We've had a 2002 XR200R in the stable for some time now and have really enjoyed having it around. My first off road bike (as an adult) was a DR650 which was an aweful bike to learn to off road on. We added the XR200 for my son, but I ended learning how to off road on it as well and was able to carry those skills over to the DR6550. Since then we have used that bike to introduce at least a dozen other people to riding. It's the kind of bike that is super easy to ride but somehow stays fun. The most recent person to be introduced to off roading was my wife. She loved how easy it was to ride and how comfortable it was and we both started thinking how cool it would be to get it on the street. Intro the CRF230L We ended up getting the new CRF230L and thus far it's everything we'd hoped it would be. It shares the same feel as the XR200 in that it has similar dimensions. Suspension is soft making for a plush ride (not to be pushed too hard of course). The brakes are night and day better on the CRF than the XR (Disks front and rear, the CRF230F has drums in the rear) It's a bit more powerful than the 200 but it's also significantly heavier as one would expect. Most importantly though, it's just as easy to ride. Near effortless. It's got a real headlight, a helmet lock, a small (very) toolkit and even passenger footpegs. Looking at the two side by side and there are clear similarities. Many of the engine components look identicle and the frames look similar. If Honda was trying to keep what was likeable about the XR's in their CRF line I think they've nailed it, and it if turns out to be as reliable than I'll have no complaints. The CRF230L could stand to lose a few pounds but all in all I like it.
The CRF230 is basically an XR200R (from way back in 1981 when I had one) with a stroked motor and electric start. The would have to be one of the best little bikes on the market with the perfect gear spread. I know you will be able to enjoy both those bikes for as long as you will ever need. Well done on such a fine choice