Okay, It's Time To Tell The Ugly Truth

[Richard-BKK]

Sure I have a picture, actual I can understand your search was not working, it is a Japanese model and searching in English would not help that much.

Actual the specifications are not far from the USA version CRF230M, price would likely be less then the Kawasaki D-Tracker.

Is a Honda the better bike if we compare it to the Kawasaki? Probably not, still if the price is right people will buy them...

With the retro-bike I was thinking of the Honda CB223S which is a classic looking sportster-bike...

Some other models Honda is preparing to produce in Thailand would be tricky, personally I not think Thai people go for a Retro, but the XR223 Motard would be a winner if the price was right.

I also saw the 233 retro and thought, kinda cool, but would Thais have a sense of nostalgia that a retro design needs for it to sell ?? Or would it just look 'old' ??

Do you have images of the XR 233 motard ?? I did a quick google and found nothing.

I think that Richard may be talking about the CRF230M (a Motard version of the CRF230L). Not my cup of tea due to it being a thumper and a low HP motor (as in a measured 14.3 HP-that's the L model but same-same engine). Motorcyclist did a report on it last month but as I remember they weren't impressed too much with it. Gets really good milage though.

Edited September 26, 2009 by Richard-BKK

[LivinLOS]

Actual the specifications are not far from the USA version CRF230M, price would likely be less then the Kawasaki D-Tracker.

Is a Honda the better bike if we compare it to the Kawasaki? Probably not, still if the price is right people will buy them...

Whats a guestimate on hp out of a d-tracker.. Cos I could really see the appeal of a d-tracker if it just had more punch.. I mean I dont expect 40 plus hp like some 2 stroker but it just doesnt seem to spool up well and lacks the top end and pull I would have thought quite achievable out of a 250 4 stroker. I shoudl say tho I have only ever ridden one with the restrictor in, never a ECU modified one.

I am guessing the d-tracker is probably under 20hp ??

Has anyone seen much stuff done to really change the power ?? Bores, cams, pipes etc.. I have seen the bike porn type pics but curious if anyone on heres done any work on them and how it changed the bike.

[Richard-BKK]

The Kawasaki KLX300R uses the same engine, and therefore the cylinder assembly can be used on a KLX250 or D-Tracker 250. The Kawasaki KLX300R was once sold in Thailand so parts should not be difficult to find.

A problem can be the fueling, the KLX300R was a carburetor model, and I have no idea if the fuel-injection of the 250cc will compensate for the extra 50cc... (without doubt you still need a ECU without restrictions, otherwise you lose performance instead of gaining performance)

Edited September 27, 2009 by Richard-BKK