Honda CRF230F reviews

When I first saw the pictures of the new CRF230F in a UK trail magazine, I wanted one. After riding a 1982 XR200R for about 6 years, this had to be the bike to save for. The specs were almost identical to the XR200 in wheelbase, height, weight, and power, but it had 2 things the XR lacked, the electric start and a disc brake. Fitting an mtx disc brake was relatively easy, but the electric start was a different matter. So after saving hard and having a test run, (my wife said I looked right on that bike) I got my CRF in march 2005. I generally trail ride and occasional road use. Our UK trail rides are however very different from those dusty, dry, rock and desert trails in the US. We in the UK, in the south west, have lots of very muddy, slippery, narrow and very wet trails to ride, so something light to pick up that is easily started is a must. I have to say after almost 2 years of ownership, I would not swap it for anything else and I intend to keep it as long as I can ride it. The reliability is excellent and it has taken everything thrown at it, including a 70 mile event in the pouring rain and hailstones. I have left the gears standard as well as the suspension. The only down side I can find is the rear of the front mudguard is not long enough and I have had to fit a plate under the tank to stop all the mud accumulating there on the ignition coil. Honda is now selling direct in the UK, but only as a play bike, an opportunity missed I think. Show less

Awesome bike! It is very fast and great for what it's meant for. Some people say it's no good for jumps above 6 ft and that is true. The bike is not a motocross bike, but is an excellent trail bike. And it is also full size so you won't out grow it and best of all it's HONDA! Show less

The low seat height makes it easy to handle. The electric start option is great. I would prefer to have both kick and electric but that's ok. It is a great trail bike. Completly stock, the bike lacks snap but I found I can maneuver through tight trails with ease. Definitely not made to compete but compared to other bikes in its class, the CRF 230f is a great buy. Show less

This was my first bike and it has performed very well, it has great torque for its size and a high top speed. Maintenance wise it's very reliable and the electric star is a luxury. The only thing wrong was the Pirelli tires, they just don't hook up well, but what can you expect from a $20.00 tire. Show less

The bike is really easy to get use too. First gear is a little slow but it's just because of the low end tourqe. Execellent trail bike. If your looking for your first bike/trail bike this is the right bike. Show less

I bought two of them a year ago and a crf80. The bike has power when you want it and also good for long distance riding, like out to state line and back. The electronic ignition I recommend, never has a problem, just push and start. The ground clearance is very good and has handled some serious rock climbing I've done around the southwest valley runoffs. I never seem to have a problem with overheating no matter how long I ride or how hot it gets in the desert. The only mildly negitive thing I have to say about this bike is that if your into jumping bikes it will do it...but it will do it ugly. The front end seems a little heavier than the CRF250X which my nephew owns but the 230 is alot less expensive. So if you have alot of cash and your a better than average rider buy the 250x, all the rest...you still won't be disappointed in the CRF230F. Kids tested...Father approved!! Show less

This bike is an awesome bike. I have never had any problems with it. It will wind out really fast and has excellent low end power. First through third gear is a close ratio and 4'th through 6'th is a wide ratio. This bike will go through anything. Wheelies are good to bring up in first, second and third. If you want to ride the trails then this is your bike. It's a HONDA, what do you expect. Show less

For those of you who have short legs out there and love the tight, technical stuff, this bike is for you. Have had it for 1 year plus. Will climb about anything (even for my weight) and beats my friends' TTR 230, TTR 250 up any hill. It will not win any dirt road races, however. That being said, I love this bike. I just need a little more bottom end to finish the windey hill climbs. As for comfort, the bike is very nimble and handles well in all terrain but soft sand. The seat is a bit hard as well. Show less

A group of us took four of these bikes out for a 2-day extended ride session and all came away impressed. Reliable, fun, lightweight, easy to handle, and took on everything we threw at it. The bike is great for trails or just kicking up some dirt. The only place that it felt lacking was over larger jumps and for larger riders. The biggest guy in our group (6'3" 235lbs) felt the handlebars were too low and he was bottoming the front suspension over the larger stuff. Having said that, for the majority of the riders who want a fun, do-it-all bike, this little bugger is tough to beat. Not as intimidating as the WR250 Yam, CRF20 or DRZ400 for first time riders and the experienced guys can have fun on it too. Show less

Great bike for the budget. didn't have to lower the suspension to fit. Did the "power up" kit, jets, baffle out, air cleaner cover off and this bike has more than enough power to compete in the hills. Show less