Honda CRF230F Review
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- Опубликовано: 23 авг 2024
- A quick review of the air cooled Honda CRF230F trail motorcycle. This is a bike that I feel is a great bike and often overlooked. Honda is known for their reliability and the air cooled Honda's are even cheaper and easier to own and operate.
For anyone in the market for an off-road motorcycle hopefully you'll find this review of the Honda CRF230F helpful. It is a great bike that a wide variety of riders at different skill levels can enjoy.
I was 13 years old back in 2005 when one day I was sitting in my 8th grade English class when the teacher got a call from the office, telling her that my dad was there to pick me up. I had no idea why, but as soon as we got to his truck he surprised me with the fact that he was there to pick me up and drive us both about 2 hours away to pick up a brand new CRF230. Up until that point, I learned on a 1991 CT-70 and a 2002 XR 100. Almost 15 years later and looking back, this bike was a cornerstone to my lifelong riding adventure. I learned so much from having this machine in my younger teens up until my first street bike. Some of my best memories are with this bike. I still own it, and it’s still in great shape and runs just like a Honda should. From someone with the experience of owning a 250L and the 230F, this guy nailed it on the head. Two totally different machines. Had Honda made their new dual sports in the likeness of the old 230F, then you’d have a perfectly badass little street legal dirtbike. Quite the opposite of what you currently get in a new 250L... A lot of deceiving dual sport features disguising not much more than a modest mostly street adventure, at best.
That’s an awesome story! Thanks for sharing it in here!
So would you not recommend the 250 L for a first bike?
I’m planning on having this as my starter bike, I’m 13 and planning on saving up. I have a question. If you still have it, Does it still run?
Never sell that 230
Getting pulled from school to go ride a new dirt bike is a childhood dream come true
These are great bikes for the price and extremely reliable.
I bought a 230 new in 2019. Sometimes I wish I got a bigger bike, but when I get on the trails I realize that this bike is perfect for off-road. Not too heavy at all and big enough for an adult weight 150 to 160 pounds. With a few upgrades it can be capable of being a dual sport.
My wife rides a Xt 250 it's a good starter as well. You definitely can't beat Honda though 👍👍
That I a great starter bike too and is street legal. My wife had a XT225 back in 07’ she loved it.
Ian Ferrier yes honda is a great long lasting motorcycle brand
Along with “real bikes”, I’ve ridden one of these for 12 years. It’s my favorite, largely because of the reasons cited in the video. It’s low power and less capable suspension force a rider to learn better technique. Line selection, weighting/deweighting, using your legs and body position are required to traverse rough terrain and jumps. Skills learned on this improve a rider’s ability to clear obstacles in low traction/muddy conditions when sheer power alone doesn’t help. They require “uncorking” (jetting) to not only improve cold starting/warmup, but to significantly improve power and throttle response. Honda knows this and offers a “Power up Kit.”
I love this bike, and run the original piston after many hundreds of hard hours while still retaining compression within specs. I can sell it for much more than I paid for it when I bought it used in 2008. However, I have no intention of selling it. It’s been raced to victories, and also used to teach new riders. Super versatile.
Great points and thanks for watching. I did add the CRF’s Only jet kit and definitely a much needed improvement for both of the reasons you stated.
Nice review! I have a TTR230 which as you mentioned is very similar. It and the CRF230F are extremely underrated and very capable bikes. Aside from tackling a steep sandy hill climb, there isn’t much that they can’t do.
I have a CRF 230 and it is great
Is the TTR or CRF better?
@@fletcher2313 stock they are very comparable but when it comes to the aftermarket parts it is hard to find them for the TTR. But it's not a race bike so as long as your not trying to make it something it's not I'm sure it comes down to preference price etc.
@@calemob4151 me to and same
It’s slow to a point where it’s fast, if you’ve ridden the 230 you’ll know what I mean
Love see the ceiling and not the lower bike. Good job.
I have a Honda xr100r and a Yamaha xt350. I once didn’t service the Honda for at least 7 years and it would still run perfect and start with one kick
I bought a used 230f from a dirt bike coach (I had a crf150f before this) because he'd done a fork swap on it. Basically a dead reliable off-road bike that rides a ton better because of the crf250r forks. The triple clamp isn't made anymore but is still possible to swap forks. Especially if you're a rider above 160lbs. The stock forks are so weak :/ but can be improved without a swap
Had my 230 for a while then rode a 2 stroke and then came an 02 kx250 but the 230 taught me a lot
Nothing beats a crf 230f on tight trails, air cooled electric start makes it exceptional, plenty power and speed for long range trail ridding, it also brings you back clean and in one piece.
