125 2-Smokers For Enduro/Off-road

BAMX
Posts
2890
Joined
1/22/2012
Location
Fallbrook, CA US
11/1/2015 5:05pm
If you like riding the 125, I would say to go for it. I have raced mine a number of times and it doesn't seem to be at much of a disadvantage against the 200's which are in the same class. Most of the time, the specials are really tight and the 125 is at an advantage. Others, there are big climbs and the 200s have an advantage. In the end, it is usually a wash. I will say that ripping a 125 through some really tight trails is a blast. I did change a few things but it is really close to a moto setup.

1. 18" rear wheel, I was getting a lot of flats and thrashing the rim on the 19"
2. 2 teeth up rear sprocket for the really tight stuff
3. Handguards for CA enduro brush
4. Offroad style skid plate for CA endoro rocks
5. I soften the suspension a little because of the chop but, I don't go too much because g outs at speed on soft suspension is a bad deal.
11/1/2015 8:20pm
I've raced 125s offroad since I got my first full size bike in '82, an Husqvarna 125XC.



I've got an '82 Husqvarna 125XC now that I race in vintage off road races.



I also have an '84 KTM125MXC that I race in vintage off road.



You have to be aggressive and conserve momentum at all costs, which can lead to some odd line choices and you cant be lazy. Even at almost 48 years old, in most situations I think I can go just as fast on a 125 as I can on a bigger bike. At this point in my riding/racing "career" all I care about is having fun, and for me, there is nothing more fun that wringing a 125/150s neck for all its worth. I am small at 5"8" and 145lbs though, so that does make it easier for me than for a larger rider.

As for race prep, all you would really need to do is get hand guards, some sort of skid plate (I dont use full size, I use MX "glide" plates), a couple tooth larger rear sprocket and possibly a larger tank. I have one modern 125 set up for MX and one for off road so the off road bone has suspension valved and sprung much softer than stock, but you could get away with just springs and clickers.
11/1/2015 8:22pm
I race 250 and Open class bikes in both MX and off road too, they are fun in their own way. I like having a wide range of bikes, I never get set in one style of riding, but if I had to cut down to just one size bike it would be a 125.
elfrago
Posts
40
Joined
11/1/2015
Location
AU
11/1/2015 10:15pm
colintrax wrote:
I got the KTM 150 XC, the XC differs from the SX with a wide ratio transmission, oversized tank, kickstand, oring chain, 18" rear wheel, and...
I got the KTM 150 XC, the XC differs from the SX with a wide ratio transmission, oversized tank, kickstand, oring chain, 18" rear wheel, and softer suspension valving.
So I didn't add much; just radiator braces, a tool kit in the air box, scotts damper, and hand guards (which came in a bag with the bike)
She does great on MX tracks and tight single track.


OP not sure what kinda bike you got?


Those xc's are a nice bike for sure, I've got a 2013 yz125 (probably should've mentioned that haha)

The Shop

elfrago
Posts
40
Joined
11/1/2015
Location
AU
11/1/2015 10:19pm
Kanista wrote:
Why dont just go with a brand that allready offers a 125 for offroad purpose? I had plenty small bore enduros and they teached me alot...
Why dont just go with a brand that allready offers a 125 for offroad purpose? I had plenty small bore enduros and they teached me alot.







Because i've got a nearly brand new bike sitting in the shed haha, I do see where you're coming from although the SSS forks on the yamaha are to die for and having tried a few different setups I prefer stiffer forks anyway Smile
elfrago
Posts
40
Joined
11/1/2015
Location
AU
11/1/2015 10:23pm
Mouse153 wrote:
I'll ride a couple hare scrambles on my YZ125 every year and all I do is slap some handguards on it. My gearing isn't great for...
I'll ride a couple hare scrambles on my YZ125 every year and all I do is slap some handguards on it. My gearing isn't great for off-road and my suspension is too stiff but its still fun.

If I was going to dedicate that bike to off-road I'd do the following
1. Soften up the suspension
2. Go up two teeth on the rear sprocket
3. Cut the bars down 1/2-1" on each side and install bark busters
4. Lean out the pilot and needle
5. Install a skidplate, radiator braces and pipe guard
Yeah good stuff, not sure what to do about a pipe guard though? I've heard mixed reviews, some like them but some people say that they can push the pipe back into the cylinder on high impacts... though i've never seen anything like that first hand.
elfrago
Posts
40
Joined
11/1/2015
Location
AU
11/1/2015 10:27pm
b8res wrote:
I raced my 05 YZ 125 for 3 years cross country / enduro. Raced AMA West and District 36 (California) with pretty good success, a few...
I raced my 05 YZ 125 for 3 years cross country / enduro. Raced AMA West and District 36 (California) with pretty good success, a few top 3's at a Nationals.
B Super Senior class 50 years+


Changed springs for my weight.

Utah Sport Cycle Skid plate

Applied Top clamp with Fastway mount for GPR Stablizer

OEM pipe w/ Leo Vine silencer w/ spark arrestor screen

RB Designs 38mm TMX carb mod. Michined a nice divider plate on the intake side. Add a little bottom but really helped with jetting for different altitudes.

