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According to Honda this environment along with the growing popularity of off-road riding has resulted in the massive expansion of the enduro motorcycle market with demand from both racers and weekend riders reaching unprecedented levels.
Honda has been a key protagonist in this market and its overall growth, with a dedicated range of CRF enduro bikes catering for a wide range of riders and applications.
The brand's established virtues of quality, reliability, and durability are renowned amongst the motorcycle fraternity, and have ensured its success in an extremely competitive segment - and its prized status as the world's leading motorcycle manufacturer, and the top-selling brand in South Africa.
With the recent launch of the new and exceptionally competent 2007 CRF range at a dirt track in the South of Johannesburg, Honda made it clear that they want a large chunk of the enduro market.
And the company wants to rope the entire family into the experience.
In fact, as I was racing around the track to my heart's content on each of the new models, the one thing that became increasingly obvious was this - Honda's line-up offers something for everyone and there's a model to suit every need and age.
The 2007 CRF ensuro series consists of two main ranges. The X-models heads up the range and is designed for trail riding on a competitive basis or as a recreational activity, while the F-models are aimed at the fun or leisure end of the market and to provide an important entry-level point for junior riders.
The CRF450X is the main act of the X-models, employing technology derived from the CRF450R motocrosser to produce a powerful trail-blazer.
In the same vein the highly acclaimed CRF250X shares a thoroughbred lineage with compact dimensions, linear power delivery and lithe handling characteristics which is sure to make it a favorite amongst enduro riders around the world.
On the F-front the CRF230F is a versatile trail bike, which delivers a great mix of sure-footed handling, solid performance and low-maintenance running. This makes it a very attractive user-friendly option for recreational use amongst adult riders who don't require the hard-core qualities of the more extreme models.
The popular CRF100F slots in between the 230 derivative and the dedicated junior models to provide a practical solution that is big enough for most adults to enjoy, yet with a suitably low seat height to accommodate younger riders.
With a manual clutch and five-speed gearbox mated to compact dimensions and low weight, the capable CRF80F is the perfect starting point for many kids, teaching them vital riding skills before moving up to the bigger off-roaders.
The CRF50F might be the baby in the pack, but it still packs a powerful enough punch to provide young chargers with a safe and dependable package that is also fun.
It uses a simple automatic clutch with a three-speed transmission, refined four-stroke power and a low seat height to make it easy to use, but also dependable.
As part of Honda's worldwide commitment to maximum safety, enjoyment and environmental awareness, the local Honda Adventure Academy has been established to offer a free one-day rider training course with the purchase of any new CRF motorcycle.
This dedicated off-road training is tailored towards the different age groups and riding experience of the respective markets, and places a crucial emphasis on the importance of wearing suitable protective gear at all times, while enhancing the rider's overall competence on the motorcycle - whether they're just starting out or simply aim to hone their skills.
