Any Women with an XR400?

[RockyRoads]

I'm looking to move up from my CRF230F. I am looking for a long-term bike that I can have for a few years, as opposed to a bike that I may outgrow in a year. I do a lot of trail riding, with rocks and hills, and don't plan on racing motocross (although I'd love to learn to jump). I've been riding in Baja twice this year, and plan on at least one or two trips per year. I do not want a two-stroke, and I like Honda. I was considering the CRF250X but the "valve issues" are a bit of a concern (the topic of quite a few on-line threads), and I'm also wondering if I should just go ahead and make the jump to the 400 level. Some concerns I have about the XR400 are the weight and the kick start, so I was hoping to hear from some women who either own this bike or have ridden it extensively. (The CRF230 has always been described as a "heavy" bike, but I've never had a problem in lifting it off the ground by myself. I'm 5' 7" and a little over 120 pounds.) I know at least one woman who enjoyed riding the XR400 but couldn't get it kick-started. Starting it easily is essential because I ride a lot solo and don't want to get stuck somewhere because I can't start the bike. Thanks in advance!
Kathy

 

[bbbom]

I haven't read much up on the CRF250's but what Karl has told me about the valve and oil issues (he works at the local Honda dealership) is that the "problems" are on the CRF250R the MXer version.

The CRF250X which is the enduro/trail version has not had the problems.

The R is a race bike so it takes a beating and it requires significant maintenance.

The XR400 is listed at 257 lbs compared to the CRF250X's 228 lbs. I think the old XR250's ran about 240 lbs and they were great bikes. I rode a friends and it wasn't nearly as frontend heavy as my 98KLX300.

If you are buying new, I'd do more checking and make sure that you differentiate between the CRF250R and the CRF250X to get the real scoop on the bikes. I know the X model has a larger oil reservoir and I would expect that the different type of riding is probably another factor in the X having fewer problems than the R model. A friend of ours has had his CRF250X since early spring and he loves it - no problems whatsoever and he runs the dog poop out of his on the trails.

You might consider a used XR250 if the 400 seems like too much. Myself, I wouldn't be intimidated by a 400 but I wouldn't like the weight - it weighs more than my CR500 and I think it's a pig sometimes (it's probably about 248 lbs with all the guards and desert tank full) .

As far as kickstarting issues, was the gals problem with too much compression or that you had to kick it so many times to light it up? I can't imagine a 400 being too hard to kick over, hard to get it to light maybe but that's where the full throttle kick comes into play. I tried out a CRF450 back a while and it was easier to kick over than my 500 BUT it took more kicks to light.

Best thing to do is ride the different bikes if you can on your normal terrain.

 

[The Ant]

Hi bbbom and RR,
We HAVE already replaced the intake valves on mine and it's the x version. Think I've reported the details on another thread. We have taken apart and rtv siliconed the airbox where it connects to the boot going back to the carb, and gone back to the original airfilter (had switched to TwinAir as it seemed easier to install), which has a more positive rim surface. Rerouted some of the vent tubes, done everything we could to eliminate any dust sources to the engine. So far, so good.

Otherwise, this bike seems perfect for me. Cutting down the seat was the last step towards making it lowered enough to touch solidly so I don't just tip over at the slightest breeze. I can still pick it up myself, altho the BBR was Much Easier in this department! I couldn't even begin to pick up an XR400.

And if I'm doing a steep hill climb and lose concentration/momentum which would have sent me back to the bottom for a retry on the smaller motor, I can just gas the 250 and it keeps on going. Love that part.

I can kick start it easier than any other bike I've had, altho I use the E button most of the time in order to conserve energy. I've never sucessfully started an XR400, have tried.

The valves are a continued concern tho, maybe the 2005's will have some of that sorted out.
-SusanP.
CRF250x

 

[RockyRoads]

bbbom and Susan,
Thanks for your input on the CRF250X. I had read (in another online bike site) that the valve issue applied to the X version (causing the bike to DNF in the Baja 1000 last month).

Susan, I was going to ask if you had experienced any problems with yours; it's too bad that you've had to replace your valves already (but at least you have a top notch mechanically-inclined hubby!). I think that I'm leaning toward the 250X at this point (the 2005 model). I'm still having a lot of fun on the 230, but I'm really ready to step it up a bit.

Bbbom, regarding the kicking problems with the XR400, I've heard that it's the repetitive kicking that wears you out, and makes you curse a lot; tired AND pissed off would not be a good combination for me! How did you like the CRF450? Ben keeps trying to talk me into going straight to the 450X--I think that he wants to "borrow" it.

 

[The Ant]

Haha, Ben aside, I can't imagine you'd need anything bigger than the 250. Don't know the specs, but the 450 is heavier for when you have to pick it up.