I agree with this, however the electric start ONLY to me is the only downfall to this bike. A backup Kickstarter would be a really great addition. I had the starter go bad recently (after 15 years) but still it prematurely ended my day of riding.
@@kdemotorsports Can it be pop started in a jam?
@@cwatson42785 this is a great question. No kickstart option at all. However push starting it should be relatively easy. Assuming of course the starter motor hasn’t seized.
@@kdemotorsports Thanks, yeah shouldn't be too hard as long as you have a hill or slight incline that is lol. Im getting ready to buy one of these in mint condition for 2500$ and its been 15 years since I've been on a dirtbike lol. But seems like a great deal to not pass up
@@cwatson42785 I don’t think you can go wrong. They’re easy to ride they’re fun, reliable and easy to maintain. Plus they hold their value well so if you decide to move onto something else it probably won’t cost you much. Do take a look at the jet kit from CRF’s Only. That solves the cold blooded nature they have from the factory. Best thing I did was install that and it’s cheap. Have fun and hopefully you enjoy it.
I couldn't agree more with this this review. The only draw back I found is the rear drum, so I converted mine to rear disc, makes a great bike fantastic!
The rear disc would be a nice upgrade maybe provide a link with details or parts since I’m sure others would like to have those details. Thanks for watching!
@@kdemotorsports I am reasonable at engineering but useless with technology and would've known where to start with a RUclips video. The rear disc works brilliant and makes the bike complete in my opinion. I used crf250x parts, because they are relatively cheap in the UK
Excellent review. I recently had a chance to ride one of those at an off-road park, and it was a very fun bike to ride. It's going to be interesting to see what the new CRF250F is going to be like when it comes out in February.
Thanks for watching. The 230L is definitely underrated. Great bikes and more capable than most people think it is. There are definitely some interesting bikes coming out for the 2019 model year.
Picking up a 2016 next week. Can't wait ❤❤❤
Congrats on the new bike and I’m confident you’re going to enjoy it. Thanks for watching
Has enough power to get the job done. But not so much that you cannot control it. Easy to maintain. Goes up just about anything you point it at within reason. Suspension is a little soft though. Is light enough that I could pick up the back and muscle it into the basement. Broke quite a few levers. I have come to prefer the short clutch lever. Easier to work the worn out clutch. All in all I think it is a great starter bike.
Also any idea on how to change a clutch. I get the feeling mine is on its last legs.
Oh and how to fix a finicky carburetor.
This one there is a jet kit from crfsonly I've purchased it, but have yet to install it. I'll be posting a video after I get around to it.
I don’t have the Honda 150 but I really like the bike it’s my favorite
Good video. It would be nice to get more of the bike in shot and less of the back wall though!
For a Japanese company Honda is just awesome at what they do
They really know how to do reliable whether it’s a lawn mower, pressure washer, car or motorcycle. An impressive company for sure. Thanks for watching.
ima buy one soon
They are good trail bikes
But no mention of electric start and lack of a back up kickstarter. What's your take on that? Battery dies and no alternative but to bump it.
Good point. I’ve never had a problem with but I use a tender on the bike. This is also becoming increasingly more common. In fact newer KTM MX bikes are setup this way too. Since this bike is carbureted bump starting it shouldn’t be too hard should the need arise.
You could roll start
Most people dont know how good a trail bike the 230f is.
Agreed. Thanks for watching.
Hey I’m 5,6 132 pounds and wondering if this would be a good starter bike for me
In my opinion it would be a great fit for you. It is a very manageable bike.
It looks like a great bike but I feel like when the e-start will give out you’re screwed if you’re in the woods or something.
That is definitely a legitimate concern and seems to be an increasing trend.
Good video, very informative! It's true what you say about this moto, I have one.
Thanks for watching and thanks for the compliment on the video.
would a 2014 crf230 road/trial be fuel injected or not?
Hondas are the most reliable bikes out there. Especially the air cooled ones
Agreed. Thanks for watching.
I’m a 5’3, 160 pound, 14 y/o whose road for 2-3 years. I’ve been trying to decide whether I would want to get a 230 or 250. Any suggestions? I’m leaning more towards the 230 just because it’s more of a trail bike but I feel I may outgrow it.
