Honda Dirt Bikes Forum

ok guys im 16 im 6'4" and i weight 240 pounds

i was looking at a 2006 crf230f at my local dealer bike is mint has 50 hours on it looks brand new

this is my first bike ive only riden once before for 5 minutes or so at my buddys and i loved it

so i decided to start looking and i found that one and the dealer says it would be great for me. my dads friend who is about the same size as me says the same he has one and says that its awesome in the trails he says its very easy to ride and would be great for m to learn on.

so im just owndering what you guys think about that setup.  

the 230 is a wonderful bike to learn on.  it's a great trail bike and there's tons of modifications you can make to it to make it more advanced than the stock one.

to learn on, you'll probably love it...but you'll probably quickly find yourself out growing it.  it's going to be awkward for you standing on the pegs of that bike and reaching down to the handlebars.  you're very tall, and being on a bike that's too small can be very uncomfortable. plus, the suspension on that bike is already VERY soft and with your weight you might find it a little difficult to deal with.

i own a 230, but i'm only 5'8" and 140lbs.  i have bar risers on the handle bars because i have long legs and bending down to the bars was uncomfortable for me.  the 250/450 stance was much more comfortable, but i could barely touch the ground, and it's a bit heavy for me (still need the power though, so as soon as the cash comes in, it's on to the 450 for me!).   the suspension was too soft for me as well, but i'm a more experience/aggressive rider than you so it really bothered me; i redid it.  

if you don't mind selling it quickly, and upgrading, i would recommend going for it.  also, if you aren't going to ride all the time, only once in a while, or just as like a weekend thing, go for the 230...it really is a great bike to learn on...light, good power, manueverable, etc.  
but, if you're looking to own the bike for a while, and become a ride a lot or learn to ride aggressive trails, you might want to see if you can learn on someone else's first and buy a bigger bike or just go for the 250x.  
.................................
--Court

well my mom all ready signed the loan for it so im kinda tied into it for 2 years now so ya lol its 65 a month so not bad at all and the once im done paying for it ill turn it in and get a bigger one ill probly end up dumping some money into it to make it more suitable for my size but acording to my dads friend it will be ok stock i see what you mean about the standing thing though that will probly be wierd lol  

it will be more than fine for you to learn on.  i just see someone at your height and weight out growing it quickly.  

bar risers aren't the greatest fix for awkward height, but it helps a little, and they're fairly easy/cheap.  
.................................
--Court

Yeah a 230 is probly WAY too small for you but I guess its good to learn on. After the 230, get a 250 2stroke! Im 5'8 145 lbs and that's what I ride. Its not for beginners tho. Have fun riding!  
1998 KTM 200 EXC
1996 KX250
1993 XR100r
NORTH CENTRAL H.S. FOOTBALL FOR LIFE! GO INDIANS!!!!!

dude you should have gotten a 250+. The 230 will be great for a few weeks or until you got the hang of it. After you ride a 250 or so the 230 isn't gonna cut it.  And of course the dealer says it will be great for you, all they want to do is sell the bikes, he'd probably say a pw50 would be great for you too lol. But anyways if your already getting the 230 good luck on it and have fun!  

I couldnt agree with you more yz125rider but like I said its probly perfect for learning but you'll get bored of it relly fast.  
1998 KTM 200 EXC
1996 KX250
1993 XR100r
NORTH CENTRAL H.S. FOOTBALL FOR LIFE! GO INDIANS!!!!!

even as an 230 owner and lover, i would agree with bryton and yz.  you'll probably out grow it fast.

but, it will be a good experience to learn on, and a good bike to learn basic maintenance and mechanics.  if you want to make a project out of it, read the articles on off-road.com under the "project crf230" heading.  there's tons of articles and step by step instructions on different mods.  really helped me.  also, rockmountainatvmc.com has some neat instructional videos that are great for beginners on basic stuff.

it really is a fun bike too, so don't get discouraged by all that.

and, welcome to the boards and to riding!  glad you decided to take up the sport!


p.s.  get a helmet before you ever ride that thing.  
.................................
--Court

Yeah a 230 wasnt probly the best choice but you already bought it so no use dwelling on it. No matter what ur riding, dirt bikes are a blast and you will have a lot of fun. When you do get bored of the 230 just remember, 2502stroke!!!!!!!!  
1998 KTM 200 EXC
1996 KX250
1993 XR100r
NORTH CENTRAL H.S. FOOTBALL FOR LIFE! GO INDIANS!!!!!

Bryton_250:
Yeah a 230 wasnt probly the best choice but you already bought it so no use dwelling on it. No matter what ur riding, dirt bikes are a blast and you will have a lot of fun. When you do get bored of the 230 just remember, 2502stroke!!!!!!!!

i say 250x...go with the four stroke!!!!

hahaha  
.................................
--Court

2stroke all the way!!! If you do go 4stroke get at least a 450!  
1998 KTM 200 EXC
1996 KX250
1993 XR100r
NORTH CENTRAL H.S. FOOTBALL FOR LIFE! GO INDIANS!!!!!

Bryton_250:
2stroke all the way!!! If you do go 4stroke get at least a 450!

bwahaha...well he should only go with the 450 if he can handle it...which he probably won't be able to for a while since he's learning.

and no way....four strokes are the way to go!


(i'm totally kidding by the way, don't want to cause any waves again...they're just what i need and prefer! hahah)  
.................................
--Court

I just bought a 2008 230 and at 5'10, 160 its perfect size for playing around in the country I think. You might want to research this more though, I read that over 220 pounds is not recommended for the 230. I did see on a website that they make a stiffer spring for the 230 and suppose to be a little better for jumping but maybe it would work good for you since your a bigger guy at 240. Something to check out. I am with sully all the way, for next spring I am going to put a power up kit in it and a few other things to make it to my liking.

As tall as you are though, I would probably get the 250X, is made for trail riding but with the racing suspension, would fit you perfect, is a couple inches taller.

Go Giants!  
---Raising hell in ND---

So why is it you are hung up on these 2 strokes so bad ? The newer 4 strokes are a lot less work and they way they make them nowadays they kick the 2 strokes ass anyway from what I read.  
---Raising hell in ND---

230f:
So why is it you are hung up on these 2 strokes so bad ? The newer 4 strokes are a lot less work and they way they make them nowadays they kick the 2 strokes ass anyway from what I read.

i'm all for the four strokes 230.  it's just up to what you like/want from a bike.  if you like going fast and high, the two stroke is the way for you.  personally, i need the speed, but i also need to 'tractor' ability of the four stroke.  i don't jump so having a light, quick bike really isn't beneficial to me.  

the newer four strokes are awesome bikes...but compared to the two's they're still heavy and cumbersome.  personally, i find the 450x nimble and quick...but i grew up riding the old xr series bikes...those things were just tanks in comparison.  on the track, the speed and weight of the two's are just awesome...and even on faster trail, they're wicked fun.  they're just responsive and throttley.

they're making the racing four strokes to compare with the two's...but they just aren't the same bikes.  


it's all a preference thing....usually what you grew up with or know is what you like.  
.................................
--Court