Best 125 racer ever?

wired4speed 5/15/2013 8:04pm
5/15/2013 8:04pm
fader418 wrote:
James had no competition in the 125 class...

Stewart is the best 125cc rider

Stewart without front brakes tracked down Langston at Dilla



When Brown took out Stewart at Broome, Stewart remounted and easily caught and passed Brown.
LilZebb
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LilZebb 5/16/2013 6:13am
5/16/2013 6:13am Edited Date/Time 5/16/2013 6:20am
What if AC292 is the next version of JS259? I feel like he has the potential.
Not trying to turn the thread into something else just curious..
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TannerMxer 5/16/2013 8:19am
5/16/2013 8:19am Edited Date/Time 5/16/2013 11:07am
Saying anyone other than James Stewart is a travesty in this thread. There's no contest. You put any rider at their prime on a 125 against JS7 on a 125 in 2003/2004 and James still wins by 20 seconds.

Edit: Sorry, I wanted to expand on this thought. Grant Langston raced Stewart in 125's for several years, as did Chad Reed. Those guys are multi-time AMA champions and one was a World Champ as well. On 125's, James made them look like amateurs. It's not even close.
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motomike137 5/16/2013 9:32am
5/16/2013 9:32am
neysbo wrote:
I have to say Barnett and Stewart and the winner is Stewart. Is it just me or is LaRocco's leap tamed down from this picture. Sure...
I have to say Barnett and Stewart and the winner is Stewart.

Is it just me or is LaRocco's leap tamed down from this picture. Sure does not seem to shoot you this high in the air anymore.
X2 and yes it isn't what it used to be imo. The run up to it seems either shorter or consistently rougher/deeper or both.

The Shop

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rosebud441
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rosebud441 5/16/2013 11:22am
5/16/2013 11:22am Edited Date/Time 5/16/2013 2:54pm
What i would really like to know is how they made his little KX go so fast.??. Sure most of it was James, But they must have squeezed every potential HP out of that 125 that could possibly be squeezed...

I have a 2005 KX 125 and i cannot imagine what they must have done to his..
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docwob 5/16/2013 11:50am
5/16/2013 11:50am
Ive seen a fair few good 125 riders in my time.
the first eye opener for me was davey stribjos and John Van DeBerk going at it back in 86 maybe,in deep sand in holland somehere (i was mechanic for merv anstie in the support class that day).
Tortelli on the KX 125 was a sight to behold as well.pichon was no slouch either.
then the next guy was RC,man he was a machine-the best bet for a championship hands down.
James Stewart in my opinion is the fastest guy to ever ride a dirt bike,well he's the fastest ive ever seen week in week out,not the best bet for a championship-that goes to RC or Stefan (with carioli a very strong second).
BUT on his day....and it is only when the stars are alined no-one ever would have beaten Robbie Reynard when he was "on",i dont care who it is or in what era,in my opinion when that kid was on there was nothing anyone could do,even RC said in unadilla "when Robbie is on there's just no way you can keep with him" and i dont think Ricky ever accepted defeat,gracefully or not.
I was Robbies mechanic in 98 and it was a tough year-everyone remembers Unadilla 98 but Millville was more impressive,he was 4 seconds a lap faster than the leaders that day and he was comming through the pack after a horrible start,it was unreal.
He didnt know himself why on certain days he was like that and im screwed if we could ever figure it out but im proud to be able to think i built the fastest 125 ever.
Of course im biased,what do you expect....
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.kyle 5/16/2013 11:51am
5/16/2013 11:51am
rosebud441 wrote:
What i would really like to know is how they made his little KX go so fast.??. Sure most of it was James, But they must...
What i would really like to know is how they made his little KX go so fast.??. Sure most of it was James, But they must have squeezed every potential HP out of that 125 that could possibly be squeezed...

