First Ride - '06 CRF 250 in the snow

[nikki]

Picked up an '06 CRF 250, after riding an '03 YZ 250F for the past three years. I loved everything about my YZ 250F, so I was a little nervous about getting a new bike. Especially when I started reading about this "bog" on the new CRF from another site that many owners were experiencing due to the bigger carb on the '06 model.

Well, I woke up this morning, and saw the forecast calling for 3-4 inches of snow today. It had already started to snow, so I hurried and put in a few break-in laps.

First impression - I really like the new bike! I've ridden the '04 and '05 CRF 250, and wasn't all that impressed with the motor, compared to my Yamaha, as the Honda seemed to lack a little low end punch on a tighter track. Well, the '06 power feels great, very comparable to my Yamaha. For example, with stock gearing and exhaust, I had no problem coming around a tight turn in second and hitting an uphill double out of the turn. So that put a smile on my face. Also, no bog issue, so that was another plus. And the CRF's have always handled great, as does the '06, so I'm very happy with my decision.

Leaving this week for Florida - for a long riding trip. Should get plenty of seat time on new CRF! Can't wait! :ride:

Here are a few pictures from today:

 

[nikki]

A few more - if you look closely, you can see snowflakes.

 

[oldfrt613]

Sweet looking ride !!

 

[Philip]

Good job Nikki! :cool: I knew you would come over sooner or later! :p :p

Josh is already riding my 450 so I am sure it won't be long b4 he is wanting the thumper.

 

[highflyernick]

Just curious as why you changed from YZF to CRF? Why didn't you get a new YZF? Did you just feel like you wanted something different? I'm j/w, but the riding looks like fun..

 

[JuliusPleaser]

Nice graphics. :cool:


Snow? It was 70 degrees here today. :nener:

 

[mx547]

Good job Nikki! :cool: I knew you would come over sooner or later! :p :p

hard to imagine her on anything other than blue. better build a bigger trophy shelf. ;)

the bank thermometer here said 82. if it's correct, it should be a record high.

 

[oldguy]

Did you fly your personal photog up for the day- oh thats right he don't do planes

 

[rickyd]

Nice Skoot, question, have you been able too tell the difference w/the twin pipes as far as the bike feeling balanced?? or is it just hogwash??
Rick

 

[AssistSuper]

That is one sexy bike!

 

[nikki]

highflyernick - why the switch.... lots of reasons. My husband switched from Yamaha thumpers to Honda thumpers back in '02, and has been trying to get me on a Honda ever since. Plus most all of our riding buddies are on them too. And Service Honda is one of the top Honda shops in the nation (home of killer custom bikes by DRN Mod AJ Waggoner - like the CR 500 AF, CR 500 AFX, and the CRF 250 JR) so what better place to get a new ride. Mainly, having access to Honda parts, having good support, and yeah, a change is nice too. I considered a new '06 YZF but the reviews weren't up to my liking (like the '06 is said to lack low-end punch like the previous Yamaha 250F's), and the CRF just handles so nice. Lastly, I've owned blue, yellow, and green bikes... time to give a red one a try. And after my ride yesterday, I'm very happy with my decision. Now, I just hope the valves hold up as well as my Yamaha 250F, which never had a valve out of clearance in the three years I had it.

I should have taken a picture of the track yesterday around 3 pm - we already had three inches of snow! I can't wait to see some palm trees on Thursday! JP and 547, 70's and 80's sound awesome!

rickyd - I can't really tell a difference (yet) with the twin pipes in the bike balance, don't really have enough time on it yet. But Red had no problem staying nice and straight on it while hammering through a long whoop section. Probably helps that he's 6'4" though!


:ride:

 

[squeaky]

:yikes: A HONDA?!

It's okay Nikki, I forgive you!

That is a nice looking bike though! Enjoy it!

 

[Reesknight]

What?? No flower stickers? If you have to compare it to a Yamaha, then buy a Yamaha!! :nener: Just kidding, nice ride! I'm sure you'd be fast on anything your riding. :cool:

 

[nikki]

Don't worry, I put pink/yellow flower stickers on the sidepanels last night! :laugh:

 

[XRpredator]

Nik -

are you staying dual exhaust?

and if you wanna "girlie" it up, you gotta get a helmet like this:

Dang, I just realized that pic is almost three years old!

 

[nikki]

Pred, tell buttercup I want that lid!!

Just from my first ride, the bike doesn't seem to be lacking power anywhere, so I'm gonna stay with the stock dual exhaust for now.


Flowers added. Shaved the seat some too - this sucker is tall!

 

[Philip]

So how tall are ya Nik! Josh is about 5-2 and growing like a weed. I told him he has to wait a year for 250 but we may have to move up sooner if he does not stop growing. He rides the 450 if I hold it or he uses a block. 2-3 more inches and he could reach the ground comfortably. I have not been side by side with my 450 and a 250 but i would imagine they are the same hieght?????

To be honest he rides the bigger bike more aggresive than his 85. I think he is going to be one of them riders that does better on the bigs than the mini's. :cool:

 

[XRpredator]

Pred, tell buttercup I want that lid!!

We may be able to work sumpin out . . . but I warn you, it for dang sure ain't cheap!

 

[WaltCMoto]

Congrats on the new scoot Nikki. Looks great!

 

[nikki]

Philip - I'm 5'5" and it's a little tall for me. We did shave the seat down about 3/4" (you can tell in that last picture with the black seat cover) and got the sag adjusted and all of that, turned on the clickers some, but it's still fairly stiff/tall feeling. It really sits similar to the 450, just a little lighter. Pretty cool that Josh is already doing laps on the 450!

We just got home from a extended Florida/southern trip. 8 days of riding/racing at 7 different tracks. I'm digging the new ride, but still trying to get comfortable on it like I was on my YZ 250F that I had for 3+ years. I'll get there, just taking a little longer than I thought it would. Just trying to get the suspension/handling in control, might need lighter springs. And the power is very good on the CRF, but I find myself in between 2nd and 3rd gear a lot on tighter tracks, which is a little tricky, as I haven't really shifted gears in over 3 years :ohmy:

Here's a photo from Casey: