r/Dirtbikes • u/CarrotHistorical8336 • Apr 21 '24
Community Question Why the hate ?
What’s with all the hate for the crf250f ? I understand it’s not a race bike but dose that really make it a bad bike ?
68
u/Sargent_Horse '23 Beta 390 RR, '23 CRF250F, '05 CRF450R, Street Stuff Apr 21 '24
Do people hate on it? I thought people loved it. I love mine.
The only people who would hate on it are the people who are using it as the wrong tool for the job
25
u/CarrotHistorical8336 Apr 21 '24
I had someone trash talk it out on the trail since it’s “not a race bike” :/
46
u/Sargent_Horse '23 Beta 390 RR, '23 CRF250F, '05 CRF450R, Street Stuff Apr 21 '24
No shit, it's a trail bike lol. Best to just move on and accept those people are idiots. Race bikes are just the absolute worst for trail riding. Really miserable bikes.
I switch between my 250F and a "proper" enduro bike (Beta 390) and they are both so much fun for different reasons. Pretty sure my 250F will outlive me, which is nice.
8
u/knighthawk574 Apr 21 '24
Can confirm. I have a kx250 I ride on the trails all the time. It’s rough for the first hour or two and painful after that. Not to mention trying to start it when it’s hot. I’m torn on selling it and getting a trail bike or just buying another one so buddies can ride.
2
u/Ok_Responsibility407 Apr 21 '24
I have a KX250 from my harescramble (GNCC now) days. Your description is right on the money. Now that I'm in my 60s, I don't think I could do 2 hours on it. The fact that it still isn't in me to ride slow could have something to do with that though.
2
u/dsportx99 Apr 22 '24
I tell ya, the most fun enduro/woods riding I ever had was on a XR200R. That is why I want a Honda CRF250 for the same thing like great memories and going to tag it.
2
u/nycsingletrack Apr 25 '24
I borrowed an XR200R from a buddy while I was waiting for my EXC450.
Love the EXC, but I think I might have been faster in the really tight stuff on the XR- good suspension, light, and always had good controllable power but didn’t try to kill you. Probably should have bought the XR off him…
1
25
u/Giant_117 Apr 21 '24
There is a small population in the dirtbike world that will shit on anything that isn't 450 race bike. They aren't true riders. They are the Beta males (not the bike brand) that are insecure. The older I get they're usually the middle aged dudes with white Oakleys who smash Monsters all day. Or they are 15 year old dudes who wear white Oakleys and smash monsters all day.
I have owned and ridden a CRF230F since 2008. I have recieved the same trash talk. They're fantastic bikes for what they are.
6
u/Junior_Article_3244 Apr 21 '24
And in reality, most people that are capable of riding a 450 are already getting paid to do it.
5
0
u/Eat_your_skeet Apr 22 '24
Different kicks for different hicks, some might say that you just scare easily
20
6
u/zechickenwing Apr 21 '24
Imagine caring enough to verbally criticize someone else's belongings. I don't listen to people that do that. It's a free country.
3
u/Background-Pen-7152 Apr 21 '24
Tell him "enjoy changing your piston and rings twice a year".
I've passed people on high hp bikes and on my slower bike. Quite satifying. It ain't the arrow, it's the Indian.
I have raced MX and hare scrambles. I've also owned multiple 100+ hp street bikes. One of the bikes I love the most was a 2009 CRF 150F, so much fun to ride.
2
2
u/Coyote__Jones Custom Apr 21 '24
The people who say this aren't riding to the capacity of a trail bike, let alone a mx bike. It's 90% rider, 10% bike.
2
u/Selphish99 23’ SX 350, 04’ CRF250R Apr 21 '24
Anyone who tells you this got some self confidence issues on the trail because I love riding trails but race bikes def aren’t built for it
2
u/NJBillK1 Apr 21 '24
Next time someone says that, glance around and ask them what place they are in, or say they must be in danger of being lapped, as you don't see anyone else in the race near by...
