2026 Honda CRF150R Review

Designed for performance, the standard CRF150R (with 17-inch and 14-inch front-and-rear wheels). Lightweight plastic body components—including the radiator shrouds, side panels, front and rear fenders, seat base, front number plate and fork guards—mimic the looks of the larger CRF-R models and provide a sleek, smooth rider area to facilitate maneuvering on the bike.

Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications

2026 Honda CRF150R: 17″ & 14″ FRONT AND REAR WHEELS.

Introducing the 2026 Honda CRF150R…

Every champion starts somewhere
A great place to start. An even better place to win. The CRF150R and CRF150R Expert are built for young motocross racers, with high-revving Unicam engines and race-proven components. The Expert adds larger wheels for a taller seat height—perfect for growing riders chasing bigger goals. However far they’re going, it all starts here.

Developed for young riders looking to up their game, Honda’s CRF150R is the first step on the CRF Performance ladder. Though scaled-down in size, Honda’s littlest motocrosser touts a Unicam four-stroke engine and Showa suspension, giving the next generation of racer a true high-performance experience that is a great foundation for developing advanced skills. The CRF150R is available in both standard and Expert versions—the latter being a great choice for taller riders, thanks to its larger wheels, higher seat and additional rear-suspension travel.

2026 Honda CRF150R Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

• 150cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
• “Direct push” accelerator pump
• 37mm Showa inverted fork
• Big-bike MX graphics
• Designed for smaller 150-class racers
• Engine Type
  150cc liquid-cooled single cylinder
• Transmission
  Close-ratio five-speed
• Front Suspension
  37.0mm leading-axle inverted Showa fork; 10.8-inch travel
• Rear Suspension
  Pro-Link Showa single shock; 10.7-inch travel
• Seat Height
  32.8 inches
• Curb Weight
  185 pounds (w/all fluids and fuel)

Unicam engine
The Unicam engine is based on the championship-winning CRF450R. It is designed to provide excellent rideability and increased power and torque throughout the rev range.

Accelerator pump
A “direct push” accelerator pump carburetor provides better, more immediate throttle response.

Front and rear disc brakes
Front and rear disc brakes provide powerful, precise stopping power.

Track-designed chassis
A lightweight, high-tensile steel frame with large-diameter frame tubing and crossmember delivers excellent turning performance and straight-line tracking.

HISTORY
Introduced for the 2007 model year, the CRF150R brought CRF-R four-stroke motocross performance to the younger generation. (Previously, such machines were only available as two-strokes.) Over the years, the littlest member of the CRF Performance lineup has been a big seller, in both its standard and Expert iterations.

Updated Transalp and NC750X Lead Honda’s Product Announcement

• XL750 Transalp receives comfort- and convenience-focused changes for 2025
• Improved styling and handling for the NC750X DCT
• Also: Nine CRF Performance models confirmed for 2026 model year

American Honda today announced the return of two standout motorcycles for the 2025 model year: the XL750 Transalp and the NC750X DCT, both of which receive important updates. The ADV category is famously varied, and while these two models share a common class, they represent very different approaches to adventure.

Already popular after just one year on the U.S. market, the contemporary XL750 Transalp is a true adventure machine that is maneuverable and compact, ready to tackle dirt roads and backroads alike. It’s back for 2025 with revisions aimed at improving comfort and convenience, including better aerodynamics, lighting, instrumentation and suspension.

On the other end of the ADV spectrum is the NC750X DCT, long familiar with U.S. customers as an exceptionally comfortable commuter and weekend explorer—and improved for 2025 with refreshed styling, lighting, braking and more.

“The XL750 Transalp and NC750X DCT demonstrate Honda’s ability to appeal to the varying needs of powersports enthusiasts,” said Colin Miller, Manager of Public Relations at American Honda. “While both machines are midsize adventure bikes, each is developed with a different application in mind—and each is extremely effective in its particular realm. That Honda not only offers both options, but has also improved them both for 2025, is just the latest example of our commitment to meeting the demands of any customer.”

Also included in this announcement are nine dirt-focused models returning for the 2026 model year. In the race-winning CRF Performance family are the Baja-dominating CRF450X, the closed-course off-road CRF250RX and CRF450RX, and the CRF450RL dual-sport bike, as well as the motocross-focused CRF450R, CRF450RWE, CRF250R, CRF250RWE and CRF150R.

2026 Honda CRF150R Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

STYLING / DESIGN
Designed for performance, the CRF150R is available in two versions: the standard CRF150R (with 17-inch and 14-inch front-and-rear wheels) and the CRF150R Expert (with 19- and 16-inch wheels), which is intended for larger riders. Lightweight plastic body components—including the radiator shrouds, side panels, front and rear fenders, seat base, front number plate and fork guards—mimic the looks of the larger CRF-R models and provide a sleek, smooth rider area to facilitate maneuvering on the bike.

ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
Taking inspiration from the CRF450R, the CRF150R features a scaled-down version of Honda’s proven Unicam architecture. Designed for optimal power and torque across the entire powerband, the high-performance 149.7cc engine has bore and stroke figures of 66.0mm and 43.7mm, respectively, along with a 11.7:1 compression ratio.

This lightweight engine weighs just 43.6 pounds, contributing to the bike’s overall agility and responsiveness. The engine features a twin-sump lubrication system, which separates the oil supply for the crankshaft, piston and valve train from that of the clutch and transmission. This system ensures cool oil for the clutch, reduces the risk of contamination and allows for a smaller, more efficient oil pump.

