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CRF230F...Too Small???
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Posted by: crustydirt---------------------
I'm new here, so a quick bio. Age 34, ht. 6ft, wt. 175#. I started riding back the early 80's on a Honda minitrail 50, and by the early 90's I was on a KX250. I took a couple of years off and in '97 bought a new non-current 1995 DR250es. I liked riding on the street and two summer ago sold the DR and bought a Honda VF700C magna. Well, I miss the dirt too much and will be buying a new or used bike by next spring.
I no longer flog the machine unmercifully or ride with reckless abandon. All riding will take place in tight woodsy trails at a moderate to spirited pace.
I've pretty muched ruled out a 250mx'er or its four stroke equivalent as I don't feel I need that much bike anymore. I've riden my buds newly acquired '03 XR250something. I liked it a lot and it seemed pretty trail ridable. However, I'm a bit of a tight-ass and the $4,600mrsp has me frowning a bit. I've been looking at the CRF230F but am wondering if, motor wise, it would be too small (remember, I rode the DR250es and was 'ok' with it as far as the trails went (too heavy thou)), and the price seems right at $3,300msrp.
I've read a lot of good things about the KDX200. It's just that I got spoiled the four stroke reliability and so I'm kind of hemming and hawing about a possible 2-stroke.
So anyways, any comments, suggestion, or questions are sure appreciated.
dan
Posted by: tigerowner---------------------
The KDX is a great way to go. They are super reliable, a rebuild is not much more trouble than a Four Stroke valve job, and they have more power than a CRF 230 or XR 250 could ever have. They also are much more nimble in the woods. If you do want a 4stroke consider a used WR250F. Great bike and a 2 year world enduro champion (few easy mods required see thumper section). Also any slightly used KTM EXC would be a good buy in good condition. I suggest these enduro models because they have a more friendly power spread than MX models and better in the woods.
Posted by: SpeedyManiac---------------------
You can pick up a used KDX200 or XR250R for way less. These bikes have changed little over the years. For the XR250R, try for 96 or newer, this is when the got their last overhaul. Good luck.
Posted by: woods_rider1---------------------
I too cast my vote for the KDX 200/220. You can ride them as casually as you please, then just twist the throttle when you get the urge, it'll scoot right along. Solid as a rock, and will NEVER leave you stranded. Nice used ones can be found really cheap.
Posted by: Y2Z---------------------
i thought a KDX would be way to much like a MX bike but i loved it when i got it, personally im not the biggest fan of the 230..just my 2 cents
Posted by: flying W---------------------
Used KDX's should be selling for less that XR's. I bought my 98 KDX 200 last year for $2300. I have ridden it for two full seasons and it has always started with less than three kicks-usually 1 or 2. I have enough miles on it to wear out a rear tire and have yet to touch the bike for non-crash repairs.
One thing that the KDX will do that the XR will not is grow with your abilities. It is very easy to modify the KDX to be a faster bike where as modifying a 4 stroke is much more expensive.
I'm having a blast with my KDX. I have been on XR's and they are fun, too but for the dollar I think the KDX is a better buy.
Posted by: Michelle---------------------
To help you put things in perspective. The CRF230 is replacing the XR200.
Now, there ain't nutin' wrong with the XR, except it's old and people outgrow it too quickly, unless they're farmers using it for farmwork or sumtin'.
Is it too small? At 6', I'd have to say yes - you are not part of the market it's targeted at. If I were you, I'd look at the KDX (the 220 has more torque than the 200), and the RMX. As for speedy saying the XR250 changed in 96, the KDX changed in 95, but had heavier clutch springs put in in 96. For info about the KDX, check out the forum & C-Dave's KDX pages. http://justkdx.dirtrider.net/
Good luck with your decision and it is your decision to make, we can only give you opinions based on what you've told us & what we know. (couldn't resist a standard legal disclaimer - even if it isn't legal lol)
Michelle
Posted by: KelvinKDX---------------------
$.02 the KDX would fit you well. XR230 too small for 6' person.
Take a look in the FS/WTB forum. There are several KDX's at some good prices.
Posted by: Traildale1---------------------
Dan,
Sorry I couldn't contact you via e-mail or a Personal Message. For close to the same$ as the CRF230, I have a very nice WR250F for sale (in Minneapolis). If interested, call me. My parents/in-laws are in the Fergus Falls / Detroit Lakes area and I get up that way often.
TrailDale
651-341-2241
Posted by: nemoskid---------------------
Dan, I got my '89 KDX 200 3 years ago. So far the only reliability issues I have with it are somehow the handlebars seem to keep gettin' bent. (absolutely nothing to do with rider error.... yeah sure.) I got it for $1000. The previous and only owner took great care of it and I still have the two spare sparkplugs he gave me, hasn't fouled a one. I can't begin to tell you how happy I am with this bike. I am 6' 220lbs and ride mostly on my backyard track with maybe 20% of my seat time on trails locally.The only other comment to make is that the current reports on the'03 YZ250F have me thinking about signing my name to some of that 0% financing, but $6000 ain't peanuts. I figure I can get my $1000 back whenever I decide to upgrade. Good luck
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