I use this bike for my daily commute. I like it. It also gets over 70mpg. Mine also starts super quick with no choke. The second you press the start button it’s already running.
5yrs later im watching this learning alot I just bought myself a 08 crf230l and this is helping me alot my bike has 5,573 miles on it all stock and im already loving it im 6ft 240ish lbs but it's doing exactly what I bought it for so im happy with it
Nice review and nice bike. That little crf230 is actually a Very good bike for climbing mountain trails in Colorado. I've seen several of them up there on some very nasty, steep trails. 1. Low seat height 2. Light weight 3. Geared low 4. Street legal (no need to haul the bike in a truck) I have a DR650 but always liked the 230L and the older XR200.
20,000 mile CRF230M owner here. I can confirm that everything you said is pretty much true. For my height and weight, it feels very ideal. Only differences are the color, sprocket & wheel sizes, height. Downside is figuring out what quality aftermarket parts are out there, cross referencing helps find those things. I have no experience on the 250L other than just learning the ins and outs of those models.
Hey guys and gals, took me forever to figure out but if you want a windshield, get the National Cycle universal model. I installed it on my 2009 CRF230L and it works great. Still get beat on side drafts but just having the front protected has really made a difference. I no longer freeze or get a neck ache from fighting the wind. Took about an hour to install. Hope this helps.
My 230L is sitting at 27,000 miles. Zero engine work and all drive components still operate with zero problems without ever being rebuilt. It's been through hell and keeps on going....the most abuse it saw was a 30-40% grade mountain hiking trail...I overheated it climbing about 3 miles of this where you can barely keep the bike going redlined in first gear. Bike made it to the top but when I shut it off it would not start for a while. 10 minutes later it was good to go. Shift lever bent to hell from freak occurrences with branches/small logs Broken frame by footpegs from a 30 mph crash/slide - re-welded and it's holding together. Original wheel bearings are pretty worn out Original steering head/swingarm bearings are fine. Engine leaks oil like hell from some of the rubber seals being shot but it still runs fine I don't ride it on the road anymore due to worn bearings and breaking the frame, but it's still fun as hell offroad and rides well enough for that. Keep the 230L until it won't go anymore....you'll regret getting rid of it.
Oh there is no doubt, the 230L is a great bike, it’s a Honda. Your bike is proof of how tough they really are. A few repairs and it will keep on going for years to come.
Thanks for the review. Hopefully you are still responding to questions. How does the 230 do on the highway? We do some pavement to dirt riding here and there and I'm looking for a bike that can do 60mph without too much trouble. I'm 5'9" 185 with short legs and I like the size of the 230 but may need the 250 for pavement traveling. Thanks
Your welcome ! I always respond ! The 230L does a great job on the highway, it’s not fast but nether is the 250L. Not great bikes and both great commuters for riding 55-60. The 250L is quite a bit taller also. I thin the 230L is a better trail bike.
Awesome video, I do have one question for you though. Do you know if the 230L and 250L have the same rear shock linkages? I'm looking for a better rear shock for my 230L, and it seems like the 250L has just what I'm looking for. I just dont have a 250L to compare with my bike
Nice review wood. We are about the same size and your right the bike is small. Sometime I'll make you laugh and show you what I look like on my TC 90. Ride safe
Haha well I would ride anything if that's all I have . I would like to have a small bike like a 90 or 100 just to play around the place with. They will go anywhere and if you have to left them or push them it's a bunch easier.
Great info as usual Frank. This 230L maybe the ticket for my wife. I’ll have to watch for a used one for her to sit on. I’m 6’2”. 220. So the 250L and my 450L fit me fine but she’s much shorter.
thank you! very helpful to decide between the 230 and 250 for my daughter...230 better for new rider. another advantage of air cooled is less likely to damage in crash or trail debris - no cooling system to hole
+bassomanvfr The 230L is a wonderful bike, it will last a long time. Plenty of power and easy to ride. I have a couple videos of the 230L I will upload Monday
is the CRF230L still in production? or still available to buy new in America? it's a lovely little bike, i always had attention for this little machine. i admit if it was available here in my country and i had to choose between the CRF250L and 230L would be a tough choice ....maybe there would be good chances that i would buy the 230L. low seat height, much lighter, air cooled, more simpler and it's a Honda..what the hell you need more lol. power i think it's not that of an issue, sometimes power it's not everything.