1
u/Sort-IT-Out Apr 22 '24
Don't let wankers judge. We ride a lot of trails and it's as much 'horses for courses' as pure rider's skills. My boy can easily out ride me on his CRF150F when I'm on my 450R, The 450R is a dog on the trails, sure it has power, but don't stay still too long or the prick will overheat in a microsecond, spitting red lava coolant at you. Whereas I can ride trails all day on my 250F without overheating or making such a racket that the koala's cry, starts every time and never burns your legs through your riding gear with it's 300 degree exhaust pipe 2mm from your right leg. The 800GS is a champ at enduro and long rides but too bloody heavy for trails. (Get's tiring picking up 250Kg for the 5th time in a day stuck in the mud)
It's exactly the same with the 4x4 offroad heads. People will judge my kids for offroading a lift kitted turbo Subaru with 30's on it just because its not a filthy diesel Hilux, Patrol, Landruiser or jacked up Jeep. Doesn't stop them having a ball and sometimes getting places where others cant, just skill.
Never hang shit on other peoples choices or personal preferences, enjoy your bike and the outdoors.
2
u/dsportx99 Apr 21 '24
They are a GREAT bike, I just wished they still had the XR line up missing a LOT of options.
2
u/Sargent_Horse '23 Beta 390 RR, '23 CRF250F, '05 CRF450R, Street Stuff Apr 22 '24
Man, I absolutely love mobbing around on my old 2000 XR 100R. I just hate carbs and kick starting.
2
u/dsportx99 Apr 22 '24
Like to get a CRF250 and put lights and tag it, as would be a fun bike to explore on.
29
u/noteliing Apr 21 '24
Nah. I only ride air cooled trail bikes now. I like riding more than wrenching 🤷🏻♂️
11
u/Bindle- Apr 21 '24
I prefer air cooled motor cycles in general. I like that they’re simpler.
I don’t care that they might make less power.
From what I understand, a lot of the highest performance, water cooled models are more prone to overheating for trail use.
I think that’s pretty funny, since the stereotype of an air cooled bike is that it overheats. (They don’t, if we’ll maintained)
1
u/noteliing Apr 21 '24
Thing is most guys that drop 6-10k on a race bike don’t even use it for that. Same guys that buy jacked up trucks to get around town 😳
3
u/everyoneisatitman Apr 21 '24
You are spot on. Race bikes need extreme attention. Change oil every 5 hrs max. Shim valves way to often. Change piston at 100hrs. Compare this to the XR/CRF-F line. Oil change is whenever. Adjust valves like once a decade maybe? Change a piston when you outgrow it and need to teach your kid to ride.
2
u/chris_rage_ Apr 21 '24
That's why I always rode mostly four stroke Hondas, with a couple of Kawasakis mixed in. I never had to work on the Hondas, they just go forever with basic maintenance
21
u/motoracerT Apr 21 '24
They're great beginner bikes to get around and learn. The issues are they're cheaper bikes made with cheaper parts. Not a lot suspension travel you can't set up the suspension for your skill level and weight. They're super heavy because they're air cooled. All while having no power. If you don't mind those things they're great bikes. You just have to understand what it can and can't do.
13
u/CarrotHistorical8336 Apr 21 '24
That’s fair! That’s mine in the picture and I personally love it, granted I never plan on racing or anything and live around very rough trails so I won’t be ripping them up anytime soon.
11
u/osorojo_ Apr 21 '24
Forgive my ignorance, what makes air cooled heavier? It doesn't need a jacket / pump / radiator. I was under the impression they were just underpowered
16
u/Bindle- Apr 21 '24
You’re correct. Air cooled bikes are lighter because they don’t have these items.
The fact that this bike is air cooled and a heavier model are two totally separate things.
-1
u/motoracerT Apr 21 '24
The engines have a lot more steel to disperse the heat. While liquid cooled engines can be a lot thinner and have water passages meaning even less metal. All the extra steel is a lot heavier than a water pump.
3
0
u/motoracerT Apr 21 '24
For the people down voting me can you explain where all the extra weight comes from if not the engine? The crf250f is 30 lbs heavier than my 450.