Clark 3.2 gallon tank

7602 Racing Carb breather kit

V Force Reeds

13/ 48,50 & 51 gearing....depending on course.

TM chain buffer and guide

Tugger Strap


Pretty much a budget weekend racer with reliability in mind.











That's a really cool bike man, I dig those clamps Cheerful
elfrago
Posts
40
Joined
11/1/2015
Location
AU
11/1/2015 10:31pm
Check out the Enduro World Championship. They have a 125 class w/ some pretty sick set ups! You can track down alot of the riders on...
Check out the Enduro World Championship. They have a 125 class w/ some pretty sick set ups! You can track down alot of the riders on the EWC Instagram. Those boys rip on those bikes! I would start w/ a 150xc or yz125 w/ a BB kit. Those 150xc's are supposed to rip off the showroom floor.
elfrago wrote:
Yeah man, I'll check that out, a 144 kit is definetely on the list haha Woohoo
Crasher wrote:
167cc and you'll destroy KTM200's. Again. Call Dave at TSP for a BB setup ;) I wouldn't bother with a 144 kit again. Slightly easier to...
167cc and you'll destroy KTM200's.

Again. Call Dave at TSP for a BB setup Wink

I wouldn't bother with a 144 kit again. Slightly easier to ride but no faster. I don't ride a small bore because I want to do it easy.
Yeah thanks, i'll look into that, I didn't even know you could bore it out to a 167! haha Grinning
elfrago
Posts
40
Joined
11/1/2015
Location
AU
11/1/2015 10:34pm
kevkx125 wrote:
Here is my 03 kx125 set up for off road. changed the gearing a little and set up the suspension for the woods.[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/11/01/109673/s1200_GEDC0030.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/11/01/109674/s1200_GEDC0031.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/11/01/109675/s1200_GEDC0032.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/11/01/109676/s1200_GEDC0033.jpg[/img]
Here is my 03 kx125 set up for off road. changed the gearing a little and set up the suspension for the woods.







That's awesome! Cool I have a mate who used to race a KX 250 only up until about a month ago, and he would flog everyone else out their on their new bikes haha. Enduro, MX, Natural Terrains whatever, it was great Grinning
elfrago
Posts
40
Joined
11/1/2015
Location
AU
11/1/2015 10:38pm
BAMX wrote:
If you like riding the 125, I would say to go for it. I have raced mine a number of times and it doesn't seem to...
If you like riding the 125, I would say to go for it. I have raced mine a number of times and it doesn't seem to be at much of a disadvantage against the 200's which are in the same class. Most of the time, the specials are really tight and the 125 is at an advantage. Others, there are big climbs and the 200s have an advantage. In the end, it is usually a wash. I will say that ripping a 125 through some really tight trails is a blast. I did change a few things but it is really close to a moto setup.

1. 18" rear wheel, I was getting a lot of flats and thrashing the rim on the 19"
2. 2 teeth up rear sprocket for the really tight stuff
3. Handguards for CA enduro brush
4. Offroad style skid plate for CA endoro rocks
5. I soften the suspension a little because of the chop but, I don't go too much because g outs at speed on soft suspension is a bad deal.
The class i'm racing in is open so when it comes to fast stuff i'll get smashed, but as you said when it gets tight the 125 will shine. An 18'' rear is a good idea Smile I've already gone 1 tooth up on the sprocket and it seems to be good all round but yeah 2 teeth would be better for tight stuff.
elfrago
Posts
40
Joined
11/1/2015
Location
AU
11/1/2015 10:41pm
I've raced 125s offroad since I got my first full size bike in '82, an Husqvarna 125XC. [img]http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x348/kartwheel68/308433_4060769511966_1707715003_n_zpskbtmibaz.jpg[/img] I've got an '82 Husqvarna 125XC now that...
I've raced 125s offroad since I got my first full size bike in '82, an Husqvarna 125XC.



I've got an '82 Husqvarna 125XC now that I race in vintage off road races.



I also have an '84 KTM125MXC that I race in vintage off road.



You have to be aggressive and conserve momentum at all costs, which can lead to some odd line choices and you cant be lazy. Even at almost 48 years old, in most situations I think I can go just as fast on a 125 as I can on a bigger bike. At this point in my riding/racing "career" all I care about is having fun, and for me, there is nothing more fun that wringing a 125/150s neck for all its worth. I am small at 5"8" and 145lbs though, so that does make it easier for me than for a larger rider.

