Two 230s

TWO 230s

Not just for newbies: Honda CRF23O vs. Yamaha TT-R2

RYAN DUDEK

PLAYBIKES ARE USUALLY SUMMED UP IN ONE word: fun. That one-word description is fine if you can get away with it, but we magazine-types can't make a living using only one word to describe a bike. So, what can WelSy about playbikes? Does fun mean that they’re not suitable for serious evaluation? Heck no! We live to ride, and we demand to find the best bike in any class, including playbikes. Any complaints?

Depending on the year, playbikes are often the best-selling single model in a manufacturer’s lineup.

The playbike market grew again this year and so did the smiles on our faces with the introduction of Yamaha’s TT-R230. High-placed rumors of the new blue “midibike” flew from insiders to industry buffs, spreading like wildfire. Cycle World smelled smoke and thought it would be a good idea to get a closer look. That way, we could put a stop to some of the rumors by dishing out a lot of facts. At least that was our excuse for conducting this playbike comparison!

With minimal changes in the category this year, a small shootout for small bikes was in order. The threeyear-veteran Honda CRF230 was without a doubt the standard for this test. By standard, we mean that if there were no CRF there would be no TT-R, meaning no fun comparison for us.

JEFF ALLEN

CW RIDING IMPRESSION

When the two bikes arrived at CW, they looked like identical twins. The more we examined the Yamaha, the more similarities to the Honda we found. Wheelbase, weight, seat height, wheels, tires...was there even a difference? Yes: One was red, the other blue! In order to find the differences, we had to get out the magnifying glass.

Looking closer, we uncovered a few dissimilarities. The engines are both 223cc, air-cooled, sohc, two-valve, sixspeeds. Bore and stroke are not the same, however, as the Yamaha measures 70.0 x 58.0mm while the Honda runs 65.5 x 66.2mm. The carburetors are also unique, the TT-R using a 34mm Mikuni while the CRF makes do with a 26mm Keihin. The fuel that comes to the carbs originates from tanks that are only . 1 -gallon different in size, the tank on the Honda being larger at 2.2 gallons.

Now that we knew we weren’t dealing with two versions of the same bike, we could get down to business. Or at least as much business as playbikes could handle. We put every type of rider on these machines, from experts to first-timers, males and females alike. To make sure each bike was doing what it was designed to do, we told our testers to ride hard, and ride fun.

A good place to start when comparing bikes is with their riding positions, never mind that that’s a very personal category. The Honda has a more compact feel that’s better for smaller riders, while the Yamaha has a more open feel, and is thus more comfortable for larger riders. Both bikes are easily adaptable, however, so that tall riders have no problem fitting on the Honda and smaller riders can easily handle the Yamaha.

The two bikes’ steering is similarly adaptable. When it comes to turning and control, each has its own personality. Riders need to beware of sandwashes on the TT-R, however, because the bike gets a little darty-not exactly a confidence booster for newbies. Actually, the Yamaha even made more experienced riders feel like they hadn’t ridden in years! The Honda was also a tad unstable in the sand, but not nearly as bad as the Yamaha. Stick to firmer terra and they both maneuver with ease.

HONDA CRF230

$3599

When it comes to suspension, both brands stick to their familiar components, Honda with Showa and Yamaha with Kayaba. The Honda features a 37mm fork with 9.5 inches of travel compared to the Yamaha’s 36mm fork with 9.4 inches of travel. As for the rear, the two bikes each feature a single shock with spring-preload adjustability, the Honda having 9 inches of travel and the Yamaha 8.7 inches. Handling characteristics of the two are somewhat similar, though.

The Honda feels like it’s sprung stiffer, making it good for heavier or more aggressive riders. On the other hand, the Yamaha’s suspension is smooth and soft, better for small bump absorption and lighter riders. It’s more what you need for a beginner, which is exactly who the bike was designed for. Yes, it’s ironic that the softer Yamaha fits larger riders while the stiffer Honda is more comfy for vertically challenged pilots, but that was the consensus among our testers.

Don’t plan on taking either of these bikes to the sand drags, because when it comes to power, they don’t have

much. Remember, these are playbikes, and so their power matches their chassis just right. As for which one is better, the Honda has a little more juice, edging out the

Yanaha every time. On the other hand, the Yamaha makes more torque, which makes it easier to do wheeliesbonus points if that’s your Stupid Human Trick. In the end, both engines are extremely usable and easy to control, offering nice, smooth, mellow power. Both bikes can chug up hills or blaze down dirt roads, and will probably run forever.

Both 230s are great all-around playbikes-there truly is no loser here. For growing kids, they’re the perfect ’tweeners, bridging the gap between minibikes and full-size dirtbikes. For shorter adults or taller beginners, they’re great learning tools that won’t be too small or too tame after a few months of riding. Oh, you might want to invest in better handlebars, though: Both bikes come with cheap steel bars that bend whenever cousin Larry can’t keep it on two wheels...

So, while Larry was picking up one of the 230s after yet another spill, we were picking a winner. Not an easy task with two so well-matched bikes, but hats off to Big Red because the CRF230 just shined that little bit brighter. The Honda was easier to ride for first-timers while still offering a strong engine and suspension package for more experienced riders. A close call, but it was the most fun. □

YAMAHA

TT-230R

$3299