50 YEARS OF
HONDA CR/CRF

THE PEOPLES CHAMPION

Few manufactures can boast continued production of a single range, and fewer still with that production having consistently been the benchmark of the competition. But, that is exactly what the Honda CR/CRF range has achieved.

Since 1979 when Honda secured their first mayor championship with Brit Graham Noyce, the CR brand has become synonymous with winning. Now 31 world championships later, the CR/CRF really is a true people's champion.

To celebrate 50 years of the CR range we headed to the 2022 VMXdN at Foxhills. We spoke to the owners of some truly iconic bikes and milestones in the evolution of Motocross. Hear the passion that these bikes inspire in the voice of their owners.

1980

1981

1983

1989

1991

1993

1998

2001

The Super Evo in ‘95 is Nathan’s favourite GP. He pays homage to Paul Cooper with this bike, and takes it out every weekend for his weekly dose of nostalgia.

This 1998 Honda CR250 is a special one. Previously owned by Ronnie Mac, it’s currently the only screaming eagle to ever be sold.

Sent over from America, Ben’s 1989 CR500 has only been ridden by one rider on UK soil. Any ideas who?

Paul bought his CR500 1991 as an eBay special, and stripped it down with the hopes of building a superbike. With some tuning help from his uncle, and gradual collection of parts over the years, the bike is now race ready!

This is the first CR Ryan has owned, He believes it’s the most compatible bike for its class, and he’ll be putting that to the test at Foxhills!

Dean’s 1993 Mugen CR125 varies slightly to a stock model, with a few HRC bits added over the years.

Adrian races in the 125 Championship with his 1983 CR125. Growing up watching Thorpie, he’s pretty much been a riding red ever since, and even rides a 2021 CRF450 in the veterans.

Having owned this 2007 CR250 since new, Luke has competed in numerous events over the years. It had a few rebuilds, but Foxhills was a perfect reason to restore it, making it both visually appealing, and nice to ride.

Phil brings his 1979 Red Rocket to show off at Foxhills. Built by Phil Denton engineering, the bike is also signed by Honda’s first world champion, Graham Noyce.

Steve from Phil Denton Engineering shows us their CR250 1980 that has been used in the Farleigh Castle vets since 2011.

All the way from California, this is Dennis’s first time at Foxhills, and he brings along with him a 2000 CR250 two-stroke, built by Denton Engineering. Having ridden this model bike in American Nationals in the early 2000s, he’s excited to take a trip back-in-time riding this model again.

Jeremy has been a motorcycle mechanic since the age of 16, and has spent many hours fine tuning this CR for MX rider Daniel Mings.

Craig bought this 1981 CR250 from a Japanese auction, and had it imported to the UK just last year. The bike remained in its dealership from 1980 to 1993, before being covered up and stored away.

Macaulay fell in love with CRs as a means of escapism to help with his mental health. He rebuilt this CR125 1999, and eventually bought a CR250 2001, after realising he wanted something with a bit more power.

Owning four CR500s, Nick brings his latest addition to Foxhills - his CR500AF bought from the States, describing it as a ‘dream to ride’ with its 500 power and modern suspension.

This 1987 CR250 was only bought by Dale five weeks prior to the event, so there was a bit of a rush to get it ready in time. Nevertheless, it’s here ready to roll!