Honda CRF250F Hare Scramble | My 1st Race Ever | Major Mechanical Failure!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
- It's June 2021 and this is my first race ever on two wheels. I'm racing my 2021 Honda CRF250F at the Virginia Championship Hare Scramble Series (VCHSS) (Race #9) in Rural Retreat, VA. This organization is AMA sanctioned. The bike is completely stock except for a few bolt on pieces for protection. I'm in the 30+ C class. As you can see, I run into a pretty major problem with my shift lever, which occurred during a crash. I manage to finish the 1st lap, but I burnt the clutch up. New parts are on order so I can hit the trail ASAP. I loved this race and it's the most fun I've had on a dirt bike so far. I highly recommend!
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I dont think I ever watched a you tube clip this long and felt like I was reading a great book, or watching a movie so good your feeling what there feeling, but your race did it for me. Been watching clips on this bike trying figure out more about it and found your video! Thanks for sharing it. So glad you finished and didn't give up. You faced many challenges physically, mentally, and mechanically and still didn't give up! Like fighting the good fight of Faith! There is so much material here for my next sermon! God is good. The courage it took to compete in a Race most of us will never attempt due to fear. And after your run in with the "Professional Racer" that you slowed up for
Thank you for the kind words. These bikes are great little machines
More videos about the crf250f and your ridings on it... and I promise to subscribe. Please. 👍💪🛵👍
This is really good stuff, very real world experience for a first hare scramble. This is something that I would enjoy doing. Cheers
Well done! You took a bike designed for casual weekend riding and successfully hung with race bikes. Fought through adversity and made the full lap. That was awesome!
Thanks! Appreciate it.
Awesome stuff man! The bike is more capable than I thought! I've heard good things with this bike and a rekluse auto clutch, just mention it since you said you burnt out the clutch in this event. Looks like a blast out there.
Love it! Excited for the future tailgating support
Not having the most competitive bike for the race is not as big a disadvantage as you think , pacing yourself , finishing will pay a lot of dividends as far as improving skills and winning a class down the road.
The 2021 crf250f is my first dirt bike, I bought it last year and have had loads of fun with it I’m sure eventually it will feel slow but the power it has is perfect for a beginner!
Great video man! Keep at it and I’m sure you’ll be killing it in no time to. Looking forward to seeing more.
Thanks, Mike!
I started riding the local hare scrambles in 2019 to try and improve my riding skills and to change it up a bit. Really enjoying it and learn something each race. Also narrate after the fact in my videos. Enjoy the vids!
250f for sell. clutch works. shift by hand feature (Coustom)
What a rad course! I'm having a blast just watching you. I can totally relate = )
This looks like such a workout. 💪🏾
Can't wait to get my back and get out there!
Tough break man. Great video though. I look forward to seeing how you progress. I have been seeing more 250f's at hare scrambles since I started racing mine. Met a guy at one that was racing his in my class as well. He said he never thought it would do as well as mine did. Our little "F-bombs" are great little bikes.
These are awesome machines indeed. Totally underated. I did however sell mine to get a KTM 300. I'm super happy with the new bike and would have loved to keep the Honda as well but the wallet and the garage can only manage one bike at a time. I think these 250 Fs are going to be iconic like the xr200 and 250s
Man, I'm so jealous! I've been waffling on selling my 250f for a yz250 (2 stroke), so I can get into hare scrambles or just running the 250f... Very impressive for the first race, especially with the stock suspension! I recall you saying, in a previous comment, that you were going to go race. Glad you did it! Keep it up buddy!
I am waffling on the same exact decision! I almost sold this bike a few weeks ago but obviously ended up keeping it for the rest of the season to hopefully improve my skills. Now I'm waiting on some backlogged clutch plates LOL. I'm really looking at the yz250x or the yz250fx. I'm way more familiar with four strokes but everybody at this race was rocking a two-stroke. I might have to cross over
@@ThomperBeThompin I too am more familiar with the 4 strokes. The two strokes are much easier and cheaper to rebuild though, in the event there's engine damage. The dealership nearest to me is out of all their two stroke bikes, which tells me something also. They had a few 4s in stock. I wish Honda would make another CR250 2 stroke.
The CRF250Fs can rip and win races. Its all about the rider. Your bike is one of the most reliable bikes.
@@bubbadurel3783 this 250F will basically never need to be rebuilt if oil is changed very 8-10 hrs of hard riding.
