Racing your CRF230F when you're older than dirt.

[@twowheelventure]

I'm 54 and just ran a motocross race for the first time ever. I did Glen Helen on a 2006 CRF230F. I won first place novice.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Really? Nice!

[@lena19191]

Oh man , well done , I was watching your style in and out of the corner , gun rider man !! . Saying this too , total praise for getting those positions on a air cooled bike . If the hill wasn’t there , I expect you would of got into top 10 positions. 🇦🇺

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Thanks! And Happy Easter!

[@mountainmandale1587]

Jody could have nailed it! Just keep on keeping on, my man! Roger is THE MAN!!

[@mmetz1877]

Well done, I’ll keep watching! Just purchased a 2005 230 and 4 weeks away from rotator cuff surgery. The bike is my motivation for recovery, and your videos!

[@lowbuckgarage1]

I had successful rotator cuff surgery in 2019. (First 2 weeks is the worst!) I was back to riding and racing 9 months later, after a lot of strength training and rehab. I’m 100% + now. Good luck!

[@seller559]

Right on. Great video. Very inspiring 👍👍👍 I’m turning 56 on my yz 125 in two weeks.

[@yeahthatshouldwork]

Great video! Awesome content, editting, narration, etc. I have crf150f that Ive been working.....inspiration!

[@lancestephenson9375]

I can't wait to see more of the build videos

[@gpa7069]

Awesome. Keep it up. I'm 62 and just bought a KTM 525 EXC to ride with and teach my 8 year old Grandson how to ride and race and I have gotten the race bug back. Problem is, I rode hard for a few laps at our local track and paid for it for a few days after (excuse #1). My knees are really in bad shape.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Probably more important to stay healthy enough to teach that grandson not only the joy of riding, but how not to get hurt doing it. Wish I had a grandson! Still waiting!

[@chuckdiego719]

Very entertaining video. Well done for sure. I still ride with one of those 80-year-old dudes that races. The last time I raced was when I was 61 and I had a medical condition that affected my balance. Enjoy yourself and keep the rubber side down

[@jonesy1780]

This was awesome. I’m 48 and have the newer 250F version of this bike. It’s become a project of mine to see just how good I can make this bike to race. It may cost some money but the engines are bullet proof and low maintenance. We will see how it goes. Love your videos. Keep pushing.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Thanks! CRF250F is a great platform. Needs some suspension work but Lots of power potential in that 4 valve head.

[@jonesy1780]

@@lowbuckgarage1 Already have Racetech suspension front and rear going on now. Can’t wait to feel the difference. Very interested in hearing about your 150r front end conversion.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

@@jonesy1780 forks are installed, but the motor is out right now getting worked on, just started working on the fork install video now but wanted to include a test ride. It’ll happen.

[@wsl5585]

Having fun is what it is all about. This bike reminds me of a XR200R I bought in '82. I had a lot of fun competing in local enduros with that bike.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Thanks. The 230 is the XR200s rich nephew.

[@endurogistaph9644]

Im from Philippines, i have crf230f. absolutely great bike specially at the woods..

[@lowbuckgarage1]

That’s what it does best!

[@pauwl]

Awesome stuff man, I have one myself, it's modded as well and it's a beast on the tight trails.

[@Tammy6999]

Nicely done! You and your pit crew did a wonderful job.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Thanks and yes I think I’ll keep her.

[@Kevin-hf4jj]

Loving your work! Can wait for the next episode!

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Thanks!

[@MotocrossMyPassionTV]

Well done 👍🏻🏁🏆👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@jrflatearth1373]

Thanks for making all these videos ...I just got a 230f ....I'm not gona be drilling holes everywhere but yr videos showed me how to basically upgrade everything I need to so it can be a better bike ....thanks ...keep killing it

[@jrflatearth1373]

God is good!

[@lowbuckgarage1]

There are several upgrades you can do that cost very little money. And yes, He is.

[@threejoes]

That was a great video, nice production and great story! I can't wait to see the 240 run for the next vet race. Some of the looks that your bike got reminded me of showing up at my first novice road race at 44 years old on a 20 year old GSXR 11. I beat a bunch of guys that day too. Keep up the good work!

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Thanks. Pretty funny, the looks. I’m putting a CRF150R sticker on it this time, just to mess with their heads.

