Honda Unveils CRF-E2 Electric DirtBike for Youth Market

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More serious than a toy bike, the new CRF-E2 is aimed at getting young riders out on the dirt with its easy operation and solid spec sheet. (Honda/)

Until very recently, the youth segment for electric dirt bikes was maddeningly short on options; you could choose from ultra-mini street or toy bikes, or go the opposite direction, to the high-end (and high-priced) competition-focused KTM SX-E 5 or Husky EE 5 minicrossers. Things improved a bit for those in the middle with the introduction of Indian’s eFTR Jr minibike last year, but that was still essentially a rebadged Razor product promoted more as a casual option rather than a true off-road ripper.

But now Big Red is looking to take over that Goldilocks middle ground with the electric Honda CRF-E2 dirt bike, just unveiled in a joint partnership with Greenger Powersports. The Greenger x Honda CRF-E2 is a step up from those less serious minibikes, but at a more accessible entry point than the higher-quality Austrian offerings, clearly targeting younger off-road riders with its combination of a familiar platform, compact footprint, and ease of operation, all at a less daunting price.

Related: Honda Ramps up Future Electric Vehicle and Battery Plans

The half-pint take on Honda’s bigger CRF models features 12-inch wire wheels shod with Kenda Millville knobbies. (Honda/)

The collaboration with Southern California-based Greenger makes sense, as the firm has a history of distributing electric powersports products and owns more than 20 technical patents, including those for its battery, motor, and controller. With Honda already having a suitable entry-level platform, it was likely an easy decision for both to go in on an electric product aimed at the youth market.

For its part, Honda touts the CRF-E2 as “a fun training tool for young new riders, as it eliminates the need to operate a clutch or shift lever.” Making things even easier is the low-voltage (48-volt) BLDC electric motor that  produces a maximum output of 3.4 hp and 18.4 pound-feet of torque, according to Honda, which should be plenty to get this 106-pounder (curb weight) up to speed.

The real star of the spec sheet though is a 20AH lithium-ion battery which is not only swappable, but claims a best-in-class range of about two hours (ideally) with a full charge. The battery can be fully charged in four hours, or two and a half hours if you use an optional quick-charge system. If you keep a spare battery on hand, you can swap out in seconds to keep the fun going. It’s a pretty cool feature and one you really don’t see in this class.

There’s a whopping 8.3 inches of suspension travel from the rear shock, impressive for the class. (Honda/)

Honda has also blessed the CRF-E2 with a decent component list, in the form of a 33mm telescopic hydraulic fork and DNM shock, the latter of which offers actual preload and rebound damping adjustments and a whopping 8.3 inches of suspension travel. You still get a more than adequate 3.9 inches of travel up front, and the CRF-E2 rides on 12-inch wheels shod with Kenda Millville K771 knobby tires front and rear. The disc brakes here are also the real deal, with pedal-style 190mm rotors front and rear acted upon by hydraulic calipers with adjustable brake levers on the bar.

The 48-volt BLDC motor puts out a max 3.4 horses and 18.4 pound-feet of torque, though power can be switched between two levels. (Honda/)

Those relatively high-quality components are packed into a twin-spar aluminum frame, with a tapered aluminum handlebar, and seat height is adjustable, between 24.8 and 25.5 inches (Honda says the bike can physically accommodate riders weighing 99 pounds or less). The styling, too, isn’t your usual ticky-tacky treatment, with the silhouette and red plastic bodywork with blue and white graphics adhering to—or at least acknowledging—Honda’s popular CRF450R and CRF250R models.

Lithium-ion battery is not only swappable, but also delivers a best-in-class runtime of 2 hours (under optimal conditions). (Honda/)

The CRF-E2′s release heralds another step toward attracting new riders and continuing the sales momentum off-road models experienced during the pandemic. We’re also hoping it ushers in more electric options from notoriously conservative Honda, though it’s hard to tell from its statement: “We’re pleased to partner with Greenger Powersports to offer an innovative, approachable electric dirt bike to our customers,” said Bill Savino, American Honda senior manager of customer engagement. “One of Honda’s mission statements is ‘ensuring the joys for the next generation,’ and the CRF-E2 clearly aligns with that objective.”

The CRF-E2 is available exclusively through American Honda’s nationwide network of participating powersports dealerships and carries an MSRP of $2,950.

The 33mm hydraulic fork serves up 3.9 inches of travel, and brackets a 12-inch wire-spoked wheel. (Honda/)
Standard charge time for the swappable lithium-ion battery is four hours on a regular outlet. (Honda/)
WIth its easy operation, an adjustable seat and compact 38-inch wheelbase, Honda’s hoping the CRF-E2 will appeal to younger riders looking to make the leap to real off-road bikes. (Honda/)

2022 Greenger x Honda CRF-E2 Specifications

MSRP:	$2,950
Motor:	48-volt BLDC w/ inner rotor
Power:	1.6 hp @ 2,000 rpm; max 3.4 hp @ 4,000 rpm
Torque:	4.1 lb. @ 2,000 rpm; max 18.4 lb. @ 4,000 rpm
Battery:	20AH swappable lithium-ion
Drive modes:	Stage 1 max speed 10 mph; Stage 2 max speed 20 mph
Charge time:	100% @ 4 hr.; 80% @ 3.2 hr.
Transmission/Final Drive:	Direct drive/428 chain
Frame:	Aluminum twin spar
Front Suspension:	33mm hydraulic telescopic fork, nonadjustable; 3.9 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	DNM, preload and rebound adjustable; 8.3 in. travel
Front Brake:	Hydraulic caliper, 190mm disc
Rear Brake:	Hydraulic caliper, 190mm disc
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Aluminum spoke; 12 x 1.6 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	60/100-12
Rake/Trail:	25.0°/1.3 in.
Wheelbase:	38.0 in.
Ground Clearance:	7.8 in.
Seat Height:	24.8–25.5 in. (adjustable)
Curb Weight:	106 lb.
Contact:	powersports.honda.com

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