Hey 2slow...,
It takes alot to hurt these bikes. I don't believe you have hurt it. I'm guessing your bro baught the bike used ? They do tend to be a bit tempermental in colder weather, mainly because they need to be re-jetted for the colder temperatures. It could just be that you are used to the 2-stroke engine in your banchee. You need to be smooth with the throttle on a 4-stroke. It could also be that the valve clearances are out of spec. These bikes are bad for this especialy the Honda CRF's. Try letting the bike warm up well before you ride it again. Be smooth with the throttle and avoid rapid throttle openings. You'll get used to your bro's bike in time, just ride safe and don't be a "hotshot" on it untill you've gotten used to it. OH !!! P.S. Have the valve clearences checked before you do ride it again , because if they are out of spec., you can cause damage to the valves and valve seats. A couple things I do with my bike (yam yz450f) are, change the engine oil to a lighter grade "10w-40" or "10w-30" motorcycle oil, and block off half of each radiator to avoid overcooling the engine. A couple peices of thin cardboard bettween the rad guards and rads will do.