I have a 2005 KX 125 and i cannot imagine what they must have done to his..
The 2003 Pro Circuit kx125's made a little over 39bhp so would have assumed Bubba's 125 was making about the same if not a bit more because of factory parts. Bubba's Vforce reeds would have to be replaced after a 40min moto as the corners were already beginning to fray.
The 2003 KTM 125 that Tyla Rattray rode in Europe was said to make 43bhp!
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FlaNard 5/16/2013 12:03pm
5/16/2013 12:03pm
I have never seen anyone on a 125 that I would pick against Bubba on a 125. He was as perfect on that bike as you can get. The kid was just killing the rest of the field by as much as he wanted. He could have easily stepped it up had he needed to IMO. Nobody has just made my jaw drop as much before or since as James Stewart on a 125.
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jtomasik 5/16/2013 12:07pm
5/16/2013 12:07pm
docwob wrote:
Ive seen a fair few good 125 riders in my time. the first eye opener for me was davey stribjos and John Van DeBerk going at...
Ive seen a fair few good 125 riders in my time.
the first eye opener for me was davey stribjos and John Van DeBerk going at it back in 86 maybe,in deep sand in holland somehere (i was mechanic for merv anstie in the support class that day).
Tortelli on the KX 125 was a sight to behold as well.pichon was no slouch either.
then the next guy was RC,man he was a machine-the best bet for a championship hands down.
James Stewart in my opinion is the fastest guy to ever ride a dirt bike,well he's the fastest ive ever seen week in week out,not the best bet for a championship-that goes to RC or Stefan (with carioli a very strong second).
BUT on his day....and it is only when the stars are alined no-one ever would have beaten Robbie Reynard when he was "on",i dont care who it is or in what era,in my opinion when that kid was on there was nothing anyone could do,even RC said in unadilla "when Robbie is on there's just no way you can keep with him" and i dont think Ricky ever accepted defeat,gracefully or not.
I was Robbies mechanic in 98 and it was a tough year-everyone remembers Unadilla 98 but Millville was more impressive,he was 4 seconds a lap faster than the leaders that day and he was comming through the pack after a horrible start,it was unreal.
He didnt know himself why on certain days he was like that and im screwed if we could ever figure it out but im proud to be able to think i built the fastest 125 ever.
Of course im biased,what do you expect....
That's a cool story. Thanks for sharing. Had a chance to briefly talk to Robbie at Thunder Valley (Lakewood)....I think it was the first year they brought the National back to Colorado. He was a very friendly, likable guy. If you still keep in touch with him, tell him a fan says thanks for his time.
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1-forty-8 5/16/2013 12:09pm
5/16/2013 12:09pm
docwob wrote:
Ive seen a fair few good 125 riders in my time. the first eye opener for me was davey stribjos and John Van DeBerk going at...
Ive seen a fair few good 125 riders in my time.
the first eye opener for me was davey stribjos and John Van DeBerk going at it back in 86 maybe,in deep sand in holland somehere (i was mechanic for merv anstie in the support class that day).
Tortelli on the KX 125 was a sight to behold as well.pichon was no slouch either.
then the next guy was RC,man he was a machine-the best bet for a championship hands down.
James Stewart in my opinion is the fastest guy to ever ride a dirt bike,well he's the fastest ive ever seen week in week out,not the best bet for a championship-that goes to RC or Stefan (with carioli a very strong second).
BUT on his day....and it is only when the stars are alined no-one ever would have beaten Robbie Reynard when he was "on",i dont care who it is or in what era,in my opinion when that kid was on there was nothing anyone could do,even RC said in unadilla "when Robbie is on there's just no way you can keep with him" and i dont think Ricky ever accepted defeat,gracefully or not.
I was Robbies mechanic in 98 and it was a tough year-everyone remembers Unadilla 98 but Millville was more impressive,he was 4 seconds a lap faster than the leaders that day and he was comming through the pack after a horrible start,it was unreal.
He didnt know himself why on certain days he was like that and im screwed if we could ever figure it out but im proud to be able to think i built the fastest 125 ever.
Of course im biased,what do you expect....
Unadilla 98 is where RC took away Dowds mojo lol

I always wonder how RC would of done at Foxhill that year had it not pissed down..

Nice one for hooking me up with that gear there too sir, even after all this time it still blows my mind I got RC's des Nations gear..

