Well, I ran into a snag this weekend. Got to the track around 10:30 Saturday. This was the second weekend I've had the bike out. Bike was running just fine until about 2:00. I had stopped to take a break for about 15 to 20 minutes and I went to go kick it over and put in a few more laps and the kickstarter was locked up, or at least it felt like it. If I let my foot rest on it, eventually it would release and go down, but once I let it back up, it locked. I'm a pretty heavy guy and I couldn't get the SOB to kick over at all, so I know I wasn't just being a pansy. I tried run starting it, but the wheel would just lock up.

Called the shop, explained this to them, and the tech said to bring it in. I asked him if he had heard of this before on the new bikes and he said yes, and that it was the "something decompressor something." I know nothing about 4-stroke motors (yet) and I'm a bit afraid to go digging into this thing being its only 3 weeks old (not to mention the wires running everywhere).

I also asked the tech if this was possibly a recall and if I would be charged for the fix. He said no (to the recall) and "probably not" (get charged) given that that's the problem. I will bring the bike in Monday and update y'all as I know more.

To say the least I'm not very happy about the whole situation. The bike has 3 hours total on it and I have changed oil twice, and the tranny oil once already. I'm far from pro, so the bike hasn't seen any ragging at all. I haven't wrecked it but once, and all it did was fall on it's side. We'll see what happens. I know that dirt bikes don't come with warranties, but I'll say this, Honda better back their product if they wanna keep me buying them. (I have a lot of other honda stuff, generator, power washer, etc...)

The auto-decomp mechanism. Been hearing about this more than I'm comfortable with, unfortunately.

I've still only got .6 hours on mine thanks to our wonderful weather.

I posted a response to this a week ago. The dealer said its not a recal but will fix w/o charge. It seems some bikes have the issue and others do not. If the problem is going to occur, it happens within the first 10hrs. There is no redisgn of the part. The dealer will put in the stock part.

This is only a small portion of the problem. I have 9hrs on the bike and still not happy with the suspension. Taking it tomorrow moring for a total revalve front and back for the small choppy braking bumps - its horrible.
Spokes574

Well you know, after hearing that, I have something to add. After mine crapped out yesterday, my buddy who just bought an 07 450R which belonged to one of the race team racers, let me take his bike out for a few laps. I can honestly say, it felt way better. I had trouble admitting it given I have a brand spaking new 09, but I can't lie to myself. Something about it just felt better. I dunno. Once I get mine back up, we're gonna do a couple flip-flops on each others' bikes and see what we both think. I'll let y'all know.

Brian.

P.S. does anybody know if you can change your profile/screen name without starting a whole new account?

Nope. You are stuck with the name you have.

From doing some reading on the net, seems like some of the cam problems on the new bike are from owners lowering the idle speed to much. Keep the idle UP!!!

You know how bubba looks on his Yamaha after coming off KX's? Well, I'm more like just the opposite. I love the 09, and I'm not just saying that. Then again, I'm coming off a blue bike! I'm just your average old fat guy, and the 09 CRF will in no way limit my performance, lol!

I'm not trying to stir the pot but here goes. Why do some people continue to buy 4 strokes if all this money and time is on repairs. The 2 strokes are so simple and easy to maintain. Why is it we believe all the hype on these 4 strokes. Spending a large amount of money on a new bike and having all these issues is a waste. All you have to do is watch the races and see the results will someone lose the championship because of a 4 stroke not starting or finishing? I hope people see this before it's to late and go back to the smoker.

Because we can.

Hence the stupid name I made up as a joke, never thinking I'd really like this website so much and read it so often.

Because they want a chance to win if they are racing. Many people, like myself, enjoy working on bikes.
Also, it's not like there is a bunch of alternatives out there. YZ250, KTM and a handful of others. If I had to buy a brand new bike tomorrow--and wife says never going to happen--I probably would by a YZ250, but I might get a 4 stroke. Really a moot question, I guess....