Does anyone have any info about the new CRF 12?:
http://www.nexusracing.com/product_i...oducts_id=2005

Orion's web site still shows the old one.

i Just got mine and would be breaking in and running for this weekend interstate race.

Shall update you on the status of the engine.

It's a Picco Evo3 with a messed up crank

Well, it certainly is a different crank. I will wait to see them on the track before I call it messed up. Still, it's hard to justify 310 dollars when a Picco is a LOT less then that.

http://rcmarket.com.hk/index.php?cPath=71

instock & parts !

Yep, sure looks like a picco with a CRF head and a ...... Messed up crank!

Does anyone know what Orion's intentions are for changing the crank? I'm just curious.

I can think of two reasons.

1. To improve performance (who knows if it does or not).

2. Brand identity. They have to do something different. Otherwise just buy a Picco for less money.

Well I hope they would like to improve on an already great platform but I want to know what are they specifically focusing on, ie. low end, top end, or mid range power.

I was just seeing if Orion had any sort of press release that I missed, because their website doesn't say much about the new line of engines.

Ditto

Crank is Orion

has anyone tried this engine out yet if so how is it

The entire engine is being built by Picco.

After the less than successful episode with the last generation CRF, the strange crank is all that's left.

After talking to several real motor gurus ( incl. Ielasi and Edward N) the crank is neither helping nor hurting power.
It's a marketing gag.

As it was posted earlier, just get a Picco for less money.