Wince says hey by the way Cool Wink
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Jmmx 5/16/2013 12:44pm
5/16/2013 12:44pm
docwob wrote:
Ive seen a fair few good 125 riders in my time. the first eye opener for me was davey stribjos and John Van DeBerk going at...
Ive seen a fair few good 125 riders in my time.
the first eye opener for me was davey stribjos and John Van DeBerk going at it back in 86 maybe,in deep sand in holland somehere (i was mechanic for merv anstie in the support class that day).
Tortelli on the KX 125 was a sight to behold as well.pichon was no slouch either.
then the next guy was RC,man he was a machine-the best bet for a championship hands down.
James Stewart in my opinion is the fastest guy to ever ride a dirt bike,well he's the fastest ive ever seen week in week out,not the best bet for a championship-that goes to RC or Stefan (with carioli a very strong second).
BUT on his day....and it is only when the stars are alined no-one ever would have beaten Robbie Reynard when he was "on",i dont care who it is or in what era,in my opinion when that kid was on there was nothing anyone could do,even RC said in unadilla "when Robbie is on there's just no way you can keep with him" and i dont think Ricky ever accepted defeat,gracefully or not.
I was Robbies mechanic in 98 and it was a tough year-everyone remembers Unadilla 98 but Millville was more impressive,he was 4 seconds a lap faster than the leaders that day and he was comming through the pack after a horrible start,it was unreal.
He didnt know himself why on certain days he was like that and im screwed if we could ever figure it out but im proud to be able to think i built the fastest 125 ever.
Of course im biased,what do you expect....
Yes! Got the 98 or 99 AMA's on VHS and I always thought he was the quickest ..... Shit starts every time thoughWhy?
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gotwings 5/16/2013 1:02pm
5/16/2013 1:02pm
GuyB wrote:
Sad, but we're talking about an extinct breed.
Lamson
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JW381 5/16/2013 1:29pm
5/16/2013 1:29pm
Lotta cool stories in here, but how can anyone vote against Bubba?

Just like when he was racing 125s, I think the real debate is who comes in 2nd?

Pastrana - Gotta admit, the kid was a blast to watch rip up the 125

RC - Can't remember what movie it was, but The Hurricane was talking about all the new up and comers during the mid-90's weren't worth a damn compared to Ricky because no one charged the corners like the angry elf. It was obvious from his first full season on the tiddler that he was going to be greatness.

Reynard - Beat the man above.

O'Mara - MXdN Italia
brakkeman_ 5/16/2013 2:17pm
5/16/2013 2:17pm
Stewart: Changed the game.

They should make a mandatory 125 Professional series running select outdoors, imho.
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DrSweden 5/16/2013 2:25pm
5/16/2013 2:25pm
Damn, hard to figure out the right person here, since every decade, series have their stars. But I have to agree with a majority about JS. He made everybody look silly, despite being on lesser material as in 125. The only time I ever saw someone challenging him at all was Roncada, but Stew won anyway but was totally pissed he didn't dominate in usual manner. All those vids showing Stew on the bike really made me get, how amazing he was/are, for me it was so much more evident on the tiddler. They where such a perfect match and I miss that, and to bad there's no way for a return. We basically were laughing in excitement watching those vids and races. How often do one do that now? Herlings at the mxDn is the only person that comes to mind... Or when Rozcen on a SX124 smoked 36 fellow GP riders on 250Fs in moto one in Italy 2011.
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DrSweden 5/16/2013 2:31pm
5/16/2013 2:31pm


Just 3 hours ago, obviously not the best 125 racers, but me and my buddy are at least taking care of the heritage/spirit! Grinning
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J.F.S 5/16/2013 2:41pm
5/16/2013 2:41pm
Easiest question ever, without a doubt 259
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LappedU 5/16/2013 2:51pm
5/16/2013 2:51pm
Barnett, Barnett, Barnett.

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rosebud441
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rosebud441 5/16/2013 2:57pm
5/16/2013 2:57pm Edited Date/Time 5/16/2013 2:58pm
Did Bubba ever have a mechanical DNF on the 125? The fact that 125 held together an entire moto is a testament to the engine builder.. up against 4 bangers to boot..
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Park Boys 5/16/2013 3:02pm
5/16/2013 3:02pm
rosebud441 wrote:
Did Bubba ever have a mechanical DNF on the 125? The fact that 125 held together an entire moto is a testament to the engine builder...
Did Bubba ever have a mechanical DNF on the 125? The fact that 125 held together an entire moto is a testament to the engine builder.. up against 4 bangers to boot..
The reason Bubba has 28 wins and not 31 is because mechanical's. Blew up at Southwick 02, broke at Red Bud 04. Or at least 30 I cant remember why he lost the other 1 he competed in.
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BobbyM 5/16/2013 5:29pm
5/16/2013 5:29pm
ga_pike wrote:
So, the other thread got me thinking... who was the best 125 racer of all time? It's easy to say RC or talk about how JS259...
So, the other thread got me thinking... who was the best 125 racer of all time? It's easy to say RC or talk about how JS259 could wring one of those out... but growing up, 2 men still stand out to me as the dominate guys of the day on 125s.

Georgie Holland and Micky Dymond. Those guys just ran the competition to death. It seemed they won everything when I was little and although it was RJ most people looked up to, I found myself glued to the fence to watch these guys every time they were on the track.

fastest is a toss up between magoo and james stewart
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WhKnuckle 5/16/2013 5:46pm
5/16/2013 5:46pm
James Stewart, no contest. Stewart may not be in a class by himself, but it don't take long to call the roll.
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czernik 5/16/2013 6:35pm
5/16/2013 6:35pm
In the 2000's...Mike Brown and Ryan Hughes at...I think it was Hi-Point..battling back and forth running into each other...going through the flags...awesome..
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tobz 5/16/2013 6:42pm
5/16/2013 6:42pm
DrSweden wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2013/05/16/22928/s1200_IMG_2861.jpg[/img] Just 3 hours ago, obviously not the best 125 racers, but me and my buddy are at least taking care of the heritage/spirit! :lol:


Just 3 hours ago, obviously not the best 125 racers, but me and my buddy are at least taking care of the heritage/spirit! Grinning
How is that TM? it kind of has an old look but modern at the same time, i can't put my finger on it...
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DrSweden 5/18/2013 12:26pm
5/18/2013 12:26pm
tobz wrote:
How is that TM? it kind of has an old look but modern at the same time, i can't put my finger on it...
Nothing wrong with that bike, it's my buddies though, have taken it for a spinn, feels diff from my YZ, more firm in general, better low end, but less high end (144). Very nice scooter, people approach him every time we go, makes the experience in the pit a bit more interesting, social, while no one cares about my YZ! LOL!
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DrSweden 5/18/2013 12:28pm
5/18/2013 12:28pm
For those having other riders in though. Put them on their respective ride, when they were peaking, and try to make them do this...

Fav vid re-run...

https://youtu.be/Jfpvr5D3UtA
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MXP 1/16/2015 11:41pm
1/16/2015 11:41pm
Jean Michele Bayle. Hands down. And it was still a full blown national class when he won the title.
Not the stepping stone it became when Stewart and RC raced it.

RC, Hannah, and Smith tied for 2nd.
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Crush 1/17/2015 4:01am
1/17/2015 4:01am
rosebud441 wrote:
Did Bubba ever have a mechanical DNF on the 125? The fact that 125 held together an entire moto is a testament to the engine builder...
Did Bubba ever have a mechanical DNF on the 125? The fact that 125 held together an entire moto is a testament to the engine builder.. up against 4 bangers to boot..
Park Boys wrote:
The reason Bubba has 28 wins and not 31 is because mechanical's. Blew up at Southwick 02, broke at Red Bud 04. Or at least 30...
The reason Bubba has 28 wins and not 31 is because mechanical's. Blew up at Southwick 02, broke at Red Bud 04. Or at least 30 I cant remember why he lost the other 1 he competed in.
Was it twisted knee at High Point in 02? Reed wins.

Smith won Southwick 02.

Red Bud 04, didn't he pull off after a couple crashes? The start and then again once or twice? Still won the other moto tho right and Brownie's last overall and maybe last for YoT too?
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Bultaco 1/17/2015 5:41am
1/17/2015 5:41am
I don't think one can say best of all time. Just best in their given era. Smith, Hannah, Barnett.......Stewart, all put the hurt on everyone else in their respective era.
endurox
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endurox 1/17/2015 6:06am
1/17/2015 6:06am
Tommy Brooks 2nd Overall on a 125cc DKW 1972 Barstow to Vegas
Shane Watts won the 2000 GNCC series on a box stock KTM 125

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