Honda CRF230M
Summary:
It might take a while for the dust to settle, but once it does you’ll realize that the Honda CRF230M may very well be the first attractive dual-sport… kind of. Clean lines, combined with sleek and stylish bodywork make the CRF230M one of the best looking dual-sports (kind of) around. A comfortable ride and peppy acceleration certainly add to the fun, but when you look this good, does it really matter?
What do we mean by kind of? Keep reading.
Engine Size: 223cc
Price (new): $6,399 CDN/$5,399 USD
Comparable bikes: Yamaha WR250X, Suzuki DR200SE, Yamaha TW200, Yamaha XT250, Suzuki DR-Z400S
Our Honda CRF230M Review:
The Honda CRF230M looks like a dual-sport, and feels like a dual-sport, but in actuality is more a motard than a dual-sport. A quick Google search will reveal people posting incredible things about the CRF230M, including fuel economy claims upwards of 90 mpg! If you are like us, in that you’re skeptical of any and all outrageous economy claims, you’ll be a bit taken back. After all, anything achieving 100 mpg is worth a look, right?
So how did Honda do it? Well, for starters, the CRF230M only weighs in at 276lbs. With 14 hp and 12 ft-lbs of torque, it also isn’t packing too much of an accelerative punch. However, a slick six-speed transmission that is geared efficiently goes a long way. In this case, it’s likely the reason that this motorcycle pushes as much economy out of it as it does.
When riding the Honda CRF230M feels responsive. This is a bike that you can feel comfortable leaning over, as its light weight removes that feeling of awkwardness that many new riders will experience when tilting over a larger motorcycle. Once you’ve had a bit of practice you can literally “flick” this bike through the corners, leaning it over while simultaneously providing input with the throttle.
For a bike that takes a fair bit of time to get up and go (designed for economy, not speed, remember?) the CRF230M is a surprisingly large amount of fun. You don’t need to hit 60mph in 5 seconds when the machine you’re riding feels like a roller coaster ride every time you lean it over. And, when you decide that you actually have somewhere to be, this beginner motorcycle will cruise all day long at 65-70mph.
We don’t feel it to be as good a trail bike as the Yamaha WR250X or the Suzuki DR-Z400S, but that doesn’t mean it won’t go there. Dirt, gravel, and sand are no match for the raised suspension and grippy tires.
But what takes us back the most is the capability this bike provides while still managing to look good. Yamaha never accomplished that feat with the WR250X, and Suzuki definitely didn’t come close with the DR-Z400S. But Honda hit the nail right on the head. In our estimation, the Honda CRF230M is the best looking dual-sport/motard out there.
The Bottom Line:
It’s not an off-road monster, but it does return excellent economy in what should be a relatively maintenance free package (it uses many of the components, including the engine, transmission, and frame, from the excellent CRF230L). We like the Honda CRF230M a whole lot, and for a motorcycle that was just introduced for the 2009 model year, that’s a bold statement to make.
Related posts:
Category: Featured, Honda, Under 500cc
I’ve been trying to figure out what the hell a beginner motorcycle is. Do you mean one that has no frills?
My wife and I have been riding for a couple decades, and though I’m too heavy for the 230M (i feel sorry for it trying to pull me up hill on a hot day, but it will do it), I ride basically the same thing in a larger engine size.
What’s the story. What makes something “beginner”. If you mean “easy to handle” This is a horrible beginner bike. Big soft suspension means it has little tolerance for a poor rider.
Is there some concern that new riders have to build muscle strength in their legs or don’t know how to balance an object?
Is it that riding fast quickly is harder than riding fast slowly? 100 mph is 100 mph in 3 seconds or 20.
Its absolutely idiotic to denote something as “beginner” unless you just mean “good value for someone that may end up not liking the hobby”.
There are so few of these little bikes out there because of idiot sites like this one calling things “beginner” etc. If you think someone will get “bored” of it, you’re insulting them. not everyone is a drag strip southern bred american hick.
jill;
I am sorry that the 230M can barely carry your fat ass up a hill. It’s unfortunate, because teh 230M is such a joy to ride for those who don’t weigh 250+lbs. Lose some weight, fatty.
It’s pretty pathetic that you go attacking the website because you don’t agree that the 230M is a beginner motorcycle. Maybe it *isn’t* meant *just* for beginners, but that doesn’t mean that a website like this can’t review it and present it to those looking for a first bike. Why not? When was the last time you heard of someone being bumped off the bike by soft suspension?
You *have* heard of motorcycles accelerating too quickly, bucking the rider off the back (happens pretty often, actually). 100mph in 3 seconds could very easily disorient and KILL a new rider. 100mph in 20 seconds is much more paced and easier to process… assuming this motard will do 100mph at all.
When this comment popped up in my feed reader I was overjoyed with glee. It’s not every day that an idiot, who’s also a fatass (self admitted, no less) pops on to a website about motorcycle reviews and debates what a beginner motorcycle is.
So I guess what I’m trying to say, on behalf of the site owner (not in place of, let me make that very clear, I am not affiliated with the website) is: LOSE SOME WEIGHT, FATTY.
Please, no personal attacks/arguments. Comments that are not about the topic will be moderated and/or deleted.
Thanks
Bikes like this are a gas. I just sold my 3rd Honda FT500 thumper. Now have an XL350R that gets 61 miles pergallon and i am 6’4″ 250 lbs. One of my most fun bikes this century was my Honda NX250 that got 85 miles per gallon. The NX250 has a lot more then this 14 horse air cooled 230cc Honda.
I too grow tired of authors calling easy fun light bikes beginner bikes. I have 40 years riding experience and have a Honda ST in the garage. On a 80 degree sunny day, give me the light weight thumper for grins. If you pay enough, the authors stop using the word beginner bike. Like the BMW F650GS. Easy to ride, great MPG’s but $9,000.00
hey i used to ride a zx6r and then a cbr900rr. i found that i would too frequently just end up 200 miles away from home and didn’t really have any reason to go that far. you know get on the highway and miss my exit just enjoying the power of a big bike. now that i am older and just want to cruise around my little beach town this crf230m is the best option. i am 5’7” and weigh 175 lbs. this bike is perfect. i love the Honda reliability and boy is this bike nice looking. the Yamaha is ugly. i like that i can go play ‘Lost Boys’ on the beach at night and go errand running in the day. this bike is genius. well done Honda. crf230m baby wooo hoo ..
Honda CRF230M where to start. This is a great beginners bike
, i’ve been riding since dinosaurs walked the earth and the bike just isnt fast enough for the highway however commuting is ideal. im 5’11″ 165 standardly it does upto 75mph, but ive had it to the bottom of the kpm drafting its uncomfortable for any distance over 10 miles. great gas mileage and reliability however im kind of disappointed with honda just slightly on the account that the hardware on this bike is shit. i do all my own work on My Honda CRF230M, My Yamaha Zuma 49cc, My Harley Sportster 883, and the Buell Blast 500 i just sold and the honda’s hardware is chintsey garbage. ive snapped the studs off the front fork designed for holding the axel in place with no excessive force ive stripped the bolt on the back brake because 11mm was too small 12mm has too much play 1/2 was too big and 7/16 too small, also i love how the Oil drain plug on the honda is situated just right so you cant fit a wrench on it and everytime i misplace my socket and adapter i have to spend another 10$ on a new set. also crf230m being so new ive had problems at all motorcycle shops finding correct parts you definitely have to distinguish the M honda made the front rim completely unique so ive been forced to purchase the stock dunlap tires for twice the price despite my desire to trail ride with friends. It is a very fun bike to ride and has served me well but i cant say id take that adventure again since my purchase of the bike in march of 09 definitely would have went with a 450 or 600-650 hardware is a miniscule issue but its enough to make me not buy honda next time around.
Are valves adjusted with screw and lock nut or shims.
Thanks as I am thinking about buying one soon.