For easy starting, the CRF150R features a lightweight, compact internal auto-decompression system combined with a handlebar-mounted hot-start, ensuring reliable performance whether the bike is hot or cold. A 32mm Keihin FCR carburetor with an accelerator-pump circuit offers precise fuel metering for crisp throttle response and rideability throughout the powerband. A large-capacity airbox is paired with a reusable two-stage foam air filter, ensuring optimal airflow.

Completing the performance package is a lightweight exhaust system that includes a stainless-steel header and re-packable aluminum muffler for durability and performance. Power is delivered through a durable five-speed, close-ratio transmission.

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
The lightweight, high-tensile steel frame features large-diameter tubing and delivers outstanding turning performance and stability in straight-line tracking. The standard CRF150R has a seat height of 32.8 inches, compared to 34.1 inches for the Expert version.

The suspension is tuned to provide smooth action over even the toughest track conditions, ensuring a controlled ride on even the roughest of tracks. The 37mm leading-axle inverted Showa cartridge fork has friction-reducing technology and offers 10.8 inches of travel.

The Pro-Link rear-suspension system features a single fully adjustable Showa shock, offering responsive handling. Wheel travel is 10.7 inches on the standard CRF150R, 11.1 inches on the Expert version.

Strong, lightweight wheels minimize unsprung weight, enhancing agility and responsiveness. Hydraulic front and rear disc brakes feature high-performance pads, for powerful-yet-precise stopping power. Stout 15mm and 17mm front and rear axles are treated for strength. Meanwhile, high-performance Dunlop tires provide exceptional traction.

Unicam engine
The Unicam engine is based on the championship-winning CRF450R. It is designed to provide excellent rideability and increased power and torque throughout the rev range.

Accelerator pump
A “direct push” accelerator pump carburetor provides better, more immediate throttle response.

Track-designed chassis
A lightweight, high-tensile steel frame with large-diameter tubing and crossmembers delivers excellent turning performance and straight-line tracking..

Front and rear disc brakes
Front and rear disc brakes provide powerful, precise stopping power.

Showa front suspension
An adjustable 37mm leading-axle inverted Showa cartridge fork features specially tuned valving for small bumps and a friction-reducing design to improve compression and rebound control.

Pro-Link rear suspension
The Pro-Link rear-suspension system features a fully adjustable Showa shock for superb bump absorption and traction.

Lightweight wheels
Strong, lightweight wheels are durable and minimize unsprung weight.

Big-bike MX graphics
Clean, bold, and bright graphics are just like those on our CRF450R. Look like a pro, ride like a pro.

Expert model features
The CRF150R Expert features bigger wheels and a longer swingarm, giving it a higher seat to better suit taller riders.

Engine & Drivetrain

Excellent Mass Centralization
The 150 cc engine boasts an ultra-high RPM and its unique 4-valve Unicam design gives it very compact dimensions and excellent mass centralization for effortless direction changes on the ground or altitude changes in the air. Rail it or whip it with confidence.

Power When You Want it
Short-skirted piston and light flywheel mean the CRF’s willing engine builds revs very quickly—no waiting for the power to “hit”.

Consistent Engine Operating Temperature
Liquid cooling and a Nikasil cylinder liner help to extend engine life. The cooling system’s lightweight aluminum radiator reduces weight to help ensure consistent engine operating temperature no matter how hard you push.

More Immediate Throttle
Flat-slide, FCR 32 mm carburetor is fitted with an accelerator pump for more immediate throttle response. Go ahead, use the 4-stroke advantage to grab the holeshot.

Chassis & Suspension

Excellent Performance
Lightweight high-tensile steel frame with large-diameter tubing provides excellent turning performance and keeps you tracking straight through the hoops.

Improved Turning Precision
Wide-section aluminum top and bottom triple-clamps hold the inverted forks rigidly and position the fork tubes far apart giving you improved turning precision and control.

Comfort on any Terrain
Pro-Link rear suspension system features a fully adjustable Showa shock that effectively soaks up whatever the track or trail can throw at it.

Precise Control Over Any Terrain
Lightweight wheels and hubs help to reduce un-sprung weight allowing the wheels to effectively follow uneven terrain. The strong and rigid, but lightweight, box-section aluminum swingarm further enhances rear wheel tracking offering precise control whether you’re braking over stutter bumps or root infested trails.

Additional Features

Consistent Power
Large-capacity airbox and reusable two-stage foam air filter means power won’t drop off during long, dusty rides.

Stay Comfortable & Stay Put
Slim, well-padded seat is comfortable and allows maximum movement. Non-slip seat cover gives you excellent control.

Personalized Comfort
Fully adjustable, high-quality controls include comfortable grips, dogleg levers, side-pull throttle and a folding shift lever. Cleated, folding, self-cleaning footpegs offering excellent grip complete the impressive collection of thoughtful touches.

2026 Honda CRF150R – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $5,499 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $7,457 CDN (includes Freight, PDI and Fees)
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer for Pricing in GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride

Meets current CARB and EPA emissions standards

2026 Honda CRF150R – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details

*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride

Meets current CARB and EPA emissions standards

2026 Honda CRF150R – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details

NA

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).

Posted on Thursday, July 31st, 2025 by Michael Le Pard