+ripmax333 I have the same issue, I like the simple reliable Honda function of the CRF230L, but they can be hard to find (in good condition) depending where you live. If you can't seem to find many in your area there are similar bikes that have the same simple reliable feel to them, like the Suzuki DR200SE. They've continued selling them from the 1990 all the way up until 2015. I personally only have the CRF230L, but if I didn't I would defiantly get a DR200S or DRZ400S. Hope this helps!
They only made them 2 years. Off road they do very well as opposed to the 250 L which does NOT. The closest thing is the XT 250 Yamaha. My 1st one got stolen and our local dealer called all the dealers on the west coast & no one had them. They are XLNT with suspension, good handling, low end, milage, and reliability. And NO drum brakes! The XT is very close.
Great video, I agree with everything you said, question though, do you have the stock mirrors on your guys's CRF230L? I replaced the ones on mine with larger ones and they're much better than the stock ones. Other than that I love everything else that's stock on it.
***** I personally bought mine from Beaverton Motorcycles, not sure if you've heard of them, they're based in Oregon and import motorcycle parts directly from Japan. They're a great company. I got mine from an NX650. www.beavertonmotorcycles.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=2546365&category=Motorcycles&make=Honda&year=1988&fveh=132583
I am 5 foot 10, 230lbs, do you think this bike would be ok as a beginner bike and one that would mainly be used for just going around town, no highway driving?
You think I could tour Mexico on this thing? I see alot of adventure bikers getting KLR650's, but they're going to South America, & they're also spending a tad bit more than I'm wanting to spend. This looks like an option MAYBE. Thoughts?
+Jason C. Waite It all depends on the rider. I could with out a doubt ! I love the CRF250L. I am extremely happy with it. I would love to some day be able to afford a big trip like that. :( maybe some day :)
I have the garmin 12 like I see on your bike . If your are getting a battery message and you lose your way points when you turn it off do this . Let me start off saying I took mine apart and put a tester to it so I know whats happening to the battery . First off the internal battery will only charge when its on . The best way to charge the internal battery is to plug it into a ac adopter turn the unit on and leave it on for a good week . You can turn the gps signal off so it won't keep searching or just leave it on . While I had the unit apart I did a daily test with the tester on the charge of the battery and it took 5 days to charge it to full charge . The unit will not charge the internal battery by just adding new aa battery's in the unit . None of the aa battery's goes to the internal battery when the unit is off . The aa battery's will give a small charge to the internal battery when the unit is on and running from aa battery's and will keep it charged to a point . If you keep the unit on and running often the internal battery will keep working fine and you won't lose your way points but if the unit sets with out use the internal battery will get to low . There is no need to take the unit apart and replace the battery just give it a 5 day charge with the unit on and you will be good for a year . If you don't use the unit very much you will need to recharge it for 5 days once you see the low battery message again .
Give it a good 5 day pluged in and on while you are not using it . Its a great gps for a back up if you are out in the woods and you wreck and break the one you are using now .
WOODZMAN ADVENTURES well I'm the exact weight and height as your son and I'm looking for a commuter I can mess around on and folks want far too much for their 250l and from your description the 250l would be far too tall for me and I'd rather be comfortable on it
+victor Morrow yea the 250L to tall for him. the 230L is a great bike ! and fits him perfectly. It's also a very good Off Road bike as well as a Great commuter
Does your son know you are out on his bike. heheheheh J/K Thanks for the review, I think it would make a great little bike as well. Its kinda like a gun, some guns work better for different people, hence all the variance in make and model,. I am a firm believer in Honda though. Thank you for the review sir. I appreciate you.
***** Oh man, Bless his heart, Yeah, We know what it is like to have one of your kids move off. Yeah, you do need to ride ti for him from time to time. Keep the fluids moving etc.
I have a 2009 Honda 230L and I love it. Who cares if it isn't fast? It's not made to win races. It was made to go anywhere and go there economically.
They are great bikes for sure
I use this bike for my daily commute. I like it. It also gets over 70mpg. Mine also starts super quick with no choke. The second you press the start button it’s already running.
5yrs later im watching this learning alot I just bought myself a 08 crf230l and this is helping me alot my bike has 5,573 miles on it all stock and im already loving it im 6ft 240ish lbs but it's doing exactly what I bought it for so im happy with it
That 230 is a great bike, also great on trails
Thanks for the review. Sometime, if my uber busy life ever slows down a bit, I will do a review of mine that I have set up as a mini-adventure bike.
Your welcome ! I would like to see that review.
