The Bottom Line
Pros
- A mechanically simple, straightforward ride that exudes honesty
- Modest power output makes it mild enough for first-time riders
- Generous suspension travel smooths out potholes nicely
Cons
- 31.7 inch seat height might be a bit tall for some
- Low power output can make it challenging to keep up with faster paced highway traffic
- Pricey at $5,399
Description
- Price: $5,399
- 223cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine, six-speed transmission
- Front suspension: 37mm leading-axle Showa fork; 9.0-inch travel
- Rear suspension: Pro-link Showa single shock with adjustable spring preload; 6.6-inch travel
- Front brake: Single 240mm disc
- Rear brake: 220mm disc
- Curb weight: 276 pounds
- Fuel capacity: 2.3 gallons
- Fuel economy: 93 mpg (as reported by Cycle World)
- Seat height: 31.7 inches
Guide Review - 2009 Honda CRF230M Supermoto Review
Equipped with 17 inch wheels wrapped in Dunlop GT401 Arrowmaxes, a different rear shock, taller gearing, and sundry other mods, the CRF230M still comes across as a scrappy but endearing little bike-- at least at first glance. But how does it fare in the concrete jungle of Los Angeles?
At 31.7 inches, the saddle is a bit tall for riders of shorter stature, but its narrow shape makes it a lot easier to climb aboard than the spec sheet might suggest. From there, you'll find the cockpit view a bit bare, with zip-tied cables and sparse instrumentation that doesn't include a tachometer. The seating position feels natural, though taller riders might feel a bit crowded due to the bike's compact proportions.
The CRF's single-cylinder engine cranks for a moment or two before coming to life, and twisting the throttle produces a mellow exhaust note and revs that are lazy enough to inspire confidence among gun shy riders. Around town and on the highway, the little Honda feels somewhat anemic, requiring wide open throttle to keep up with most traffic situations. Though the lack of knobby tires smooths out the ride compared to the "L" version, the engine's vibrations-- especially at higher rpms-- can get somewhat tedious on long rides. That sensation isn't aided by the relatively stiff saddle.
But bombing across winding medium-scale backroads like Mulholland Drive or Sunset Boulevard is where the CRF230M excels; its 276 pound curb weight makes it easy and fun to toss into corners, and extracting every last bit of speed out of the diminutive powerplant supports the theory that it can be more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow. Aggressive cornering exploits much of the prodigious suspension travel, resulting in a bit of dipping (especially at the fork), but smooth hands go a long way towards building confidence and bringing out the CRF's spunky personality.
At the end of the day, the Honda CRF230M presents a bit of a conundrum. Disregard its price, and Honda's little supermoto is an excellent combination of simplicity, approachability, and frugality, with some reports of fuel economy approaching 100 miles per gallon. But when you consider its $5,399 premium, the CRF230M starts to look a bit expensive within our field of 10 Great First Bikes. And though it's closer in price to Yamaha's WR250X ($6,490) and Kawasaki's KLX250SF ($5,599), those competitors have liquid-cooled (versus air-cooled) engines that are tuned more aggressively than the born-to-be-mild CRF.
If you're looking for a solid small-displacement bike, the Honda CRF230M will likely meet, and probably exceed your expectations. But if money is a consideration, there are certainly more affordable and equally reliable ways to get around on two wheels.