@@justonpreble4083 while I strongly agree that the rider is a big component in racing, the bike also makes quite a difference. These bikes are just not set up for hard racing like this. The suspension is way too soft and the geometry of the bike is not that of a race bike. While the power is constant and the bike pulls like a tractor, it also just doesn't have nearly the pep that bikes built for racing and instant power do have.
Damn man, your one video convince me to get a 250F as my first dirt bike and now I want to do a hare scramble!
I think you should definitely try at least one. You could always enter a race in the sportsman class which isn't for points. Go out there, get one lap done and then just see if you like it or not. I absolutely loved everything to do with off-roading and dirt bikes before this race but this event completely reignited my passion for the sport.
Good to see you make another video. Your first one influenced me to buy a CRF250F... got my Bruce's Suspension in last night and plan on installing everything next week and hit some technical trails with more speed! I ride in central Texas (Marble Falls and Salado, TX).
Thats awesome man, congrats. I bet you'll be really happy with your new suspension.
honestly GREAT front load of content, wish more people edited their videos like that. Well done, it captured my attention
Thanks man! I appreciate it.
I feel like this would be a great first bike im 5'9 130lbs so im alot lighter than the average rider.
I rode klr 250 in one ha you just have to have riding skills to adjust to not the best suspension
This is pitiful. Hare scramble with no tools poor crf250f
Chill Matty! It'll be okay.
I like you bike rack. Was wondering what it along with the CRF250F weighed. I want to pull it behind my travel trailer. But it has a 300# tongue limit and the bike is 265# Thanks
I think it'll be too much. The rack weighed much more than 35 lbs.
Nice one dude, way to stick with it and finish the race. Might need to rig up a small tool kit on that thing for the future. Can't wait to see the next one!
Thank you for this ultra sexy and kind comment
Great commentary too.
Thats not a major mechanical failure , thats lack of proper race prep . Safety wire and lock tite go a long ways . So does a folding shift lever and a cable to keep it from folding and a brake snake for your rear brake peddle . Getting your suspension set up for your weight would help tons too and help your arm pump and keeping from bottoming . Not dogging you just giving some advice . But you are out there doing it so a big congrats !
Yeah.....I did not see you out there Mr Expert Advice Guy.
@@SOLDOZERhe wasn’t being a jerk. That was solid advise
You won't win the race in the first turn but you can definitely lose the race in the first turn. That being said: always go for the hole shot. :)
Truth
suspension and tires is all you need, and plenty of gas 👍
nice job.....really enjoyed the video.......way to dig in
Hello, what handgurd are you using ? Are they really honda red? Thanks
These are the Acerbis X Factory handguards. If they are not an exact match they are really close. It ties in well with the bike
Take a smaller higher placed shifter next race and some spare fixed to the bike . And a few tools for fixing typical problems like bent levers and on.
I've owned almost ten Honda's (all different models, even cars with MT's) and there is one thing you'll learn, you can always push them harder. Second, always go for the hole-shot even if you can't hang with the big dawgs.
I'm impressed with your speed on your CRF250F. Nice work and the video is great.
Thank you!
Sounds more like 3rd gear?
Ah man, I know you from your great Grizzly and Kodiak reviews! Lol. And here I’m looking for a Honda 250F and I find you. Funny. Good videos dude.
Thanks man! Plenty more to come
Nice work man!
You did great! I hope to do my first race next year as a beginner
Thanks, David. It's a lot of fun. Just focus on the simple things for your first race - you'll get better real quick. Cheers
you burnt the clutch up? How tf did that happen? like genuinely how did you do that, i have the same bike
oh i see how now, i cant believe you continued the race in 3rd like that it breaks my heart to hear those noises coming from the bike xD
@ikillfh844 Clutch plates are a wear item and were super cheap. I swapped them out and changed the oil in 15 min and it was good to go, just like new.
@@ThomperBeThompin that's true but nonetheless you can't say that doesn't hurt your soul :)
Found your videos looking for crf250f reviews and seemed like you really enjoyed it, but this was the last video of the 250f before the KTM 300. I was hoping to see some more races on the Honda as you gained experience. What's the story behind the switch?
The CRF250F is an awesome bike. I ultimately sold it to get the 300. In hindsight, I would have loved to keep the 250F as a play around, trail cruising bike and then use the 300 XC-W for races and more hardcore rides. Funny thing, I've since moved on from the 300 XC-W to a 350 XC-F(four stroke). The 250F isn't quite a full sized bike. That, plus the less-than-stellar power and suspension (from a racing standpoint) really limit a riders ability to push it hard on these hare scramble tracks. Now, a really fast rider could probably dust me on a 250F, so rider ability certainly applies. I wish I never sold that 250F and was able to keep it in the stable, but I couldn't at the time. I'm done buying and selling bikes for the moment! Bottom line, it wasn't quite enough bike to race hard, even for a mediocre C-class rider like me.
I love the way you narrate as you go through the race , how you are feeling and your impressions of your first race.but it was tough watching you struggle with the bike and stalling and blocking the trail. I know it’s hindsite, but I think I would have laid that bike on its side right away and use a tree branch or something to bend your shifter back at least enough to get her into 2nd. Not judging, I learn something every time I ride. Ride Safe!
Yeah, too many first race jitters and excitement clogged my thinking. I actually did try a few sticks to bend it back but they all snapped. In hindsight, I wish I had taken a little bit more time to get better leverage while sitting and bend the shifter enough to downshift to second. Many lessons learned that day!
Very encouraging and a positive attitude. Great job bro! Having fun... that's what it's about.
Look into a brake snake! Prevents exactly what happened to your brake
Tusk. Can help with all that you need. Nice job!!
I’ve never raced motorcycles, but I’ve raced a lot of MTB. Always amazed at how there are so many faster riders behind me…
I think MTB skills translate very well to dirt biking
Im about to buy my CRF250F and this video convinced me... Ty for the feedback of the video now im know how to deal with her...
Right on, man. I bet you're going to love it.
I have never seen someone doing a "race" that's just for fun allowing people to pass but willing to destroy his bike just to continue. I understand not being in your normal mind in the heat of the moment but you have to learn to control that rush. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Lol, destroying my bike? A few bucks in clutch plates and 10 minutes of wrenching and the bike was back in perfect operating order. Man, the internet is a weird place...
You have no clue of what you're taking about. Nobodys bike was getting destroyed.
The rude racers out there are enough to ruin a fun day, at least for me.
Luckily they are extremely few and far between. 99.99% of folks there including the racers were all incredibly nice. Of course, I do my part by being aware and letting people pass.
Don't worry about the jerk. Their is one in every race. Like the video and the commentary. Great for first time.
@@timburks3806 thanks, Tim. I appreciate it. Can't wait to get out there again.
Thinking about buying one these for my first bike. I'm 6'2". Could I ride that comfortably?
I think so. I'm 6 foot even. The more aggressively you ride the more cramped you might feel. That said I believe this is a great beginner bike even at 6'2.
Awesome video!
Pretty sure any bike would burn the clutch with what that one went through (busted shifter)Tough break, Great vid 👍
Yeah, man, for sure. I was quite surprised though when I took the cover off and the clutch plates out. Just replaced the plates, adjusted the cable clutch, and she was good to go! These 250Fs sure are tanks.
Hello, sorry for the inconvenience, how often is your maintenance? greetings from Mexico amazing videos
I can't remember what the manual called for but I changed the oil about every 15 to 20 hours of riding. Then of course the air filter as needed. Maintenance is incredibly easy on these bikes
Wow what a frustrating races with that bend foot shifters!!!
That was not a mechanical failure. It was a rider failure.
Did you switch to different shifter lever? Have you tried one of those brake pedal guard cables for it?
I was actually able to bend this one back and continue using it. I purchased a spare stock shifter just to have it on hand. I have not hooked any cables up to the brake or shifter but might consider that in the future. I've since moved on to a KTM 300 and their brake and shifter are made of much stronger metals. So far no bending, but I think I got super unlucky with the Honda because the tip of the shifter does fold.
Didn’t know CRF 250 F can do race ? Since it’s a trail bike unlike to CRF 250R ?
It certainly can, especially with a good rider, but it is limited and not as fast as those race bikes like the 250R.
Great video!
I have and race hare scrambles on a CRF250R in the SW but thinking of the crf250f as a super low run cost practice bike on turn tracks and that kind of thing. Do you feel it can be useful for that? Thinking I can get useful practice time on it without putting hours on my high strung Honda.
I honestly do not believe the 250f is the right tool to accomplish that. The problem is the power and throttle response compared to the r is so drastically different coupled with differences in suspension and overall size of the bike. These 250 F'S are essentially 7/8 bikes and not quite full size. I'm now on a KTM 300, but will always love these 250 F'S for what they are. In my opinion they are fantastic for cruising trails and a less aggressive fashion. For example, I would honestly prefer to take a crf250f to a place like Hatfield McCoy trails in West Virginia rather than a race bike.
@@ThomperBeThompin Appreciate the detailed comment and sharing your opinion.
My intent was just to have something low cost that I could rack up hours on without worrying about too much upkeep. Figured I would get something useful out of but sounds like it's too far off to have any carry over to the race bike.
It's too bad there's nothing in between the 250f MOTO & XC bikes and these trail bikes which is still affordable and useful.
Cool, air cooed, powers probably good in the woods.
Props to you dude. I am still working on getting myself to my first hare scramble. Looks like you had a lot of fun and learned a ton.
Precisely! I definitely learned that it's better to not go out so hard! I'm on a new bike now, a KTM 300 xcw. That new platform certainly helps a lot and is allowing me to grow even more. Just do one! You won't regret it for a second.
@@ThomperBeThompin awesome deal, just dont be lied too and think the bike will make you better...it wont. Rider skill is 90%, bike 10%. Subbed and cant wait to watch along as you RIP it up.👍
@@Randy_Cox oh for sure. Constantly trying to improve my skills.
Good ride man, I know the guy who helped you with the shifter in the woods. Didn’t realize you were in Virginia. Track looks awesome, good luck with new bike.
If it wasn't for him I might still be out there LOL. He was really cool guy I saw him again at a later race and made sure to thank him again for all this help. The video doesn't show it but I was beyond exhausted at that point
@@ThomperBeThompin I know what you mean, went to Ncmp today and after a couple hours I was spent and my bike was working good. 🤣
You should have races in the 10 and under age group. Riding skill would be more equal
I now only race against 5 yos
So what’s your height and weight on this 250F ??
6'/200
Good riding 4 your first race keep it up
Thanks for the video, as a new rider this is super informative
Glad it was helpful!
how do i find races near me? am I too old? im 26! I'm picking up this bike in like a week!
Hey man, sorry for the late reply. All I did was Google hare scramble races and my state. You can also Google cross country races or Enduro races. That ought to identify a series or two you can participate in.
You are never too old. Most races have classes up to and possibly beyond age 65.
If you are in the East, the most popular race series is the GNCC. THE amateur races are on Sunday morning and last two hours.
Treat the first couple of races as trail rides and strictly learning experiences.
Good luck and have fun.
this video made my decision , I got the 250L, I was supposed to buy the F, I am so glade i didn't. love the fact i can ride on the street legally and ride trails
Sweet
I have same bike and am considering doing an amateur race, for the first time. Any advice on where to look for race info. Also, the race you did, is that race a annual thing or is it more often?
Where are you located? If in the 50 United States just Google hair scramble and your state name and you'll likely find a series near you. That's what I did and found this Virginia championship hair scramble series.
@@ThomperBeThompin Louisiana
@@CAJUN-FIRE check out the LACC, this is the Louisiana cross country series. I know of one series in Florida that runs during the winter because it's a bit cooler. That may be the same case for some of the Louisiana based series. Definitely give it a Google and you'll find some hare scrambles or cross-country races near you. You'll be hooked!
Just remember EVERY race is a learning experience!
So very true
hell, i'm tired after just watching! awesome video bud, can't wait to see more!
Thanks! Now I just have to wait for these back ordered parts! Hopefully they come in soon I can't wait to get back out there
@@ThomperBeThompin this is Josh btw ur cousin 😆
A ktm 300 lugs along in third gear all day long
As I have recently found out! I bought a KTM 300 after this race and have been loving it ever since.
Good ride! Get you a bike with proper suspension you will be twice as fast and it will be easier
Did just that and you are spot on!
@@ThomperBeThompin I see that lol actually went to the first video you posted on the new bike and currently watching it
No he won't. He dont have the skills and he's totally out of shape. A new bike wont make him any faster.
I like this guy 😂
You know, I like me too. Cheers!
@@ThomperBeThompin Happy Thanksgiving cheers!🥂
This is wild and also awesome
Thanks! That's exactly how it felt out there!
What state are you in?
In VA
No dampener?
I have yet to feel the need for one, but I may get one some day.
What series and where?
VCHSS in Virginia
@@ThomperBeThompin I did some SORCS in Georgia
you should stick to your day job!!
It’s his first race, he’s doing it for fun and he had fun. Where are your videos? Oh you don’t have any.
dont listen to this guy....
That poor bike that was painful hearing you hammer the clutch like that 🤣
I know! But a quick replacement if the plates and fluids and she was back to perfect. These Hondas are tough, thank goodness