What’s better than having one badass dirt bike? Having two completely different ones in the garage.
I’ve been riding my Honda CRF250RX (2019) for five seasons now, and my GASGAS EX300 (2023) for three. These two machines are wildly different, but both have taught me a lot—about riding, about fixing my own sh*t, and about riding how I mean it, no matter what I am on. And truth be told, they’ve each frustrated me just enough to push my mechanical limits, too.
Let’s start with the Honda.
Honda CRF250RX (2019)—Been through MANY PHASES… Call it My “Wild Auntie” Project
The CRF was my first “real” enduro bike. Coming from a motocross-style background, I was pumped to own a four-stroke that could keep up with trail days around Pemberton. And, honestly? On track days and in backyard endurocross sessions, it blew me away. From log hops to 60 ft jumps, that bike could handle it all. It’s also the perfect machine to hit the MX track in the morning and the trails in the afternoon. With just a few clicks of the suspension, it always felt as if it could do it all.
But the local terrain here is slow, steep, technical and HOT. That’s where things got spicy.
The CRF struggled to keep its cool. Literally. I added an aftermarket fan to help out, but instead of saving me, it fried the electrical system multiple times. I went through stators more than once, and the battery constantly drained. With no kickstart backup, you can imagine how fun it was to stall 50 km into the subalpine bush.
Eventually, the electrical harness became a nightmare I’m still kind of dealing with. But despite all that, I love this bike. I had to learn how to be a bush mechanic, and it earned its place in my story. Right now, it’s in rebuild mode. It’s getting a second life—either as a desert-ready rally machine or a full-blown Sarah Lezito-style supermoto. Either way, Auntie Jessy.P ain’t done yet.
🛠 Current setup(s)… she needs a lot of love still (don’t judge, haha):
- I have that badass “Skull n’ Bones” look inspired by Leatt’s branding in 2021. Matte Black, with Yellow and Pink accents, just to remind everyone that the Poire. IS a Lady! 😉
- On special occasions, I put on these graphics inspired by Ronnie Mac 69 that matches her alter ego: “The Canadian Eagle.” —“French as F*ck” decal across the swingarm.
- Front fender, chopped with a jigsaw to crown it all “ALLA RONNIE MAC” (check it out here!).
- Different Kutvek Custom grippy seat covers to match whatever she’s dressed with! 😉
Skid plate & rad guards from Emperor Racing (brutal to install but worth it) - Magura hydraulic clutch (*leaking since purchased brand new); not impressed.
- Cycra Handguards.
- Enduro Engineering disc guards.
- Both tires are in dire need to be changed on this one right now.
GASGAS EX 300 (2023) — Thriving in the Mountains, Depending on its Mood
In 2023, I was juggling CRF electrical issues when I walked into one of my dealers (as a Kimpex sales representative). There, I saw a GASGAS EX300 on sale for $3K off list price. I didn’t go in to buy a bike at all that day. I wasn’t even sure what model I wanted or if I actually was going to get a new bike yet. But I signed the papers right then and there. This two-stroke beast has been my summit seeker ever since.
When it works, it RIPS! Light and playful with a buttery-smooth power delivery, a super responsive clutching, and geometry that just hops and climbs. It grips like crazy and feels born for hard enduro mixed with enduro-cross pace. That thing is POWERFUL! Fifth gear fully pinned is just where I like it; on the edge of scary. Going WAY TOO FAST FOR a MOUSSE! 😛
But it’s also cursed with the infamous 2023 TPI gremlins. Bogging. Faulty Sensors, Limp Mode. Mystery issues every 15–20 hours. It’s not what you want from a brand new bike, but I’ve learned to carry tools, spare parts, and a whole lot of patience with the CRF. So, no sweat here. I am also not a fan of the stock WP air suspension; it required too much fiddling for my own liking.
🛠 Current setup:
- Enduro Engineering: handguards, skid plate, linkage & radiator guards, disc guards, exhaust pipe armour.
- Osiris handlebar by Astra Off-Road: less arm pump, better posture, longer endurance.
- Zeta footpegs: underrated mod—solid grip, better control, complete game changer in squeezing the bike.
- Poire.co Galactic “Punk/Rock party” graphic kit with flames, sparkles, and everything in between, paired with a custom, brown leather seat cover: style matters when you’re shredding. Look good, Feel good, Ride Good. —Already gathering ideas for next year’s look (check it out here)!
- Mitas gummy tires with MotoZ mousses—front and rear for ultimate traction and no flat tires.
- The GASGAS makes me feel as if I can do anything. And when it’s dialled, I usually can. 😉 Keeping up with the boys hasn’t been an issue with this thing so far! Sometimes, they find me “too close” to their rear tires even! 😉
The Next Chapter—Rebuilding, Repurposing, and Dreaming Big
While the GASGAS is my go-to summit chaser and somewhat dialled for now, thanks to the ToolBox Workshop and Gear7 Motorsports. The CRF is on her way to a second life. I’m deep into planning the new build, and I want it to scream “Bad Attitude”. Whether it will become a supermoto or a “Desert Machine”, I’m thinking “SARAH LEZITO INSPO”:
- Pearl white base;
- Chrome holographic overlays with simple black details;
- Subtle sparkle for those golden-hour wheelies.
I’m also nerding out on:
- Sprocket size for torque + speed balance;
- Best 250 4T tire combos for dual sport;
- Headlight setups;
- Clutch upgrades, new plastics, handlebars… all the works!
If you’ve done a CRF250RX road conversion for supermoto or built a desert rally rig, slide into my DMs. I’m here for the tips.
These two bikes represent my two riding personalities:
- The GASGAS: wild, raw, mountain-chasing chaos.
- The CRF: a gritty survivor, ready for a glow-up.
They’ve taught me more than just how to ride. They’ve shown me how to trust myself, how to fix what breaks, and how to own my story.
You can follow the whole chaos here:
👉 @jessy.p_unleashed
👉 @poire.wraps
Let’s ride, break, rebuild, and send it—however we damn well please.
