Lectron-Equipped Honda CRF150R vs. CRF170 Big-Bore: A Mini Motocross Showdown

The Honda CRF150R, introduced in 2007, aimed to compete with 85cc two-stroke mini bikes by offering a true four-stroke racer for young riders. Many current professional motocross riders, including Justin Barcia, Cooper Webb, Adam Cianciarulo, Hunter Yoder, and Carson Mumford, gained experience on this machine during their amateur careers. Recently, Motocross Action magazine set a stock Honda CRF150R, a Lectron-equipped CRF150R, and a Honda CRF170 Big-Bore head-to-head to assess performance differences.

The Honda CRF150R: A Legacy Machine

The CRF150R has a long history in the motocross world, serving as a stepping stone for many aspiring professionals. However, the stock carburetor has historically been considered a weak point. This prompted testing with an aftermarket Lectron Pro-4 Series carburetor to evaluate potential improvements.

The CRF170 Big-Bore: Enhanced Power

Pasha’s Varner Racing built the CRF170 Big-Bore four-stroke, also equipped with a Lectron carburetor, to provide a comparison point with increased displacement. This build aimed to deliver more power than the standard CRF150R.

The Test: Stock, Lectron, and Big-Bore

Motocross Action’s mini-tester review directly compared the three bikes: a stock CRF150R, a CRF150R fitted with a Lectron Pro-4 Series carburetor, and the CRF170 Big-Bore. The goal was to determine the benefits of carburetor upgrades and increased displacement in the mini motocross segment. Motocross Action published a video detailing the comparison on March 12, 2026, with an update on the same date.

Key Takeaways

• The Honda CRF150R has been a popular choice for young motocross racers since its introduction in 2007.
• The stock carburetor on the CRF150R has been identified as a potential area for improvement.
• A Lectron carburetor and a big-bore kit are modifications that can significantly alter the performance characteristics of the CRF150R.

Carson Brown also tested a Honda CRF150R against a CR85 Two-Stroke. YouTube

Honda continues to manufacture the CRF150R as of March 2026. Motocross Action Magazine