XR200 vs CRF230 - How To Easily Choose The Right One For You

[@MotocrossHideout]

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[@mitchwinder1204]

Raced XRs as a young guy. Came across a 230L last summer. Much racier bike than a 230F. I put an XRs Only pipe on it and that really woke it up. It’s a blast to ride. So much so that my 450L sits longer than it should.

[@MotocrossHideout]

They're great bikes, right? Although I'm shocked that you say the 230L is "much racier" than a 230F. It's essentially the same bike but a dual sport/street legal version, and they're typically tamer than the off-road only model...

[@mitchwinder1204]

@@MotocrossHideout They’re not the same bike. The 230L engine is sourced from the compact XR200. (The bike is built in Japan.) The 230F engine from Brazil isn’t near as compact. It’s larger, heavier, and a bit more agricultural. The two bikes share virtually nothing. (No drum brakes on the L) The 230L is a little hotrod in disguise.

[@MotocrossHideout]

@@mitchwinder1204 Interesting, I guess I didn't do enough research on the 230L, thanks for the info, Mitch. Based on the specs it still doesn't sound like it would be better than the 230F, especially since it weighs more. Even though the 230L is based on the XR200 with 223cc, I find it hard to believe that it's a "hotrod" in stock form compared to the 230F unless it has a better port design, higher compression, a hotter cam, and an upgraded exhaust.

[@mitchwinder1204]

@@MotocrossHideoutIf you ever get the chance ride them back to back. There’s no comparison. And I’ve not even mentioned fit, finish, and fasteners. South American Honda has a ways to go.

[@MotocrossHideout]

Yeah I definitely will but I don't even remember the last time I've seen a L model since they were only made for 2 years here.

[@STONEDARTphotos]

Good review. I have both these bikes and love riding both.

[@MotocrossHideout]

You and me both! Thanks for watching, Robin.

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

Both are nice and closely matched.

[@MotocrossHideout]

Yep, most beginners won't notice much outside the electric start and seat shape differences.

[@Adam-xd3vl]

lol your battery died when you were saying the bike battery won’t 🧐 😂

[@MotocrossHideout]

Haha, yep, gotta make sure it's charged!

[@Adam-xd3vl]

For sure 👌🏼

[@carleynorthcoast1915]

Looks like a 14 lbs weight difference with the same amount of fuel. Could the 230 just feel lighter because of lower centre of gravity? Everyone says it's noticeably lighter. crf230 dry weight = 238 wet = 249 xr200 dry weight = 224 wet = 240

[@MotocrossHideout]

That's interesting. The 200 feels lighter to me. Maybe it's because the 230 has a little bit more torque right off of idle.

[@joro3108]

The irony of advising to keep the battery of the 230 in good condition and running out of battery on your camera. 😅

[@MotocrossHideout]

Lol, 😬