically constructed as needed. Recreating this bike would probably cost at least double the seller’s asking price, and that’s only if you manage to get a hold of the same factory Honda parts which is a tall order.

Additional upgrades on this CR include anodized triple clamps and HRC fork tubes. The suspension has also been tuned by Factory Connection and new billet anodized hubs were thrown on along with a new chain and Renthal sprocket. The top end recently underwent a rebuild and the carb has also gotten some attention. Red Big Flo radiator hoses were clamped on, and the oil-burner now spits fumes via an FMF Works Pipe married to a FMF silencer. The entire build is also sitting on brand new Dunlop knobbies.

Other aftermarket components on the CR250 consist of folding billet levers, shifter, brake-lever, fat bars, grips, and TI Monster Pro pegs all made by Torc 1. This example’s saddle is now a custom made Traction MX Gripper Seat, and it has Boyesen billet ignition and clutch covers as well as an RC/HRC power valve cover. Lastly, the bike has an inverted Showa fork, Acerbis vented disc-brake cover, and a heap of other knickknacks not mentioned in the ad. M66 Productions put together a short two-minute video of this exact example being ridden around Cahuilla Creek, and the damn thing straight up shreds. Obviously the pilot shown – Tyler Churchill – has got some serious riding chops, but this tricked-out CR250 definitely helps.

If I were buying this Honda I’d personally insist that the seller provide documentation or proof that this bike is fitted with genuine factory HRC parts, but based on the bike being sold by M66, I’m inclined to believe them. Watching the video of this CR in action admittedly helped to convince me of its legitimacy, and at its current asking price this seems like one sweet deal.

You can find this 2005 HRC-framed CR250R for sale here on Craigslist in San Diego, California with a price of $5,700.