My honest opinion is if trail riding is what you mainly do then the 230 is the best bike for the job. They are cheaper and lower maintenance. As far as outgrowing it that I think is more a matter of perspective. Myself and friends of mine who have been riding for 20yrs still have fun on it. So if just going out and having fun is your primary goal then 230. If you are looking for something more exciting then the 250 is probably the better choice. For me personally I’d look at how frequently you’d be doing it and the type of terrain and use that to push the final decision. But I will say the majority of us myself included could probably do better even in something like a hare scramble with the smaller bike. 😀 Thanks for watching, best of luck in making your final decision and I don’t think you can go wrong with either.
kdemotorsports thank you for helping me out. I’m gonna go with the 230.
@@sethlamberson9046 well did you get one yet
I'm jealous of those 2 teens. A couple hours riding around a trials course on a crf230 with a competent instructor?! Where do I sign up & how much?!
Well I’m not so sure I’d classify myself as a competent instructor but we got the basics covered at least. 😂 thanks for watching!
I went from a 07 klx 125l to a 04 crf230f, I absolutely love it, little on the heavy side but very smooth, haven't hit many jumps yet, maybe this summer
Just remember that it is a trail bike so the suspension won’t handle big jumps too well stock. It’s setup to absorb the type of terrain you’d typically find in the woods. Congrats on the bike!
@@kdemotorsports thanks and you're absolutely right
Going to look in to one of these I haven’t been on a bike in a good 10 years but was riding a crf100f. I feel this is something i’d be able to control based on height and weight ratio of the bike
I think you’ll like it. Very good bikes not overwhelming in the power department but plenty to have fun with.
Nice review. Helpful
Thanks for watching glad you found it helpful
What a great video! I own a CRF250L and fond it very cumbersome on trail and scary in sand. I'm an older guy and have been looking at the 230f and new 250f. Just nervous spending $4500 Canadian on a bike so similar in specs.... but the 230f should be better on trail, right?
First let me just be honest I haven't personally ridden the 230L but I am confident that the differences between the L and the F are bigger than what they appear on paper. I would fully expect the F to be more capable in trail conditions. Sand on the other it will depend on the details of the sand, deeper soft sand more power would probably come in handy. If it is mixed sand/dirt or sand/gravel or not the deep sand then I would say the F should make a difference there too. Thanks for watching the video and I'm glad you liked it. Post back if you do end up going that route so others can hear first hand the direct comparison between the L and F models.
@@kdemotorsports all really valid points, I think I'm going to go for the new 250F. Very much appreciate your response....subscribed!
Sturgeon Rewind Fort Saskatchewan thanks for the sub and post back letting me know how you like it
kdemotorsports I have the 230L and Ive ridden the 230f quite a few times. The power is about the same, the L uses a larger carb which makes up the difference for the extra weight. It also has a 6 speed wide ratio transmission. A full subframe and suspension package for gear or a passenger(. Although 2up isnt fun on this bike, it can do it) The seat is wider for more comfort too. A rear disc brake is much nicer as well. But the biggest difference is the L is actually made in Japan while the F is made in Brazil.
There’s also a CRF230L street legal version.
What is the handle bar height at top of grips when level?
I want to start in the off-road world. Not very hard, but trekking. I own a g650gs from BMW, but I think that bike is not good for that. Also, parts are very expensive.
Do you think this one is fine for my purpose?
thanks
I think it would be a great bike for that especially to get started and see how you like it. Very manageable in terms of weigh, seat height and power delivery. Definitely wouldn’t recommend the 650 for that true Offroad duty. Can be done but if you’re just getting started why make it more difficult. Best of luck and thanks for watching
do you think a 16 year old 6’0 tall, getting in to riding would work with this bike ? i’ve rode a dirtbike many times before but never had one. i’m using it for trails in the woods
Absolutely I have a friend that is 6’2” who rode this bike frequently and certainly it’s going to feel a bit small. However you can always do things like an aftermarket seat or bar risers to make it more comfortable.
kdemotorsports where could I find a aftermarket seat to make it a little taller
kdemotorsports where could I find a aftermarket seat to make it a little taller
I’m around 5’ 9” and weigh around 130lbs and want to start dirt biking (specifically trail) do you think this is a good starter bike for me?
If not, what do you recommend as a good starter bike?
I think you’re on the right track with the 230. You’ll be perfectly comfortable on the bike and for trail use will never feel like the bike is in control of you but rather you’re in control of it. Very easy to work on and very little maintenance.
Great video well explained and detailed
Thanks for the compliment and thank you for watching
I’m 14 and I’m 5’7 and I’m pretty good experienced with dirt bikes what Honda would recommend if I want f’s?
