Honda CRF 230L

Honda’s small in displacement, but large in size 2009 CRF230L stands as an incredible do-it-all motorcycle. First off, it is an economic and fast commuting mean, one that does a very good job exploring the trails and secondly, it is user-friendly and brings full benefits of an e-start and a low seat height. Did I even mention how great it looks? Well…it sure does!

But Honda didn’t spend that much time refining the design as it did in making sure that the bike meets the purpose of its creation. So what do riders look for before ending up choosing the Honda CRF230L?

A torquey 223cc, air-cooled, four-stroke single and six-speed transmission is probably as good as an answer as it is the lightweight semi-double-cradle high-tensile steel frame, but when you add crisp throttle response and Showa long-travel suspensions there isn’t pretty much anything you can ask for. Or not! In this case, the bike is even better overall as it only weights 267 pounds wet and the rider sits 31.9 inches from the ground.

With the headlight, taillight, turn signals and mirrors as the final touches of street-legality, I believe we’re quite familiar with what doest the trick on this CRF model.

Test Ride

We’re used to bulletproof Hondas, machines that are real blasts out on the trails and a little more docile when the straight road opens up in front of them, but in order to complete their dual-purpose lineup, the Japanese manufacturer also builds the CRF230L as a road-legal model which won’t impress your ordinary beginner rider in any way. And no need to as the bike is there to commute and offer the adventure alternative at all times.

That’s the thought that must dominate your brain when meeting the Honda CRF230L in order to get to like it. That was also my thought when pulling the choke for better fuel mixture and hitting the push start button in a cold Sunday morning. The engine, which is fed through a 30mm CV carburetor, started easily and I was soon hitting the streets in an attempt to get familiar with it. Surprise! This bike feels familiar from the moment you get on it, especially if you have been riding the CRF230F before.

The pavement is no challenge for this CRF as the air-cooled, 223cc, four-stroke single pulls anticipatory and the bike is light and implicit easy to handle. The soft suspensions soak up the road’s imperfections and the front and rear disc brakes are highly efficient even in conditions of wet asphalt as the tires aren’t only made for on-road use. Throttle response is very good so as much as you will try, you won’t manage to get a single cough from it.

One of the bike greatest advantages is the fact that it features a six-speed gearbox with wide ratios. This makes for proper exploiting of the fairly small engine and in top gear you’ll even manage to hit 70 mph, but only on the freeway. Although a little vibrating, the CRF remains stable and reassuring when being ridden at its limit.

Take it on the trails and you’ll notice that the docile behavior doesn’t change that much. Probably the only thing that changes is the rider’s perspective on things, but that’s adaptable too. This is where the low seat height proves truly valuable as the feet dragged through the dust save the day most often. Second and third gears are most likely to be used as they allow better acceleration out of corners and greater experience gathered.

The light and versatile chassis makes the difference off the road as long as you keep those wheels down. The Honda CRF230L does indeed feature long travel suspension, but these are soft and you won’t have any troubles experiencing bottoming resistance just when finally getting excited about the bike.

As long as you don’t demand more than you know it can offer, the Honda CRF230L is a great bike, but doesn’t this scenario apply in all cases? Hmm…that’s curious.

Features

Engine/Drivetrain

Dependable 223cc single-cylinder air-cooled four-stroke engine offers plenty of user-friendly power and lots of torque spread over a wide rpm range.
30mm CV carburetor for crisp throttle response.
Electric start for easy starting.
Lightweight aluminum crankcase.
Maintenance-free CD ignition.
Heavy-duty clutch offers smooth, progressive engagement.
Smooth-shifting, versatile six-speed transmission.
Heavy-duty O-ring - sealed chain for durability and reduced maintenance.

Suspension

Box-section aluminum swingarm.
Lightweight semi-double-cradle high-tensile steel frame.
37mm leading-axle Showa front fork offers 9.0 inches of suspension travel.
Fork boots keep dirt and moisture away from fork seals.
Heavy-duty Showa rear shock offers 6.3 inches of travel.
Snail-type chain adjusters for easy maintenance.

Powerful 240mm front disc brake, and 220mm rear disc brake.
Strong, lightweight rims with straight-pull spokes.

Additional Features

CRF®-R-inspired bodywork and graphics.
Motocross-style seat is low and comfortable and allows maximum rider movement.
Durable front and rear steel sprockets.
High-quality handlebar with comfortable grips.
Wide, cleated, folding, self-cleaning footpegs and brake pedal for secure footing.
Quiet, USDA-qualified spark arrester/muffler.
Maintenance-free sealed battery.
Ignition switch key for added security.
Transferable one-year limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan
When you buy a new Honda Powersports Product, you may be eligible to receive a complimentary one year membership in the Honda Riders Club of America, which includes an exclusive Members-only magazine, rider training benefits, access to the Members-only Clubhouse website and much more. Some limitations apply.

Honda Genuine Accessories

Rear Rack.
Hand Guard Kit