2004 Honda CRF250X
 

I recently acquired a 2004 Honda CRF250X, which I found listed in the Missoula, Montana Craigslist. I will post more photographs of the bike later, but here are the photos from the Craigslist ad. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...psd703c5df.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps18257f69.jpg

The owner had installed a lot of nice aftermarket parts on the bike. He removed the hand guards before he sold me the motorcycle. However, the following items were left on the bike.

Flatland Racing Skid Plate
Flatland Racing Radiator Guards
MSR Rear Disc Guard

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/im...is_gua_car.jpg

Fork Seal Savers

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/im...ov_sho_blk.jpg

Pro Taper Contour Handlebars, Henry/Reed bend

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/im...ar_con_blk.jpg

BRP Pro Moto Fat Bar Mounts (1.64-inch)

http://www.brpmoto.com/media/imgs/pr..._style_tmb.jpg

James Dean Jetting kit with jet needles and accelerator pump, O-ring

UFO rear fender with integrated brake light
Stiffer, aftermarket shock spring
T.M. Designworks Rear Chain Guide

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/...ks+chain+guide

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/im...uide_black.jpg

The bike has a total of 140 hours on the engine. The stock, CRF, titanium intake valves are known to cup, and recede into the valve seats. :roll: Therefore, I bought this bike only because the previous owner did a complete, top end rebuild of the engine last summer. ;) He sent the cylinder head to CRFs Only for the CRF Performance CNC Valve Job.

http://www.crfsonly.com/catalog/prod...oducts_id/3974

This service includes four, new, Kibblewhite, stainless steel valves, valve springs, valve keepers, and valve seals. In addition, the valve seats were re-cut with CNC machinery, and the new valves were cut to match.

While installing the refurbished cylinder head, the previous owner also installed a new, 2008, XR250R, high compression piston and piston rings.

At the same time, the previous owner also installed a new, AGM battery.

The bike starts easily when cold, and quickly warms up. The engine runs very well, and makes good power.

I am in the process of making the bike street legal. I have already acquired a license plate, and installed it on the rear fender. ;)

Spud :)

Beautiful bike Spud! I love that rear disc guard, CNC stuff always looks awesome! :)

(I'm assuming it's made by CNC anyway, sure looks like it!) :)

Thank you, Stew. :)

Spud :)

Nice bike and a great value Spud. Intellegent and appropiate mods are all already performed. One could say it's pre-Spudified. :P

Indeed, this bike was very well modified, and very well maintained. :) The deal clincher for me was the Kibblewhite, stainless steel, valve job. ;) The stock, titanium intake valves are notorious for failure. :roll: I'm hoping the Kibblewhite valves will give this bike more "XR reliability."

Granted, higher performance motorcycles require higher maintenance. However, I don't want to do a top end rebuild every 2,500 miles! 8O If the steel valves allow me to do a top end rebuild every 10,000 miles, the extra performance will be worth the extra maintenance and higher operating costs for this bike. :D Time will tell. As soon as the weather warms up a bit, I will be installing a Trail Tech Vapor. ;)

Spud :)

The Spudifications have already begun. ;) This bike is in excellent riding condition. The sprockets and drive chain are in very good shape. The tires also have many miles of useful wear left in them. :) Therefore, my primary goal is to make this bike street legal, so I can ride to the trails and connect trails via pavement. :)

My first modification was to mount my Idaho license plate. I want to keep this bike as light, as durable, and as trailworthy as possible. ;) This bike already has a brake light, so I just need to add a hydraulic switch to the rear master cylinder. :D Therefore, I merely wanted to add a license plate holder, and forego the added expensive, work, and weight of installing an additional tail light with license plate bracket.

After doing some research, and visiting the local State Trailer store, I found my solution! :D I bought an Optronics, LP5SB, license plate bracket for $1.99. :D

http://www.etrailer.com/merchant2/gr...LP5SB_1000.jpg

I put the LP5SB in my vice, and heated the bracket with my propane torch to soften the rugged polymer. Then I bent the bracket to get a nice angle for attaching the license plate. I removed the bracket from the vice, and trimmed off the upper tab. Finally, I installed the bracket to the rear of my fender with two, 1/4-inch bolts. :D

This license plate holder is very strong, flexible, and lightweight. :) I will take a few photographs of the finished modification as soon as I shovel the snow from my driveway. ;)

Spud :)

Nice machine, Spud; I'm looking foward to the remaining Spudifications.

What happened to your two-smoke?

Thank you, Weld. :) I still have the Kawasaki KDX220. However, I like 4-strokes better than 2-strokes, and I like Hondas better than Kawasakis. Therefore, I will probably sell the KDX220 this spring. ;)

Spud :)

That's a nice KDX Spud... :wink:

A WHOLE $2!

My word!

