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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.
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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 Yamaha every time. On the other hand, the Yamaha makes more torque, which makes it easier to do wheelies—bonus 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.
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