Playmates

PLAYMATES

CRF23OF & CRF15OF

You’d expect a couple of four-stroke Honda playbikes to be part of the XR family, but this new pair of 2003 off-roaders-the CRF230F and CRF150F-are meant to bask in the performance glow created by the new four-stroke CRF450R motocrosser.

CRF230F

CRF150F

A Honda spokesman admitted that they were only a subtle departure from the XR line, but that styling and things like narrower seats help to differentiate the little CRFs. Still, many components such as fenders, shrouds and handlebar controls are XR-sourced.

Power in both cases comes from new-to-the-U.S. air-cooled twovalve engines sourced from Brazilian-market Hondas. There was much applause from assembled dealers when it was announced that the six-speed 230 is equipped with electric start. The 150 has a fivespeed tranny and is kickstart only.

Showa suspension is used on both bikes. The 230 features a 37mm fork, while the 150 gets 35mm legs. The only adjustment is rear spring preload. Both bikes have about 8 inches of travel at each end.

Availability is a long way off (expect bikes by fall 2002), so mum’s the word on price. But with most of the little XRs getting a rollback of $200 for 2002, we’re betting the CRFs will be attractively priced.

Looks like playtime.

Mark Hoyer