I know this is a place to talk about my KLX, but I'm looking for a bike for my wife and just came across a sweet deal on a 2009 CRF230SM. Does anybody know if there is much difference besides tires between them? I would guess shocks might be different also but for the little bit of gravel and beginner trail she will be doing, I think a tire swap may be all thats necessary. Thanks for the help.

 

Other than the smaller rims and likely a bit less suspension travel i bet they are basically identical. The suspension is probably set up a little stiffer as well for street use.

Thats just going by the differences in the S and SF KLX's though. The hondas might be different but i doubt it.

 

tw200 is a gret beginners bike

 

Not trying to sound like a hater, but there are Briggs & Stratton lawnmower engines that have been designed since that Honda 230 engine. I've had lots of Hondas and loved them, but I actually do have some hate for Honda dropping the XR200/250R and "L" series and keeping this ancient dinosaur. I wouldn't buy a 230 series bike from them just out of spite. Sorry...rant over.

 

Yeah I know it's a dino, doesn't get much more ancient than the design of that 230! My wife isn't aggressive and just needs something for the dirt roads around the cottage. SHe's had bikes before, learned on a 1978 DT100, graduated to an RT180 and has had a 750 Shadow Ace, so she can ride. Of course she's vertically challanged and can barely fit my KLX with seat shaved and lowering links installed so the 230 fits much better. I guess if I buy I'll have to look for a front wheel so I can fit some dual sport tires but if thats all I think the deal might be worth it. Thanks for the input!

 

IT, I haven't researched the seat height numbers for comparison on the 230 series and this new Honda 250 DS bike, but doesn't the new 250 have a really low seat height? Yes...LOL!...I hate Honda for also not upping the ante on this new 250 to compete with the KLX/WRR, but it is a great price and a much newer/better design than the 230 series. If I recall, the price is very close to the 230 series. I wouldn't buy a 230 if the new 250 would fill the bill for her. Maybe you've already looked at the seat height issues on the new 250.

 

My wife has a 2008 CRF230L. It is a decent little bike, actually fun to ride because of its light weight.

Make sure you really are getting a good deal. There are lots of leftover 2008 and 2009 models brand new in the dealerships going for way under MSRP.

We bought my wife's last fall, brand new, for under $4k (I'd have to go find the paperwork to get more exact than that, I think it was around $3500)...

 

Might want to eye the Kawi Super Sherpa as well. Similar to the 230 i think. Stealership near me had a few leftover previous years models last time i was in there.