Nice review and nice bike. That little crf230 is actually a Very good bike for climbing mountain trails in Colorado. I've seen several of them up there on some very nasty, steep trails. 1. Low seat height 2. Light weight 3. Geared low 4. Street legal (no need to haul the bike in a truck)
I have a DR650 but always liked the 230L and the older XR200.
+Trevor Jameson You got that right ! It's a great woods bike for sure. And will run forever!
Thanks for the comment Trevor !
20,000 mile CRF230M owner here. I can confirm that everything you said is pretty much true. For my height and weight, it feels very ideal.
Only differences are the color, sprocket & wheel sizes, height. Downside is figuring out what quality aftermarket parts are out there, cross referencing helps find those things. I have no experience on the 250L other than just learning the ins and outs of those models.
Just got a 230l and am having difficult time finding aftermarket parts that work. Found a few but always want more.
There should be a lot for the 230L. Like what are you looking for
Hey guys and gals, took me forever to figure out but if you want a windshield, get the National Cycle universal model. I installed it on my 2009 CRF230L and it works great. Still get beat on side drafts but just having the front protected has really made a difference. I no longer freeze or get a neck ache from fighting the wind. Took about an hour to install. Hope this helps.
I have thought about it, just don’t know if I would like it in the brush
Hell yes! So excited to get mine buying one next week with less then 20 hours ride time
Sweet
My 230L is sitting at 27,000 miles.
Zero engine work and all drive components still operate with zero problems without ever being rebuilt. It's been through hell and keeps on going....the most abuse it saw was a 30-40% grade mountain hiking trail...I overheated it climbing about 3 miles of this where you can barely keep the bike going redlined in first gear. Bike made it to the top but when I shut it off it would not start for a while. 10 minutes later it was good to go.
Shift lever bent to hell from freak occurrences with branches/small logs
Broken frame by footpegs from a 30 mph crash/slide - re-welded and it's holding together.
Original wheel bearings are pretty worn out
Original steering head/swingarm bearings are fine.
Engine leaks oil like hell from some of the rubber seals being shot but it still runs fine
I don't ride it on the road anymore due to worn bearings and breaking the frame, but it's still fun as hell offroad and rides well enough for that. Keep the 230L until it won't go anymore....you'll regret getting rid of it.
Oh there is no doubt, the 230L is a great bike, it’s a Honda. Your bike is proof of how tough they really are. A few repairs and it will keep on going for years to come.
I wish they still made these. It would be a perfect fit for me.
Bought my son one, he loves it. I love riding it also. Fantastic bike!
+foxbodystang92 They are very good bikes. Last forever
Thanks for the great review! I'm 5'5" tall. It sounds like this might be an ideal bike for me...
+Buschwacker it would work perfect ! Your welcome. I have more reviews
Had mine for 2 years. I'm 5'5" 145lbs. Works great for me. Lots for Logging roads and 6000 - 7000 Ft. trails.
Barry Freeman what speed an you hit with it at your weight?
Thanks for the review. Hopefully you are still responding to questions. How does the 230 do on the highway? We do some pavement to dirt riding here and there and I'm looking for a bike that can do 60mph without too much trouble. I'm 5'9" 185 with short legs and I like the size of the 230 but may need the 250 for pavement traveling. Thanks
Your welcome ! I always respond ! The 230L does a great job on the highway, it’s not fast but nether is the 250L. Not great bikes and both great commuters for riding 55-60. The 250L is quite a bit taller also. I thin the 230L is a better trail bike.
Awesome video, I do have one question for you though. Do you know if the 230L and 250L have the same rear shock linkages? I'm looking for a better rear shock for my 230L, and it seems like the 250L has just what I'm looking for. I just dont have a 250L to compare with my bike
Saw a tech article on putting an XR200 shock on the 230L to give it more ground clearance (needed).
+Peter Bowman That is a good idea, I'll have to look into that, Thanks
Nice review wood. We are about the same size and your right the bike is small. Sometime I'll make you laugh and show you what I look like on my TC 90. Ride safe
Haha well I would ride anything if that's all I have . I would like to have a small bike like a 90 or 100 just to play around the place with. They will go anywhere and if you have to left them or push them it's a bunch easier.
thanks just the info i was looking for. you look fine on the bike. the GROM with big guys looks funny. but they have fun.
Great info as usual Frank. This 230L maybe the ticket for my wife. I’ll have to watch for a used one for her to sit on. I’m 6’2”. 220. So the 250L and my 450L fit me fine but she’s much shorter.
