CRF230 vs CRF250R - Review, Upgrade MX motomods, Weight reduction, test ride, Comparison to CRF250R

[@nomasker1360]

Way back in 85 , I built a xr185 engine into an 81 kx125 chassis. Once I realized it worked well , I bought a big bore piston 12.5 to 1 compression piston and a midrange aftermarket cam . Had a custom exhaust bent at a muffler shop and had an old cr480 muffler welded on the end . I rode single track mountain trails for about 6 years on that thing. It was awesome fun . Called it my KXR frankenbike.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

The custom KRX!

[@krismit2238]

That gut shot at the end was priceless. Great mods well done.

[@gladegoodrich2297]

Retired and too cold to fish here I Utah. Have enjoyed watching all your videos.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Thanks for watching!

[@bultacowally]

I am 67 now and race vintage MX on a Bultaco mainly because I can not get on modern racebikes...its a too tall/too short thing. I did try a similar adventure back in 2017 with a Yamaha TTR 230 that ( I could not touch flat footed on) I modded...well tried to...to ride modern MX around my area. Figured it would give me more choices to race if I had both modern and vintage racers. The trouble is I was 62 then and had to ride the +50 class as that is the only old man class for modern tracks around me but I figured I would give it a shot. the first time I raced the Yamaha i got a bunch of crap when I pulled into the gate with a TTR instead of a YZF. I laughed along with everybody else until I told them how old I was they all stopped laughing immediately. IDK if they were amazed I was out there or just felt sorry for me or both. Anyway gate dropped, we all took off I managed to stay mid pack for a lap or 2 then slid out in the sand and was relegated to last place. Not much better the 2nd moto. The next race on the Yami was even worse as I fell and tweaked my shoulder the 2nd moto so that ended that day and my pursuit of riding MX on a bike I could not flat foot. I had no business being out there with those "young" 50 Y/O's. Sold the Yami and now I stick to my Bultaco with no suspension at least I can get on that and ride with guys my own age. The end........

[@sky173]

Great video and just what I was looking for. I just got a mint condition 2003 model. It was owned by one guy who was in his 80's He rarely drove it. Probably less than 1000 miles on it. Thanks for sharing this knowledge.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Thanks. i'll have a new video out in a few days for flywheel and starter gear removal, machining them lighter with a results test ride too.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Just posted another video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGjCeGeGf9N7osk

[@daviddyke3188]

Your videos and commentary are spot on! I just bought a 2004 CR230F and starting to trick it out. I looked on eBay and other sites for the red anodized bolt and nut packs but couldn't find any. I was wondering if I bought a universal bolt and nut pack and took them to an anodizing shop. What do you guys think? Would that work? I can't imagine that would cost too much. If anyone has a better website let me know.

[@hansschweikert9153]

Great little clip dude! We bought a minty 2006 CRF230f. Love the easy wash and wear nature (compared with the 2012 CrRF250x that is fun but needy) but, yes, suspension is too soft with no adjustability. Oversight on Hondas part, along with the missing kick starter. Anyway, hoping to follow your leas on the suspension mods, and maybe open up the airbox. I love your style of video. Easy going but filled with hard facts and info. Cheers!

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Thanks. Finally found a larger intake valve today. Along with a little head porting. Stay tuned.

[@empirecycleman355]

I put a Hagon shock on mine. Huge improvement. Also used a Race Tech valve in the forks.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Yes, I posted a video on putting the race tech gold valve emulators in. Huge difference, so nice. Decided to go with the CRF150R Forks now. Video of that to follow. I made a video also of putting on XR 250 R shock, that also made a huge difference, nice! Racing Brothers makes a Fox shock clone I’m thinking of purchasing next. kind of pricey though at 500 bucks. Ouch. Thanks for watchin’!

[@griznbeer]

Love love that bike

[@mikeparishy]

nice editing,great vid and keep it up

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Thanks!

[@HardEnduro8]

Great video bud 👍🏼

[@redteller]

Great video love the way u put it together

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Thanks! Just posted another one on the 230 check it out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGjCeGeGf9N7osk

[@redteller]

@@lowbuckgarage1 Thanks will do

[@SasquaPlatypus]

Awesome!! I swapped CR125 forks onto my 230 a couple years ago and big improvement over the stock. Think I'm going to pop for some gold valves for that this summer. The CR forks high speed circuit is too stiff for Enduro riding in the rocks. Also did some weight reduction, but I'm spoiled by kick stands, so I tig'd up an aluminum stand. Thanks for the killer vid. Are you Eddie Van Halen's stunt double?

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Thanks. I’ve had a couple people say the same thing about the resemblance. I left my kickstand mount on, after cutting a couple chunks off it. Still functional for future use. Thanks for watchin

[@vintagetintrader1062]

For the amount of work you have done to your CRF230 chassis/Suspension wouldn’t it be better to just engine swap the CRF motor into a more suitable chassis? How many dead CRF250/450 only a few years old are there with blown up engines. The XR200 is part of the same engine family as the CRF230, lots of engine swap information on swapping a XR200 engine into a race CRF250/450r. I’m planning this but using a DR200 engine

[@lowbuckgarage1]

More than one person has suggested that very idea, not a bad one, but I haven’t seen anyone out there actually do it yet. There may be a reason.

