CRF's Only Forums

I'm a college student looking at getting a dirt bike (I've never ridden before), and despite there being almost nothing available right now, I found a guy selling a '09 CRF230F. After I looked at it and told him I'd think about it, he let me know that he also had a '09 CRF230L that he would be willing to sell. I don't have a reliable way of transporting the bike, so a street legal one would be a plus. He sent pictures and the only thing that concerns me is the oil on the engine in this picture. Is that normal for this bike? Is there anything else I should look for? The L has 17,000 miles on it. He wants about $200 more for the F, but its my understanding that the L is worth more. A friend who is more mechanically inclined towards bikes looked at the F with me and says that its it good condition. Any advice is welcome and appreciated, even if it's suggestions for other bikes to consider. Thanks!

Welcome to the site !!

Looking at that pic , I would say it is either a valve cover gasket leaking , or the round cam gear cover leaking , or a head gasket , only way to really know for sure is to pressure wash the engine and run it for a while or even a day or so and see where the oil is specifically coming from ..... if the current owner is honest , he will agree to taking it to the car wash and cleaning it , and either allow you , or himself to ride it to see where the leak is originating ...

If it is just a valve cover or cover gasket , it is no biggie and can be easily resealed , if it is a head gasket , then the top end needs to come apart which means the cam and everything above the cylinder has to be removed , including the gas tank , etc.. so the amount of work needed depending on the issue is a major factor , especially if you are on a budget , if you have to pay a shop to repair it , the cost will really go up , so all that is a factor , if he is not willing to clean it and test it to confirm the leak location , I would question why , or you could ask him to have a motorcycle shop (dealership preferably) check the bike out to determine if it has a issue with the head gasket or that it is just a leak that can be sealed easily .... then you can either negotiate on the price , or choose the other bike , or that one , or something else completely if you do not feel comfortable going thru with the sale ..... bikes do leak from time to time , the issue is , what exactly is leaking and why ?? ... ...