Yea that 230L is a great bike
Just bought an 08 Frank and love it. Miss my 300L, but felt it was just too tall.
The 230L is a great bike
thank you! very helpful to decide between the 230 and 250 for my daughter...230 better for new rider.
another advantage of air cooled is less likely to damage in crash or trail debris - no cooling system to hole
+bassomanvfr The 230L is a wonderful bike, it will last a long time. Plenty of power and easy to ride. I have a couple videos of the 230L I will upload Monday
WOODZMAN ADVENTURES thanks again
what state are you in?
+bassomanvfr Missouri ! SW Conner
is the CRF230L still in production? or still available to buy new in America? it's a lovely little bike, i always had attention for this little machine. i admit if it was available here in my country and i had to choose between the CRF250L and 230L would be a tough choice ....maybe there would be good chances that i would buy the 230L. low seat height, much lighter, air cooled, more simpler and it's a Honda..what the hell you need more lol. power i think it's not that of an issue, sometimes power it's not everything.
The CRF230L was only sold in the Stated for 2 years, 2008 & 2009. It's a great little bike, just to small for me.
+ripmax333
I have the same issue, I like the simple reliable Honda function of the CRF230L, but they can be hard to find (in good condition) depending where you live. If you can't seem to find many in your area there are similar bikes that have the same simple reliable feel to them, like the Suzuki DR200SE. They've continued selling them from the 1990 all the way up until 2015. I personally only have the CRF230L, but if I didn't I would defiantly get a DR200S or DRZ400S. Hope this helps!
+Millermacs They are getting harder to find for sure.
They only made them 2 years. Off road they do very well as opposed to the 250 L which does NOT. The closest thing is the XT 250 Yamaha. My 1st one got stolen and our local dealer called all the dealers on the west coast & no one had them. They are XLNT with suspension, good handling, low end, milage, and reliability. And NO drum brakes! The XT is very close.
+Peter Bowman Yea they are a great bike, My son is still riding it, it has been flawless
Great video! I'm 5'8' 120 but am excepted to grow quite a bit more. Would I grow out of this bike?
+DeadlyTV well I'm 6'2" 235lb and my wife rides with me she is 130lb, and it works fine. So I think you will be just fine.
+WOODZMAN Dual Sport Adventure & Survival I'm looking at one in my area in good condition 6800 miles on it for $2000. Is that a good deal for one?
+DeadlyTV if it's in very good condition.
Very nice bike for a guy like me. 5’8” 185 pounds.
Heck Yea
Great video, I agree with everything you said, question though, do you have the stock mirrors on your guys's CRF230L? I replaced the ones on mine with larger ones and they're much better than the stock ones. Other than that I love everything else that's stock on it.
Thanks ! What brand of mirrors did you buy ?
*****
I personally bought mine from Beaverton Motorcycles, not sure if you've heard of them, they're based in Oregon and import motorcycle parts directly from Japan. They're a great company. I got mine from an NX650.
www.beavertonmotorcycles.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=2546365&category=Motorcycles&make=Honda&year=1988&fveh=132583
Thanks ! I will check it out.
*****
Nice, no problem.
I love the Doubletake mirrors. Sturdy, easy to fold, & infinitely adjustable. My bike fell out of my truck & the mirrors survived!
On one of your videos you mentioned which oil is best, but I cant remember if you said to use 30 or 40?
I use the Honda GN4 , I use 10w30 in the winter and 10w40 in the summer
I am 5 foot 10, 230lbs, do you think this bike would be ok as a beginner bike and one that would mainly be used for just going around town, no highway driving?
It’s a great bike, it is small, the best thing to do is just got sit on one. It has plenty of power
Excellent review. 2 thumbs up.
Thanks !
You think I could tour Mexico on this thing? I see alot of adventure bikers getting KLR650's, but they're going to South America, & they're also spending a tad bit more than I'm wanting to spend. This looks like an option MAYBE. Thoughts?
+Jason C. Waite It all depends on the rider. I could with out a doubt ! I love the CRF250L. I am extremely happy with it.
I would love to some day be able to afford a big trip like that. :( maybe some day :)
On the 230 is there a separate plug for the transmission, or is it all changed with the oil?
It's all changed with the oil . Same as the 250
Excellent review. Thanks.
+danodbdb Your welcome !
OK, thanks just got one trying to figure things out
When does this bike start to redline?
Hey Steven good question. I do not know the answer because the CRF250L does not have a tachometer.
