CRF150F/230F Frequently Asked Questions

Note: Some of the items discussed in this FAQ are no longer available. This information has been left online for historical reasons and to assist current owners of these now discontinued items. If any of these parts are still available (new, used, or otherwise), they will be listed on our product pages. To see all product listings for the this model click here.   Our BBR Product Identification section has more information about older products from our past.

Note: The all new 2006 CRF150 engine is completely different than previous years. The chassis remains the same but the frame is slightly different to house the new engine. The exhaust system is also different and will not interchange.

• Will the BBR parts fit both the CRF150F and CRF230F?

  Yes, most of our parts will fit the CRF150F and the CRF230F. The only difference between these two bikes is wheel size, forks and shock length. Of course the motors have a few different parts (cylinder, crank, piston, camshaft, and starter parts). Everything else--frame, engine, seat, tank, body work, etc. is the same. We have different fork springs and triple clamps available specifically for the CRF230F

• What is the biggest problem with the stock CRF150F and CRF230F?

  These are really great play bikes. The suspension is setup pretty soft (the footpegs tend to drag) and the exhaust really has the bike corked up. For a quick fix, we put in the Free-Flow airfilter ($24.95), the Rev-Box CDI ($59.95) and our exhaust system ($299.95). Our fork springs ($79.95) and shock spring ($89.95) really help too.

• How is the shock?

  The stock spring is pretty soft on the shock. The linkage ratio is actually pretty good. In fact, with the right spring the rear suspension can be really good (for a small production 4-stroke bike). Our heavy rate spring is $89.95.

• How are the forks?

  The forks on both bikes are decent. They are too soft for aggressive riding (or any jumping). They are much larger diameter than any of the other mini four-strokes (35mm on the CRF150F and 37mm on the CRF230F). They are old style damper rod forks but can be made decent with stiffer springs. We have springs available for $79.95.

• Is the CRF150F/CRF230F motor just an XR200 motor?

  No, it does have the same motor mounts as the XR200, but everything is a little different. Visually, you might think it is the same, but internally it is very different. It has bigger valves, a crank triggered ignition, automotive style timing chain, beefier gears, and a much better clutch.

• How much horsepower does the CRF150 have?

  The CRF150F has about 11.5 horsepower stock at the rear wheel on a DynoJet 150. This is pretty great considering that a hopped up TT-R 125 has about 12 hp.

• What can be done for the carburetion on the CRF150F?

  BBR has a 26mm carb kit for the CRF150F. Part n. 420-HCF-1501

• How fast does the CRF150F/CRF230F go?

  Not very fast. That's why it's so stinkin' fun to ride. We do not measure top MPH of any motorcycles. In motocross, it isn't how fast it goes, but how quickly you get there. Actually, both bikes have pretty high top speed.

• What's the difference between the BBR exhaust system and all the rest?

  BBR uses a stepped, tapered header which allows for both bottom-end torque and top end over-rev - the best of both worlds. Most of our competitors use a straight header; this results in a one-dimensional powerband, all top end or all bottom end. Extensive testing with the tapered design allowed us to come up with an exhaust system that both the secretary and Lance Smail can agree on. Why don't the other guys use this setup? Because it's expensive to do it right. The tapers and the quality of the materials used on the BBR pipes are not cheap, but you get what you pay for. Basically, by bolting on the BBR exhaust system, you are widening the power spread considerably, cutting down on shifting and letting you ride a gear higher. Also, the CRF150/230F exhaust accepts the stock endcap for stock level sound output. You can also order the BBR quiet core ( 220-BBR-1004 $39.95 ) and run the trick fluted end cap.

• What about the disc-style exhaust systems?

  The disc setups work pretty good, but you have to run so many discs to get modern-day power characteristics (high over-rev) that it defeats the purpose and ends up being louder and heavier than is necessary. An aggressive rider will beat the disc-style into pieces because of the extra weight and number of parts involved. You're not going to see a pro-level motocross racer win a national with a disc-style exhaust system. The 1980s are over.

• How much does the BBR exhaust system weigh and how loud is it?

  The BBR exhaust system weighs in right at 4 pounds, which is 2 ½ pounds lighter than stock. Most of our competitors' pipes were one to one and a half pounds heavier than ours. Our exhaust produces 96 decibels (measured at 20" from the outlet at a 90 degree angle, as per AMA requirements) while stock is about 92. Our exhaust is noticeably louder than stock but not ridiculous. We have neighbors too. Unfortunately, power and sound go hand-in-hand - don't let anybody tell you different. Also, the CRF150/230F exhaust accepts the stock endcap for stock level sound output. You can also order the BBR quiet core ( 220-BBR-1004 $39.95 ) and run the trick fluted end cap.

