Honda CRF230F

The 9th most popular motorcycle in Australia for 2017 was  the Honda CRF230F selling 1173 units. The Honda CRF230F is an off road motorcycle as you can’t get it registered but it still sells impressively.

In terms of the engine, mechanical and technical specifications the Honda CRF230F is very basic. No EFI, ABS instruments and drum rear brakes but it’s saving feature is electric starter. The engine is air cooled for simplicity and I compare this sort of setup as a more powerful law mower! There is a steel frame but the swing arm is aluminium which is a  a nice mechanical addition and visual enhancement.

Int terms of performance I have not been able to find any conclusive figures or vaguely sensible interpretation As a result I am guessing that it would make about 12Kw and 18Nm of torque. There are plenty of enhancements parts and that the CRF230F only has carbs for fueling means that it’s not going to be high powered, that said it only weighs 113KG fuelled meaning it will won’t be short of performance.

In terms design the CRF230F looks just like a genuine Honda enduro more than a trail bike. I think it looks great, certainly nothing that would put off any potential buyers. The CRF230F is really for off road use, there are there more appropriate and just a good looking motorcycles, like it’s stable mate the Honda CRF250 Rally for on road refinement or learning to ride purposes.

The Honda CRF230F is priced at $5990 AUD which appears relatively expensive but I think that it’s either recreational buyers and farmers who are buying the CRF230F. Since it’s a good looking bike, looking to the world like a genuine enduro at half the price probably helps it’s sales appeal. If I did do off road adventuring this would probably be the motorcycle I’d get.