That's ok thanks anyway. BTW Great review
I have also made a 6000 8000 and 10,000 mile reviews
ill be sure to check them out cheers
7300 rpm
what bag does he have on the rear rack? I want to get one for mine. Thanks.
Well ! That is a shaving kit bag from Walmart and it cost $9.
+WOODZMAN Dual Sport Adventures Great idea - so how did he connect it to the rack - did he screw it on permanently? I want to do the same.
I made an aluminum plate to go on the inside of it and it's just held on with zip ties
nice bike.i have a 74 cb360 w 7k on it that I need to get running.been sittin for long time.good shape thou
+Evan Johnson Thanks Evan, The CB’s was good old bikes, you have to clean them carbs and most likely the fuel tank.
yea man one of the carbs is leaking so im sure im in for a treat.ive never worked on carbs before.
+Evan Johnson lots of fun !
I have the garmin 12 like I see on your bike . If your are getting a battery message and you lose your way points when you turn it off do this . Let me start off saying I took mine apart and put a tester to it so I know whats happening to the battery . First off the internal battery will only charge when its on . The best way to charge the internal battery is to plug it into a ac adopter turn the unit on and leave it on for a good week . You can turn the gps signal off so it won't keep searching or just leave it on . While I had the unit apart I did a daily test with the tester on the charge of the battery and it took 5 days to charge it to full charge . The unit will not charge the internal battery by just adding new aa battery's in the unit . None of the aa battery's goes to the internal battery when the unit is off . The aa battery's will give a small charge to the internal battery when the unit is on and running from aa battery's and will keep it charged to a point . If you keep the unit on and running often the internal battery will keep working fine and you won't lose your way points but if the unit sets with out use the internal battery will get to low . There is no need to take the unit apart and replace the battery just give it a 5 day charge with the unit on and you will be good for a year . If you don't use the unit very much you will need to recharge it for 5 days once you see the low battery message again .
Thanks for the tips. I don’t use it anymore because I have a Magellan TR5
Give it a good 5 day pluged in and on while you are not using it . Its a great gps for a back up if you are out in the woods and you wreck and break the one you are using now .
so as a commuter bike with a maybe some possible light trail riding how would you rate it
+victor Morrow very good if your not to big. I'm 6' 230lb and it's small for me. Great for my son but he is 5'8 160lb
WOODZMAN ADVENTURES well I'm the exact weight and height as your son and I'm looking for a commuter I can mess around on and folks want far too much for their 250l and from your description the 250l would be far too tall for me and I'd rather be comfortable on it
Thank you for the response and simple excellent review it helped alot
+victor Morrow yea the 250L to tall for him. the 230L is a great bike ! and fits him perfectly. It's also a very good Off Road bike as well as a Great commuter
+victor Morrow Your so Welcome
Yeah I'm 230lbs, 6'. Maybe this is too little? Maybe I should just do the KLR650 to tour Mexico.
+Jason C. Waite No I wouldn't on the CRF230L . I would on the CRF250L no problem. That CRF230L is my sons. I have the CRF250L.
+Jason C. Waite I am 6'2" 235lb
Does your son know you are out on his bike. heheheheh J/K
Thanks for the review, I think it would make a great little bike as well. Its kinda like a gun, some guns work better for different people, hence all the variance in make and model,. I am a firm believer in Honda though.
Thank you for the review sir. I appreciate you.
Haha well he didn't know that I had it. I rode it to work.
He is gone working away from home so I gotta ride in once in a while lol
***** Oh man, Bless his heart, Yeah, We know what it is like to have one of your kids move off. Yeah, you do need to ride ti for him from time to time. Keep the fluids moving etc.
He will be back some day and want to ride. I hope !
***** Oh he will, I think I told you our daughter moved to SC two weeks ago, she will be here next week, to visit. hehehehe
thanks for the info
Your welcome Chris !
Is this bike a trail bike
Its a dual sport witch is street legal and for off road, it does make a great trail bike.
I am 14 am I able to take the blinkers off and the mirrors
How big is your son? I got my eye on one of these for my kid. Hill might even get one for myself LOL
He is light weight, maybe 5-9 160lbs
Is it a smaller bike than the 250 as far as rake and size? Thanks !
Im a short guy looking to buy this
+Jeremy S it would be great for you then, it's my sons and he just sold it yesterday
Lol it got my hopes up when i first discovered it but i doubt ill find one to buy around here
@@WOODZMAN whats the lowest height someone would fit on this?