EV-RF: Honda CRF-E2 Takes the Mini Dirt Bike Electric
2022 Honda CRF-E2 electric dirt bike article highlights:
- Honda licensed Greenger Powersports to make an entry-level electric dirt bike for kids, the CRF-E2
- While more expensive than the gasoline-powered CRF50F, the Honda CRF-E2 is significantly cheaper than KTM’s and Husqvarna’s kid-friendly electric dirt bikes
- Order allocations are limited, but it’s now available at participating Honda motorcycle dealerships
Whether you prefer technical tracks or just playing in the mud, there’s a dirt bike out there for you. But in addition to considering segments, riders don’t just have to choose between two- and four-stroke engines anymore. Slowly but surely, electric dirt bikes are spreading across the market. And now, with help from Ontario, California-based Greenger Powersports, Honda is joining in with a new addition to its CRF line: the 2022 CRF-E2.
Greenger Powersports and Honda make an electric CRF50F alternative: the 2022 CRF-E2
| 2022 Honda CRF-E2 | 2022 Honda CRF50F | |
| Engine/motor arrangement | 48V brushless electric motor | 49cc air-cooled carbureted single-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 2 hp (extended) 3 hp (max) | N/A |
| Torque | 4 lb-ft (extended) 18 lb-ft (max) | N/A |
| Transmission | Single-speed direct drive | Three-speed manual with automatic clutch |
| Front suspension and travel | 33mm telescopic fork; 3.9” | Inverted telescopic fork; 3.5” |
| Rear suspension and travel | Preload- and rebound-adjustable DNM monoshock; 8.3” | Monoshock; 2.8” |
| Seat height | 24.8”-25.6” | 21.6″ |
| Curb weight | 106 lbs | 110 lbs |
| MSRP | $2950 | $1649 |
Honda’s CRF dirt bike family runs the gamut from 450cc dual-sports to small-capacity trail bikes. It even includes a model designed to get kids dirty: the CRF50F. And now, thanks to Greenger Powersports’ collaboration with Honda, the CRF50F has an electric sibling, the CRF-E2.
To be clear, the CRF-E2 isn’t a full Honda product, Cycle World explains. Rather, it’s a Greenger electric dirt bike with officially-licensed Honda styling and decals. While Honda can make two-wheeled EVs, the California-based company already has a bunch of patents in the field. By licensing its image, Honda gets another entry-level dirt bike but rewards Greenger for its efforts. And it gives potential buyers an option that doesn’t involve dealing with gasoline and carburetors.
Admittedly, the Honda CRF-E2 is almost twice as expensive as the CRF50F. However, you do get a lot for the extra cash. Firstly, it has an aluminum frame, not a steel one. Secondly, besides more suspension travel and adjustability, the CRF-E2 also has disc brakes with adjustable levers, not drums like the CRF50F. Also, while the gasoline-powered dirt bike uses a manual screw to limit its top speed, the electric one has a button. Mode One limits the CRF-E2 to 10 mph, while Mode Two goes up to 20 mph.
Plus, the CRF-E2 is even easier to ride than the CRF50F. The latter might have an automatic clutch, but the former doesn’t even have a shifter.
How does the 2022 Honda CRF-E2 compare to its mini electric dirt bike rivals?
2022 Husqvarna EE 5 electric dirt bike | Husqvarna 
2022 KTM SX-E 5 electric dirt bike side | KTM
| 2022 Honda CRF-E2 | 2022 Husqvarna EE 5/KTM SX-E 5 | |
| Horsepower | 2 hp (extended) 3 hp (max) | 3 hp (extended) 7 hp (max) |
| Torque | 4 lb-ft (extended) 18 lb-ft (max) | 10 lb-ft |
| Battery capacity | 960 Wh | 907 Wh |
| Max running time | 2 hours | 2 hours (general riding) 0.42 hours (full-power racing) |
| Charging time | 100%: 4 hours (standard), 2.5 hours (quick charge) 80%: 3.2 hours (standard), 2 hours (quick charge) | 100%: 1.2 hours 80%: 0.75 hours |
| Front suspension and travel | 33mm telescopic fork; 3.9” | 35mm preload-adjustable XACT WP inverted fork; 8.1” |
| Rear suspension and travel | Preload- and rebound-adjustable DNM monoshock; 8.3” | Fully-adjustable WP monoshock; 7.3” |
| Seat height | 24.8”-25.6” | 24.2”-26.2” |
| Curb weight | 106 lbs | 89 lbs (dry weight) |
| MSRP | $2950 | $5499 (Husqvarna) $5399 (KTM) |
Given that the electric dirt bike segment is fairly new, the Honda CRF-E2 doesn’t have many competitors in the kid-friendly part. But it does have the KTM SX-E 5 and its Husqvarna counterpart, the EE 5.
Since the KTM and Husqvarna models are almost twice as expensive as the Honda, they have some extra features. For example, they have significantly more front suspension travel and horsepower. Also, they can recharge noticeably faster. That’s because while the Honda CRF-E2’s onboard charger maxes out at 290 W, the SX-E 5 and EE 5 can accept 900 W. In addition, while the CRF-E2 has two riding modes, KTM and Husqvarna offer six.
However, KTM’s and Husqvarna’s electric dirt bikes are focused on older kid riders, while the CRF-E2 is all about the utter beginners. Not to mention lightweight ones. Unlike the other two, the CRF-E2 has a weight limit of 99 lbs. So, its more modest output, price, and suspension make sense.
But the CRF-E2 has one significant advantage over the other two: a swappable battery pack. While the KTM and Husqvarna riders must wait by the outlet if they run out of juice, the Honda rider can just drop in a fresh pack. And $2500 can buy quite a few spare packs.
How can you get a 2022 CRF-E2?
The 2022 CRF-E2 is currently available to order from participating Honda motorcycle dealerships. However, according to Greenger Powersports’ website, potential buyers are currently limited to two bikes each due to high demand. Also, the $2950 MSRP doesn’t include a $200 destination charge or $100 freight charge.
Hopefully, though, these fume-free dirt bikes will start making appearances on trails and tracks soon.
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