[yugen852]

I was wondering what do you guys think about the Honda CRF230m. Thanks.

[yugen852]

(I’m just posting this comment to reach my 200 points)

[WeaponZero]

Well, it’s more of a basic commuter than anything else. Its main competitors, the Yamaha WR250X and KLX250SF are both far superior machines in virtually every way, but it’s not bad for what it is.

[JackTrade]

The dual-sport? I’m considering picking up a basic dual-sport, and I liked the look of it.

[CBBaron]

I think the CRF230m is the supermoto.
For the looks and specs it looks like a good bike for a beginner with light weight, low seat height (for a SM) and can be dropped with minimal damage.
However as mentioned it does appear to be expensive for what it provides compared to its competitors.
It has less power and less impressive suspension than the KLX250sf or the WR250x but is priced comparable to the KLX. The CRF is an air cooled carbureted 230cc while the KLX is a water cooled 250 and the WR is fuel injected.
Look at bikes like the DR200se, TW200, XT250 and Super Sherpa for similar bikes that are considerably cheaper. These are all dual sports but have lower seat heights and most are just as capable on the as the CRF with a change of tires.

Craig

[TrialsRider]

Don’t know what the cost difference would be, but I also prefer the WR250X; liquid cooled and fuel injected …then I’d mount a lower front fender

[BlueTiger]

I like the look of it.

[yugen852]

These are the base MSRP $ on the next bikes:

Honda
CRF230m – $5,399
CRF230L – $4,999

Yamaha
WR250X – $6,490
WR250R – $6,390
XT250 – $4,890
TW200 – $4,190

Kawasaki
KLX250SF – $5,599
KLX250S – $5,299
Super Sherpa – $4,499
Ninja 250R – $4,299

To tell the truth, I want to get what my money is worth, but I don’t care too much about the specifications. I just want a simple bike for commuting. And with that said, a not too expensive bike would be grate. After considering, I like the XT250, Sherpa, and the Ninja (not a dual, but Like it). What do you guys think. Thanks.

[ShamRock229]

Personally, I have no dual sport experience. But I absolutely love my ninja! It’s very user friendly, great on gas, and looks badass…to me, those are main ingredients in a good commuter bike

[CBBaron]

For a starter bike used is almost always a better deal. But if you have to have new any of those bikes I think would make a good starter.
Just be aware that the WR250 and to a lesser extend the KLX250 have fairly tall seat heights. If you have average or shorter inseam they may be intimidating to begin on.
The Ninja is probably the best deal in a street bike and the most capable street and highway bike you listed. However the others all have better off-road suspension and are lighter.
I think based on getting what you pay for the Ninja is the best deal and the CRF is the worst with the others priced reasonably. However each has its own pluses and minuses. I think all would make a great bike to own.

Craig

[BouncingRadical]

I have sat on the 230L, as well as the KLX250s and WR250R. The 230L doesn’t really compare in feel. It feels less substantial than the other two. It also has shorter suspension travel, which is a big minus off-road. Even with the motard geared towards the street, you would find the 230 and KLX250 wimpier than WR250. The KLX250 wakes up real quick with a few hours in the garage, however. As for the 230, there is no replacement for displacement.

Baron is correct in the seat height, the WR and KLX are for the long legged, while the CRF will give alot of confidence to the short legged.

I have a KLX250s and love it. Have considered getting the DS version instead of the motard, gives you more options of how to ride?

[yugen852]

Thanks all of you for giving me advise. I’ll keep my eye out to see if I can buy any of these bikes used. I have long legs, so the hight is no problem. I’ll keep looking around for the kawasaki, suzuki and yamaha. Again, thanks.

[yugen852]

I was just going through the kawasaki web page and noticed that the ninja 250’s price went down from $4,299 to between $3,999 and 4,199. I just think it is very convenient for people that are begining, at a very nice low price.

[JackTrade]

on GS500fs.

[TrialsRider]

Hmmm, any chance they are clearing out carburated bikes, in preparation for more stringent emission control standards?

[Author]

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