2004 Honda CRF250X

[SpudRider]

Thank you, Pliskin. I found a great deal on this bike, which has a curb weight of 254 pounds. I like the CRF250L, but it weighs 65 pounds more than the CRF250X. 8O Nevertheless, the CRF250L is a great deal, and will be an exceptional deal when slightly used. I will keep a lookout for a good deal on a used CRF250L next year.

Spud

[keithert]

How difficult will it be to get this one licensed as street legal?

[SpudRider]

Licensing a dirt bike is virtually impossible in some states. :( However, making a dirt bike street-legal is very easy in Idaho. When I titled my CRF250X at the DMV, I filled out a dual sport form at the same time. I walked out of the DMV in ten minutes, with my license plate in hand. I had not done any street legal modifications at that time, and I didn't even need to present the bike for an inspection.

In Idaho, all you need is a headlight, tail light, brake light, horn, and a single mirror. You can mount a clown horn, if you like. The police don't bother us here.



Spud

[FastDoc]

We are blessed to be able to D/S a dirtbike here in WA also, but we have the added step of needing an inspection. But a licensed mechanic can do the inspection, and my buddy Andy just signs off in exchange for a flying lesson, which I would do for him anyways.

Then there is a fee or two, a tax, but as long as I leave the DMV with a plate I'm happy. :P

[FastDoc]

BTW the OEM horn on my (ex) BSA 441 Victor ws a horn just like in Spud's picture. 8)

[SpudRider]

I went for a ride on Saturday, so I took a few photographs of my license plate bracket.









This bracket is very strong, and very lightweight. Although I only spent $1.99 for the bracket, I think it appears as if it were designed for my CRF250X.



Spud

[Weldangrind]

I hope that lasts for you, Spud. I've found that plate holders that only support the top of the plate tend to produce cracks around the bolts holes in the aluminum. I resolved that with stainless fender washers for now, but I intend to weld a spine to the back of my stainless bracket to fully support the plate.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

I hope that lasts for you, Spud. I've found that plate holders that only support the top of the plate tend to produce cracks around the bolts holes in the aluminum. I resolved that with stainless fender washers for now, but I intend to weld a spine to the back of my stainless bracket to fully support the plate.

I am eager to hear your recommendations for improving this license bracket, Weld. I plan to mount the license plate to a plastic backing plate which will attach to the license bracket.

Spud

[TCCKSR]

wouldn't hurt to add a short chain leash attached to fender and to the bottom of the plate incase the bracket breaks. Then you will hear it baging around BUT not lose your plate.

8" of thin light chain, 2 bolts, nuts and some washers.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by TCCKSR

wouldn't hurt to add a short chain leash attached to fender and to the bottom of the plate incase the bracket breaks. Then you will hear it baging around BUT not lose your plate.

8" of thin light chain, 2 bolts, nuts and some washers.

Thanks for the tip.

I'm sure the license bracket won't break. It's firmly attached, and is manufactured from a very tough polymer. However, I lost a license plate from my XR650L when the aluminum plate fractured. :roll: The state of Idaho charges about $10 for a replacement license plate.

My friend Andy, a professional diesel mechanic, inspected the bracket and thinks the license plate will be fine. However, I am inclined to add a plastic rectangle to the license bracket, and mount my plate to the plastic rectangle.

Spud

[FastDoc]

A drop of Locktite is a good idea. I have had license plates shake loose when using just spring lockwashers...

[Weldangrind]

I use 1/4" SS nyloc nuts for plates.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

I use 1/4" SS nyloc nuts for plates.

I also installed nyloc nuts.

Spud

[FastDoc]

Better than lockwashers. 8)

[SpudRider]

Here are some of the major differences between my CRF250X, and the CRF250R (Race) version of the bike.

CRF250R has a more aggressive camshaft
CRF250R has a higher compression piston
CRF250R is about 25 pounds lighter in curb weight

CRF250X has a wider ratio transmission
CRF250X has a side door for easier access to the air filter
CRF250X has a larger fuel tank
CRF250X has an electric starter, with a kick starter backup
CRF250X has a headlight
CRF250X has a tail light (mine also has a brake light)
CRF250X has a kick stand

Because of the headlight and tail light, it was very easy to get a license plate for the CRF250X in Idaho. I merely needed to add the following items.

Hydraulic brake switch on rear master cylinder
Horn (clown horn is legally acceptable)
One mirror



Spud