Honda CRF150 questions

[thecharmed01]

Does anyone here know, or know who I can ask.....

I'm looking at an 09 CRF150, but wondering... purely money-wise if you can put big wheels on the small wheel model.
Just that the small wheel is about half the price of the big wheel version and google seems to say you can do this with a 150R - but is that the same case for the 150?

I don't know much about Honda's.... prefer me a suzi if I'm honest, but am looking for moar power than my poor wee 125 can deliver.
So forgive me if I'm asking a stupid question!

[morg_nz]

Does anyone here know, or know who I can ask.....

I'm looking at an 09 CRF150, but wondering... purely money-wise if you can put big wheels on the small wheel model.
Just that the small wheel is about half the price of the big wheel version and google seems to say you can do this with a 150R - but is that the same case for the 150?

I don't know much about Honda's.... prefer me a suzi if I'm honest, but am looking for moar power than my poor wee 125 can deliver.
So forgive me if I'm asking a stupid question!

not 100% sure so dont quote me on this but usually the difference between big and small wheel models is the wheels and the swing-arm length so unless you have a big wheel swingarm it wont work?

[thecharmed01]

So what's the difference between the 150 and the 150R?

[oldguy]

So what's the difference between the 150 and the 150R?

the R is an MX racer, not sure but I think one of the ladys on here had one or was thinking of getting one.

[thecharmed01]

Is there likely to be much difference between the two?

As Mr Google says you can put big wheels onto a small wheel 150R but no one mentions the 150.

[morg_nz]

Is there likely to be much difference between the two?

As Mr Google says you can put big wheels onto a small wheel 150R but no one mentions the 150.

the 150r is an mx racer - with mx suspension, which is a big step up from the 150F which is an entry level trail setup, not at all dissimalar to a drz125 or ttr125 (just bigger engine). the benefit of the 150R is that its (almost) a full size mx bike, with proper suspension so isreally good for building skills but with a much more managable engine than a 2 stroke 125

[thecharmed01]

Thanks morg, that's actually helpful because if there is a substantial size difference between the 150 and 150R that could make it too tall a bike for me to ride as I like to reach the ground....

I might have to try and get some dimensions on both bikes and see if I'm even going to be able to stand over it and reach the ground.
I know I can too easily on the small wheel 150.
So time to do some more research!

Thanks heaps!

[SpikedPunch]

I think I've heard of people putting small wheels on a BW bike (iirc it was on a BW DR-Z 125) so their kids can grow into them, but not the other way around.

[thecharmed01]

Yeah... I'm a shortass though. So I want to go faster.... but still need to reach the ground LOL

[SpikedPunch]

Mate, I'm 5'1" so I feel you on that :) I ended up lowering a full size bike. It's not perfect but I think it's the best I can do - it's all about what feels best for you tho if you feel most comfortable a small size bike.

[vr4king]

The 150R has upside down forks,water cooled,would be more demanding on maintenance alot more power than the non R version

They are very cool little bikes im sure youd get ya leg over a BW one no probs can always cut seat down etc if you couldnt

seen a few ladies on trail rides with them doing very well indeed

[L Rider]

I think most bikes you can lower but quite a bit if you're willing to spend the money to have it done properly.
We've just got a rough quote on lowering a 65 for our son.

[BM-GS]

We have a 150F, but it's not going to take bigger wheels from, say, a 230F - swingarm length and front wheel clearance will be issues. The 2005 & earlier 150Fs use the same basic engine/gearbox as the 230F, so maybe the frame is similar enough to swap swingarm & suspension? You may end up with a short bike that's taller than it was intended, so pitches forwards & backwards excessively. It needs more than my brain to think about that...

The 150F is a fun bike, but the engine is made for useability rather than excitement. Lots of low-down grunt, but not a lot of top-end. Still, I can cock-up the gear selection and still get places, and I'm still faster than my 7y-o, even at 90kg.

