The 2010 model year launched off to an impressive start as members of the motorcycling press gathered at California's Perris Raceway to put the new Honda CRF250R through its initial paces.

When Honda engineers redesigned the CRF250R for 2010 they were driven by a single concept: Integration. Abandoning the engine and chassis from the previous generation CRF250 gave them freedom to create a whole new fuel-injected Unicam® engine that utilizes new space- and weight-saving technologies that better integrate the powerplant into an entirely new Twin-Spar aluminum frame for optimum weight savings and mass centralization.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the 150i is manufactured in that boot-shaped country, apparently satisfying the style-conscious Italian consumers with its sleek lines and good performance.

Like the eight other motorcycles tested here, the CRF230L would make a great first bike. Likewise, they're all natural commuters; our “fleet average” was 69 mpg, and none got less than 50 mpg. And unlike the poor, practical Prius, they all peg the Fun-o-Meter, maybe none more so than the CRF.

A perfect day trip or weekend destination for riders from Chicago, Minneapolis, Madison and Des Moines is Dubuque, Iowa.