Looking for Japanese dual sport bike

[VicHanson]

Don't mean to sound like a jerk, but the CRF230's are kinda crappy. Outdated and overweight. If you want a small CC air-cooled Honda, buy an XR250.

Advice is welcome but some explanation would help. I'm looking for a dual sport, most XR250s I've seen advertised are off road. I don't understand why you would call the CRF230L outdated when it only came out in 2008, the XR250 is older, and I would think, heavier. I'm going to be carrying it in a bike garage built into a truck camper, so need to run it up a ramp about 39" high, so light weight is important. I'm not expecting to do any serious off roading with it, but do want to take it out on trails to explore, as well as be able to drive it to town for a few groceries or go to the library for internet, take it to a trail head for hiking, etc.

Thanks,
Vic

 

[jesusgatos]

You're right. I hate it when people make opinionated statements and don't explain themselves. The XR250 is an outdated bike too, but no more than the CRF230. The CRF230L is not a new bike. It's just a street-legal version of the same CRF230 that they've been selling for years. Which is basically the same exact engine that's in the CRF150F's and the old XR200's. The XR250 engine has a 4-valve head, as opposed the 2-valve head on the 150/200/230. You can't get an XR250 with an electric starter, but they kick over REALLY easily. You so still get a 6-speed transmission wit the XR250 though, and I don't know the weights off the top of my head, but I'd guess the XR250 is a good bit lighter than the CRF230. I don't know if you can still convert dirt bikes to dual-sports in FL - if you can, it's easy and relatively inexpensive (under $500). If you can't, or don't want to, you shouldn't have any trouble finding used XR's with license plates for sale.

 

[VicHanson]

Bought my bike!

I finally did it, I found and purchased a 2008 Honda CRF230L dual sport motorcycle! I picked it up on Friday and am very happy with it. Yesterday we put it in the bike garage of my camper and it fits great. Now to just finish the camper and hit the road!

It sure does look nice in there!

 

[CoastalDefender]

Dude that is awesome!!!!!!

 

[hojhauler]

that looks great, much like you the CRF is a little out of my price range. I have been looking for an xr250 and have found quite a few (and very affordable) xr200's. Can anyone shed light on some of the major differences btw these two bikes that could help me decide?

As well as, what made you finally decide on the crf vs. the xr's....just wondering, thanks

the bike looks great there, unfortunately mine will need to be hanging off the back of a van.

 

[VicHanson]

Thanks, guys. As far as choosing between the XR250 and the CRF230, I never did find a street legal XR at a reasonable price, although I didn't look very hard. Yes the dirt only XR was lighter, but I think it was about the same as the dirt CRF. The street legal stuff adds some extra weight on both of them. Also I found out that Minnesota doesn't allow after market conversions, they require a certification from the bike manufacturer that it meets ALL standards in order to register it. I was also concerned about getting a taller bike with my height limitation in the garage.

I finally just decided to spend the extra money and get a newer bike, it only had 750 miles on it. I had the money in (retirement) savings so it wasn't like I didn't have the money, just needed to convince myself that it was OK to steal from my future - hey the government does it all the time, it must be OK!!!!

This one came up nearby and it seemed to have my name on it! I talked to the seller a number of times, we had a very good rapport due to common interests and beliefs, so went and bought it.

Vic