CR450F -- Billiant In The Woods!!!!!!!

I just came off an XR600 & I envisioned riding my new CRF in tight woods to be something similar to negotiating a Rocket sled through Manhattan Island streets. However, I'm happy to report that this sweet machine is an all-star in the land of heavy foliage & timber! It is better IN EVERY WAY than the old Six Honey & the dern thing does fine in STOCK FORM out there! Mine is bone stock other than a BBR endcap. I plan on adding a kickstand, shortened Pro Tapers with a Scott's damper (the only handling fault I noticed was front end deflections off jagged stuff 4" or more above ground level) , & my enduro computer. The 6-mile loop I took it out onto has a bit of everything: loam, sand, slick black snot, water, mud, creek X-ings, moderate rockes, roots, log X-ings, vines, uphills, downhills, etc. I did one lap Friday & knew my prayers were answered! Since then, I've added a lap a day & it keeps feeling better & better. Engine braking?! We don't need no stinking engine braking! Just work the clutch & throttle gingerly and touch the brake every now and then. It's so nice to ride a bike that doesn't require a toe on the rear brake at all times and stops when you make it! I will NOT adjust the suspension! I am 230 lbs. & it's set up for a 170 lb. superXer, so I think it must've been made to order for my fat butt! It felt great in all conditions. A guy told me not to mess with the gearing -- he's right! Make no mistake: CRF = woods :) :) :) :)

The Red Blinking Light is Flashing ...

on my CRF-HATER detector! The joke is on you guys, I'm afraid. Hey, MARK IT, the CRF is more like a 2-stroke than any 2-stroke I ever rode -- & I HAVE ridden many of them (I started out on a Suzuki TM, then Bultaco, then a KX 125 for years). And to Layton, your're right about the 600 being too heavy & terrible in the long whoops, but I caught & passed many a 2-stroke in the tight stuff. It flexed so much you could virtually bend it around trees. The problem was that you'd be worn out from it. I loved my XR, so don't get too personal about the old warhorse. I'm sure you've been attached to some bike at some point despite it's flaws -- if not, you're a crappy "father." Oh well, I had a VERY merry X-mas & have been going to bed with a big, big smile on my face for weeks. The CRF is a scalded ape and I LOVE IT!!!!!!! :cool: