Thinking About a Change
- Thread starter Rick
- Start date
roostafish
Gold Level Site Supporter
Rick, I don't think you can go wrong with a YZ 125 with the aluminum frame. Great machine in every aspect. I'll sell you one with a few extras from 2006 for $1500 if you want it.
Personally, I think I'd like to see you hunt down a Gas Gas EC 250F though. I think you'd go faster on it and you would have both a Yamaha and a Gas Gas at the same time. If I could have bought a 2013 model, that is what I would be riding today. But alas, we wait. In all, so far, with 3 whopping hours on my new bike, I cannot fault my new KTM 350 XC-F. White plastic to come, with Gas Gas Graphics. Why not?
Personally, I think I'd like to see you hunt down a Gas Gas EC 250F though. I think you'd go faster on it and you would have both a Yamaha and a Gas Gas at the same time. If I could have bought a 2013 model, that is what I would be riding today. But alas, we wait. In all, so far, with 3 whopping hours on my new bike, I cannot fault my new KTM 350 XC-F. White plastic to come, with Gas Gas Graphics. Why not?
Rick
New member
Roost......i know where i can find a 250f, it's either a 10 or 11. But it is nearly new with very little hours. I think it is a 10, black plastic, red hubs,Sach forks. A 2010 300 as well, that is super clean with very little time....and a GasGas 450efi not even going that direction.
I have a little bit of time on a WR 250F, i felt like i had to wring it out to get anywhere. This bike has YZ cams and needed to be rode way up in the rev's. If i had to ride with that kind style,i would be better off on a 2 stroke.
Tell me more about the 125, pm some pictures if u can. What extras is on it?
Thanks
I have a little bit of time on a WR 250F, i felt like i had to wring it out to get anywhere. This bike has YZ cams and needed to be rode way up in the rev's. If i had to ride with that kind style,i would be better off on a 2 stroke.
Tell me more about the 125, pm some pictures if u can. What extras is on it?
Thanks
roostafish
Gold Level Site Supporter
Agreed on the WR 250F. Not enough meat. YZ 250F, still not enough meat. I rode one Saturday while he tested my 350. No top speed, no low end grunt, no EFI, no thank you.
Me like. Sent pic of YZ 125 to your email listed in your profile.
arminhammer
New member
I have 2009 Husky 165 and a 2011 GasGas 250 (wife's bike). I love the GasGas and want a 2013 300 so bad my it hurts, but I will not give up my 165 for one it's just that good. I know you guy aren't going to believe this but the 165 is faster that the 250. Second gear roll on to top speed on pavement. I have done this same race with Husky WR300, two 2011 GasGas 300 and a 2012 KTM xc-w300 only bike I lost to was the KTM by 1 bike length.
One thing to keep in mind, you have to ride small bikes very aggressively to make it work. If you like to put a bike in 3rd and ride with a little slip of the clutch here and there you won't like them. You need to dance on the shifter and drag the brake with the throttle open to really get the most out of them.
The fun factor with the 165 is off the chart. I laugh out load and say stuff like I can't believe this little bike just did that all the time when riding it.
Just my 2 cents
One thing to keep in mind, you have to ride small bikes very aggressively to make it work. If you like to put a bike in 3rd and ride with a little slip of the clutch here and there you won't like them. You need to dance on the shifter and drag the brake with the throttle open to really get the most out of them.
The fun factor with the 165 is off the chart. I laugh out load and say stuff like I can't believe this little bike just did that all the time when riding it.
Just my 2 cents
Glenn the 165 is a bolt on kit that a Cafe Husky member put together and is sold through Motosportz; a CF site sponser. It's simply a 125 head bored ot to a 165 and comes compete the gaskets, head, piston, and ring ready to bolt on. Another CH member got with FMF and they supplied KTM 200 pipes with Husky 125 front and rear sections that Walt (guy who came up with the 165) has welded up to fit like a glove on the WB165 kits. The 165 does not pull as free or make the power without the 200 pipe. As far as the 165 holding up, no problems and there is quite a few CH racers that run the crap out of them wide open desert type stuff; check out ajaxauto videos over there. I'm a 53 year old rider who loves smooth power and lightweight bikes and this one fits the bill. I'm not here trying to sell Huskys but the 165 is an awesome set up. I think I'm going to add a 200 or 250 GG to my stable soon as I love there ergos and handling but my 2008 CR 165 Husky ain't going nowhere.
GMP
Active member
There are lots of 250fs going fast in the woods here. They work well when its slick, less power is more traction. To get the weight down though you have to go with an MXer, not the WR250F, and then comes the reliability/longevity issues. YZs are pretty good though. Good hare scrambles bike, less so technical trail bike.
GMP
Active member
John,
Sorry I was being lazy and looking for the short answer on the 165. I'll get the scoop from CH. I have an urge to get a smaller less powerfull bike.
Keep in mind that the '12 is a bit different then the older GGs. Its great in its own way but its not a typical compact GG. Also, despite what I have done to mine, it still seems to be a bit more top end oriented than my '07 250. I have to pay more attention to gear selection and it hits a bit harder. Turns I can pull in third gear on the '07 make the '12 want clutch or second, but it screams like a banshee on top. I think its a variation in the porting. I'm not sure if S3 has always cast the GG cylinders but my '12 is marked S3 and the casting/ports look very clean and smooth compared to my older bikes.
I have a shorty Cannon Racecraft silencer comming from Gofasters, should be here today. This may bias the power a bit, we'll see. I was surprised Mark had these for the '12s, I called for a Scalvini. FYI, there are no Scalvivi GG silencers in the USA, and only the more expensive carbon fiber cap version is available from Italy.
Sorry I was being lazy and looking for the short answer on the 165. I'll get the scoop from CH. I have an urge to get a smaller less powerfull bike.
Keep in mind that the '12 is a bit different then the older GGs. Its great in its own way but its not a typical compact GG. Also, despite what I have done to mine, it still seems to be a bit more top end oriented than my '07 250. I have to pay more attention to gear selection and it hits a bit harder. Turns I can pull in third gear on the '07 make the '12 want clutch or second, but it screams like a banshee on top. I think its a variation in the porting. I'm not sure if S3 has always cast the GG cylinders but my '12 is marked S3 and the casting/ports look very clean and smooth compared to my older bikes.
I have a shorty Cannon Racecraft silencer comming from Gofasters, should be here today. This may bias the power a bit, we'll see. I was surprised Mark had these for the '12s, I called for a Scalvini. FYI, there are no Scalvivi GG silencers in the USA, and only the more expensive carbon fiber cap version is available from Italy.
Caravan Monster
New member
In recent years, I've owned an EC 300 and a TM125, and now own an EC 200. From the perspective of a rider with below par fitness and not much natural talent, I struggled with the 125 because it had to be rode hard always and although fun to thrash through the trees at the start of a race, but got bogged down when tired and making mistakes. The low down power of the 300 would get me out of trouble in tricky going, but punish poor throttle control. Not had much time on the 200 yet, but the engine characteristics made me feel much more in control whether thrashing or lugging it - easier on the rider than the 125 or 300. But I can see how a 125 or 300 could work well for a fitter and more capable rider who could take advantage of their particular characteristics.
Rick
New member
A short follow up to this post.
A few weeks back I added a 2005 YZ 125 to my stable.
The bike turned out to be pretty clean, just needed some cleaning and detail work to completed the package.
When I bough the bike I took it out for a spin and I was really suprised on how well it ran, seemed to pull nice with butt planted on the seat. It was a short 10-15 minutes worth of riding. The 6 speed was pretty nice as well.
The suspension has been tweaked by Dick's Racing in Roseville, CA, softer springs and re-valve for offroad. Dick's was able to pull that information for me.
The motor has also been gone through by a local well know 2 stroke engine builder and I also was able to get the "low down" on that as well. The cases have been matches, porting to increase low end, squish mod as well.
A V-Force III reed valve handles the fuel flow to the cylinder. The OEM factory pipe is on the bike as well.
As for a few other details, GPR stabilizer, Applied Top clamp and Renthal "Fat Bar" rounds out the controls.
I am in the process of getting it back together as I pulled it down for a inspection of all bearing and seals. Everything was regreased, all fastners were either loctited or "anti-seize" used.
On the to do list:
1. Larger tank- I want to check jetting and milage first.
2. Flywheel weight. Plan is to race a hare scramble next month and use that as a guide. 8, 10 or 12 oz??? We'll see!
3. Hour meter
4. Skid plate
Thanks for all the feed back everyone provided. I will get a few pictures posted once I am done.
Thanks.
A few weeks back I added a 2005 YZ 125 to my stable.
The bike turned out to be pretty clean, just needed some cleaning and detail work to completed the package.
When I bough the bike I took it out for a spin and I was really suprised on how well it ran, seemed to pull nice with butt planted on the seat. It was a short 10-15 minutes worth of riding. The 6 speed was pretty nice as well.
The suspension has been tweaked by Dick's Racing in Roseville, CA, softer springs and re-valve for offroad. Dick's was able to pull that information for me.
The motor has also been gone through by a local well know 2 stroke engine builder and I also was able to get the "low down" on that as well. The cases have been matches, porting to increase low end, squish mod as well.
A V-Force III reed valve handles the fuel flow to the cylinder. The OEM factory pipe is on the bike as well.
As for a few other details, GPR stabilizer, Applied Top clamp and Renthal "Fat Bar" rounds out the controls.
I am in the process of getting it back together as I pulled it down for a inspection of all bearing and seals. Everything was regreased, all fastners were either loctited or "anti-seize" used.
On the to do list:
1. Larger tank- I want to check jetting and milage first.
2. Flywheel weight. Plan is to race a hare scramble next month and use that as a guide. 8, 10 or 12 oz??? We'll see!
3. Hour meter
4. Skid plate
Thanks for all the feed back everyone provided. I will get a few pictures posted once I am done.
Thanks.
Rick
New member
I've had a chance to get the YZ 125 out at two very different riding areas, one was pretty flat, wet clay dirt, really rocky and high speeds.
