Race customization! Getting ready to take on the traditional Hidaka Enduro on a Japanese trail bike! Part 1

Hello, my name is Daigo Miyazaki, I have worked as an editor for off-road themed magazines and now I am here to bring you a series of articles about entering the Hidaka 2 Days Enduro Race on the Honda CRF250L Japanese trail bike.

The Hidaka 2 Days Enduro Race is a traditional and prestigious race that was held in the town of Hidaka, Hokkaido, on September 21 (Sat.) and 22 (Sun.) this year, using a specially prepared course that includes public roads. The last three times I participated in this race, I rode a Husqvarna Motorcycles racer, but this time, I put together this project to compete on a Honda CRF250L.

After purchasing this bike, I was impressed by its comfort level on public roads, including urban areas and highways. Although the MD47 model offers more off-road performance than its predecessor, the MD38, I still think the most attractive feature of this bike is the balance of both on- and off-road performance. I could tell that this bike does not compare to its high-end non-Japanese counterparts, as it feels heavy and there is a limit to what the stock suspension can do. However, I feel that the fact that it is a trail bike that can be purchased at an affordable price in this day and age, and the high level of comfort on public roads mentioned above, are great advantages of this model.

But if you're going to enter it in a race, it is essential to improve the bike not just for performance, but also for safety, by reducing weight and upgrading protective parts. So, for this bike I put various customizations to the test while practicing for the race. Let's take a look at the updates!

YOSHIMURA's full exhaust gives it a racer look!

YOSHIMURA off-road exhausts are used by many, including Jo Shimoda, one of the top motocross riders in the U.S., and the prestigious team T.E.SPORT, who compete in the All Japan Motocross Championship.

The RS-4J Cyclone Carbon End is also available as a slip-on type, but I chose the full exhaust. This stylish exhaust is available in three color variations, and out of those three I chose the "Satin Finish Cover".

First of all, contrary to its racer appearance, the exhaust sound is quiet and gentle! The performance curve and actual riding show that it performs well at high speed, but it also has good torque at the start of acceleration and revs up nicely. I felt that with its quiet sound it would be ideal for not getting tired in long-distance races, as well as for situations where you can push the throttle, such as in races like the Hidaka.

Streamlining the tail area!

The DRC Moto Red Edge Holder Kit was a standard item for the tail of the CRF250L, but the ZETA RACING LED Line Tail Light was newly released this year, so I tried it out. The wiring can be seen when the seat and rear fender are removed, so it can be easily installed and removed. It is also effective for weight reduction and mass centralization. I plan to add reflectors and a license plate holder in the future (currently this bike is being ridden on a closed course only).

Magnetic swingarm guard for easy attachment and removal!

When I competed in the Asia Cross Country Rally I used Husqvarna's stock option swingarm guard, but the red clay soil you find in Cambodia got inside the cover and seeped into the arm itself. This ACERBIS MAGNET Swingarm Protector attaches with a magnet and rubber strap, so it is easy to remove when you want to wash the bike!

Other guards are also fully equipped!

I installed the ZETA RACING Stainless Steel Mesh Headlight Guard. It reminds me of the guard I had on the trail bike I rode in my 20's, so it feels kind of nostalgic.

This is the ACERBIS Skid Plate. There are many under-guards on the market, but this one is made of lightweight resin, and I like its detailed form, which is specially designed. It also protects the side of the engine. However, it must be removed when changing engine oil.

The ACERBIS Frame Protector not only protects the frame but also increases grip. The ZETA RACING Drive Cover is also a standard item, and has been a favorite of mine since it was first released, as it reduces mud getting into the drive unit.

The stock chain guide on the CRF250L is good and rather strong, but it is a common custom to replace it with an aftermarket product that has strength and flexibility to reduce problems such as chain disconnection or breakage. The ACERBIS Chain Guide is completely made of resin, and is good for securing a wide chain line.

This is the ZETA RACING Chain Guide, a popular part that I often see at races. It has a hybrid composition of resin and duralumin, so it boasts both wear resistance and recoverability.

I used to prefer closed handguards, but in recent years I have come to prefer open ones that are lightweight and do not sacrifice the flexibility of the handlebar. This time, I equipped the standard ZETA RACING Impact X3 Handguard. I need to do something about the grip ends, so I also plan to install ZETA RACING Bar End Plugs.
I'll go over the rest of the customizations in Part 2!