Watch the Winners
2007 Christini CRF250X - Long Haul Wrap Up
Long-Term Testing
By Jimmy Lewis
(lifted from Dirtrider.com)
All-Wheel Drive technology on motorcycles is in a very funny place.
It works. It has many advantages and only a few disadvantages. From
our point of view it helps novice riders so much they don't even
know it, and in the hands of experts who understand how to take
advantage of the system, it is an incredible tool. And the Christini
system is very durable, as we have now proven. But it has yet to
grow into fashion. There could be the issues with the costs being
high, the reluctance of any current motorcycle manufacturers to
adopt the technology on a production bike or the hesitation of
riders to wade into new territory. But maybe with a Dirt Rider stamp
of approval, things will get rolling with both wheels. It is easy to
say that we really like AWD motorcycles.
Our Long Haul Christini, built on a Honda CRF250X platform, has been
one of our super-fun machines, thrashed and trashed the whole time
we've had it. Just like anyone who's finally had the chance to drive
a four-wheel-drive truck for the first time, you have to go and see
what those extra driving wheels will do when you put the vehicle to
the test. Same thing on the two-wheel-drive Christini. Just about
every rider went out and tried to climb that hill they couldn't
(which is kind of funny, this is where the AWD is the least
effective and can be the most annoying), tried to get it stuck in
the mud, and attempted log and boulder crossings they never would
have on their own bike (and the lower framerails prove it). Riders
did 24-hour races (more than one). Attempted EnduroCross. Competed
in beach races. Trail rode the snot out of the bike and even raced
it around motocross tracks. So much in fact that we lost track of
the hours on our bike-it went through four different hour meters and
surpassed the life of one computer hard drive that was keeping track
of all the information.
Though not without a few hiccups, the AWD system outlasted all of
those things and is still spinning strong, we know because we
checked. All of the minor bearing and chain issues we had with the
bike in its early life were, in fact, parts that have since been
superseded by better ones. This particular bike was one of the very
first to roll off the assembly line back in April of 2007, so these
teething problems would be expected on such a specialized,
low-volume piece of equipment. The longer we rode the bike the fewer
and fewer issues we had with the AWD parts, so much so we expect to
be able to put another 250 hours on the bike with only minor
maintenance since the last rebuild. Hopefully the rest of the bike
can keep up with the front end.
In this final rebuild we replaced the two chains in the lower triple
clamp, the counter shaft sprocket, and the main AWD drive chain-a
lot of the reason being just because it was disassembled, and
preventative maintenance is cheap. Total cost for these items was
$70.
One nice thing about this bike has been that even when we have had
an issue with the AWD system, it has never left us stranded. One
time, the bearing in the front wheel went out and the bike started
pulling to one side harder. We just disengaged the drive, which we
do all the time when we don't want or need the AWD. Just flip the
handlebar-mounted lever and keep riding. Another time, the chain
running off the countershaft became too worn on a long ride. We just
removed it and the whole front-end drive system disconnects and acts
like a normal bike, albeit a little heavier: one of the common
complaints of the system. The other issue for some riders is the
heavier feeling steering and the steering damper-like feeling when
you are spinning the rear wheel, often causing the front end to
fight for additional traction. The torque steer affect is minimal
considering what you are asking the system to do. That is the genius
of the Christini patents.
Since the last time we wrote about the bike we have made a few
helpful upgrades. First was the addition of a TM Designworks disc
guard, since the stocker was MIA. We should have replaced the chain
guide at the same time as a preventative measure since we are always
bending the stock one back into place. A Leo Vince stainless X3
enduro exhaust system (no longer available, you'll have to go
Titanium!) made its way onto the bike off another DR project bike
and it really complemented the LA Sleeve 270cc big bore kit that we
have been running. Since we have the Rekluse Z-Start Pro clutch
installed, all the extra torque is beneficial since the bike hooks
up better than anything and little power is wasted in wheelspin. As
a whole the combination really makes the bike feel slow because
without spinning (clutch or wheels) and with a good load on the
motor all the time, the CRF just does not rev up as quickly as most
riders are used to. Turn off the AWD lever and then it gets spunky
again. To extend our fun we threw on a Trail Tech Eclipse headlight
and rewound stator. Now we can get practically anywhere, anytime.
The Honda CRF end of the bike
has been holding up its side of the deal as well. We have been
really good about oil changes with Silkolene Pro 4 SX in the engine
and Comp gear oil in the transmission. We also scavenged a
Moto Rods Super Cooler, purchased at Bettencourt's, which is a
larger radiator with a built-in oil cooler, from yet another project
bike to boost cooling capacity and help keep the oil temps down, and
it seemed to do the trick-so much so that the valves are in spec and
have never needed adjustment!
One last mod that put some
spring back into the ride was a full rebuild of the fork and shock
from Factory Connection. Even with limited experience working with
AWD bikes, they took some suggestions from us and sent back an
insanely good setting that is more compliant than the standard CRF
setup and works better in the rougher stuff with minimal bottoming.
It was especially noticeable in the front end when it was under a
heavy braking load. And speaking of braking, one of the things an
AWD bike does is not allow the front end to lock up since it's being
pushed. So, if you don't lock up the rear, the front brake needs to
be really strong, hence we installed a Galfer Tsunami 270mm
oversized brake kit to help fight brake push and give better overall
brake power without losing control. It was a noticeable change.
We've tried a lot of tires and the Christini cares less about
different rubber than any other bike, really. Wear on the front is
not that much more rapid.
In the end we have been nothing but impressed with the Christini in
our time with it and have made it into one of our ultimate hard-core
trailriding machines. The future looks bright for Christini as there
may be a limited production run, from a well known company, in the
2011 model year. This will bring the cost of a brand-new Christini
AWD motorcycle, where systems are currently fitted to a KTM 300
two-stroke or a 450cc four-stroke, from about $12,500 closer to the
$11,000 range. And for having the only AWD bike in your riding
group, that is almost priceless.
Running Tally
Hours on Bike: 220-250
Modifications Total: $3802.35
Maintenance and Repairs Total: $354.54 (not including tires)
TM Designworks rear disc protector $79.95
Moto Rods Super Cooler $799.00
Leo Vince Stainless X3 System (Titanium) $699.00
Galfer Tsunami 270mm oversized brake kit $370.00
Silkolene Pro 4 SX 10W-40: $13.55 per liter
Silkolene Comp gear oil 10W-40: $13.55 per liter
Kenda Millville K771 80/100-21 front tire: $57.95
Kenda Millville K771 110/100-18 rear tire: $70.95