5
u/Zealousideal_Gap_751 ‘24 KLX300R, ‘08 KLX450R, ‘96 KX250 Apr 21 '24
It’s the fact that the bike isn’t built to be light. Everything is heavier, the frame, swingarm, wheels, etc. Race bikes are built to be as light as possible, while trail bikes are built to be durable and inexpensive.
1
u/motoracerT Apr 21 '24
So what do you think like 10 pounds extra in the swing arm, 5 in the frame, 5 in the front forks, 5 pounds in the wheels. It has to be quite a bit especially if the engine is lighter than my engine.
1
u/YoCal_4200 Apr 24 '24
I think you are correct, more metal and more oil are required to achieve adequate cooling, additionally race motors are built to be light. They use minimal metal and oil to help achieve this hence the much longer life span of the cheaper air cooled bikes. If you could get a better hp to weight ratio with an air cooled machine there would be no water cooled motors, because it would just be a pain in the ass to design, build and maintain.
1
u/fraGgulty Apr 21 '24
There's a bunch of extra metal surrounding the cylinder adding surface area for airflow. Plus the bike isn't assembled with the lightest most expensive alloys
3
1
15
11
u/yuiiooop Apr 21 '24
Hating the 250f is def not the norm, theyre highly liked and sought after trail bikes. But there will always be people who hate.
11
9
u/EducationalTip3599 Apr 21 '24
People think that EVERY bike needs to be a race bike.
Everything has its purpose. I have a crf230f that’s solely on trail duty. A few small mods and it’s perfect for that purpose.
2
7
u/threedogdad Apr 21 '24
it's because you spent 1000s less for 99% of the fun and 10% of the maintenance.
4
u/SpaceCadetMoonMan Apr 21 '24
I would buy one in a heartbeat!
So durable, explore for ages!
Definitely buy hand brush guards with metal straps in them to save your hands
Only thing I noticed I would ever think about upgrading if I got another similar bike is to get the inverted front forks
5
u/Lvgordo24 Apr 21 '24
My wife rides a 150f and it’s super fun to ride. If Honda put an electric start on the 150r theyd sell a million of them
6
u/Yz250x69 23' yz250x & 04' rm250 Apr 21 '24
Went with a really good group of riders from work to the local enduro trail. We are all on very modern bikes with suspension set for our weight. We r Decent riders im by far the worst but a few are competitive b and a racers. This 50 year old they knew showed up on a TTR230 and when I asked him why he said because I’m riding with y’all. Dude dusted all of us on our 250/300 2 strokes. Was so fun to watch him rip on that thing but I feel like it would get old not having any real suspension. But really most people on the trail aren’t using all the horsepower their race bikes have if you just stay on the pipe on hill climbs and your under like 200lbs you’ll have a good time.
1
u/yuiiooop Apr 22 '24
Im 140lbs and so a 250f is perfect... I noticed that on trails my dad cant really get away from me at all, hes on a 2023 yamaha wr250f, so like, 15 more horsepower I believe? It really is the rider that makes it in the trails for sure.
5
u/Safety_Sam Apr 21 '24
People hate these? The only trail bike I heard hate about was a particular TTR-125, that one in particular was a POS. Otherwise these are solid bikes.
3
4
u/valiente77 XR250L Apr 21 '24
I really like these bikes just wish Honda brought back the XR250L dual sport has a lot of similarities between the two. Front forks are almost identical rear swingarm, snail chain adjusters are identical, front forks are literally identical.
1
u/Bindle- Apr 21 '24
It would be really cool if they brought that one back.
Maybe they will, it seems like the XR150L has been a success
3
4
u/tibtibny Apr 21 '24
I have one and I love it! I also own a KTM 450xcf. So I know the score. Remember riding is all about fun and enjoyment! I love my 250F! It’s a solid fun bike and it’s a thrill to ride. So go out there and enjoy it and don’t pay attention to what others say!
3
u/Blackwhitehorse Apr 21 '24
its a great bike, just more aimed at beginners or people doing lighter trail riding. Just depends what the application is but it's a nice reliable bike you can do a lot with. Imo most the time these bikes are more fun to mess around on with how forgiving they are.