[@gladegoodrich2297]

Just found you a few days ago! Been a lot of fun watching all your videos.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Glad you like them!

[@MrJanaRobi]

More epic stuff !Awesome Thank You

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@numbzinger350]

Very inspirational.

[@Mr10usdad]

Awesome video! I really enjoyed watching this. I did trail riding growing up but never any motocross. I am 56 years old. I bought and restored a 1995 CR250. It is on my page. I have done a few vet races in my area and i would like to do more.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Thanks! 1995 cr250 was a great bike, enjoy. Now if you had a 2005…..now THAT is a great bike.

[@davidskeen4000]

Excellent !

[@Mikelomeli]

Great job Tom.

[@petertelford4900]

Gidday from Australia 🇦🇺 you and torture test magazine should team up this year beacause your both running CRF230F BIKES . good luck mate im 49 and im just getting into dirt bike riding

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Giddy! Great idea! Gabriel at Torture Test makes the best videos, I love them. Thanks for watchin’

[@paulcamino5034]

I am 62, i dont do motocross but I try do at least 3 events a year, Enduro, harescramble, dualsport events, and I believe the crf230f is perfect for those types of events, the older I get that bike looks better suited for me, low seat height, soft suspension, light, you can't even fall it so small just stand up.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Totally agree. A little beef-up on the suspension and some inexpensive power/motor mods and the little bike is reliable, low maintenance, and race worthy. Thanks for watchin

[@ka4172]

The last will be the first!But its not only to win its more to have fun to race. If you not in best shape you know even the day "after" (stiffness) ha ha.I watch also the torture test Magazin channel where the guy race a DR 200 and the CRF 230.Damned i love these tiny Thumpers.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

I love torture test magazine channel. Gabriel is great!

[@tcaudill01]

I did the Wiseco high comp piston and WebCam cam upgrade and it made the 230 a new bike. I was never able to get a 30mm carb to work as it kills the low end. A 28mm PWK is a good compromise for keeping the torque alive while not totally strangling the top end. You may want to invest in a better header and muffler combo. I've had really good luck with a XR's Only setup.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Thanks! I’m looking forward to the results. Yes, I did lose some low end grunt, but gained high end pull. The porting now in process, with larger intake valve, is what will make the difference. And Yes a different pipe may be in order. We’ll see!

[@keldonator]

Super cool dude 👍

[@jabrielwhite17]

Another issue with your ability to climb hills is your new 30mm carburetor. Since you didn't bore the engine you're carb size and engine displacement is off, slightly robbing you of bottom end. Great vid btw

[@lowbuckgarage1]

True. Installing the 240 big bore kit, bigger cam, and intake valve now, plus additional head porting. videos to follow. Should be interesting. Thanks for watching.

[@jimbingham99]

Having fun with God in your life who could ask for anything more. Enjoyed video.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Hey Jim! Thanks!

[@jimbingham99]

How you been guy haven't seen any videos in awhile. Hope you and your family are all well.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

@@jimbingham99 all good here! Just busy finishing taxes today. Ugh and ouch. I’m your first subscriber. Time to get your camera out there bud! Good to hear from you.

[@jimbingham99]

I think I hit wrong button I don't have videos.

[@esspressolungo]

good effort and nice video, keep the power up, all the best!

[@lowbuckgarage1]

ausgezeichnet danke schoen.

[@esspressolungo]

@@lowbuckgarage1 wow, perfect German, cheers 🙂

[@TheDirtBikeGuy2024]

I ride a 2005 crf230f as well! And I love that bike to death! I’m gonna be taking it to the track hopefully this week. In my personal opinion the bike at least I have is really fast! And even on the trails it’s a beast! Especially for how old it is!

[@lowbuckgarage1]

It is a great bike, especially after a few easy mods it’s even better. For safety’s sake too. Thanks for watching. Have a Merry Christmas.🎄

[@wheeleking9049]

I like that you put yr age # on your bike. I do the same thing. I'm also over 60 & race a old 2006 Hon bike. LOL You should look into racing Old Timers MX. Only costs $45. to race.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Yes, and I’ll be #62x this year, I’ve raced with old LA Old Timers club before, time to get back with them. I see they run at Glen Helen often. Just did some race mods on the clutch too, video to come.

