Project Honda CRF230F: It's all about the Forks

Jan. 21, 2009 By Rick Sieman

SUBJECT:  CARB NEEDLE FOR A 230?

 Hello Rick,

I've recently purchased a 2nd hand CRF230F. The gentleman sold it to me with a few spares. In one of the boxes, I found a spare needle. On comparing it to the one in the carb, I have found that it is quite a bit thinner with more taper and a sharper point. Below the bottom notch it is stamped "C39A": is this the standard needle or is it the one from the power-up kit? How do I know which is which for sure?

Thanks
Anthony
Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA

 Nope, the needle number is not from the power up kit.

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SUBJECT:  INTERCHANGEABLE FRONT WHEELS

if u put normal cr125 not the upside ones on do u have to get another wheel

CRF
Bowen, AUSTRALIA

 In most cases, no, but you have to check and make sure that the brake caliper and the disc are compatible and the correct size.  As long as the caliper makes contact with the disc in the same (stock) spot, you should be OK.  Also, make sure that the axle bearing is the correct size.

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 SUBJECT:  MORE FORK CONFUSION

 Hi,

ive got a honda 230 07 model and was wondering if a set of honda cr 250 98 front forks would fit on it and if i had to make any mods to it.

Thanks
Matt
UNITED KINGDOM

Those 98  forks are a good bet. Just follow the directions in out step-at-a-time project article and you can do it.  Yes, there are some mods needed.

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SUBJECT:  JETTING QUANDRY

ive made a couple changes to my crf 230, installed the 132 main, needle power up kit, and removed airbox snorkel. if i was to remove carb baffle would i need to change anything to the carb?

Tom
Beeton, CANADA

I don't know what you mean by the carb, but if you mean the backfire screen, you can remove it safely without changing any jets.

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SUBJECT:  YET EVEN MORE FORK SWAP QUESTIONS

Will 2005 cr125 forks and triples fit my 2007 crf230f? If not what xr250 or other forks will fit the stock triples?

OTR  Rider
Redmond, OR

Yes, if you follow the step-at-a-time how-to installation, you can use the techniques to fit the 2005 CR125 forks, which, by the way, are excellent.  The XR250 forks are below average and not worth the effort.

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SUBJECT:  SAGGING FORK CURE

I put a set of 1985 cr125 forks and triple clamps on my 05 230f as well as a works rear shock. I weigh 200 lbs. and the front end feels too soft. I maxxed out the compresion and am using 10 wt. auto trans fluid. Any suggestions? I also did a compression check with engine warm. 164lbs. Do I need a bore, or is the cylinder nikosyl? Thank you for all the help.

Richard
Petoskey. MI

Go with a heavier set of fork springs and your problem will go away.  If you have a 164 pound reading on the compression check, that's OK.

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SUBJECT:  BAD FOR SEALS IN STOCK FORKS

I have a 2007 crf230f and the fork seals have went twice in less than 8 months what would be the best way to prevent this from happening again.

Quinn
Ep, RI

Get rid of the stock (junk) forks and follow our Project Series and install a decent set of forks.

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