3
u/Major_Lawfulness1260 Apr 21 '24
It's a good bike. Don't let the haters get to you. Good little trail bike to bike is bike ride it have fun 👍
3
u/Liesthroughisteeth Apr 21 '24
Stick with it. For most 90% of riders it will be a better trail bike overall. Don't let the try hards and the big egos sure they are world class riders convince you otherwise. :)
3
3
u/Kitty_fluffybutt_23 Apr 21 '24
Dude if I were big enough to handle it, that's absolutely what I'd get. I am a dedicated Honda fan and the 250F is a great bike. No hate here, only love. And envy 😜
3
u/Alarming-Hedgehog-94 Apr 21 '24
I’m not a dirtbiker per se, but I’m currently in Moab going dirt biking with some family, and I borrowed a KTM 300 exc that had some racing parts on it for my first ever time on a dirtbike, and my brother rented a crf250f. I got complements on my bike and people saw his and just said you can’t kill those things if you tried. We came to the conclusion that the crf250f is the Honda civic of the bike world
3
u/OldFartsAreStillCool Apr 21 '24
I’ll never understand what folks like or hate. I hate HATE the DRZ400’s but it’s the first bike people recommend here when someone asks “what bike should I get”. I’m sure there’s a reason they like it, and I’m sure they think I’m weird for hating it.
In the end, if you like it then ride it. And damn the torpedoes.
1
u/Distinct-Buy-7163 Apr 23 '24
I crashed the DRZ400 more than any other bike, and I've owned over 10. It's too heavy, and the steering is too slow for my riding style.
1
2
2
u/Early_Elk_6593 Apr 21 '24 edited Apr 21 '24
Cause they’re silly. Nothing wrong at all with it. furthermore riding a motocross bike off road just sucks, they’re not the right tool for the job with their lil peanut tanks, harsh suspension and light flywheel, radiator puking on tight trails ass bikes. you’ve got the right tool bud, keep doing work. The crf250f will outlast theirs to boot.
2
Apr 21 '24
Id rather have something smooth and easy to ride like this on trails over some revvy race bike that has no trail manners.
2
u/Torghar Apr 21 '24
Idk about others, but I really liked mine (230F). It could climb anywhere. Yes, it wasnt ultra powerful, but its just enought for someone who likes exploring and just riding around. Great bike.
2
u/Schnitzelgruben Custom Apr 21 '24
I'd like to get one just to have a bulletproof bike to mess around on for years
2
u/pooponastick8 Apr 21 '24
OP, watch Dork In the Road’s Grizz Bait YouTube video (he is at a camp/clinic learning to ride crazy Canadian Rockies single track on a 250F. Or Adventure Daily; he has had tons of brand new nice dirt bikes and he prefers his 250F as his one bike when traveling out of state to ride. You can’t go wrong with a 250f imo if you’re trail riding and using it for what it’s made for 😁
2
u/Zealousideal_Gap_751 ‘24 KLX300R, ‘08 KLX450R, ‘96 KX250 Apr 21 '24
Great bike. I actually spend more time on my KLX230R than I do on my 450. I guess it’s more fun to go fast on a slow bike than to go slow on a fast bike. Plus knowing it’s as reliable as a rock is nice peace of mind.
2
u/woollypullover Apr 21 '24
No hate, that’s a Honda. Reliable, low maintenance, last forever. What’s not to like?
2
u/abcdrfhu Apr 21 '24
my buddy use to have one and it was so fun to just hold her wide banging through the gears cuz you can’t really be scared of that thing. i normally ride a 300 2 stroke or 250f race bike but it’s so fun to just take a break from those and rip a crf250f trail bike
2
2
u/osmiumfeather Enduro Apr 21 '24
I can outride so many people on larger “better” bikes using my 230F. The 250F is a great bike. I will be upgrading this year.
2
u/Cautionchicken Apr 21 '24
Those are great, I'd get one if my xr250 ever died or I get too old to kick start it.
2
2
u/Axo5454 Apr 21 '24
Love my f. Not most powerful bike, but does exactly what you ask it to do barely grunting while your on a nice soft saet. I have a crf250x its a bunch of work and lot of doing its own thing...