Have you lost control of your wallet Spud! :lol:

The next thing you know, I will have a bread board for a luggage rack. ;)

Spud :lol:

OK. I deserved that. :cry:

:lol:

I feel the same way. We have three old TS Suzukis (100, 185 and 250), and I'm not sure if they'll be moving on or not. The 185 is a blast to ride! :D

:lol:

Spud :D

Nice machine Spud? :) It looks very light and capable bike. I am sure you'll have plenty of fun on it this year. I also had the impression you wanted to get new 2012 Honda CRF250L. Looking forward to Spudification. :)

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 :)

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

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. :D 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. :D

http://www.spirithalloween.com/image...511.zoom.a.jpg

Spud :)

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. :lol:

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

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

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

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps2f0a7752.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps68f6c18e.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...psde8031ee.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps5fafbac2.jpg

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. :D

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps40bfef7e.jpg

Spud :)

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 :)

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 :)

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

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

I also installed nyloc nuts. :)

Spud :)

Better than lockwashers. 8)

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

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps2f0a7752.jpg

Spud :)

Dang that's a sweet looking rig Spud :). I can't tell for sure, but do you already have a Trakmaster on it? I can't wait for the photo's of your trips into the mountains with this bike, she's a beaut! 8)

Thank you, Stew. :)

Those are the tires which came with the bike. The are Dunlop tires, but I don't remember the model number. :?

Spud :)

Stew,

I was doing some work on my CRF250X this afternoon, and I finally took a good look at both tires. :roll: I don't know why I thought the tires were Dunlops. :? The rear tire is a Shinko Holeshot 505, size 100/100-18.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...Rear-Tire.aspx

http://images.motorcycle-superstore....ar-Tire---.jpg

The front tire is a Pirelli Scorpion Pro FIM, size 90/90-21.

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/...pion-Pro-F.I.M.

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/im...pir_mt83_f.jpg

They are both nice tires, with a lot of life left in them. :)

Spud :)

Those are good looking tires Spud! That front Pirelli in particular looks like it would clean out good in the Idaho mud with it's open tread. I'll be interested to hear your review of the rear once the season opens up enough for you to get up into the mountains. I'm looking forward to your R/R's :D


Edited because I spelled Pirelli wrong. Lol! :)

The weather was nice this afternoon, so I decided to do some more work on my CRF250X. The drive chain was a little too loose, so I decided to adjust it. I noticed one of the chain adjusting nuts was rounded off, so I rode my CRF250X to the local Honda shop and bought a new one. ;)

After returning home, I needed to remove the rear wheel to install the new nut. Therefore, I inspected the entire wheel, and tightened the spokes before I re-installed the wheel. Then I lubricated the drive chain.

I had mounted an Acerbis, dual sport mirror, but I still couldn't see anything behind me. :roll: I had bought a pair of mirror perches on eBay for $5.95, delivered. However, I couldn't find space to mount these mirror perches on my 1-1/8", Pro Taper, Contour handlebars. :(

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps7559f415.jpg

Then I got an idea! :idea: I discovered the back of the clamps would fit my existing clutch and brake perches! :D I installed the rear halves of both mirror perches, and was able to mount the stock mirrors from my Honda XR650L. After mounting the mirrors, I decided to go for a ride. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...psed0dfe58.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps5706137c.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps80434aa8.jpg

The mirrors worked superbly! I had no vibration in the mirrors, and they afforded an excellent view to the rear. :D Nevertheless, I am going to buy a pair of Ken Sean, folding mirrors for both my Zong and the CRF250X. In the meanwhile, the XR650L mirrors will give me a good view behind. :)

Spud :)

Thank you, Stew. :) A lot of snow melted today; March came in like a lamb. :D I'm still hoping for an early riding season. ;) I will be sure to report how well the tires work. I am particularly impressed with the Scorpion Pro, front tire. :)

Spud :)

My UFO rear fender had an LED brake light as well as a tail light. However, the the previous owner had not wired the brake light. Therefore, I bought a Tusk Hydraulic Brake Switch for Nissin brakes.

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/...+nissin+brakes

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/im...yd_bra_swi.jpg

I installed the switch on my rear master cylinder, and routed the wires along the subframe a safe distance from the exhaust pipe.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps3da232d4.jpg

I wired the switch into the brake light wire coming from the rear fender, and everything works great! The brake light is very bright, even in daylight. :D

Spud :)

I was contemplating adding a small, electric, bicycle horn to complete my street-legal modifications. Instead, I decided to purchase a Tusk Compact Control Switch.

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/...control+switch

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/im...om_con_swi.jpg

My headlight bulb has two filaments, but it currently only uses the low beam. After mounting the Tusk Control Switch, I will have both a high beam, and a low beam for the headlight. I will also be able to turn off the headlight. :) In addition, this control has a switch for turn signals, as well as a horn button.

I plan to wire a small motorcycle horn directly to the battery, with an inline fuse. Heeding the wise consul of Weldangrind, I will probably add turn signals at a later date. However, turn signals are not required to make a motorcycle street-legal in Idaho. ;)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...psa0366b07.jpg

Spud :)

I really like the Tusk D-Flex handguards I installed on both my Zong and Honda XR650L. :) Therefore, I also plan to install the D-Flex handguards on my CRF250X. ;)

I think I will purchase the red handguards with black spoilers. What do you guys think?

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/...lers-Red-Black

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/im...d-blk_clip.jpg

I hope I won't have any trouble mounting the D-Flex handguards to my 1-1/8" handlebars. I plan to use the Tusk Big Bar Adapters.

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/...daptor-%28P%29

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/im...x_bbar_ada.jpg

Spud :)

Red with black is an excellent choice for the handguards.

Spud, may we see a close-up of your perch / mirror solution?