That’s a difficult question to answer because it depends highly on the type of riding you want to do. Woods? MX? Weekend riding? Competition? Each of the Honda F series bikes are designed for different types of riding. Then there is the price factor. How much you’re looking to spend. New vs Used. Are you ok wrenching on something? These are all things that would play into a buying decision and how happy you’ll be with the bike after the purchase.
A 13 yr old boy who enjoys riding a 500cc 4 stroke quad, is this a good learning, yet quality for later bike?
I think so. I think it’s a perfect bike to start on and can have fun with even after you get comfortable.
kdemotorsports Thanks!
Hue G. Rection you’re welcome
kdemotorsports I’ve been wanting a dirtbike for ever now
Is 6’ 2” and 170lbs too big for this bike? My grandpa just gave me his CRF230F
I have a friend who rode it who was around the same height and I’m guessing about the same weight. He had a blast riding it. He did say it could use some bar risers to make it a bit more comfortable but overall I think you’d still have fun on it. Maybe a few adjustments to make it feel a bit roomier.
I bought one but I can’t find where the key is
Where it is or where it goes? The place for the key is right behind the number plate.
I’m late, but if anyone sees... I’m 14, 5’8 and 140 pounds. Would this bike be too much for me if I’m an intermediate trail rider?
This is a great bike for the situation you’re describing. It is very manageable and the power delivery isn’t going to get you into any trouble. Plenty of fun to be had on it too. Best of luck!
kdemotorsports Awesome, thanks!
@kdemotorsports Bought a 2004 crf230f - was a little big at the beginning, but after just 10 minutes on it, it felt perfect. Thanks for the advice!Now I just got to wait until the trails open back up!
Eijah Martin Glad to hear it worked out for you. Hopefully trails will be opening in your area soon and you’ll have a chance to get out and enjoy it! Congrats on the new bike!
I'm 14 and 5 foot 8 and a half but I only weigh 95 pounds (I know I'm extremely light). I can't really go for a see 150f cause I think those are to small so I've been looking at the 230. My main concern is weight. Does anyone have any advice. I'm upgrading from a 1985 xr100
sam is the best go to a 150f ... I’m 16 and 5’10 and I’m perfectly comfortable on my 150f (upgrades from xr80)
I just got a 2019 crf230f and the more I search online about the best oil to use the more confused I get. What oil do you use?
This and tires are the most opinionated topics I think in all of motorcycling. One of the great things about the CRF230's though is that they aren't that particular when it comes to oil. So I'd personally recommend looking at your local AutoZone or whatever is close to you to see what they carry in stock. Reference the manual for the weight of oil, then personally I'd recommend Mobile 1 full synthetic Racing 4T. That is just my personal recommendation I'm sure others will comment with other opinions. But again the main thing in these bikes is just to find some place local that you can easily get the oil. As long as you're keeping up with the intervals you should be fine.
@@kdemotorsports awesome thanks for your reply!
Ok so I’m 14 and 6ft 1in so would it be better to go with 230 or 250?
Which 250? The “l”? Also what type of riding do you plan to do?
kdemotorsports mainly trail and riding around with buddies pissin off the neighbors but like I said I’m only 14 and 6ft 1 so I’m not sure if a if the 230 will have enough power for me
kdemotorsports I was thinking crf230f or CRF250F
Phil Swift sounds like you might actually be looking for a 250R or 250RX those are completely different bikes than the 230. Hard to tell I’m just guessing based on your description and the desire for power.
kdemotorsports is the 250f any good? Because it’s a hell of a lot cheaper
I’m about 5.2 and 130 pounds could I fit the dirt bike
Might be a little tall but if you’re comfortable with only having 1 foot on the ground you’d probably be ok.
I'm 5 foot 5, would this fit for me? I've rode many times on a crf100f and need something bigger
Yes and I think it will leave you plenty of room to grow too. I’m 5’11” and can still ride it comfortably. If you’re coming from the crf100 you’ll probably feel right at home on this one.
Thanks
You're welcome
Would this be okay for me? I'm 5'6 and 170 pounds
Yep I think you’d fit just fine. The suspension is a little soft but if you find that to be a problem you can always fix it pretty easily with springs rated specifically for your weight. But I weigh pretty close to that and find it is fine stock except trying to do big jumps.
I’m 5,7 and 140 and it’s perfect
Feet might not touch the ground but you should be fine if you know what your doing
Where could I get a taller seat
Not sure on that one. I’d try seat concepts and see if they offer anything.
If im 5’9 could i fit on this bike and i weigh 160 pounds?
Sure thing you’d be fine on it.
