thoughts on CRF230M?

[pauliep]

http://powersports.honda.com/motorcycles/sport/model.asp?ModelName=CRF230M&ModelYear=2009&ModelId=CRF230M9

What does everyone think of this? Looks fun

[rforsythe]

Indeed it does look like fun! Get one!

[pauliep]

Well I could trade in the gsxr... noT! Maybe I'll go see what kind of deal I can get on one.

[SupermotoMJ]

That has to be the worst attempt at a SUMO I have ever seen
-1 for honda on that bikes creation.

[rybo]

I don't think it's really an attempt at a sumo as much as an adaptation of an existing bike to make a fun town bike.

[irdave]

"...air-cooled four-stroke engine that pumps out plenty of user-friendly."

Ok- yeah, street adaptation of semi-dirt bike. The first '09 Kawi bike that showed up was something similar- actually looks like fun. But plenty of user-friendly what? This is the official Honda site, too, no?

[rybo]

"...air-cooled four-stroke engine that pumps out plenty of user-friendly."

Ok- yeah, street adaptation of semi-dirt bike. The first '09 Kawi bike that showed up was something similar- actually looks like fun. But plenty of user-friendly what? This is the official Honda site, too, no?

Plenty of "user friendly" it is a Honda, you meet the nicest people on them!

[Filo]

My guess is it would be fun, as long as you don't try to go over 50mph or so. I have had my 250X on a big race track and it struggles to go over about 60-70. The 230 would be no fun on any highway. But if you have the cash laying around, it would be a cute scooter.

[pauliep]

If only they put it out with a bigger motor :(

[rybo]

Buy a used XR600 or 650 and put supermoto wheels on it....

[pauliep]

well I've been watching craigslist for dirtbikes and I'm waiting for the economy to bring down everyone's prices. Don't want to pay over 2k because the wheels and tires won't be cheap

[rforsythe]

While the economy sucks, prices for this stuff have been going everywhere but down since they're fuel efficient.

That said, your run of the mill XR400's were going for around $2k-$2500 for a more or less stock bike a year ago, and still are now, so the used dirt market seems fairly static. Toss a Baja Designs dual sport kit on one and call it good.

[BigE]

http://powersports.honda.com/motorcycles/sport/model.asp?ModelName=CRF230M&ModelYear=2009&ModelId=CRF230M9

What does everyone think of this? Looks fun


That looks like a Slo-Mo instead of SuMo. Yea, it'd be fun for a little while but I think it'd get pretty boring, pretty fast. It'd make a decent lil commuter for someone with a short trip to work, other than that...let's just say there's alot more choices available.

[Bueller]

Uhh...no:turtle:

[pauliep]

Well a buddy of mine is offering his 2001 kx 250 for $1500. What's the sumo guys opinions on that as a deal for setting it up for sumo?

[rybo]

Can it be done?

Sure. question is, how do you feel about a 2 stroke sumo bike?

I'm no expert in this area, but I'm pretty sure all the sumo guys think that 4 stroke is the way to go.

[pauliep]

Bueller... Bueller.. Bueller... (Ben Stein voice)

[TFOGGuys]

"...air-cooled four-stroke engine that pumps out plenty of user-friendly."

But plenty of user-friendly what? This is the official Honda site, too, no?

Notice, no mention of "horsepower" or "torque".... Does user friendly = butt slow?

[Sortarican]

"...air-cooled four-stroke engine that pumps out plenty of user-friendly."...

:pointlaugh: First think I noticed about it.


If only they put it out with a bigger motor :(

:yes: First thought I had about it.


Bueller... Bueller.. Bueller... (Ben Stein voice)

:no: Last person I'd ask about it.
(They haven't created the bike that Bueller can't abusively ride into an early grave.)

[SupermotoMJ]

Well a buddy of mine is offering his 2001 kx 250 for $1500. What's the sumo guys opinions on that as a deal for setting it up for sumo?

2 strokes are challenging for SUMO
the power delivery is not consistant, Fun to just play around with though, just not fun to race.

[BigE]

Well a buddy of mine is offering his 2001 kx 250 for $1500. What's the sumo guys opinions on that as a deal for setting it up for sumo?

When I started racing (before fubar'd ankle) I had a CR250R. That thing had a powerband like a big 125 so it was great for SuMo since it was all topend. I really wish I never would have got rid of it in favor of a 450. The 250 didn't have the juice of the 450 but it was close. The maintenance was WAYYYY cheaper and less often. And it just felt illegal riding it on pavement :lol:

Money and commitment is what it comes down to: 1.)Do you to (and the spend the money to) be 100% committed to racing for trophies? 2.)Or are you wanting to have a cheap track bike to go play around on? If your answer is yes to #1 then get a fourstroke (250 or 450) and go race.If #2 sounds more your speed I would not hesitate to run the two stroke in sportsman/ beginner classes (heck, I'd run one in everything but that's me :D).

[Gregger]

Don't do it. Not worth it. I had an 08 WR250x w/full system and a powercommander, and the power issue was definately still noticable...Overall fun bike, and a ton of fun in the mountains. I'd recommend the WRX, but the Honduh isn't all that appealing looking at all...

[Bueller]

Get a DRZ400 or XR400. it is a great compromise bike. And either are, or can easily be street legal. Tons of parts available, reliable but not the insane power along with the insane desire to grenade the MX engines.

[Cars-R-Coffins]

When is one of the big four going to come out with a 450 sumo? From what I've seen, the DRZ400 is a sad excuse for a sumo.

[pauliep]

so this is a good start?
http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/860492108.html

[BigE]

so this is a good start?
http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/860492108.html

YEP!!!

[GregsGSXR]

The 230 is really cute....Get a DR400 SM and be happy!!!
http://www.encyclomoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/drz400sm_k7_001_n_862.jpg

[FZRguy]

Or wait til Yamaha comes out with a WR450X.

[Bueller]

so this is a good start?
http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/860492108.html
That's more like it. That is the "E" model which is your best performance option. It has all the good mods (for a DRZ) and wont be near the pig that the DRZ 400SM is. plus you will have dirt bike wheels.
Don't get the SM unless you only want a Sumo.

Oh and Jeff.........................:slap:

[Dysco]

Or wait til Yamaha comes out with a WR450X.
The WRR and WRX have a motor that's essentially one cylinder from an R1 if I read the gossip correctly. I wouldn't count on the 450.

Those bikes (one or the other and a spare set of wheels) are on my short list for the fuel injection alone.

[pauliep]

that SM looks BA but I don't have 6k to spend. I might go with the craigslist one I found.