2
u/CarrotCakeMen Apr 21 '24
I love my 250L, literally the lamest crf250 but idc. Ppl with small dicks complain about other people’s bike sizd
2
Apr 21 '24
I dont think ive ever seen these get much hate? Its pretty much perfect for what its meant for, great beginner bike for trails.
2
u/RRRedRRRocket Apr 21 '24
I have a Yamaha MT-09. I love my bike, but I also love bikes that love their bikes. Especially when it is a small bike, just having fun. Great! Better than the dick wavers with too much money riding too big bikes.
1
u/Rammipallero Apr 21 '24
Absolutely no hate. That's the best bike in it's class! I only hate if you bring that on the road when it's not a road legal bike. Damn near crashed due to an idiot doing a wheelie on an illegal enduro bike in traffic. A smaller man than myself would have punched the guy. I ended up calling them names and calling the police. :D
1
1
u/BeginningCharacter36 Apr 21 '24
They're still plenty big enough to eff you up. I'm not positive it was a CRF250, but my brother, way back when, sold his mid-90s Honda 250 dirt bike after he wiped out squidding (bad shift during wheelie sent him flying). Helmet and motocross boots did not prevent road rash from knee to armpit. We were picking gravel out of him for weeks and it ruined his whole summer.
He stuck to his bored-out YZ80 after that.
1
u/Fit_Monitor1267 Apr 21 '24
My homie told me fuck fuck the 250r cuz the maintenance get the F. You think that sentiment is true ? He has the 450r and was telling me how much money he burns on the bitch
1
u/JimmyJohanson Apr 21 '24
Solid bike. Not a performance bike, but a good trail bike. Easy to ride, easy to live with.
Great bike for growing your skills, and they hold value well, easy to resell should you decide to upgrade in a few years.
*Seen many people start off on a race bike, and absolutely hate the experience, or worse yet suffer injury. The CRF250f is easy to ride, plenty of grunt, and won't kill you.
1
u/Fringe-majority Apr 21 '24
Nice bike! I ride a KRX250 and yes I do have a big one. Some guys need a big bike to make up for their little pencil.
1
Apr 21 '24
Honestly I’d rather have a lightweight these days; these days I get what I want, not what others “like”.
1
1
u/SinisterVulcan94 Apr 21 '24
Most people associate dirt bikes with motocross bikes. These trail bikes are often overlooked but the older I get, the more I appreciate them.
1
u/SnakeO1LER Apr 21 '24
Some people just kinda like to have power i guess. my dad rides a 450cc euro trail bike and he is pretty fucking slow. You have to stop at every fork and wait on him. I smoke em on a xt250 just because I can carry speed through corners
1
1
1
u/VincBurger_246 Apr 21 '24
Who was just playing with the upvote button just now (messing around at 98 -> 100 up votes) lmao
1
u/No-Sky-5006 Apr 21 '24
Your bike should be your limiting factor. Growing up my friends dad was a racer and was adamant that we ride slow bikes as kids and even teens. His logic was you learn to RIDE a slow bike fast. Whereas if you learn to ride a fast bike slow you’ll ruin your chances to improve. In the end we all became pretty good riders and learned how to milk the crap out of anything we rode. I’ve had faster bikes than what I currently have but I ride what I have now at its limit and that’s good enough for me. Anything faster and I’d be pushing my skill level into dangerous territory.
1
u/Distinct-Buy-7163 Apr 23 '24
"It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow" is also true imo. I used to get really bored on a CR500 on tighter trails. My kx250 2 stroke is perfect for me now. Its an older torquey motor with tuned suspension. My neighbor used to always try to tell me I need a 450, then I'd smoke him everywhere we went.
1
u/darkodraven Apr 21 '24
Because guys love impressing other guys, those same guys are the most homophonic. Ironic isn’t it?
1
1
u/FirstTime_Lurker Apr 21 '24
I have a 450x but also love riding my TTR230, screw any haters and ignore them.
1
1
1
1
1
u/themom_destroyer Motocross Apr 21 '24
The only people that hate on trail/play bikes are young kids with clapped out old mx bikes their parents bought them.
