CRF230L

2008

2/10/08

(click pics to supersize)

  busy

On Jan 23, 2008, I visited a Honda dealer in Colorado Springs and took a few pictures of the '08 CRF230L on the showroom floor.

busy
The black canister is the so-low-tech EPA-mandated vapor collection system. Ugly.

busy
Gimme some black canister.


(Gimme some cow bell)

busy
The headlight looks good from the front...

busy
...but a little boxy from the side.

$4499 got BUX?

busy
Now we know why the headlight nacelle looks so boxy - it hides a lot.

busy
Could this be any bigger?

busy
Another look, just in case you missed it.

busy
That brake pedal looks a little out of line.

busy
Wimpy chain guide - one sided only.

busy
Here's something a lot of 230F riders would like to have. Now where is that parts catalog?

busy
Snappy strappy!

busy
Square downtube.

 

2008 CRF230L

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.

Chassis/Suspension

- Box-section aluminum swingarm.
- Lightweight semi-double-cradle high-tensile steel frame.
- 37mm leading-axle Showa front fork offers 8.1 inches of suspension travel.
- Fork boots keep dirt and moisture away from fork seals.
- Heavy-duty Showa rear shock offers 6.1 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.
- Purchase of a new, previously unregistered Honda USA-certified unit by an individual retail user in the United States qualifies the owner for a one-year complimentary membership in the Honda Rider's Club of America (HRCA). Visit www.hrca.honda.com for details.

AVAILABLE ACCESSORIES

- Rear Rack
- Hand Guard Kit

Specifications (verified against '08 CRF230L Honda Service Manual)

Model CRF230L
Engine Type 223cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke 65.5mm x 66.2mm
Compression Ratio 9.0:1
Valve Train SOHC; two-valve
Induction Carburetor 30mm CV
Ignition CDI
Transmission Six-speed
Final Drive #520 O-ring-sealed chain; sprockets 13/39
Suspension Front: 37mm leading-axle Showa fork; 8.1 inches travel;
Rear: Pro-Link Showa single shock with spring preload adjustability; 6.1 inches travel
Brakes Front: Single 240mm disc
Rear: Single 220mm disc
Tires Front: 2.75 -21
Rear: 120/80-18
Wheelbase 52.8 inches
Rake (Caster Angle)  26° 50´
Trail 103mm (4.1 inches)
Seat Height 31.9 inches
Ground Clearance 9.6 inches
Fuel Capacity 2.3 gallons total; including 0.7 gallon reserve
Color Red
Curb Weight 267 pounds; includes all standard equipment, required fluids, and full tank of fuel-ready to ride. 
253 pounds with no gas; calculated by ramz.

 

For 2008, Honda announced a street-legal CRF230L. After carefully looking at the announcement picture, I decided that the 230L is not a modified CRF230F but, instead, is an updated XR200. I based my conclusion on the appearance of the engine, carburetor mounting, exhaust pipe mounting, airbox, side number plate, rear brake master cylinder, rear brake pedal, and frame.

I searched web sites in Japan to see if I could find a Japanese domestic-only 200 or 230, which would serve as the base model. I found an XR230, a bike suspiciously like the new 230L. Notice the street-legal equipment.

busy

busy

busy

busy


For comparison, here are the '07 and '08 CRF230F models.

busy'07 CRF230F

busy'08 CRF230F


Click this picture to see a larger version so you can compare details of:

'08 US CRF230L
'08 US CRF230F
Japanese XR230

busy


Here is a picture of the '08 CRF230F that Brazil gets. It's just like the '08 US 230F with a headlight added (and it has the same drum rear brake our 230F has).

busy


I took pictures of an '08 CRF230F, so I could compare the L and F to see similarities and differences.

busy
230L right side engine. Note the engine side cover detail, the brace on the downtubes, the pipe mount, and footpeg mount.

busy
230F engine - compare the side cover detail.

busy
230F frame - compare the downtube brace and pipe mount.

busy
230F pipe - compare the pipe bend.

busy
230L left side engine. Note the engraved "HONDA", inspection cap, sprocket cover, and footpeg mount.

busy
230F engine - compare the engraved "HONDA", inspection cap, and sprocket cover.

Although the footpeg mount can't be seen, we all know the 230F footpeg mounts bolt to the frame, unlike the 230L mounts, which are welded.

 


busy
This manufacturer's label shows that the 230L is made in Japan. Well, at least THIS 230L in THIS Colorado dealership is.
(I had to take two pics because I couldn't get the whole label in the picture from one angle.)

busy
This label shows that the 230F is still made in Brazil (Brasil). Well, at least THIS 230F in THIS Colorado dealership is.


Differences: 230L vs 230F (verified against '08 CRF230L and CRF230F Honda Service Manuals)

  CRF230L CRF230F
Wheel base 52.8 inches 54.0 inches
Seat height 31.9 inches 34.6 inches
Ground clearance 9.6 inches 12.0 inches
Curb weight 268.0 lbs 248.5 lbs
Suspension Front 8.1 inches
Rear 6.1 inches
Front 8.5 inches
Rear 9.1 inches
Rear brake Hydraulic single disk Drum
Rake (Caster Angle) 26° 50´ 26° 45´
Trail 103mm (4.1 inches) 111mm (4.4 inches)
Fuel tank 2.3 gal 2.2 gal
Cam Intake opens at 1mm lift - 5° BTDC
Intake closes at 1mm lift - 30° ABDC
Exhaust opens at 1mm lift - 35° BBDC
Exhaust closes at 1mm lift - 5° ATDC
Intake opens at 1mm lift - 10° BTDC
Intake closes at 1mm lift - 40° ABDC
Exhaust opens at 1mm lift - 35° BBDC
Exhaust closes at 1mm lift - 10° ATDC
Air filter Paper Oiled foam
Engine weight 69.7 lbs 68.8 lbs
Carburetor Constant velocity 30mm Piston valve 28mm
Transmission 6-speeds, primary reduction 3.090 (68/22) 6-speeds, primary reduction 3.090 (68/22)
1st thru 6th ratios 3.083  2.062  1.450  1.130  0.960  0.814 2.769  1.941  1.450  1.148  0.960  0.812
1st thru 6th internal gears  37/12  33/16  29/20  26/23  24/25  22/27 36/13  33/17  29/20  31/27  24/25  26/32
Sprockets fr/rr 13/39 (3.000) 13/50 (3.846)
Ignition system DC-CDI CDI
Charging system Triple phase output alternator Single phase output alternator
Regulator/rectifier SCR shorted triple phase, full-wave rectification  SCR shorted single phase, half-wave rectification 


busy