[@wheeleking9049]

@@lowbuckgarage1 Cool, I sometimes video when I'm at Glen Helen. Maybe, I'll see you out there.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

@@wheeleking9049 Hey you’ve got great XR650 videos! I just subscribed to you.

[@doobielawson702]

This is a cool project bike. The forks from the 150 should be a big help. Was height a factor in picking this bike? How tall are you? One of the endurance races there at Glen Helen would be a great test for that bike if you need some more content.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

I’m only 5’9” so it’s perfect for me. Check out Gabe at Torture Test Magazine on YT. I think he raced a 230 this year at Glen Helen 24 hr endurance.

[@rodney09090]

Just a suggestion but a drz400 race bike build would be pretty cool

[@SOLDOZER]

That kid won the 24 Hour Enduro a few years ago in his class at Glen Helen on a clapped out 30 year old Suzuki DR200.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

What kid?

[@SOLDOZER]

@@lowbuckgarage1 The title of the video is called "Podium On A $800 DR200?". Channel called Torture Test Magazine. He came in 2nd, not 1st as I thought. Still, he was in an Open class on a beater DR200.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Oh yeah that’s Gabe from Torture Test. I’m pretty sure he just placed third in the GH 24hr Iron man enduro event, solo, on his crf230f. Fantastic achievement. He’s visiting New York on assignment right now, I don’t think he’s had time to edit or upload it yet.

[@Todd-rk2lb]

i had kdx 125 modified the flywheel race the mx guys then they hated me i can bang bars on straight flat hehehe that was long time ago. try to survive the race you will be top 10

[@keepsyouincontrol]

Awesome Job! love the crf230. i got the upgraded carb you suggested installed a couple weeks ago and son loves its improvement. love to hear more about the engine mod and what you did. At some point i will end up doing the same if you feel its worth it. You are going to love the inverted fork mod. For ours i actually put my yz426 front forks and front end on it since i had a spare laying around. I ended up putting a yz450f rear swing and complete back end with a ohins shock. Bike pretty much looks like a my yz450f but with the crf230 trusty engine and frame etc. i did go down 1 tooth front sprocket as i didn't care about the top speed, and since the rear sprocket was 50t coming from the yz450 stuff i gives the bike a lot of low end. love to hear more about what you think about the gear ratio and what works best for you. Keep the videos coming they are awesome.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Wow that sounds like a VERY interesting build. First time I’ve ever heard of Yz426 fork and 450 swingarm setup used! Did it add or subtract any weight? I’d be using an Ohlins shock too if I could afford it. So I’m eyeballing the Racing Brothers shock, it’s less than an ohlins but still pricey at $600. The 95 xr250 shock ($125) is working ok, but a bit soft for Mx.

[@keepsyouincontrol]

​@@lowbuckgarage1I have pictures if you want to see it. i started out using the yz426 rear end, but ran into the problem of the axel diameter not matching the wheels i purchased. So i ended up just buying a 450 swing arm. for the olin shock i only spent $700 on it as it was for the crf300 rally bike. fit the CRF230 with no mods. however with the yz450f i had to do some mods. i can show you where i got the ohlin if that is the price range you are looking for

[@keepsyouincontrol]

here is a link to see all the pictures of the mods. photos.app.goo.gl/Mis4coQCLZWfKYos9

[@lowbuckgarage1]

@@keepsyouincontrol wow! Nice! First class build! Impressed! Swingarm looks like a nightmare to install though. Is the swingarm longer now? I just got through hogging out my rear axle slot 1/2” rearward and added a chain link so I could slide the wheel back further. In process now with much lighter footpeg mounts that move them rearward 1 inch and inward 1/2 inch. Bar-mounts 1 inch up and 1 inch forward. Matches cockpit of CRF250R now. Videos coming, but they take much longer than the build. I find that YouTubing triples the time to complete any job.

