2004 Honda CRF250X

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

I don't know if your link will be similar to the link on my XR250R, but I could not have done that job without a hydraulic press. Does Andy have one? Mine is only good for 12 tons, but it did the trick.

I need to read the service manual for details on the procedure. However, I have a trusted machinist who can help me if Andy cannot.

Spud

[FastDoc]

I only greased them on my XR250. It's not hard but a time consuming PIA. When it was time to do them on my YZ400F, I let Andy do it. :wink:

[SpudRider]

My Zong and XR650L have grease zerks, which are very convenient. This was my first time manually greasing a lower shock linkage, so it took a little longer. However, now that I am familar with the procedure, I'm sure I can do it much more quickly. It's not too bad a task to do once a year, or so.

Spud

[SpudRider]

On Thursday I changed the fork oil in my CRF250X, twin chamber forks. I installed Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF in the outer chamber. The inner chamber, which Honda calls the "fork damper" does almost all the work damping the fork, both in compression, and rebound. Honda designed the fork damper to use fork oil with a viscosity of 16 cSt at 40 degrees Celsius. Therefore, I decided to install Showa SS-7, 5W fork oil in the inner chamber.

About 18 months ago I changed the fork oil, and fork seals in my Zong's damper rod forks. Several days ago I changed the fork oil in my XR650L's single cartridge forks. Changing the fork oil in modern, twin chamber forks is more tire consuming than changing the fork oil in either single cartridge, or damper rod forks. However, the job isn't that difficult to perform every year or two, and I'm sure I will perform the job faster the next time I do it.

Today I took the CRF250X for a test ride, and the forks work great! Little Red is now completely ready for the riding season, and not a moment too soon. The temperatures are predicted to rise shortly, and the snow is rapidly melting in the mountains of Idaho.

Spud

[SpudRider]

Today my LED flasher arrived in the mail from SuperBright LEDs.

http://www.superbrightleds.com/morei...asher/787/842/



After installing the turn signal flasher, I completed the dual sport conversion for Little Red.

Several weeks ago I had installed DRC 586 LED turn signals on the rear fender.

http://www.drcproducts.com/elect/d45-58-617/index.html







I had also installed Optronics MCL95, LED clearance lights on the D-Flex Handguards for the front turn signals.

http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Ligh...FQ9eQgodWWoA8w







Last week I installed Ken Sean/Bikemaster folding mirrors on Little Red.

http://www.oemcycle.com/Item/product...m_campaign=NXT





Along with the items previously installed, the new items completed my dual sport conversion. The weather was rainy, but I took a short ride around town to test my new fork oil, and my newly installed mirrors and turn signals. Here are some photographs of my completed, dual sport conversion of Little Red, which was parked outside Home Depot.







I also installed an ignition switch from a Honda CRF230F. In the "on" position, this switch provides power to the starter button. In the "off" position, this switch disconnects power from the starter button, and also grounds the output from the CDI unit, so the bike cannot be kick started. I forgot to capture macro photographs of my ignition mount, but I will post some photographs of it in the next few days.

Spud

[Weldangrind]

Spud, I really like the DRC 586 LED turn signals, and the idea of mounting them on top of the rear fender. May I ask what the cost was?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Spud, I really like the DRC 586 LED turn signals, and the idea of mounting them on top of the rear fender. May I ask what the cost was?

The fender of my CRF250X isn't supported by a subframe, so I wanted to install lightweight turn signals. Also, I wanted the turn signals to be protected from damage. Therefore, I decided to install flush mount, turn signals.

The DRC 586 turn signals are fairly expensive, costing about $40. :roll:

http://www.powersportjunkie.com/prod...d45-58-617.htm

However, they are very well protected from damage, and point the light directly backward.

Spud

[SpudRider]

As promised, here are some photographs of my ignition switch. I fabricated the mounting plate for the ignition switch from the top half of an Optronics LP5SB license bracket, which I bought at the local trailer store for $2. The 1-inch diameter hole was an almost perfect fit for the CRF230F ignition switch.



After trimming away the extra material from the bracket and inserting the switch, I mounted the ignition switch to the triple tree using the top pinch bolts.



Here's the view from the cockpit, showing how the body of the switch is located behind the headlight shroud.



Several days ago I got the bike dirty, and all my modifications worked well. Here are some photographs of the bike in its native habitat, with the Ken Sean mirrors folded away.

[zingshoen]

good looking turn signals and the better ignition switch make a lot of sense, very worthwhile mods! you don t seem to have a luggage rack, how do you carry the things you need on your tours?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by zingshoen

good looking turn signals and the better ignition switch make a lot of sense, very worthwhile mods! you don t seem to have a luggage rack, how do you carry the things you need on your tours?

The CRF250X sold in the United States doesn't have an ignition switch. Therefore, I installed an ignition switch designed for the CRF230F. This switch has two lines. When in the off position, one line disconnects power to the starter motor, and the other line grounds the CDI unit, so the bike can't be kick started. When in the on position, one line connects the power to the starter motor, and the other line disconnects the CDI grounding circuit.

I don't intend to tour on this bike, but I am still looking for a good, lightweight luggage rack. At Idaho elevations we wear layers of clothing which we peel off as the day warms. I want the luggage rack to hold lightweight items such as layers of clothing, rain gear, et cetera.

[FastDoc]

Very factory looking installation of your well thought out mods, Spud. Nicely done :-)

[MICRider]

Love it, looks awesome!
With 3 bikes in the stable you'll be able to do 3 times the touring!

[SpudRider]

I have been riding my CRF250X a lot lately, and I'm pleased to report everything is working great! This bike has turned out to be everything I was looking for in a street legal, dirt bike.

[pete]

How meany hours/miles are you hopeing to get from the engine useing it as a ADV /trail bike...

I have almost bought a 04 Yamaha WR250F..is basicly the enduro version of the YZF..
It still has the factory lights/ indicators on it..but the Rego is dead.. is about $500nz to re-vin it..
I'm hopeing a lighter bike "105kgs dry" will be easyer on my wrist/arm..Keep the XT660 for
longer easy ADV rides..

Pic from the TM ad

[SpudRider]

The WR250F is a good bike.

I'm not riding my CRF250X as an adventure bike. I'm using it as a dirt bike, which I ride to the trails and back. I'm riding my Zong as a dual sport bike on the less challenging trails. I'm riding my XR650L as an adventure bike for longer rides when more speed is needed.

I'm hoping my CRF250X will prove to be very reliable with its stainless steel valves. However, I'm not making any predictions. So far, I have recorded about 670 miles on my Trail Tech Vapor. I probably rode another 100 miles before I installed my Trail Tech computer.

I went for a 100-mile ride yesterday. My CRF250X starts right up, whether the engine is hot, cold, or flooded after dropping it on the trail. I'm not burning any oil, and the engine runs great!

I need to rebuild the top end of the engine in my air cooled, dual sport bikes about every 30,000 miles. If I can get 15,000 miles between top end rebuilds on my water cooled CRF250X, I will be very happy. The bike performs so well, I am willing to rebuild it twice as often as my other bikes.

I am running the stock gearing, which is a 14T/53T sprocket combination. When riding on the street, I keep the engine under 7,500 rpms. The engine usually runs at 4,000-6,500 rpms on the trail. This CRF250X engine can turn at 12,500 rpms.

I will replace the piston after the bike begins to burn a lot of oil. I'm hoping the stainless steel valves will last a very long time.