[cheese]

How tall are you? My sister has a 150x, and its really much along the same lines as the DRZ125 or the TTR230. Its got a good little motor that is surprisingly grunty, but the suspension is really really shit. The rear is way to hard and the fronts are too soft. You can adjust the rear a bit, but the fronts have no adjustment.

Any of the MX flavour bike have better everything - suspension, brakes, motor - but you pay more to service it.... I'd go for the 150R if you have the money, but be prepared to spend more money on it.

Another way you could go is modding your DRZ? I think that there is a bit of info on thumpertalk on hotting them up a bit.

[morg_nz]

How tall are you? My sister has a 150x, and its really much along the same lines as the DRZ125 or the TTR230. Its got a good little motor that is surprisingly grunty, but the suspension is really really shit. The rear is way to hard and the fronts are too soft. You can adjust the rear a bit, but the fronts have no adjustment.

Any of the MX flavour bike have better everything - suspension, brakes, motor - but you pay more to service it.... I'd go for the 150R if you have the money, but be prepared to spend more money on it.

Another way you could go is modding your DRZ? I think that there is a bit of info on thumpertalk on hotting them up a bit.

my first bike was a drz125 big whee (as an adult i was really just being a pussy!) but i put bbr suspension on it - about $400 from aus, and that improved it a lot, but it still had nothig on my cr125. i am quite short (168cm) and i just have my rear shock down as low as possible and its fine, i can touch the ground easily

[thecharmed01]

I'm only 155cm tall.......

I would love to hot up the DRZ, cause really I do love it.
I just would like a bit more power.... and an elec start would be a bonus, but not essential.
I do need to be able to reach the ground though!

[SpikedPunch]

There is an NZ guy who posts on thumper talk who hotted up a DR-Z for his son's friend (his son was getting boastful about always beating his mate since he was on an 85 2t, and the Dad didn't want him getting cocky...!). Ran in to him at the sandpit one day and recognised the bike, it was pretty darn cool, but an expensive endeavor. Lots of BBR parts imported from the states. He would be the guy to talk to if you wanted to go down that route.
You're facing the same prob all us short chicks have (I'm a cm shorter than you) there's no easy answer really. If you want to stick to the small bikes rather than lowering a big one, what about a kx 85/100? I had an rm100 after my DR-Z125 and despite some mechanical issues (nothing to do with the owner of course *cough*) it was a really good step up and taught me lots about clutch control. As a bonus they're lighter than the DR-Z too.

[random rider]

I'm only 155cm tall.......

I just would like a bit more power.... and an elec start would be a bonus, but not essential.
I do need to be able to reach the ground though!

OK I got measured last week & I am shorter than I wanted to know - approx 163cm.
I have a KX125 as I wanted more power and a bigger bike but the height thing was an issue for me.

I got the seat cut out by an upholsterer so it was done cleanly and looks tidy, and got a modified linkage bolt. Then took to a suspension guy that reset the sag etc for the bike ($20 at an epic event) and that made huge difference. I can touch the ground on one side now and just make sure I stop so the left side is a little higher or my partner waits beside me so I can balance on his bike - just to start it.
The bike is easier to start once warmed up and to be honest I don't notice too much....but I have now gotten used to it.

Have a chat with a local suspension person to find out costs etc as that could be an option. As previous posts said find something that you like and only have to make little changes to.
Is anyone local that you can try their bike out??

[thecharmed01]

I don't know anyone local with a small bike unfortunately.

We have an RM125 here, but it's huge in comparision to my DRZ125....

I've tried standing over a lowered CRF230 and it's still way too tall and I just don't have the confidence for a bike that I can't reach the ground on.
I wish I did as then I would be able to choose from any number of bikes!!!!

Who would be a good port of call in Welly, if I wanted to ask about suspension and lowering - as in costs for different bikes if I was to look at something bigger and actually going through the process of lowering it properly?

