Who rides motorcycles?

[scootr]

There is a way to import GPX maps (not sure of that is the right letters) from a PC to the Garmin. But I haven't tried that. I simply selected 2 points then made 'shaping' changes and then added a 3rd point, shaping again, then a 4th point, shaping etc. until the new route was complete on the Garmin itself. I will try this route today. Garmin has a few phone apps (some suggest TREAD is the best one) that they want you to use for creating routes. Honestly I could drive there as fast as I could create a map to go there so far. There is definitely a learning curve

 

[3930dave]

There is a way to import GPX maps (not sure of that is the right letters) from a PC to the Garmin. But I haven't tried that. I simply selected 2 points then made 'shaping' changes and then added a 3rd point, shaping again, then a 4th point, shaping etc. until the new route was complete on the Garmin itself. I will try this route today. Garmin has a few phone apps (some suggest TREAD is the best one) that they want you to use for creating routes. Honestly I could drive there as fast as I could create a map to go there so far. There is definitely a learning curve

Agreed, learning curve w. any new device ! Just needs more playtime....

I suspect ^ you are referring to the Steps to Transfer GPX. Tribe here may be able to answer if you are stuck; if not, folks on adv will.

GPS Tracks - West & PNW

You may be on there already. Lots of tracks posted. No $ needed to hangout, last I knew.

Rgds, D.

 

[scootr]

January riding in southern CA today at 63º

 

[scootr]

Offered the XT250 for sale today. Cool little bike. Here's a picture I found

 

[deserteagle71]

January riding in southern CA today at 63º

So what's your first impression of the Honda...power, handling, etc. - compared to the XT250?

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

So what's your first impression of the Honda...power, handling, etc. - compared to the XT250?

Yes, how much better is it? It has many years of technology in it compared to the venerable XT250.

Is the seat height much higher? Is the higher seat height worth it?

I'm wondering about the long term dependability. I know the XT is rock solid, and all the high powered 450's require much more frequent maintenance including parts.

 

[scootr]

Well, the CRF300L Rally is supposed to be the unicorn of lightweight DS bikes. The seat is higher. It weighs a little more. And rides like a bigger more refined bike even though they run the same size tires... CRF has more hp and 6th gear. That being said, the 5 spd XT250 is good to go right out of the box. XT just needed a skid, plate handguards, stuff like that. The CRF needed that and more. The CRF power increase is hampered by added weight, gearing is about the same as the XT with 6th gear being OD. So an aftermarket ECU was sourced that boosted power. That was a relatively inexpensive PnP upgrade. I fiddled around with increasing the airbox intake and reducing backpressure. I'm happy with the way it pulls dirt hills in 3rd gear now (XT would be in 2nd) and it can accelerate in 6th even up moderate inclines. I feel like the power issue was easily sorted.
The CRF suspension was really soft. I weigh 200 pounds with full gear and supplies. I upgraded the rear suspension which as a side effect reduced the seat sag and thus the reach to the ground. I'm 6ft and I flatfoot it but somebody 5'8 might have trouble with the way it sits now but don't worry there is a lowering kit for vertically challenged peeps.
If you ride moderately you could enjoy the soft ride. It can bottom out if you are hitting vertical changes at speed, hence the up grade... plus I like modding the bikes almost as much as riding them.
Side by side the CRF is taller, heavier, harder to work on. It has a gas gauge! It's water cooled. It's more capable and comfortable at 60 mph however the XT still has a lot going for it.

 

[FullMetalBucket]

I can say that the crf300 is a way different animal engine wise than the crf250 I previously owned. The crf250 version was a dog. I think I could out run it on foot. I live in a hilly area and it was painful on the 250 and the reason I sold it. I liked everything else about it, even with the slightly soft suspension. I don’t know what they did to the 300 but I’m not having the same issues. Feels way more torquey and I don’t have a problem keeping up with traffic. Not going to win any races against a street bike but it’s not built for that.

 

[scootr]

Try the 550 Performance ECU for your 300L. I got the lowly 87 octane stage 1 and I can tell the difference in power.

 

[scootr]

I can say that the crf300 is a way different animal engine wise than the crf250 I previously owned. The crf250 version was a dog. I think I could out run it on foot. I live in a hilly area and it was painful on the 250 and the reason I sold it. I liked everything else about it, even with the slightly soft suspension. I don’t know what they did to the 300 but I’m not having the same issues. Feels way more torquey and I don’t have a problem keeping up with traffic. Not going to win any races against a street bike but it’s not built for that.

Additionally consider putting a bigger rear sprocket on it too if you do ride mostly hills and can sacrifice a few mph top speed. On the XT I went 1 tooth smaller on the front so the engine could have a small advantage over the tire but knowing a little more now I'm putting a couple of extra teeth on the rear of CRF to do the same without potentially increasing chain wear.