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Hey guys 23y/o m live on a 300 or so acre farm in southern virginia, planning on getting a new '07 CRF230 tomorrow. This will be my first time riding in about eight or nine years (my woods trails are pretty much still there though!). My first bike was an old Honda 50 when i was about 6 and then I got a Yamaha RT100 when I was probably 10.

Was originally planning on getting something bigger (was looking at a WR250) but after sitting on them they are just way too big for me to want to tackle right now. I'm about 5'7 and I struggled to reach the ground with the bike on its kickstand...not to mention it looked giant and having not ridden in so long I want something thats smaller and easy to ride that I can get back into riding with. It will be only for trail riding around the farm. Will probably see use every single day. Plan on using it not just for fun but for going from here to there around the farm...checking fences (cows), checking barns while curing tobacco, etc.

For this reason I have nailed it down to the 230 because I need it to be reliable with minimal maintenance.


I've already ordered a few things like a K&N air filter. Can't wait...gonna be hard to sleep tonight.


That brings me to my question:

I am going to install the 'power-up kit' as soon as I can.

I am wondering how necessary the 'needle jet kit' is? It seems like the hardest part of the process and one thing I read said it wasn't necessary on the newer 230s.

Would it be just as good to install the new main jet?

ALSO, how hard is it to set the 'fuel screw' or whatever? would it be ok in stock position?


*EDIT* one more thing...what is the pilot jet? I see some people putting on a 45 over the stock 42...is that necessary? My elevation is about 500 feet above sea level.

Thanks.

First of all, if you do plan on replacing the needle, it is not that hard to do. After you have loosened the front and rear carb boots, just tilt the top of the card outwards and you can easily access the top for removal and needle replacement.

I did not do my needle on my 230, but I did on my 450; to each their own.

Additionally, you are definately going to want to replace the main jet on this bike, again not that big of a deal. When the card is loosened, just tilt it so you can easily see the float bowl plug. Remove it and you should be able to see the main jet for removal.

The pilot jet is what the main jet screws into; I left mine stock and only replaced the main jet.

Oh, and the 230 is a great bike, but if you are like me, you will get bored of it rather quickly and want something a little more substantial...

For the powerup kit Honda says to go with the 132 main with the power up needle. Many people have found this to be way rich and you will get better performance with these numbers.

Main Jet: 120 99113-GHB-1200
Pilot Jet: 45 99103-MT2-0450
Needle Set: 05 230F Needle 16012-KPS-901
Clip: 4th Position
Fuel Screw: http://www.crfsonly.com/catalog/product ... ts_id/1362
Turns: 1.5 to 2 turns

The 45 pilot jet is so that you do not have to baby sit the bike when warming up. My buddys 07 230F is a PITA to warm up but the 45 pilot will make this a lot easier.

Also make sure with these mods you remove the baffle/snorkel on the air box and drill out or remove the diffuser in the exhaust. Here is a guide to drilling it out as apposed to removing it.

http://rickramsey.net/CRF230Fmods.htm

Lastly here is a guide to swapping out all the jets and the needle

http://rickramsey.net/CRF230Fcarb.htm

Thanks alot guys. Even though you read how to articles a little 1st hand knowledge does a good job clearing things up.

I dunno about getting bored with it...if I ever do though I'll just buy something bigger. Not really planning on doing anything hardcore.

I know I asked before, if I had to replace the needle.

But what is the benefit of replacing the needle? What would the new needle do the old one didnt?

Sorry...noob to this stuff.

Steppenwccr wrote:I know I asked before, if I had to replace the needle.

But what is the benefit of replacing the needle? What would the new needle do the old one didnt?

Sorry...noob to this stuff.

It's tapered differently to allow for more fuel flow and has more positions for the clip.

Steppenwccr wrote:I know I asked before, if I had to replace the needle.

But what is the benefit of replacing the needle? What would the new needle do the old one didnt?

Sorry...noob to this stuff.

The pre 06 needles have grooves in them, as carters2 said, for tuning options. You can use the 06 and up needles but you will need to adjust it higher by placing a small washer under the Eclip which has the same effect as moving the clip to the 4th position on the pre 06 needles.

Do this only with the jetting carters2 recommended.

I have done this to my 06 and with this jetting the bike runs great. Be sure to uncork it, too. (intake snorkel and exhaust baffle out)