First Ride: Honda CRF250X

[SpudRider]

Today the high temperature reached a balmy, 48 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, I got a chance to take my first ride on my new-to-me, 2004 Honda CRF250X.



This bike makes about the same horsepower as a stock WR250R, or a new, CRF250L with aftermarket exhaust and EFI programmer.



However, this bike has a curb weight of 254 pounds, versus the 295 pounds of the WR250R, and the 320 pounds of the CRF250L.

Getting a license plate for a dirt bike is very easy in Idaho. Without needing to present the bike for inspection, I walked out of the DMV with my license plate a mere ten minutes after I had entered.



This bike has a great suspension, and an excellent, Keihin, FCR 37mm carburetor. This motorcycle has a wide, smooth powerband, and is really a lot of fun to ride.



The weather will be cold for a while longer, and the trails are all snowed in right now. However, I look forward to the arrival of spring, when I can take the bike off road.



I attached the license plate to my bike with a polymer license bracket I purchased at State Trailer. After a little bending, and trimming, the license bracket looks as if it were designed for my motorcycle.



Spud

[Weldangrind]

MUC. How appropriate.

So, no signals for now? Do you intend to install a DS kit?

[oldgringo]

Spud, great moto and photos, I love the scenery, where exactly were these photos taken?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

MUC. How appropriate.

So, no signals for now? Do you intend to install a DS kit?

MUC? I don't understand? Em You See; I still don't get it. :? Do you mean muck, without the "k?"

Turn signals are not required in Idaho; hand signals are perfectly acceptable. Therefore, according to my desire to keep the bike as rugged, and as lightweight as possible, I don't plan to add turn signals.

I don't plan to ride this bike very much in traffic. I've got my Zong and XR650L for pavement duty. Therefore, I plan to use this bike to ride to the trails and back, and stay out of town as much as possible.

Spud

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by oldgringo

Spud, great moto and photos, I love the scenery, where exactly were these photos taken?

Thank you, OG. The photos were taken a short distance from my home in East Idaho.

Spud

[FastDoc]

Awesome Spud! Life is good in Spudland. That bike looks like new, and the valves are more durable thn new!

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Do you mean muck, without the "k?"

You got it. How perfect for a dirt bike.

Hand signals are acceptable where I live as well, although I wouldn't want to be out at dusk like that. Cagers are a dumb, inattentive breed.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

You got it. How perfect for a dirt bike.

Hand signals are acceptable where I live as well, although I wouldn't want to be out at dusk like that. Cagers are a dumb, inattentive breed.

Okay, I guess I did figure it out!

You make a very good point regarding turn signals, Weld. Since the CRF250X requires much more maintenance than the Honda XR bikes, I don't intend to ride it much on pavement. However, if I end up riding much after dusk, I will certainly install turn signals.

Spud

[Weldangrind]

I don't necessarily intend to ride after dusk, but stuff happens. Perhaps another set of small LED signals would meet your needs. Do you still have the LED lights from the Zong?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

I don't necessarily intend to ride after dusk, but stuff happens. Perhaps another set of small LED signals would meet your needs. Do you still have the LED lights from the Zong?

Indeed, I do have four, small, LED turn signals which used to be installed on the Zong.

Spud

[Weldangrind]

Does your new bike use a battery?

[SpudRider]

Yes, my CRF250X has a battery. 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)

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

[FastDoc]

I am justifiably paranoid of getting run over. This is one of the reasons I upgraded my KLX's taillight to an Edge II and I wear a dork vest if I'm going to be out after dark. My jacket's are reflective, and the next jacket I purchace willo be dork colored...

Getting caught out after dark on the street happens...

I like larger brighter taillights, and blinkers. Whatever I can do withinn reason...

In WA turnsignal lights are required after dark (as it applied to my antique BSA which never had turnsignals in the first place), or for any newly converted D/S. :wink:

[FastDoc]

That is, I will say again, a wonderful choice of motorcycle, Spud. It is not as bulletproof as a Zong or a KLX or an XR, but in your hands it will do great. The performance is worth the effort.

I've ridden my YZ about 100 hours now, and it has about 150 hours on it total. Other than oil changes and coolant flushes and valve checks, I have done little to it other than enjoy it. The fact is neither one of us rides hard enough to really tax these machines. :wink:

[SpudRider]

Thank you, Bill. I agree. I bought the CRF250X to ride it as trail bike on the more technical single track and double track trails in Idaho. I don't plan to race the bike. I just want enough power to climb steep technical terrain, and a bike which is light enough to pick up after dropping it on nasty, narrow slopes. I also demand the "magic button." :P

I intend to plod along most of the time, not race. I suspect I will occasionally succumb to the temptation to twist the throttle, but I don't intend to beat this bike as many riders do.

The Achilles heel of the CRF bikes is the titanium intake valves. :roll: Since the previous owner spent $400 to install four, new, Kibblewhite, stainless steel valves, I think the CRF will prove to be a reliable trail bike for a conservative rider like me.

Spud