[@ffarmchicken]

First thing I thought. Might be a good business opportunity for BBR. Make mount to swap on 230 to a 250 chassis.

[@empirecycleman355]

That was a good video by the way.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Thanks!

[@motorclaw]

Great video! Thanks for posting it. Are you going to add a parts list buy chance?

[@lowbuckgarage1]

parts list? most of the stuff I bought were 1x sales offered on Ebay. but as far as: Fork springs, Shock spring, Exhaust, Rev box, - BBR Brake and gear shift levers, - Tusk CNC Motorcycle Front Rear Engine mounts, aluminum CNC pieces - YSW racing Fork Emulators - Race Tech inc. M5 M6 Alloy Motorcycle Complete bolts Kit Body Screws Nuts - MOTOWORLD Ebay. Seat cover - FLU Designs 120 main - jet, 45 pilot jet, stock needle in second groove. Coming soon: lightened Flywheel removal/install. +4 degree advance woodruf key, and cheap 28mm carb install.

[@bikersoncall]

14:36 I was guessing 15lbs. I'm just about set on a CRF250f as my next bike, trails, light enduro. My issue with weight is mostly about being able to pick the bike up, and pull it out of a ditch etc. I wish they/somebody made a 250f with about 30hp that came in around 200lbs wet/curb, not 265.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

By the time I’m done, mine should be around 25 hp and less than 215 lbs dry with videos to prove. thanks for watching

[@bikersoncall]

@@lowbuckgarage1 That will be getting into the hp range I would want for this bike, I think 25hp would be perfect, especially @ 215 dry, hopefully the torque will be close behind.

[@nomasker1360]

@lowbuckgarage330 get a big bore higher compression piston and an aftermarket midrange cam .

[@seuvagem1950]

Nice video! About the image at 6:43 it is right? Why so much difference between the rear wheel axle and swingarm bolt?

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Not sure what you mean exactly.

[@StansE250]

Where can I find info about the tricked-out bike that you reference in ‘stills’ ? The shiny red/black one ….

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Probably one of those Brazilian boys. 230s are a big deal down there, lots of hop up parts, the Honda plant there is where they’re all assembled. I forget where I found that picture.

[@colinbowman8816]

Where did you find that a 2021 CRF 250R weighs 204 lb? Honda says it's 237 lb wet, which is how you'd ride it. But if it were empty, that'd be 225 lb, which is a good weight for a 250 MX bike. And I dig the weight reduction project, but you didn't really answer why? If you wanted to moto, a used CRF250 can be found for less than $4k. do some maintenance the PO deferred, and you're way ahead in the capability of the machine. Clearly, you are capable of taking care of any bike, even ones with more frequent maint. requriements.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

True. A CRF250R is a more capable bike hands down. However I wanted a simple air cooled, 6 speed and more importantly, Electric start bike so I decided to modify the 230. I mistakenly used Wikibikes for the weight info, my bad, and I believe they are incorrect or they mistakenly used specs from the CR250R two stroke - dry weight 205. Many sites show DRY weight - no fluids, at 213. I’m still under $4,000 with the 230 even with the addition of the CRF150R forks and Racing Brothers shock, massive weight reduction and engine mods. Granted, it was a LOT of work, but It’s now a very capable race bike in the amateur ranks. However It may be time to modify a 2006 up YZ250! Thanks for watchin! bikeswiki.com/Honda_CRF250

[@jameshisself9324]

I love the concept, but it looks like red threw up all over it. It's actually better to give it some variations in the color in the smaller areas like hardware and smaller parts. It does not make them all show up as obvious changes from 50 feet away 🙄🙄🙄but in close where it matters they are obvious upgrades. A lot of that red anodizing would look better in silver and black. Anyway, if you like it that is what matters.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

I had to choose one road or the other; bristling bling or sleeper bike. Either one is ok with me. I chose bling. I’ve observed that most racers prefer the shiny bright eye candy. Thanks for watching.

[@thekosherchronicles2577]

Awesome man! Fixing up an '08 230 now. What jetting did you go with and what weight fork oil??

[@lowbuckgarage1]

5wt - I weigh 185. Stock Springs are way too soft. Sea level- 120 main - 42 pilot - needle in bottom groove. Cut out the air box top or at least remove the baffle plug.

[@tortron]

I took a full 10kg off my GN125, it's now at 100kg wet. Noticeable on a bike with no power for sure

[@lowbuckgarage1]

I’ve taken off an additional 8 pounds off the bike since, with new lighter CRF150R forks, Racing Bros shock, carb and footpeg mounts. Videos to come.

[@bikersoncall]

8:25 At a glance you look like you could be Eddie Van Halen or his brother, sure look a hella lot more like him than his own brother lol.

[@ArthurAlison]

cool video cool bike ! what is the carburator on it ? did you change it ?

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Sure did. Here you go. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3vJqnaHqp2Vq7c

[@jimbingham99]

Tom you said you drilled out your axles what does that do to the strength ?

