Topic: Honda CRF230F

[BenelliSEI]

Rode to Bridgenorth to “see a guy” and accidentally bought a bike. Honda CRF230. Filthy, seems complete, not stuck. “Ran when parked”! About US$500. I’m crazy?

[Kelly E]

 Crazy smart, that's a great deal.

[BenelliSEI]

Crazy smart, that's a great deal.

We’ll see. They are a fine machine. Hope this one is not beaten to death. My 14 year old grandson is out growing the RM80 fast!

[grcamna2]

The Deal of  2024' !!  For your Grand-son   

[BenelliSEI]

Bill…… these are the bikes we rent when we spend a day, riding in the Ganaraska Forest, just south of here. Light as a feather and electric start! I may keep this one for myself!

[Stev-o]

I’m crazy?

Sure...we all are!

Too good of a deal to pass up.

[grcamna2]

Bill…… these are the bikes we rent when we spend a day, riding in the aganaraska Forest, just south of here. Light as a feather and electric start! I may keep this one for myself!

John,that Honda 230 has much more midrange grunt than the XR200R I originally recommended to you for your grandson.

[BenelliSEI]

That’s the plan. Of course I found the  usual “mouse house”! Someone tried to start this thing on the corn syrup that’s in the tank. The carb is plugged solid.

[BenelliSEI]

It fell apart! Body work is mint, no cracks or gouges, just filthy. Tires hold air. Rear brake rod is screwed to the end and then some. I bet the shoes or down to the steel…..

[BenelliSEI]

Hooked up a big battery (from the GL1000) and nothing…… The neutral safety switch works! Took it out of gear, oiled the cylinder and spins like a top. Hooked up a spark plug and nice clean spark.

Couldn’t resist and sprayed a bit of “quick start” down the intake manifold. Instantly roared! Carb is packed with varnish. Clean up next time. I need to get the K8 ready for the new owner, finish the paint on the race car and get back on the Sandcast. This may sit for a while, but just so tempting! What a brilliant bike.

[BenelliSEI]

Bill…… these are the bikes we rent when we spend a day, riding in the aganaraska Forest, just south of here. Light as a feather and electric start! I may keep this one for myself!

John,that Honda 230 has much more midrange grunt than the XR200R I originally recommended to you for your grandson.

Bill…. You did! Everything I’ve read suggests it’s a wonderful bike. Not a “racer” but all round super trail rider. Certainly very simple, clean design.
I like it.

[BenelliSEI]

I’m crazy?

Sure...we all are!

Too good of a deal to pass up.

Steve…. Seems like it was a good gamble. Time will tell.

[Kelly E]

Hooked up a big battery (from the GL1000) and nothing…… The neutral safety switch works! Took it out of gear, oiled the cylinder and spins like a top. Hooked up a spark plug and nice clean spark.

Couldn’t resist and sprayed a bit of “quick start” down the intake manifold. Instantly roared! Carb is packed with varnish. Clean up next time. I need to get the K8 ready for the new owner, finish the paint on the race car and get back on the Sandcast. This may sit for a while, but just so tempting! What a brilliant bike.

I'm thinking that your grandson may speed up that project.

I sure wish the KL 250 had an electric starter, that thing is tough to kick over when you're my size.

[BenelliSEI]

Hooked up a big battery (from the GL1000) and nothing…… The neutral safety switch works! Took it out of gear, oiled the cylinder and spins like a top. Hooked up a spark plug and nice clean spark.

Couldn’t resist and sprayed a bit of “quick start” down the intake manifold. Instantly roared! Carb is packed with varnish. Clean up next time. I need to get the K8 ready for the new owner, finish the paint on the race car and get back on the Sandcast. This may sit for a while, but just so tempting! What a brilliant bike.

I'm thinking that your grandson may speed up that project.

I sure wish the KL 250 had an electric starter, that thing is tough to kick over when you're my size.

Kelly….. You’re probably right! It actually does not have a kick lever. Weird.

[BenelliSEI]

Opened up the carb this evening. Positively the nastiest (smelliest) one I’ve seen. A good power wash helps to see what needs doing!

[BenelliSEI]

Spent an afternoon on ONE carb. It was packed with crud. Had a cheap “kit” and didn’t use a single part. Managed to save all the bits and even cleared the “slow” jet. Soaked it for ages in carb cleaner, then the ultra sonic and then made a small fitting to hook it up to my blow gun! All back together, hung the remote fuel bottle and like any good Honda, it fired instantly! Blew some smoke and then settled right down.

Previous owner said it hadn’t run in “5 years”. Based on what’s in the tank, I’d say more like 10! Noisy valves, clearances are next job.

[Kelly E]

Better hurry, I bet your grandson is already chomping at the bit.

[grcamna2]

John,will your grandson be able to straddle this bike?
He looks big on that little 80cc.

[BenelliSEI]

John,will your grandson be able to straddle this bike?
He looks big on that little 80cc.

14 and my height (6’)!

[grcamna2]

John,will your grandson be able to straddle this bike?
He looks big on that little 80cc.

14 and my height (6’)!

Lol

[RAFster122s]

That growth spurt and more hormones makes them stupid, thinking they are smarter than their elders...


Just remind them that old age and treachery often is victorious over youth and vigor more times than not...
Do not explain it, let them figure it out for themselves and be prepared for any tests of the theory...

[Kevin D]

John, I wouldn’t know your grandsons riding style, but I expect he will be thanking you 1000 times once he gets on the ever so rideable Honda with linear power.

[BenelliSEI]

Kevin….. he’s just started last Fall and is still “in control” and slow. The RM80 two stroke he used last year was just a bit to peaky for a novice. The power comes on like stepping off a cliff! This four stroke Honda should be much more appropriate.

[MauiK3]

Great deal!
No such think as an accident purchase:-)
Nice project

[BenelliSEI]

Wasted a few hours on this today. Adjusting valve clearances required removing a couple of parts and a top engine mount. Much the same as doing any SOHC4, but deeper in the hole. Thank goodness there are only TWO! bodywork has cleaned up very nicely. Seat is perfect.

The inside of the plastic tank was disgusting. Removed the totally disintigrated petcock and a strange (anti splash?) collar from the tank neck, shoved the end of my power washer inside, and blasted away. Let it dry in the sunshine and it still stinks, but looks spotless.

Honda wants more than $50 each for fork boots! Hunting for some aftermarket cheapies. The goal here is to build a $1000 bike.