CRF 230 questions

[robxr]

hi all,

Im looking for a honda CRF 230 to use for a local commuter and also a greenlane weekend bike.

its my first bike that ill be taking off road on to the lanes but at the same time id like something that will do a good job as a runaround bike on the roads too.
Being just 5'5'' it seems the ideal bike for me to use and have fun on off road.

The only problem is the bike i have seen dont come with any road kit...(headlights indicators etc)
Now i know there are a few dealers out there selling them with road kit, but as this will be a second bike my budget is pretty tight so im looking to buy one private, save a few £'s and if need be put the lights/indies on myself.

The question is where abouts can i get the bits to make it road useable?
Is there a kit i can buy or do people use kit from other bikes?

Basicaly whats the best way to do this and how much work would it involve?
Any opinions much appreciated.

Thanks

[Wee Jack]

Sorry Robxr , I can't help you with any of the leccie questions, I had a simmilar problem when I was looking for my first offroader , I really liked the feel of the CRF230 - I too am 5'5" !! but I wanted a road legal bike.
I considered the hassle of fitting the electrics and road registering a bit too much. You need (minimum for road legal and standard MOT) a headlight, with hi/lo beam set correctly, a tail light , brake light and number plate illumination - you need the switches to activate the headlight and the switches for the front and rear brake lever. You can have a "daylight only" MOT , but that still requires a fully functional brake light.

I ended up going for a secondhand Suzuki DRZ 400.

There are a number of companies doing lighting kits , pick up a copy of TBM from W.H.Smiths as a starter and give them a phone.

Or do what I did and go for the lazy option - get a cheap second hand bike with lights already fitted...............

[robxr]

Hi mate

Thanks for the reply.

Well, the DRZ was/is my other option... to be honest i prefer the look of the DRZ.
My only concern was that the seat height would be too tall for me.

How do you find it?

What version is it by the way? The off roader with big wheels or the super moto?

thanks

[XRDAVE]

I would have thought that a lot of s/hand 230s would already have been made road legal. There are kits you can buy - CRF230F - Baja Designs Dual Sport Conversion Kit: CRFs Only - Your Source For Honda CRF Parts, Accessories and Information... although this seems expensive to me. Mine were prepared by the dealer but I reckon it can't be that difficult to do. probably.

[Wee Jack]

Hi mate

Thanks for the reply.

Well, the DRZ was/is my other option... to be honest i prefer the look of the DRZ.
My only concern was that the seat height would be too tall for me.

How do you find it?

What version is it by the way? The off roader with big wheels or the super moto?

thanks

It's an "S" - Trail spec ........not the "E" enduro.

I have taken the mirrors and indicators off. Fitted road legal enduro tyres.

Here she is ..........


Me being 5'5" she is tall - but it's all about confidence - I've been riding bikes for 33 years and every bike feels / looks big for me !!!! She feels like a lightweight compared to my KTM !!! The suspension sags a lot once your on - it's the inital legover that takes a leap of faith .

[robxr]

Nice jack,

Yes i know what youre saying.....its that initial part where you have to get on the bike tat can be tricky... ones its moving its not an issue really.

My only concern would be my commute to work is in/around london so quite alot of traffic lights and stop/starting to deal with

Theres a few drz-s in a local bike shop so ill go and try them out for size.

Thanks dave for those links...iv had a look at those before and yes i aggree it seems a bit much for a bunch of lights doesnt it.. also its the hassle of getting them shipped from the states and all that.

Of the very few CRF 230's i see for sale theres only the odd one that ive come acrorss with 'road' kit on it.
ive found one which is dirt cheap that im interested but its the off road version so not road registered and no lights so id most probalby end up paying out what id have saved on prepping it for the road.

[XRDAVE]

I don't think it'll ever get to Europe but i would have thought that there's a market for this - 2008 Honda CRF230L First Ride - Honda Dirt Bike Motorcycle Review - Motorcycle USA shame.

[robxr]

looks great dave...if it gets over here it would surely do well.

I had a sit on the DRZ a couple of days ago in was the supermoto version, although feet were'en flat on the floor i felt quite comfotable on it... suspension drops a fair bit once on the bike.

So if the crf doesnt turn up it'll probably be a drz

[mattsccm]

I know of a 230 thats on the road for sale . Look at WG&DF MCC: Home Page on monday