Even Randy used to get tired of kicking his old XR400 when every time I'd fall over anf kill mine before my e-start, he'd have to stop, kick mine then kick his again....

I'll have mine at Reno, you can try it then if you haven't already gotten one!
-SusanP.
CRF250x

 

[RockyRoads]

Hi, Susan! The weight for the 450X is listed as only 17 pounds heavier than my 230, but I'm not sure how the weight is distributed (which could make a difference). It also has an e-start, so I wouldn't have to kick it. Ahhhh . . . decisions, decisions . . . . I'll probably have the 230 at Reno--it's still a fun bike!

 

[The Ant]

Got curious, so went off and got the specs, which it does matter how the weight is distibuted etc, but is a starting point: (all '05's)

CRF230F: ht: 34.1 dry wt:238
CRF250x: ht: 37.9 " " : 228
CRF450x: " 37.5 " " 255
XR400R: " 36.6 " " 257

-SusanP.
CRF250x

 

[srellis]

There is a guy here that is going to sell his CRF450 and get a CRF250X. He rode mine and loved it. He said the 450 had too much power for him. By the way, my husband rode my bike against this guy on his 450 and my husband won! I agree with The Ant. Since you do not weight 250 lbs, the CRF250 would be more than enough power.

Although it is difficult to give an unbiased opinion, I tried several bikes in my quest for a new ride. It took me almost a year of trying 10 different bikes before the CRF250X was released and I'm am really glad I had the patience to wait. I suggest you try one!
SusanE
Another happy CRF250X owner!

 

[James]

I know you asked the girls but this came up in my "new posts" search and thought I'd comment since I owned an XR400 for a while.

I am 6'3" and 240 lbs and I found the XR400 to be quite heavy and hard to start after falls. There is a routine for clearing the overflow out of the carb that helps but it is generally pretty fussy.

Also, I found the seat height made it hard to kick on anything but the flattest ground and it was often hard to get a foot down in situations where I needed to.

Since starting easily is "essential", I wouldn't recommend the XR400 for those reasons. The kickstarter itself isn't very hard to kick through, but balancing that heavy bike over that tall seat while kicking it MANY times is the problem. The XR250 sits lower, kicks much easier, and FEELS a whole lot lighter in comparison.

I changed to a shorter lighter bike for trail riding.

 

[firecracker22]

Why not a two-stroke? Join us in the "dark side," haha. A KDX or KTM would be ready to hit the trails with few modifications except height if you had a mind to. At 5'7" you're my height though I've got 25 pounds on you (sheesh! haha) and I can touch the ground on either bike. Not flat footed, but oh well.
The KDX is milder, cheaper, but heavier (about 235 I think?)
The KTM is lighter, more powerful, a little more of a handful (but not bad at all) and more expensive.
That's the tradeoff. I have the KTM, have ridden KDXs, they're both fun. I had a XR200 before that and the KDX might have made the transition a little easier--I had a LOT of bad habits that really showed when I got on something more responsive. The power wasn't even the worst part, either. But I figured it out (sort of, hahah) and have been riding it for almost 4 years now--and LOVE it.

Oh, and 2-strokes start VERY easily. Unless you ride a little girly pink bike like Bbbom. Also, maintenance is not much of an issue; racers are the only ones who have to put in new pistons all the time, and when you do, it's not so expensive. Exhaust packing once in a while. Not much to worry about.

 

[E-Ticket]

Howdy Kathy!

Sorry to take so long to reply - but have too busy workin'...

I used to ride a '97 XR400 for many years and then moved on to a '02 KTM 400 MXC, then an '03 KTM 450 EXC, and then did the original break-in on Susan's '04 Honda CRF250X.
So have a lot of experince on a lot of the bikes you could be interested in.

As always I will be brief and to the point (NOT!), so go get your glass of Chablis, pull up a chair to your monitor, and prepared to be amazed by just how wordy Mr. B. can be..... :laugh:

[...I'm looking to move up from my CRF230F. I am looking for a long-term bike that I can have for a few years, as opposed to a bike that I may outgrow in a year. I do a lot of trail riding, with rocks and hills, and don't plan on racing motocross (although I'd love to learn to jump). I've been riding in Baja twice this year, and plan on at least one or two trips per year. ....]

Yah... I'd say you're ready - especially w/ the HoS ride and the all trips/riding that you and Ben Been doing. :cool:

[...I was considering the CRF250X but the "valve issues" are a bit of a concern ......]

As Susan pointed out, we have already replaced the intake valves once. It was at about 600-700 miles and I think the dreaded "micro-dust" may have been a factor. Most valve issues seemed to related to people just riding the heck out of them and living on the rev limiter or dust in the engine wearing out the coating on the face of the titanium intake valves. Our "guess" is that our problem was related to dust/dirt.

We've taken some measures to make sure that doesn't happen again and... until we come across another failure... we think we might have it licked. Also, several manufacturers are coming out with stainless-steel valve replacments which should really up their reliability. But to be fair to the brand - a lot of riders have put on a lot of miles and haven't had a lick of trouble. - rb


[.. I'm also wondering if I should just go ahead and make the jump to the 400 level. Some concerns I have about the XR400 are the weight and the kick start, so I was hoping to hear from some women who either own this bike or have ridden it extensively. ....]

The Honda XR400 is a fun-to-ride, *incredibly* tough and reliable bike. But yes, it is heavy. And the kick-starting drill can be challenging... or quite challenging if it's real flooded and/or your tired. :| You must know the drill, have pretty long legs (I'm 6'), a Big_Heavy_Boot, and kick every time like you mean it.

So where does that leave you?

Let's see, you're pretty tall but fairly slender. So your best bet is a light-weight, fun bike that's either easy to kick-start or has a reliable electric start.

The KTM 200 EXC (with a flywheel) is a good bike - but you said two-smokes are out... so it's gone. (sorry, Sharla!)

A couple of other good choices are KTM 250 w/ the 351 kit (like Jennifer R. is riding) and the KTM 400. While not as light as the 250X -- they feel and ride like they are much lighter. And their power is nice and smooth/rideable and the e-start button makes life real easy.

But I think the best bet for your build, riding experience, and what you want to do with it is the Honda CRF250X. It is even a bit lighter than your 230F (go figure!) and rides like it is even lighter. It has great handling and is quite a tough bike. (Just ask Susan how many times her's has conducted soil tests.... :ohmy: )

I did the original break-in on Susan's 250X -- and was utterly amazed how quickly I felt comfortable on the bike and was able to just fly on it through the woods. After we lowered/revalved the suspension and made some other ergos to match The Ant's stature (5'2" and 115 lbs) she has just loved it!

Susan and I raced each other in the +50 Class at the Elsinore Grand Prix a couple of weeks ago... and she got in six laps and finished only about 4 minutes behind me! I was seeing 72 mph on main street and hauling on track section -- so the Honda 250X can definately be hustled along!

At the same time, Susan and I can go riding in the slow, tight woods and she plonks on it just fine there as well.

For my $0.02 (.....okay, so it's about $4.76.... but I warned you!), I think the Honda 250X is the best choice for you. :yeehaw:

But if you can hang on long enough - you might want to wait until the MoonRocks ride in Reno, NV. There, you will be able to try virtually all of the bikes that you are interested in. Honda 250Xa, KTM 200s/351s/450s, and a slew of others.

If you do want to go the Honda 250X route - let me know and I'll yack with Ben and give him "our recipe."

Best of luck on your choice! - RandyB

 

[RockyRoads]

Firecracker, thanks for the input regarding two-strokes. I want a new bike, and the problem in California is that two-strokes made in 2003 onward get a "red sticker", which means that you can't ride them between May and October in OHV parks (where I ride); the prohibited months vary depending on the park; sometimes its "only" limited to June through September. Even some four strokes get a red sticker. So I need a "green sticker" bike. I've only ridden four-strokes, and I love the bottom-end power and the forgiveness at slow speeds. From what I've heard about two-strokes, I don't know if I have the patience to pamper the clutch all the time (plus, I don't think I could get used to that high-pitched exhaust sound--ying, ying, ying, ying :) ).

Everyone else, thanks for all of your input. Sounds like the XR400 is NOT "the bike" for me! I'll probably still have the 230 in February, so maybe I can test a few bikes at Moonrocks. I need to educate myself more about the replacement valves (including the cost of the stainless steel parts) for the CRF250X; plus I'd like to wait a bit and see what Honda does (if anything), now that the talk about the valve "issue" has escalated in volume.

 

[NeoMayhem]

I ride a TT-R225 on trails, its a little on the heavy side, but it has plenty of power and the electric start makes things really easy.

 

[firecracker22]

Damn, I forgot about the red sticker garbage. Need to move to a different state. The noise isn't bad at all--the higher pitched sound doesn't carry very far. I barely notice it, to be honest. And some don't need to have the clutch pampered. It's not like riding a CR125 or anything (in which case I'd be confined to two-track trails, since I don't ride like that). I still say, try one just for giggles. Maybe someday the red/green sticker thing won't be an issue.

 

[GETMETOCA]

Kathy, (Hey Girl!) I bet if you got on a KTM400 you'd fall in love.

Natalie

 

[chewgravel]

Have you jumped that CRF230F at all? I mean just like little table tops etc? If yes, what's it like?

 

[RockyRoads]

Chewgravel, I have never taken the CRF230F on an MX track and therefore cannot advise you regarding how it handles jumping. I do catch some air on trails, and the bike has always handled beautifully; I know other riders have complained of it "bottoming out", but I'm fairly lightweight and haven't jumped really high up in the air.

After much consideration of my riding needs, I placed my name on the waiting list for the CRF450X this week! So hopefully some time in February, I'll have my new bike!

 

[cactusreid]

Rockyroads- do yourself a favor and stay away from the xr 400 unless you love spending your riding time,getting exhausted by kicking over a 4 stroke. bboom I'm not sure why,but they are way more tireing than a big bore 2 stroke to kick. also 20/30/40 kicks are the norm when you've just dumped an xr 400 bike upside down when it's been running and stalled before you got to it.They are putting E-starts on these new 4 strokes for a reason! I don't envy you gals as there is damn little to pick from that suites most gals needs. I know as I'm trying to help my wife pick out a new ride for her to get this spring. A light weight race bike,that is short,with smooth controllable power,a big comfy seat,low maintainance,good brakes on both ends,suspension that will be forgiving for a lighter weight/speed gal is a model that seems to be in pretty high demand-but none of the manufactures make it-yet!

 

[firecracker22]

Umm, most of those requests are kind of contradictory. Most lightweight race bikes are not forgiving or low maintenance. You have to pick. It's kind of not a low maintenance or forgiving sport in general. You have to decide which is more important--weight, or mainenance? Suspension, or height? And a big comfy seat? Nah, you can get by without that.

However, I'd like to point out that most riders, female OR male, can get used to a "non-forgiving" bike a whole lot faster than you'd think.

 

[E-Ticket]

.........After much consideration of my riding needs, I placed my name on the waiting list for the CRF450X this week! So hopefully some time in February, I'll have my new bike!

uh-h-h.... Hey, Kathy, did you mean to say "250X"...?

-- RandyB

 

[RockyRoads]

Hi, Randy! No typo--that would be the "CRF450X"! I can't wait!

 

[E-Ticket]

Hi, Randy! No typo--that would be the "CRF450X"! I can't wait!

Okay, from me to you, as a friend and fellow rider.... is this bike for you? Or BEN...??!!!

If it's for Ben -- tell 'em to go get his own. :nener:

If it's for you -- I honestly believe the 250x would be a much better choice.

The 450X (255 lbs.) weighs 27 more pounds than the 250 -- and that is before adding skid plate, bar guards, etc. Th 450x is also going to have a ton more power. I personally think you'll be fighting it more than not due to the extra weight and power. :bang:

And just for some more info. I raced really hard on my KTM 450 EXC at Elsinore Grand Prix (for me) and got 5th in the +50 Novice class. The guy that won our class was riding a Honda CRF250X.... so there's no shortage of power or speed for the 250X! :cool:

Cheers! -- RandyB

 

[RockyRoads]

Randy, my decision was based on many factors, but all having to do with my own riding goals and skills. Ben is nothing but supportive and encouraging of my riding and has complete confidence (as do I) that the 450X will best suit my needs now and in the long run. (By the way, Ben is completely attached to his XR650R.) I got a chance to ride the 250X in October; while it is indeed a wonderful bike, I do not think that it is the "best" bike for me, especially given the open desert rides that I have planned. I know several women (and hope to know more) who ride 450s and 650s--and kick butt on them too. :aj: Bike choice is such a personal thing--everyone has their own preference, and that's why there are so many bike choices!

 

[E-Ticket]

Touche'....!

Knowing that you're going to be do more wide-open riding than not - I can understand your choice better. It's just good to hear that you have fully thought it through.

BTW, since you're going to get the 450X -- any chance of getting it quickly -- so you can bring it to MoonRocks?

Pretty please???? :laugh:

I saw the 450X at the Seattle Internaitional Motorcycle Show last weekend. It is g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s.... :cool:

-- RandyB

 

[The Ant]

Haha, Randy goes from "no way girl" to "can I ride it pretty please?" !!!

I would be concerned about the weight if I were you tho. People do all kinds of things to get a little more power from their 250x, we did a small mod on the airbox cutout and rejetted mine, helped a bunch. Plus put in the "Power Now" carb throat insert, which helped with the lower speed putting around. Had anything been done to the one you rode? Some people do a cut-the-pink wire thing too.

I hope you have it by Moonrocks also....you and Bbbom can head to head on the Hillclimb... Watch you both bounce off the moon. Power on !! :-)
-SusanP.
CRF250x