The Honda CRF250R has already established itself as a highly capable motocross bike, whether inside or outside a competition.

But its battery-electric sibling is about to make its own name at the eighth round of the D.I.D. All Japan Motocross Championship on Oct. 28 to 29, 2023. American Honda team adviser and 2010 AMA Pro Motocross 250 champion Trey Canard will be at the helm.

Honda Racing Corporation will field the CR Electric Prototype, which was first unveiled at the 2019 Tokyo Motorcycle Show. This outing marks the first time that the Japanese motorbike manufacturer will enter an in-house electric motorcycle at a formal competition.

The CR Electric Prototype uses the CRF250R as a starting point, but replaces the twin-cam 250cc engine with an electric motor, a power controller and a Maxell lithium-ion battery pack between the frame rails.

Other goodies include a water-cooled radiator, a Showa front fork, Nissin brakes and Dunlop tires.

Although Honda has remained mum on the CR Electric Prototype’s performance since its debut, it is expected to match the CRF250R, which means around 30 PS and a curb weight of about 108 kg.

The company has also made no announcement on any changes that it has made ahead of raceday.

A motocross event is a good place to test an electric motorcycle’s capabilities, with its instantaneous torque offering a big advantage. It would also give Honda the chance to check out prototype components in some of the most severe conditions for a two-wheeler.

The CR Electric Prototype joins other electric Honda race bikes, such as the Mugen Shinden Hachi superbikes that dominated the Isle of Man TT Zero from 2014 until the series’ moratorium in 2019. This packs a huge 370-volt battery pack producing 160 PS.

Are you excited to see what else Honda can do with their electric two-wheelers?

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