Just ticked over 40hrs on this bike. I am a slow, fat, vet rider and it's a reliable trustworthy bike for the harescrambles, gp's, and moto practice I use it for. It starts easily, handles great, has plenty of bottom for tight woods, doesn't overheat, and will be in my stable for a few years for sure. Revalved for woods it surely is a great starting point for a bike you can do anything on. No problems what so ever. I'll be changing my fuel filter this week and checking my valves again. (20 hrs no movement since out of the crate). First 2 oil changes were done at 1 and 5 hrs with Honda GN4. Next 2 oil changes were done with Honda HP4 semi syn. Now I've stretched my intervals out to 8 hours on Honda HP4S syn. I really appreciate having seperate engine/trans oil. Straight GN4 in the trans changed every 15ish hours.

Mods:
Cycra CRM handguards
Trailtech hour/revmeter with works connection fuel tank mount
Devol rad guards with braces
Works connection extended coverage skid plate.
CCycle woods revalve for my 245 fluffy frame.

Very nice bike man, glad to hear its been reliable so far. I've managed to put almost 200 hours on my bike with no issues (and a very similar maintenance routine to yours). I have a few friends with 2012 CRFs and they love them.

My 2012 is at 46 hours of mx. What is the fuel filter and what happens if you dont replace it? How much does it cost and is it easy to replace. Im am going to have a mechanic put a new piston in my bike soon.

The fuel filter is a cartridge based filter inside the fuel pump inside the fuel tank. I'll find out the cost soon.

I was really suprised at how good of a woods bike these things are. It took less than 15 minutes in the saddle to decide it was a keeper. So far the mods I've done are for: bike protection (radiator guards and skid plate), body protection/comfort (hand guards, pro taper bars, bar pad, grips), forest protection (spark arrestor), longevity (hour meter, o-ring chain) and a larger fuel tank.

I'm on the fence when it comes to gearing. I'll probably go with a 48 rear to stretch the gearing a bit; the bike seems to have enough torque for it.

The rear rim isn't going to last so something stronger is needed. Any recommendations for rock resistant rims?

I'm with you Dave. I'm always between 2nd/3rd it seems while in the woods up here in the NE.

Nice bike and great choice.  I have about 8 hrs on my 2012 and set it up for enduro/cross country events.  You guys that are racing woods with the 2012, what fork height are you running and what sag are you running?  On my 2012 that I use for single track and woods racing I'm finding with 105mm sag that I'm raising the forks 5mm above the top clamp to try to get it to turn better.  With the new link on the 2012 250r it feels a little chopperish with front end high.

Edited by fazioli, 07 July 2012 - 02:57 AM.

Nominal 100mm sag and forks flush. Stock springs for my 175 pound carcass and intermediate riding skills.

I am with you guys, these are really great woods bikes!   Even bone-stock they are just darned fun out there.  Install some Renthal FatBar RC-high OS handlebars, a WC full-coverage skid plate and some front & side rad guards and it's hammer-time.  I am 225lb so I just run the suspension stock after removing 15cc of outer fork oil from each leg, it's about right for the tighter woods for me, but for MX it's waaaay too soft as-is.

Edited by Ed2006CRF450R, 07 July 2012 - 08:46 AM.

5 mils up and 105mm here. But my suspension was redone because I'm a fatass.

johnny6speed, on 07 July 2012 - 01:50 PM, said:

your sig shows getting rid of your 09 yz450f so how do you like the 2012 crf250 in comparison pros and cons??? im thinking of doing the same....

I had 2008 YZ450F and generally liked the bike, but it was too much in tight woods. Too much power and too much weight up high made for tiring riding in tough terrain. It was a blast to ride in open, flowing trails.
- 250 Pros
EFI (won't own another carbed bike)
Lighter overall and lower center of gravity
Pretty quiet
Better handlng
Basic maintenance very easy
Separate function oil sumps
- 250 Cons
Overall ownership cost (top ends mostly)
Less power

DaveCR, on 08 July 2012 - 02:56 PM, said:

This exactly! EFI 2504ts have plenty of power for the woods especially mx versions.