2007 Christini CRF250X AWD #2 - Long-Term Testing

2007 Christini CRF250X AWD #2
We've been busy with our Christini Long Haul bike-getting more familiar with its unique front-wheel-drive system as well as modding the Honda engine to maximize the drive's advantage. Anyone familiar with Honda's 250X knows a bit more chug is a great thing, especially when you have all the traction you can get to back it up.

Right after our last update (May '08 issue), a Rekluse z-Start Pro auto clutch went in the bike along with an L.A. Sleeve 270 big-bore kit. To help add more oomph, we also installed a JDJetting kit. The JD needle and kit-selected Keihin jets helped feed the slightly larger-bore cylinder, but as it has been typical for the big-bore motors we've built, the main jet we were happiest with was actually leaner than what we'd be running with standard displacement. And when you use a specific jetting kit, follow the exact directions about the opening of the airbox. We didn't in the beginning and had to resort to riding with the airbox door open when at altitude. This is doubly critical on a bike with the auto clutch since it needs perfect carburetion for the clutch to do its thing at lower rpm without stalling. After some tuning, we have our jetting perfect, and combined with all-wheel-drive, the Christini is a veritable mountain goat that's brainless to ride.

Somehow a Baja Designs stator found its way from another DR bike into the Christini just as the all-new Trail Tech Eclipse X2 headlight arrived at our office. The bike will run the light just fine under normal riding speeds and will last for about two hours in super-tight (first- and second-gear) stuff before the battery becomes weak, making a kickstart necessary.

Another interesting aspect of the bike is how it works with a front flat. Either in the name of testing or laziness, Jimmy rode a solid 20 miles with a front flat. This revealed another advantage to the AWD-the bike works a lot better than a standard ride without air in the front tire because the wheel is pulling, not just being pushed. The dreaded front end washout can be corrected by twisting the throttle. Power would reach the front and the wallowing rubber would hook up.

But it's not all fun and games. We had another issue with the front hub's sprag bearings. They were replaced for free (under warranty) by Christini with a more durable, upgraded part that now comes standard. We also replaced all three front-wheel-drive chains. One of the small chains in the bottom triple clamp developed a kink that was making the wheel pull slightly to one side when under power. Both triple clamp chains were replaced at about 50 hours. The countershaft-to-top gearbox chain stretched from use and was replaced at around 55 hours. And a minor issue arose when a spline drive shaft cap came off. The transmission oil was changed once, the engine oil twice, the bike needed a new fuse in the starter circuit and fresh Kenda tires were spooned on front and rear.

We're having a blast, so watch for more updates. We hope you like reading them, because we love riding this bike.

Running Tally
Hours on Bike: 75.2
Modifications: $1854.40
Maintenance and Repairs: $203.24 (not including tires)
L.A. Sleeve big-bore 270 kit with gaskets: $699.50
JDJetting kit: $75.95
JDJetting 150 main jet: free upgrade
Rekluse z-Start Pro auto clutch: $629
Trail Tech X2 Eclipse HID light: $299.95
Baja Designs rewound stator: $150
Honda stock clutch fiber plates ($8.83x8): $70.64
Main drive chain: $35
Triple clamp drive chains: $20 per set
Top cap bolt/nut: $10
Bridgestone heavy-duty tube: $26.95
2 oil changes
Silkolene Pro 4 SX 10W-40: $13.55 per liter
1 transmission oil change
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