[@lowbuckgarage1]

I’ve had some long discussion with my genius machine shop guys, they say you can drill a hole that's 50% the diameter of the shaft and still retain approx.90% of the bending and torsional strength of the axle. So we decided on only 40% removed just to be safe. Titanium is about half the weight of steel, and aluminum is about half the weight of titanium. Aluminum is just slightly more than the price of steel, but you cannot use aluminum for axles and titanium is ridiculously expensive. a set of Titanium axles and swingarm pivot bolt would run about $1000. Drilling is cheap.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

@@shockadellick Thanks! The aluminum dog bone sounds interesting. The 86 XR mag brake cover sounds VERY interesting, do you mean off the xr250? Would one from an 85 Xr250 fit? I’m going to start a search for one right away. I already moved my bars up and forward one inch, not sure if I want my pegs further back too? I’ll have to research that. I just bought a 96 XR250 shock off eBay for $150 to try out, it’ll be worth it to revalve it later if needed, since it’s fully adjustable for compression and rebound with remote reservoir. I’ll be doing a full video on the installation and results of that, along with the XR250 pumper carb I just installed. And I agree, the CRF150R forks are the way to go. That may be next. Thanks for watching!

[@lowbuckgarage1]

@@shockadellick which ‘86 XR brake panel fits the 230? The 200, 250….?

[@shockadellick]

@@lowbuckgarage1 Sir, sorry if I confused you...seeing I've owned the 230F for more than 10 years. However, the brake panel is exclusive to the 250R and the year I believe was 1984 thru 1986. Give me a couple of days to search, I'll come back and post year.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

@@shockadellick i just bought one minutes ago on Ebay for $25, off an '85 250R Bummer! wont fit?

[@bikersoncall]

00:47 You're not 'regulated' bro, you're relegated. *EDIT* : Yeah I hear that lol, I do the same thing. 25hp, should make it just about right I think, I'm just not wild about bikes with like14 to 17 hp, at over 200 lbs. My bike is 11hp, 140cc, 190lbs, I think I'd be happy with a bike under 240lbs, with 25 to 40hp, hence the CRF250F , a reintroduced model in 2019, that was called something else back in the day. I'm sure you're familiar with it; '19 through this year so far. I wish they would lighten it up a bit, then it would be perfect for what I want, I think it's 265lb wet. Thanks for the video.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Lol. I knew that was wrong when I said it! Lazy editing. Thanks - you just earned another subscriber.

[@sethjones-o5q]

Hey mate can you please tell me about the exhaust and what exhaust it is

[@lowbuckgarage1]

It’s from BBR in U.S., I believe they still sell them. It’s ok, probably not the best, fits well, but there are others out there.

[@sethjones-o5q]

@@lowbuckgarage1 ok thanks man I have a crf 230 as my project bike it’s pretty hard to be able to afford parts and build it when I’m only 14 15 years old I am A pretty good motocross racer tho but I’ve always wanted a project bike witch is my crf 230

[@Motoadventurespr]

Very cool video

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Thanks! subscribe for more to come.

[@trucker2b]

Dirtbikes yes....if u ever wanted a street bike ppl u can...still same frame and engine.... X22R .... Road legally allowed

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Great price but only 5 speed and not allowed in California. Like most things.

[@trucker2b]

@@lowbuckgarage1 Well that sucks

[@darryncameron313_crooksnca6]

Great video

[@Adrian_Day]

Where’d you get all them red screws and bolts?

[@lowbuckgarage1]

EBay. - just type aluminum anodized nuts bolts.

[@Adrian_Day]

@@lowbuckgarage1 Thanks

[@cc3775]

Where did you get that sprocket?

[@lowbuckgarage1]

I believe it was these guys: www.ebay.com/itm/154524210216?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=XxuzchbcQYm&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=dUylyqUjRda&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[@wperkins225]

Does the bike automatically kill if it falls on its side?

[@lowbuckgarage1]

@@wperkins225 No, but I believe originally it comes equipped with side stand switch and clutch lever switch that keeps starter button from working if side stand is down or bike is in gear.

[@wperkins225]

@@lowbuckgarage1 Would that damage the motor to run on its side? Oil may not get to where it needs to get to.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

For several minutes would be no problem, for hours yes a problem.

[@michaelbranch7416]

Get a fcr carburetor

[@lowbuckgarage1]

I read they are a great carb but difficult to install on the 230 and can be quite finicky to get jetted right so I went this route instead, it’s dialed in now and works great!

[@gallier89]

This is a bit ridiculous. If you want a lighter bike then by a motocross bike. I’m was all for it with replacing steel part with aluminum parts, but you drilling out “everything” is insane and looks stupid. That is a trail bike, not a race bike. You did all that for 16 lbs! Im surprised you didn’t drill holes in the motor and drain a little oil out of it. That would get you a few more ounce.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Closer to 24 pounds lighter now actually. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHPYh359g7VrqMksi=pLmpK4b57mSGTIpp

[@caseymack6088]

Crack 😂

[@lowbuckgarage1]

No, but definitely too much caffeine.