On the trail, the CRF230L is fully capable of throwing this 200-pound rider around the desert with a smile-inducing thump. Sporting a mild grunt in the exhaust note and suspended enough to fly high without bottoming out the ride, the overall package is a hit. Its dual-cradle frame and chassis dimensions offer a flickable ride without sacrificing the whole bike to the wind gods when they come knocking on the trail. The MX style seat is perfect for the changing conditions of trail as well as the street, and handlebar height gives plenty of room for stand-up riding for this 34-inch inseam rider.
At speed in the sand, or pushing over an indicated 70 mph on the street, the Trail Wings keep their shape and purpose without needing to "air down" for the trail. Over hill and dale, attacking the undulating desert whoops is a breeze as the 230L has enough torque to pick up the front end. When a stray abandoned automobile halts the going, the two-pot wave rotor brakes make quick work of stopping before you become road kill to the deceased auto carcass.
With an MSRP of $4499, the 2008 CRF230L is plenty of bike for the motorcycling first-timer who needs a do-it-all-er, or even for the dusty, trail-whipped two-wheel vet who's looking for a versatile second bike with that traditional Honda reliabilit
At speed in the sand, or pushing over an indicated 70 mph on the street, the Trail Wings keep their shape and purpose without needing to "air down" for the trail. Over hill and dale, attacking the undulating desert whoops is a breeze as the 230L has enough torque to pick up the front end. When a stray abandoned automobile halts the going, the two-pot wave rotor brakes make quick work of stopping before you become road kill to the deceased auto carcass.
With an MSRP of $4499, the 2008 CRF230L is plenty of bike for the motorcycling first-timer who needs a do-it-all-er, or even for the dusty, trail-whipped two-wheel vet who's looking for a versatile second bike with that traditional Honda reliabilit