I would actually be super keen to have a chat to someone who HAS hotted up a DRZ though, as I have no problem putting money into my bike - I really do like it other than the power thing. It's the perfect height, I can lift it out of awkward situations easily and it runs like a dream! It's an 09, so it's pretty new.
It wouldnt be like pouring money into an old bike - if I do it properly I can hang on to it for a good few years I reckon!
Do you have a contact for him?

Thanks for all the ideas and input. It's quite confusing all the differences when you don't know much about the different brands and bikes!

[morg_nz]

I don't know anyone local with a small bike unfortunately.

We have an RM125 here, but it's huge in comparision to my DRZ125....

I've tried standing over a lowered CRF230 and it's still way too tall and I just don't have the confidence for a bike that I can't reach the ground on.
I wish I did as then I would be able to choose from any number of bikes!!!!

Who would be a good port of call in Welly, if I wanted to ask about suspension and lowering - as in costs for different bikes if I was to look at something bigger and actually going through the process of lowering it properly?

I would actually be super keen to have a chat to someone who HAS hotted up a DRZ though, as I have no problem putting money into my bike - I really do like it other than the power thing. It's the perfect height, I can lift it out of awkward situations easily and it runs like a dream! It's an 09, so it's pretty new.
It wouldnt be like pouring money into an old bike - if I do it properly I can hang on to it for a good few years I reckon!
Do you have a contact for him?

Thanks for all the ideas and input. It's quite confusing all the differences when you don't know much about the different brands and bikes!

why don't you try lowering the rm125 you have as much as you can, and making the rear shock as soft as possible and see how far off comfortable you are - maybe you just need a lowering linkage for the rm? if you could get close to where you would be comfortable height wise on the rm, it wont take much riding for you to get used to it ay

[SpikedPunch]

Do you have a contact for him?


http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=684625&highlight=

This is the guy. I can't remember if he posts on KB or not? Saw him at the sandpit once tho. It would be interesting to see how all the mods (mostly the 190cc big bore kit!) have held up after a couple years of use.

[SpikedPunch]

It's a pretty cool project bike, but for what it achieved I almost wonder if just putting a flywheel weight on a nice rm 85 would land you something similar? I guess it would still be less tractable than the drz though.

[thecharmed01]

I sent him a PM... will see if he replies!

[morg_nz]

It's a pretty cool project bike, but for what it achieved I almost wonder if just putting a flywheel weight on a nice rm 85 would land you something similar? I guess it would still be less tractable than the drz though.

good point with an 85 2t though, that would be a step up in performance and handling from the drz without a massive height change

[Reckless]

We have a 150F for my daughter!
Look imho it really comes down to how well you ride and we cant tell that over the net LOL!! If you ride the DRZ well enough to go to a 2T 85cc go for it but if your not quite ready it will be a struggle mastering the fiery 2T on enduro trails and muddy hill climbs.

Midget200 went down this track and is now on a lowered kdx200 but she can ride quite good.
Sammikins has a drz and went for a ride on my 150f and it was better for her but she is tall enough for a 250f and I think is goin down that route.

So it depends a little on what fits you in an area that is a big hole in the learning chain as far as bikes go. Everything that is good is to tall, everything that fits isn't quite up to it as far as mx suspension etc goes! I dunno why any of the manufacturers haven't clicked on to it but???? I thought KTM may have had it nailed with the 125exc but the thing is 930mm of the ground and they didn't make a small wheel?

OK back to you! My opinion is if your not at the level you are firing yourself up banks at a great rate of pace or clutching the DRZ out of corners and finding it really really slow don't go the 85cc route. Spend a year on a 150F and enjoy the sport and have fun, but you wanna join the girls at the local club and race get the 85cc. So racer=85cc / trail rider=150 or 230F.

Just a few my observations hereunder!

Yes the 150f has farm bike suspension
yes its a bit heavy

But
Not a bad next step if you've out grown a DRZ and arn't tall enough for a KDx or CRF or KX250f. Depends on your skill level.
Rode with a young fella up the Farm on one, he did everything on it we where and at speed on some tricky trails!!
Have you ever been on a Mr moto ride and been clipping along at a really good pace and found when you caught up that person was on a 150F and goin like the clappers!

