Tutoro ChainOiler

There is no centre stand on the CRF and I don’t want to add one because of the extra weight. Also, they are not generally available (as far as I can tell) which makes the decision easier. Oiling the chain manually was a faff, so after asking on an internet forum, the Tutoro chainoiler came highly recommended. It is motion activated, so no electrics or vacuum to set up. Only problem was where to mount it as there is not much available space on the bike. The solution? I mounted it inside the lockable panel housing the tool kit. Perfect fit; almost like it was made to measure! I was unreasonably proud of myself as I’m not great at this sort of stuff and there is usually more swearing than success. Drilled a hole in the tool box panel to route the oil tube through and down to the rear sprocket. It needs tidying up a bit around the foot peg, but overall it’s pretty successful. I even properly cleaned the chain before fitting the oiler.    So, Tutoro chainoiler for the CRF250 Rally: success!          

 

 Soundtrack: "Motorcycle Emptiness" - Manic Street Preachers

Wish list / potential mods.

Done:

Front and rear shocks.

Saddle.

Chainoiler.

Rear rack.

Handlebars, grips and hand guards.

6 litre Camel tank

Engine crash bars.

To do:

Radiator guard..........maybe??

https://srcthailand.com/product_detail.php?product_id=%20%20212

Auxiliary power supply. Yes. SRC switch board? 

https://srcthailand.com/product_detail.php?product_id=%20%20315

Headlight guard. Probably not.

https://srcthailand.com/product_detail.php?product_id=%20%2057

Auxillary lights. Probably not; uhmm maybe?? Or upgraded LED bulbs?.

Tail tidy. Maybe.

http://www.drcproducts.com/elect/d45-18/index_crfl.html

Aftermarket exhaust. Probably not.

13 tooth front sprocket. Don’t know enough about it. Needs research.

Bigger footpegs. Unsure.

Side stand camel toe. Unsure.

https://srcthailand.com/product_detail.php?product_id=%20%2060

Upgraded clutch. Heard a few reports that the clutch is a potential weak point on the bike. Needs more research, but if the big trip happens; I may need to upgrade the clutch. 

CBR 300 (CBR 250R??) clutch fits and is "better" than stock?? Upgrade to heavy duty springs and remove judder spring?? EBC CK1313 clutch plates. EBC CSK188 HD clutch springs. OR Barnett heavy duty springs (For CBR 300R). Gasket.

Honda engine cover gasket (11394-KYJ-900)

Honda engine cover gasket (11394-KYJ-900)

Rotopax fuel container. If the extended trip ever materialises, might need extra fuel capacity. 

https://rotopax.com/1-gallon-gasoline.html?category_id=28

**Above items will be deleted if/when done.**

HyperPro shocks and Seat Concepts saddle.

Seat Concepts saddle

The stock saddle on the CRF isn’t great, though not as bad as some of the reviews I read suggested. As the intended use is for a, as yet, hypothetical long trip, I decided to upgrade it anyway. Seat concepts “Tall comfort” was ordered via a UK importer. When it arrived, it didn’t fit properly: the mounting holes didn’t quite line up to the frame bolts. So, some filing and sanding of the plastic mount holes in the seat and much swearing later, the seat was on and looking great. 

Time for a test ride. I’m not sure what I was expecting; plush armchair comfort? A fluffy duvet perhaps? Well, the new seat was “fine”; certainly better than stock, but the difference was underwhelming considering the price of the thing. It is wider than stock and is nice and grippy, so it’s staying on.
 

Hyperpro shock

The next mod made a much more significant change to the ride, a huge difference in fact. Stock suspension is very soft, especially for anyone bigger than a hobbit. A Hyperpro emulsion rear shock (with the spring rated to take myself as well as luggage) and a progressive front spring kit were ordered (after chopping off the necessary limbs to pay for them.......ouch!). Only one of the front forks has a spring in it, who knew? Well, the supplier did for one, patiently explaining to me why they only sent one spring when I asked where the missing one was. Whoops!

Now fitted, it is a new bike: more agile, responsive and predictable. A much more enjoyable ride all round, almost worth the loss of the arm and leg!

Soundtrack: “Shock Treatment” - Pallas

The Bike

In 2018 I took the decision  to invest in a Honda CRF250 Rally. After having had it for a couple of years now and provoked by the tedium induced by the Covid-19 lockdown; my thoughts have turned to making the CRF into a RTW ready machine, just in case I am ever in the position to head off into the sunset before the world goes into an inevitable meltdown. Again.

I was very keen on the new Yamaha T7; but got tired of waiting and was seduced by the light side. I'm keeping the XT660 Tenere (currently reduced to commuting duties, oh the ignominy!! But I couldn't part with such a reliable old friend!) and the T7 may make an appearance in the future, but for now, Honda has prevailed.

So, why the move to a smaller bike in the age of ever increasing CCs and complex electrickery? Well, inspiration came through the exploits of people like Nathan Millward and Ed March (among countless others); both of whom completed big trips on small machines. If speed isn't your #1 criteria, then smaller bikes offer more versatility. Cheaper to buy, run, carnet and ship; lighter, better fuel economy etc,etc. The list goes on.

While not quite ready to go for something as small as a C90 (Ed March) or a 105cc Aussie postal bike (Nathan Millward), the CRF seemed like a reasonable compromise in terms of size. It was a keeper from the moment I bought it; enormous fun to ride, with a huge grin factor. Sure, it isn't for everyone, but I love it. I am sure you could just jump on and ride off as it comes out the factory, but tinkering with and modding the steed is all part of the fun, right?

NB: all mods MUST have a significant, tangible benefit. Keeping the extra weight to a minimum and no bling for blings sake!

So brace yourselves for increasingly tedious posts about what I do to personalize my new(ish) toy.

Soundtrack: "Blog maggot" - Sleaford Mods