alisawildman

Member
Feb 6, 2004
36
0
Hi there! I'm new to the site.
I'm finally ready to buy another bike after 6 years of not riding. I'm 6' and weigh about 200lbs. These two bikes seem to be good values for the money. I know i will need suspension mods either way. Would like to have any thoughts on which of these two would be a good choice in terms of reliability and ease of maintainance etc...
Thanks!
AL
 

mnnthbx

Member
Apr 1, 2003
301
0
I own a KDX 200, and a CRF 150 for the wife. The 150 and 230 share the same suspension and frame. At your size this is a NO BRAINER. KDX for sure. It is twice as good in EVERY catagory.
 

gwhII

Member
Mar 31, 2003
238
0
alisawildman said:
Hi there! I'm new to the site.
I'm finally ready to buy another bike after 6 years of not riding. I'm 6' and weigh about 200lbs. These two bikes seem to be good values for the money. I know i will need suspension mods either way. Would like to have any thoughts on which of these two would be a good choice in terms of reliability and ease of maintainance etc...
Thanks!
AL

Al,

Depends on what you want to do. If you're planning on being a sedate rider, then the CRF230 would be just fine, especially with the electric start. It's designed to be a replacement for the XR200 - an adult's playbike. I bought one for my daughter because she is tall for her age, it's electric start, and it's not intimidating.

I have a KDX and between the two, I MUCH prefer it - liquid cooled, more power even stock than the 230, heavier-duty suspension that just needs some massaging, rear disk brake, and more aftermarket parts available. You can build the KDX to be quite a bike - it's got good bones. The CRF needs a major transplant to be a real weapon - look at www.bbrmotorsports.com for example.

Best,
Greg
 

moridin

~SPONSOR~
Dec 30, 2003
257
0
Totally agree - these bikes are not even int he same category.

Honda's XR250 is a bit more int he same class - but even then there is no comparrison. If you are dead set on a Honda - the new CRF250x (I think that is what it is called) is a super bike. That bike (IMO) will east most small bores int he woods.

However it is over $6k.

KDX is best all around bang for the buck there is. Few simple, low dollar mods turn this bike into quite a competitor.

sn
 

gwhII

Member
Mar 31, 2003
238
0
moridin said:
Totally agree - these bikes are not even int he same category.

Honda's XR250 is a bit more int he same class - but even then there is no comparrison. If you are dead set on a Honda - the new CRF250x (I think that is what it is called) is a super bike. That bike (IMO) will east most small bores int he woods.

However it is over $6k.

KDX is best all around bang for the buck there is. Few simple, low dollar mods turn this bike into quite a competitor.

sn

No problem, AL. Moridin is on the mark. I'm usually a Honda person but bang for the buck, you can't beat a KDX if you're wanting to have a good offroad bike, especially when it's only a couple hundred more than the CRF. The CRF is good if you're a little shorter (or shorter legged) or a beginner or you just want to take it easy down the trails. People weighing in at 140 would have better performance with it since it is a 4-stroke and does have decent low end torque.

On paper, the new CRF250X looks like a cool bike which is why I'm going to wait and see if Kawi comes out with a KDX250F to counter it.

Best,
Greg
 

alisawildman

Member
Feb 6, 2004
36
0
Looks like it's the KDX200.....sounds like a better bike for the money.
I much prefure to get a bike that comes from the dealer ready and able to ride well, then have to reinvent a brand new bike to get performance...
AL
 

gwhII

Member
Mar 31, 2003
238
0
alisawildman said:
Looks like it's the KDX200.....sounds like a better bike for the money.
I much prefure to get a bike that comes from the dealer ready and able to ride well, then have to reinvent a brand new bike to get performance...
AL

Yep, I agree. Make sure you budget at least a hundred extra for new front fork springs; they're set up for a 130# rider. After that, it's what ever you want to modify. I'd put radiator guards on the short list too since guards will only cost about $60 and replacement rads are $2-300/ea from the dealer (how can two little parts made of finned aluminum be 15% of the bike's cost?). If you haven't found the justkdx website, check out www.dirtrider.net/justkdx. LOTS of good information.

Best,
Greg
 

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G. Gearloose

Pigment of ur imagination
Jul 24, 2000
709
0
Ya, 220. If you ride just to wind it out on the flats, perhaps the 200.

On the 230 you would look like a circus act. Handlebars would be vibrating up and down against each stroke, and not going anywhere waiting for it to wind up. Its nice if it fits, but not for you. You could be bored on it in 1 day, not a good choice for a wildman.
 
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Rcannon

~SPONSOR~
Nov 17, 2001
1,886
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Dont forget the weight difference. The CRF 230, despite looking modern, is actually very heavy and hard to deal with.

KDX all the way!
 

alisawildman

Member
Feb 6, 2004
36
0
Ya you guys are right! These are very good points. The KDX seems to be more advanced and upgradable. The water cooling, added torque, travel, ground clearence.
It looks like a much better choice. Iv'e owned a YZ125 an CR125 an SL250 and even a Penton125, but it's been a long time since i have ridden or owed a bike. I agree with your responses. I think even though it's been i while i'd probably get flustered quick on the slower...less responsive CRF230.
The nearest dealer to me turns out to be in R.I.
I called him up. He's only got only one in stock (probably the one everyone does there test rides on), but says he can have a new one shipped whenever i need it.
That sounds good to me. This comming week i'll drive over and check it out.
I am very grateful for all feedback posted here believe me. I had already gone to my local Honda dealer and thought i had my mind made up. Good thing i gave it more thought before making the purchace.
AL
 

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Rcannon

~SPONSOR~
Nov 17, 2001
1,886
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I think your making the right decision. The KDX is one of the rare "do it all" bikes.

I wish they would put one of the KDX engines in the 2001 type KX frame and give it the KX suspension, but otherwise the bike is darn near perfect.
 

alisawildman

Member
Feb 6, 2004
36
0
Ya CMcCarthy, the more i research (at it for about 6hrs online straight now) the more i agree with you, that the KDX is suited far better for the type of riding i want to do.
I have already found a wealth of aftermarket yummies for the bike. That says alot i think for the popularity of the bike and the loyalty of owners and manufacturers for it's continued production. It looks like it has a great deal of potential and that's a modifiers dream.
 

KelvinKDX

LIFETIME SPONSOR
Aug 25, 2000
1,622
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If you are just getting back into the sport you may want to consider getting a used KDX with all of the modifications already completed. Then get a KX250 in a year or so and put $$ into that to make it into a woods bike with superior power & suspension. Like the Mamba.
 

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