SUBJECT: IS THE 230 RIGHT FOR ME?

I am 13 years old 5 foot 9 inches 143 pounds and i have been riding quads for about two years now and want to make a change to a dirtbike all my freinds that ride dirtbike were telling me that a 230f would be a perfect size and had the right about of power for me starting? what do you think
Mitch S, MT

I'm 5' 8 1/2" tall and the 230 is just tall enough to allow me to put both feet flat on the ground at rest. Read the Project Series to find out how to get a lot more power for low bucks.

***

SUBJECT: THE ENTIRE PROJECT 230 SERIES

Rick,
I am looking for a copy of your article "Project Honda CRF230F". I am getting back into riding after a 25 year absence. I just bought a 2007 CRF 230F and from the OFF-ROAD.COM Q&A's, it sounds like a must have.

Is there a way I can purchase a back issue or copy of the complete article?
Thanks for your help.
Best Regards,
Jim T

It's not necessary to spend a dime to get all the info in our Project Series. Just go to www.off-road.com and go to the Dirt Bike section. Look under Project Bikes. There you'll find each and every article in full. You can print out each article ... all for free. Go for it.

***

SUBJECT: JETTING NUMBERS ON EVERY HONDA CRF230F

Will these recommended part numbers work on a 2004 CRF 230?
Wayne P
Campbell River, CANADA

All the CRF230Fs from 2003 to current use the same jets, so the hop up kit jets will work in all the bikes.

***

SUBJECT: STARTING IN GEAR

About a year ago I purchased an 06 CRF 230F my problem is the bike only starts in neutral with the electric starter, recently my daughter bought a 07 CRF 230F and it starts in any gear. What's the deal? Is it a trick or what a difference a year makes? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you BB Kaploei, HI

Just squeeze the clutch in and your bike will start in any gear. Give it a try.

***

SUBJECT: HOW LONG WILL THE BATTERY LAST?

Rick
I have an '06 Honda 230 and every once in a while the battery goes flat. I don't ride the bike that often as I work two jobs. Will the battery tender keep me from buying a new battery?
Thanks
Tony G
Reno, NV

We still have the original battery in our '05 230 and have used the Battery Tender since day one. The Honda Service Manual chapter on Battery/Charging System notes "The battery will self-discharge when the motorcycle is not in use. For this reason, charge the battery every 2 weeks to prevent sulfation from occurring. If your bike sits a lot between rides, the Tender is a must.

***

SUBJECT: CHANGING THE OIL

Rick
How often should I change the oil in my 230? I ride (trails) about twice a month.
Love the bike now that I've done a lot of the mods.
Bill G.
St. Louis, MO

I changed engine oil every four rides or so (about 300 miles) using Honda GN4 10W40. The oil comes out dirty looking, but does not have a burnt smell. I have never detected any oil usage when I checked oil level between oil changes. If I was going to compete in an enduro or cross country race, I'd change the oil after each race. In hot weather, I use Valvoline 20-50 racing.

***

SUBJECT: WORN OUT TOP END?

I have a ton of time on my 2004 bike and it's starting to smoke some and the compression is down … I can tell because it's easier to kick through. So what is the correct compression on the bike?
Tom
Boise, ID

Stock is supposed to be 188 psi hot according to the manual.

***

SUBJECT: WHICH TIRE PRESSURE?

Hello Rick
I just bought some of the Maxxis tire you guys used on your bike. They're way better than the stockers. The only thing I wonder about is how much air I should run in them. I trail ride in the hills just north of Los Angeles …. mostly hard packed rocky ground with a little bit of sand here and there.
Bob P
Newhall, CA

Riding in rocks usually means that you should raise the air pressure to keep the tubes from getting pinched. Use 14 or 15 up front and 14 in the rear. For sand, I like 12 psi front and rear.

-rs