I found 1 in my price range, is it a good beginner dirt bike
That’s great news. Be sure to post back how things are going.
Yes it is a good beginner bike
What's the year of the bike on the video?
2004 thanks for watching
What’s the top speed? I’m 13 and a lot of people are telling me to go with this bike.
Honestly I don’t know what the top speed is. If that’s a concern then I would probably say this isn’t the right bike. I think it would be great given your age but I don’t know your riding experience or skill level or what type of riding you want to do. But if you’re worried about top speed that would seem to be an indication that this isn’t a good fit. The bike has enough power to do anything on the trails you need it to do but it isn’t a powerhouse by any means. It’s not a fast bike. It is a good, cheap, reliable and fun bike. So you’ll have to decide if that’s what you’re looking for or not.
kdemotorsports Your probably right, I know basic motor biking safety but haven’t been on something higher then 15mph lol, just want to know if I should be expecting anything and some do and dont’s I should do speed wise.
Cheesy The Gamer given that I would agree that this would be a good option. As far as what speed to go I wouldn’t worry about that. In fact you won’t know because they don’t have speedometers. Just work on getting comfortable and mastering the basics. Best of luck and again it is a very capable bike.
I'm 5'7 and about 115 am I too small for this bike?
I think you’d be fine and fit well. Very manageable motorcycle.
I've never ridden a motorcycle in my life, I hope it's a good starter bike haha, didn't wanna just hop on a 250 and I figured a 125 would get "boring" after 6 monthes
Devan I this is a perfect bike for that scenario. The 230 is a trail bike not MX or Enduro so very easy to learn on. Good choice I think for your situation.
@@kdemotorsports thanks!👍🏼
Devan I you’re welcome thanks for watching
Why isn’t the F street legal? What’s the difference between the F and L?
The F is the off-road only version so they don’t bother to send it through the process of emissions certifications. They also don’t ship with headlights, tail lights, turn signals, mirrors and a horn. Although it he 2 bikes carry the same model name they are actually very different motorcycles. Some states allow the F to have these items added, an inspection and subsequently plating it. Those states are not the majority though so expect if you’re getting an F it won’t be street legal.
kdemotorsports alright thank you. So the F can become street legal if I throw on lights and do some exhaust work?
I understand now that it doesn’t come street legal from the factory, but still relatively easy to make street legal?
Bob Landon be sure to check local laws. It’s not that easy and may not even be possible depending on where you live. The generator on the F isn’t designed to handle all those accessories so you’ll have to upgrade that too. If you want street legal I’d recommend looking at something that is legal right from the Mfg you’ll save yourself a lot of headache.
Can you turn this bike street legal in Iowa?
I’m not sure about Iowa in Illinois it is an absolute NO.
What year?
'05
How many cc is it
230 no?
I’m 6ft 4” , would I fit ?
At that height you’d be a bit cramped on it. I have a friend that is about that height that has ridden it, but he definitely looked too big and riding standing up was a challenge. You could do it with some risers and other items to make it more comfortable but honestly at that height there are probably bikes better suited to you. Thanks for watching.
kdemotorsports okay thanks!
Gostei
How much is one of these worth??
Ones around the age of the one in this video go for about $2,200 prices vary obviously based on age and appearance
kdemotorsports What year is this one? They’re selling me an 04 230f for $1,200 it leaks oil tho that’s why I’m doing my research
LightningVolt127 it is an 07’ $1,200 probably isn’t that bad if it starts and runs. I’d try to figure out where the oil is leaking from. May not be that big of a deal to fix it.
Would I fit on a crf230 I’m five four
You should fit fine on this bike. It depends more on inseam than overall height but I think you’d be ok. Try to find a local dealer and sit on one to be sure. Thanks for watching.
A A I have a 125 2 stroke I just blew it up lol
No you should get a CR500.
@@SOLDOZER got one for sale if she wants it lol
I’m 5’7 will I fit good?
Yes you should fit good on this bike
5'6 ft and 110 would it work??
Mini Marvel Mushroom you might have trouble reaching the ground
Preston Ford , this , and the bike is heavy for someone your size , my 2008 230f weighs about 260lbs dry and when you’ve been riding for a while and your arms are starting to get tired it’s a fucking bitch to pick it up if you drop it, i don’t doubt your strength but it is a little bit bigger than it looks in the video
It’s really fun though , just sit on one and you’ll know if it’s for you
I would start you on a Yamaha ttr125, then graduate to this bike or a ttr230.
This video could have been done in HALF the time...................JEEEZE