The other is my woods stomping gounds, consist of wooded single track, and about 1500-2000 elevation gain from the staging area (4500 ft) to the upper side trails. The temps were cool, in the 50's and the ground was wet from rains from earlier in the week.
I really have not done much to the bike, other than:
New Pro Taper Bars (CR-HI Bends)
New Tires (MX51 Front) (S-12XC Rear)
New S/A Leo Vince- man this thing hush!
I pretty much went through the bike from front to rear and greased it up, put in some wheel bearings and dust seals and that was it!
The compression was at 165 and jetting is closed to factory, the main jet is down two sizes from factory.
I am running 32:1 800 Motul w/ 50/50 100 octane gas and pump gas.
I am really happy with how this little bugger runs!
The suspension: I set all the clickers to OEM settings and have been adjusting from that point. The forks are really nice offroad, a tab bit harsh in the mid stroke, but nothing I can't fix with the blade of a screwdriver. I did make a few clicks on the trail and noticed a smooth stroke all the way through. I have the sag set on the rear shock set to factory, but I will need to get a heavier spring before I start to race this jewel in Jan.
It handles much different than my GasGas, slimmer, lighter, and much more flickable. I am a stand up rider and it was pretty easy to get everything adjusted to my liking. I really like that my boots don't hang up on any of the plastic. It is very easy to move way up front and get aggressive on this thing.
Havinge GPR stablizer took any twitch out of the front end, I was able to plow through some really nasty rock gardens with out really having to worry.
The brakes are solid and the rear is a tad to touchy, a slight adjustment of the pedal will fix that. Front brake is killer, not as good as my Brembo I had on my GasGas, but close!
The motor is really nice, but not GasGas 200 nice, but nice! The low end is not even in the same ball park! The grunt is missing, I mean way down low.....and I was expecting that and it is not right to compare the two as they are different in every way
2, 3rd & 4th gear is where I had the most fun. It has some very nice roll on throttle exiting turns, without using too much clutch. I selected some really nasty rutted, rocky steep climbs and I found myself able to get up pretty easy, had it been dry, things will be different. I did have to change up my style a bit coming off the 200, but for a 125, at 5000 ft, hauling a 200 pound guy, through the woods, I am really happy. This was only my second outting on the bike and so far, I am pleased.
I am not sure about adding a flywheel weight yet...on the fence....
I do see a 36mm SmartCarb in the spring
Here is a few pictures. I love my 200, and I am keeping her in the stable. My 18 year old son loves it!!! He said to me all day riding on Saturday....Man I love this bike!!!! It is so easy to ride!
Wrong Bike
The other is my woods stomping gounds, consist of wooded single track, and about 1500-2000 elevation gain from the staging area (4500 ft) to the upper side trails. The temps were cool, in the 50's and the ground was wet from rains from earlier in the week.
I really have not done much to the bike, other than:
New Pro Taper Bars (CR-HI Bends)
New Tires (MX51 Front) (S-12XC Rear)
New S/A Leo Vince- man this thing hush!
I pretty much went through the bike from front to rear and greased it up, put in some wheel bearings and dust seals and that was it!
The compression was at 165 and jetting is closed to factory, the main jet is down two sizes from factory.
I am running 32:1 800 Motul w/ 50/50 100 octane gas and pump gas.
I am really happy with how this little bugger runs!
The suspension: I set all the clickers to OEM settings and have been adjusting from that point. The forks are really nice offroad, a tab bit harsh in the mid stroke, but nothing I can't fix with the blade of a screwdriver. I did make a few clicks on the trail and noticed a smooth stroke all the way through. I have the sag set on the rear shock set to factory, but I will need to get a heavier spring before I start to race this jewel in Jan.
It handles much different than my GasGas, slimmer, lighter, and much more flickable. I am a stand up rider and it was pretty easy to get everything adjusted to my liking. I really like that my boots don't hang up on any of the plastic. It is very easy to move way up front and get aggressive on this thing.
Havinge GPR stablizer took any twitch out of the front end, I was able to plow through some really nasty rock gardens with out really having to worry.
The brakes are solid and the rear is a tad to touchy, a slight adjustment of the pedal will fix that. Front brake is killer, not as good as my Brembo I had on my GasGas, but close!
The motor is really nice, but not GasGas 200 nice, but nice! The low end is not even in the same ball park! The grunt is missing, I mean way down low.....and I was expecting that and it is not right to compare the two as they are different in every way
2, 3rd & 4th gear is where I had the most fun. It has some very nice roll on throttle exiting turns, without using too much clutch. I selected some really nasty rutted, rocky steep climbs and I found myself able to get up pretty easy, had it been dry, things will be different. I did have to change up my style a bit coming off the 200, but for a 125, at 5000 ft, hauling a 200 pound guy, through the woods, I am really happy. This was only my second outting on the bike and so far, I am pleased.I am not sure about adding a flywheel weight yet...on the fence....
I do see a 36mm SmartCarb in the spring
Here is a few pictures. I love my 200, and I am keeping her in the stable. My 18 year old son loves it!!! He said to me all day riding on Saturday....Man I love this bike!!!! It is so easy to ride!
Wrong Bike