Look imho it really comes down to how well you ride and we cant tell that over the net LOL!! If you ride the DRZ well enough to go to a 2T 85cc go for it but if your not quite ready it will be a struggle mastering the fiery 2T on enduro trails.

Midget200 went down this track and is now on a lowered kdx200 and she can ride quite good.
Sammikins has a drz and went for a ride on my 150f and it was better for her but she is tall enough for a 250f and I think is goin down that route.

So it depends a little on what fits you in an area that is a big hole in the learning chain as far as bikes go. Everything that is good is to tall, everything that fits isn't quite up to it as far as mx suspension etc goes! I dunno why any of the manufacturers haven't clicked on to it but???? I thought KTM may have had it nailed with the 125exc but the thing is 930mm of the ground and they didn't make a small wheel?

OK back to you! My opinion is if your not at the level you are firing yourself up banks at a great rate of pace or clutching the DRZ out of corners and finding it really really slow don't go the 85cc route. Spend a year on a 150F and enjoy the sport and have fun, but you wanna join the girls at the local club and race get the 85cc. So racer=85cc / trail rider=150 or 230F.
Read this and click on a pic and see the slideshow. They ain't just trail riding on it can you do this stuff yet?? http://www.dirtrider.com/reviews/dirt_bike/141_0605_2006_honda_crf150/index.html


Just a few my observations hereunder!

Yes the 150f has farm bike suspension
yes its a bit heavy

But
Not a bad next step if you've out grown a DRZ
Rode with a young fella up the Farm on one at Xmas ( about14-15ish) he did everything on it we where and at speed on some tricky trails!!
Have you ever been on a Mr moto trail ride and been clipping along at a really good pace and found when you caught up that person in front, he was on a 150F and goin like the clappers!

Its really about the rider and what is your present jumping point

Its really about the rider and what is your present jumping off point.
Im thinking a crf150f or a KLX140 might be good for you for a year but I haven't seen you ride.

My 150 is an 06 and the first year with the electric start make sure you get 06 with electric start or later!
Secondly mine has a 16" rear and I can only slide my fingers between the tyre and the swingarm but I'm pretty sure you'd never fit a 18" rear on it.


Anyway I've written a book again sorry just trying to help???? Ride them see what fits and flicks your switch!

[FROSTY]

Noones tossed the yamaha 150 into the ring.They look pretty darned good to me

[thecharmed01]

Can you give me a link to this 150cc Yamaha? I've googled, and checked out the Yamaha Site and I can't find any mention of one?

My first bike was a TTR so I quite like Yamaha, but curious to know more about a 150cc version!

[morg_nz]

Can you give me a link to this 150cc Yamaha? I've googled, and checked out the Yamaha Site and I can't find any mention of one?

My first bike was a TTR so I quite like Yamaha, but curious to know more about a 150cc version!

i think he's referring to the yz144 - its a 2 stroke 150cc - yamaha started making them a couple of years ago to compete with the ktm 150cc 2 strokes (basically just a 125 with a slightly bigger engine

[morg_nz]

i think he's referring to the yz144 - its a 2 stroke 150cc - yamaha started making them a couple of years ago to compete with the ktm 150cc 2 strokes (basically just a 125 with a slightly bigger engine

and i dont think yamaha sold them new in nz? i may be wrong there though

[thecharmed01]

Ahh, I'm not sure my riding style would support a two stroke yet.... shame, but I think I'd probably spend more time changing fouled plugs than riding LOL

[SpikedPunch]

There's only one way to learn!

[thecharmed01]

hahaha yes, but I don't want to scare myself off either!

I'm rather enjoying riding :bleh:

[SpikedPunch]

You should give that RM125 you've got available a go out on an open paddock or field somewhere. Just get your partner to hold on to it when you're kicking it over, or have some blocks to stand on/stop on. Never know you might like it :bleh: