Honda CRF230F Review: Why it's NOT the right dirt bike for you

Wondering if the Honda CRF230F is the right dirt bike for you? Whether you're looking for your first off-road motorcycle or upgrading from a smaller bike, you're in the right place!

In this CRF230 review, I'm going to show you:
-What kind of dirt bike the CRF230F is
-Why it may or may not be the best dirt bike for you
-What to expect when buying and riding one so that you can save time and money by buying the right dirt bike

Other ways I can help you:

Here's the full article review on my website:

Motocross Hideout is my personal brand to help new riders learn to properly and safely ride a dirt bike so that you don't crash and miss out on life because of an injury. My Virtual Dirt Biker School is an online riding course/camp that teaches anyone new to dirt bikes the basic techniques to stay in control and become a better rider faster. I've taught many first time riders over the years, both guys and girls, young and old.

Motocross Hideout - "Learn More: Ride More"

Disclaimer: Dirt biking can be dangerous if you don't respect the bike or terrain. This video shows you tips to help keep you safer as well as improve your riding technique and skill so that you stay in control while riding. I, Kelley Fager from Motocross Hideout, am not held responsible for a crash resulting in an injury from trying these techniques. Please use proper dirt bike riding gear to help prevent an injury.

[Dundee-xo]

I have one and I love it… Reliable totally hassle free and really capable 👍👍

[ka]

Nice review! After riding MTX 200, TT 600, DR350S , KLR 250 and a Beta 200 Alp this is the bike of my dreams. Small thumper with enough climbing torque and decent suspension.Last year i have bought a CRF230F second hand with a updated suspension (Wilbers) and a overhauled engine and a XR250 fork. I have never ridden any mile on it but i want to ride some Hobby Competition in spring.I watch also the CRF230 Videos from torture test magazine .

[Abstract_]

thanks for the video thinking about buying this bike for my first bike

[zchilli]

My wife had never ridden a bike before. I put her on a CRF70F. Later I put her on a CRF150F. She handled it fine. She dumped the clutch a bit. Will a 230F be much difference? The 150 is too small for me.

[Walkeranz]

Upgrading the suspension and the 230 is perfect

[scottbrown]

I have a ktm 450 for local moto, a yz250 2stk for off road, I really like the 250 for trail riding. Couple years ago a farmer buddy dropped of his 230 for me to clean carb, chain and tires, when i got it done i called him to pick it up, . Said a bought a utv to check his pivots and didn’t need the bike, asked if he could give to me for the bill. Anyway it sat in the shop until our local enduro came up and i tool it out to use, i had so much fun on that thing, now when my buddies what to go ride for the day I grab it. I dont go as fast but the fun factor is all there

[markthomas]

Great video. Seems identical to an XR. Have never ridden the CRF 250

[hermitrob]

Read your "The Best 4 Stroke Dirt Bike for Trail Riding" Wondering your thoughts. I'm 54 rode all 2 strokes back In the day. Haven't ridden since my 20's Just sleds (850cc) in winter ever since. Decided to get back into and worried about my skills at this advanced age lol and bought CRF 250F. Well in a couple weeks I was definitely wanted more power, suspension and less weight. Was set to buy a KTM XCF 250 but started hearing people caution they're "race bikes" and started having that same feeling I did before the CRF 250F. Now I know the XCF-W (or E) is the way to but they're ridiculously hard to find. Wondering your thoughts on the straight XCF. Is the tranny ratio'd wide enough for trail riding? Am I gonna flip over the first time I tug on the throttle a little to hard and whiskey her? Or just an enjoyable trail bike period without having mod it out? Any thoughts would be appreciated. I'd say I'm "advanced intermediate"? I spose. Great article by the way.

[CarKidSean]

im a 5 footer (younger age, wont say) and this bike is perfect. a bit tall but i like having the power just there. u give that throttle a blip and its gone. i ride mostly flat tracks with a few hills here and there. the suspension is ok, it can take a few bumps here and there. i cant figure out how to turn that light on, anyone know how?

[I-Claim-The-YouTube-Name]

If you're not into doing wheelies then this is a perfect technical bike that also goes 70mph on the road. I'd change some of the bolts like on the muffler plate cover because they rust. It's a heavy girl as weighing within 9lbs of a 450. The MPG is fantastic and you can get almost 50mpg's
They don't make these anymore 2017 was the last year. My original spark plug lasted until 2025. They make 19HP and the bike that has replaced this is 20lb heavier 250 at 17HP (2HP) less. I would not sacrifice any power for a bike like this or anymore weight. It's already a hog and a pain in the *** to pull out of deep mud.

If you can afford two and have a 250 or a 450 then this 230 is a great bike for the trails without worrying about stalling out uphill/slow rocky/technical trails. The idle and gearing are very forgiving for that.
When I rode with a buddy who had a 250 race bike and he was stalling constantly up the big rocky hill. On the 230 you can stop and maneuver without worries of stalling.

I wouldn't give up any power on the 230 if anything it could use another 5 HP

[Sebsxbox]

My little brother is 5'3 and has ridden dirtbikes before, he is wondering if this would be a overall good trail bike to grow into. Thanks!

[matthumphries]

Hey, thinking sbout getting tjis as a first bike, im 6'5 though, do you think this would be an issue

[luket.v.]

I am 5, 8 at 15 would this be a good beginner bike. Some one is selling a 2012 230f for 2000$

[jbb]

how would you think this would do just for riding in the mountains for hunting and occasionally packing meat in a backpack up some hills ? No jumps or anything like that, just point A to point B ?

[averagerallyenjoyer]

im 5'2 can i ride this as first bike?

[andyshazza]

I’m 73, never ridden a bike, I also like mashed potatoes.
I need a girlfriend - does this bike pull the chicks?