[@keepsyouincontrol]

@@lowbuckgarage1 yes the swing arm is longer. the length of the bike from center point to center point on the wheels match the bigger bike (450's etc). somewhere i read that that helped on whoops etc. not sure since I'm not a pro rider. Yes it was a nightmare. the swing arm actually fit very nicely between the frame mounts. I did have to add some shims. You can also see that i had a inner shim made to fill the gap as the 450's swing arm normally also bolted to the engine. the nightmare was actually in the dog legs. the geometry with stock linkage made the bike sit really high. I ended up using the dog leg from the CRF450, then found soops adjustable dog bones which allowed me to adjust the height. I did have to machine a new bolt nut for the side that goes by the chain so the bolt would not stick out. as i stated above the ohlin shock was a easy fit. I would have stuck with the yz450f dog leg link, but the ohlin shock end was for the honda with a U end verse the eyelet that comes on Yamaha. so i had to switch the dog legs which i think also caused all the linkage issues. nonetheless if you want to go this route or anyone else i can share the full setup and how toos.) when i originally started the change was not for anything other than the ability to have rear disk brakes. the engine is my next project so i'm excited to see how things work for you.

[@trucker2b]

U did well my guy... Let's go 223cc bikes ....

[@benfox8571]

Awesome vid, good work. Do you watch "Torture Test Magazine" ? He races the 24hr at GH with a 230f

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Oh yes, torture test magazine is awesome. Gabe does the impossible on all kinds of bikes. He took the little “dirty 230” to the podium in the Ironman event.

[@Adrian_Day]

I love them red parts you have on your 230 motor! Where do you get them? I’d love to put them on my 230

[@lowbuckgarage1]

Thanks! Most of it from EBay and Amazon.

[@Adrian_Day]

@@lowbuckgarage1 Thanks dude!

[@Adrian_Day]

@@lowbuckgarage1 Did you buy them separately or as a kit?

[@lowbuckgarage1]

@@Adrian_Day after much looking, I did find a couple kits kit that included engine covers, caps, motor mounts, etc. www.ebay.com/itm/133648420736?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=BONp3MfBT1C&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=dUylyqUjRda&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[@Adrian_Day]

@@lowbuckgarage1 Have you re jetted your 230? Have you replaced the exhaust? If so, what jets, and what exhaust? I’m just trying to get as much power as I can out of my 230 lol 😂

[@icunhal]

Do you know about Vonkat rear shock? Claiming 2.5 pounds lighter than OEM unit.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

I’ve heard it’s really good. And the price is reasonable compared to some of the others. Check out torture test magazine on KZbin. Gabe just purchased one and he appears to love it. He raced the 24 hour at Glen Helen a couple weeks ago he hasn’t published a full test on shock yet. I bought the Racing Brothers shock, it’s pricier, but not necessarily better.

[@icunhal]

@@lowbuckgarage1 I love your project "lightest possible CRF230F". I'm going the same way. Here in Brazil it is the most popular trail bike available.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

@@icunhal thanks! I’m almost done editing video for complete installation of CRF150R fork will post on KZbin in a few days. Soon after will post install video of Racing Brothers shock with it’s hose reservoir.

[@icunhal]

@@lowbuckgarage1 It's my dream to put these forks in my bike, but here in my country is almost impossible... To find and to pay for...

[@douglaslangham4417]

Have you looked at the tires ? I found different brands are much lighter..by 3-4 lbs.

[@lowbuckgarage1]

I’ve been looking into that. I’m considering going down in size using the recommended rear size of 100/100-18 instead of the larger 110/100-18, like many people do, it not only saves weight, less weight to initiate spin, but allows the rear to track better in ruts and hard terrain. You’ve found brands are lighter?

[@douglaslangham4417]

@@lowbuckgarage1 I don't know what brand your using but I heard Dunlop mx 33 is light and found Metzler 6 day extremes to be very light..7and 10 lbs. I would recommend checking into it. Look up TMC Co. Bike bandit bullit build,,you can get some more idea's pics on their website....they are in Cali. and rent vintage bikes to race....even at G Helen

[@douglaslangham4417]

I've even notice different brands and types of moto boots can vary dramatically in weight....check your gear

[@lowbuckgarage1]

@@douglaslangham4417 Thanks, I’ll check into it. I’ve been trying to decide on a new rear for GHelen. I saw a group was offering rentals there at GH for new KTMs - very pricey!

[@lowbuckgarage1]

@@douglaslangham4417 and I found this: www.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/updated-list-of-tire-weight-lightest-mx-tire,1368215

[@trucker2b]

Lol 😆😆😆 @15:44