• Is the CRF150F better than the TT-R 125/DRZ/KLX125?

  This is a tough question. The CRF150F has much better suspension, better brakes and rides more like a big bike. It is heavier than the TT-R 125 but it is probably a trade off worth making. For riding in the woods the TTR can't be beat. For riding Motocross the CRF is where it's at.

• Is my CRF150F legal in the mini or super mini class?

  Every track and sanctioning body is different. Contact your local event promoters or AMA district representatives to find out. Remember that this is a 4-stroke PLAYBIKE. Don't expect to be competitive against the 2-strokes. You might win, but you'll need to outride the competition. These bikes have a lot less horsepower and weigh a lot more than a typical 2-stroke. But they are a lot more fun.

• Will the CRF150/230F beat a CR85/YZ85/etc?

  Of course not! The CRF150/230F is an 11 horsepower playbike made for riding in the back yard and putting a smile on your face. The CR85 is a 17 horsepower rocket ship that is a lightweight pure race bike. The CR85 is at least 65 pounds lighter than the CRF150/230F. The suspension and brakes on the CR85 are years ahead of the CRF150/230F. Now that Honda makes the CRF150R, that is the bike you want if you plan to race against mini 2-strokes. The CRF150/230F is not the mini equivalent of the CRF450R. Think of the "F" at the end of the CRF150/230F as standing for "Fun", and the "R" in CRF450R is for "Race". That doesn't mean that you can't race these bikes and win. Lance Smail could win against most local super-mini riders on a stock CRF150F. The winning part is entirely up to you.

• What are the benefits of BBR top triple clamp?

  The BBR upper triple clamp allows the fork tubes to be slid down 1" which raises the front of the bike. It also grabs a larger surface area of the fork tube which prevents fork flex. BBR offers the clamps in both standard and oversize handlebar mounts, and we have a wide variety of handlebar bends and colors. The bar mounts are two-way adjustable to customize the rider compartment. In addition, the bar mounts are taller. The CRF150F and CRF230F clamps incorporate the key switch mount.

• What will BBR fork and shock springs do for my CRF?

  BBR fork and shock springs are 30% stiffer than stock. BBR tested a wide variety of spring rates and settled on these as the best all-around rate for the CRF150/230F, regardless of rider weight. The stiffer springs hold the bike up into the softer part of the travel and help to keep it from bottoming. BBR's springs are of the highest quality and will not sack out. BBR recommends using them as a set. An added benefit is that the stiffer springs hold the bike up higher in the suspension travel to help prevent the footpegs from dragging the ground.

• Will the CR80/85 wheels/shock/swingarm/rear disc/ fit my CRF?

  No. With a bunch of modifications it is possible, but we do not offer this service.

• Will the CR80/85 forks fit my CRF150F?

  Yes, actually they will bolt right on. They do require that you modify the frame steering stopper to correctly limit the turning of the bars. You will need the complete front end (forks, triple clamps, wheel, brakes, etc). This will be really expensive if you try to do this with over the counter parts from your local Honda dealer (figure at least $3000). Your best bet is to try to purchase a wrecked bike to rob parts from. We do not offer this as a service and have no forks available (please don't ask).

• Will the CRF150F/CRF230F motor bolt into a YZ 80/CR 80/RM 80 frame?

  No, but a BBR complete aluminum frame kit starts at $2999 and a rolling chassis starts at $6500. These kits allow you to use all the 1996 and newer CR 80/85/Expert components. The CRF150F/CRF230F motor is large (same size/weight/motormounts as an XR200). We have seen people cobble these into steel frames, but it isn't pretty. The end product rides poorly. We don't recommend it and we don't do it.

• What fork oil should I run at what level with the BBR fork springs?

  BBR recommends running the stock 10w fork oil at the stock level, which is 136mm (or 5.4") and the CRF230F is 144mm (or 5.7").The fork oil level is measured from the top of the tube with the fork compressed and the spring removed. For faster or heavier riders, try 15w. For lighter or less skilled riders, try 7w or possibly running only one BBR spring with one OEM spring.

• What should my suspension sag be set to with BBR springs?

  We recommend you set the sag at about 3 inches. Adjust the sag to rider preference for how quickly you would like the bike to steer. Note that tightening up your shock preload will not (significantly) stiffen the rear of the bike. It should be used to adjust the ride height of the bike.