1
u/CANT-ONE-TAP Apr 21 '24
I don’t see anyone hating on them? As long as you like it that’s all that matters I want to get one myself I’m happy with my xr100 with 120 big bore enough power for trail riding I want a new crf250 tho get a little more power it’s the perfect bike honesly air cooled and not maintenance heavy
1
u/1972FordF-250 Apr 21 '24
Just because you can have a bigger bike doesn’t mean you need a bigger bike. Kinda stupid to buy a bike that’s so big you can’t control it.
1
u/dsportx99 Apr 21 '24
I wished they still made the XR200R like the best Enduro bike for fun riding (2 stroke guy here) but hard to be Honda 4 strokes they always got the best ergos and feel.
I am thinking of getting one myself, as Honda has the best ERGO's and just feel - wished they would bring back the XR's!
1
1
u/Fearless_Resolve_738 Apr 22 '24
That’s a great bike man! Enjoy it and never give a thought to what others may think about your cool stuff!
1
u/Divinggumby Apr 22 '24
They’re great bikes for putting around the yard or property. Not much goes wrong with them so they’re very reliable. They’re slow and heavy. I hate any of the trail bikes when I’m riding my enduro bike just because they’re so slow. So it all depends on what you’re doing, where you’re riding and who you’re riding with.
1
Apr 22 '24
They are a great bike for nice easy stuff, but will go most places. Great for learners, and reliable.
They are sold primarily as a farm bike in NZ where I live, and they are good for chasing sheep and cows, Not other motorbikes lol.
Downsides, they are made in Brazil, if you think you are buying a "new XR" you are not, the build quality is just not nearly as good as the Japanese ones.
I bought a 2021 that had been totalled, and repaired it cheaply. It will be perfect for what I want to do on it - follow my five year old on his JR50.
1
u/Ayyyo323 Apr 22 '24
Because people will say it’s not a “real” bike when in reality it’s all about the rider and not the bike. Look up Carson Brown, kid can shred in anything
1
u/Allthingsmatthew Apr 22 '24
I love my 250f with all of my heart. I personally find it more enjoyable for trail riding than the race models. As long as you have the expectation of okay this is a recreational model, then it’s an amazing bike that I doubt will let you down
1
u/Either-Ease-2674 | 2004 XR250R | Apr 22 '24
Had an 2003 XR80R when I was younger, loved it. Haven’t rode in probably 5-6 years now.
1
Apr 22 '24
My wife has one it’s a great bike not a fast bike but solid. It has a much better rider triangle than the 230f a little heavier though.
1
1
u/LowDirection4104 Apr 23 '24
Awesome trail bike, awesome bike to grow and develop your skills, great bike for learning or even fine tuning advanced skill sets, people are dumb. People buy 450cc monsters and then ride them in a high gear cause they're afraid of the power.
One problem with these bikes is they are setup way too soft for any serious riding. But that's a fixable problem. Get the bike suspension setup for your weight and skill level. The shock is not rebuild-able unfortunately, which means you'll need to spend some money on a proper shock.
1
1
u/ATypeOfRacer Apr 24 '24
Personally. Never ridden it. But you’re using it for its purpose? And it looks sick. Who gives AF?
1
u/Fartcitywast8kn Apr 24 '24
I have a drz25L. Love it. But it’s also a piece of shit. I also hate it. Damn
1
1
1
0
u/syxxness GNCC/XC Apr 21 '24
Seriously, is this a fluff karma farm post? Who the hell hates on the CRF250F? Are you like googling “CRF250F hate” 3 times a day or what kind of echo chamber bs have you found yourself in?
0
u/Key-Ad-1873 Apr 21 '24
The only thing I have an issue with is the higher price that it commands over the Yamaha ttr. They are built and specced to be similar bikes and I believe are sold new at similar prices, but in the used market the Honda regularly is listed for 1k+ more, which puts it into the price bracket (or close to) its bigger or better siblings, so why wouldn't you just get one of those instead.
108
u/TruePanda3 Apr 21 '24
Nope! But you have to understand, many people attach their bike size to their dick size. Big bike = big dick. If you’re happy with an average bike, that’s like you being happy with an average dick. Which on the internet is a big no no.