As for race prep, all you would really need to do is get hand guards, some sort of skid plate (I dont use full size, I use MX "glide" plates), a couple tooth larger rear sprocket and possibly a larger tank. I have one modern 125 set up for MX and one for off road so the off road bone has suspension valved and sprung much softer than stock, but you could get away with just springs and clickers.
That's awesome mate! Vintage racing looks like so much fun, and yeah another good reason to ride the 125... It teaches me not to be lazy! haha Cheers Smile
Crush
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21077
Joined
4/26/2009
Location
Sydney AU
11/2/2015 2:37am
Abusing a 125 in the woods is the best!
elfrago
Posts
40
Joined
11/1/2015
Location
AU
11/2/2015 3:08am
Crush wrote:
Abusing a 125 in the woods is the best!
You're not wrong Woohoo
Twist1
Posts
382
Joined
1/3/2015
Location
EI, NC US
11/2/2015 5:32am
When I turned 50 I wanted to go light and simple. I am no slower on my 125 than my 250xcfw, 450exc, etc. Less tiring and damn fun. I am 200lbs without gear
-KTM 125SX
-18" rear wheel
-Rekluse yes, that's right
-normal stuff for woods set up
We ride mostly tight stuff. Open and fast courses would be tough for a 125 IMO

Twist1
Posts
382
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Location
EI, NC US
11/2/2015 5:38am Edited Date/Time 11/2/2015 5:39am

Brushy Mountain NCHSA race, last one for me. Arthritis is a bitch.

Twist1
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382
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1/3/2015
Location
EI, NC US
11/2/2015 5:40am


endurox
Posts
2084
Joined
3/22/2014
Location
Garden City, ID US
11/2/2015 7:25am


Street legal 150
colintrax
Posts
4695
Joined
8/25/2015
Location
Taylorsville, GA US
11/2/2015 8:28am
kevkx125 wrote:
Here is my 03 kx125 set up for off road. changed the gearing a little and set up the suspension for the woods.[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/11/01/109673/s1200_GEDC0030.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/11/01/109674/s1200_GEDC0031.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/11/01/109675/s1200_GEDC0032.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/11/01/109676/s1200_GEDC0033.jpg[/img]
Here is my 03 kx125 set up for off road. changed the gearing a little and set up the suspension for the woods.







You should call it a KDX125, that thing is a woods weapon.
Have you done any motor work? That year KX isn't exactly known as fast, but James Stewart showed us it was plenty competitive
PC
Posts
474
Joined
8/24/2009
Location
GU US
11/2/2015 10:12am
I've got a couple small bores setup for offroad and they work amazingly well here in the tight NW 2nd-3rd gear gnar.
I have an 09' Husky cr144, which has stock motor/carb, but suspension softened and resprung for my weight (210#). Second bike is a 14' Husky CR165 (all bore, no stroker crank) with a 36mm Lectron, KTM 200 FMF fatty/turbine core II, Steahly 10oz FWW, high comp head and the usual armor pieces.

The 165 with the KTM pipe is a beast. It doesn't rev out quite as well with the heavier slug and 200 pipe, but the low end and (especially) the midrange are crazy strong. No clutch work required to keep this one in the revs and it will plunk around at idle all day. It really blurs the line between a 125 and 250.

KTM 200's are based off 250 cases/cranks and still feel like big bikes. This bike still feels like a free revving 125 with 30% more power. Plus, I picked up each one for a song and dance. I have these 2 bikes for serious single track and a KTM500 for dual sporting & dez trips. I sold the YZ250 & WR300 as I just stopped riding them once I got into the small bores.

My buddy says "its funner to ride a slow bike fast then a fast bike slow" and he is exactly right!
BAMX
Posts
2890
Joined
1/22/2012
Location
Fallbrook, CA US
11/2/2015 11:09am
elfrago wrote:
The class i'm racing in is open so when it comes to fast stuff i'll get smashed, but as you said when it gets tight the...
The class i'm racing in is open so when it comes to fast stuff i'll get smashed, but as you said when it gets tight the 125 will shine. An 18'' rear is a good idea Smile I've already gone 1 tooth up on the sprocket and it seems to be good all round but yeah 2 teeth would be better for tight stuff.
I learned the 18 in wheel thing the hard way. It is a bummer to look back at the results and see that you were leading until you flatted. I was running 15lbs which isn't really optimal for handling and still flatted two races in a row. You can get away with it if your area isn't rocky but otherwise, it is a must. As for the sprocket, I am a pretty big guy at 6-3 190lb so I need the extra tooth on the rear. Plus the stock RM isn't as good motor wise as the KTM or the YZ.
resetjet
Posts
2537
Joined
3/16/2012
Location
Tampa, FL US
11/2/2015 12:57pm
Get a KTM 200. New ones need a bit of work to wake them up. The 125's are good for harescramble, but for enduro and tight stuff, you can't be on the pipe in that stuff unless you are an expert rider. Just not enough bottom end. I have a couple 03 200 sx's and the are incredible....tons of low and mid and when it hits the pipe lookout, there is simply nothing like it.
Twist1
Posts
382
Joined
1/3/2015
Location
EI, NC US
11/2/2015 2:04pm
endurox wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/11/02/109727/s1200_IMAG1262.jpg[/img] Street legal 150


Street legal 150
bravo!
McDuff
Posts
205
Joined
2/11/2012
Location
RI US
11/2/2015 2:31pm
Here's my steely yz, currently set up more to the moto side. Parts not presently installed - big tank, pipe guard, skid plate, rear light/street plate





endurox
Posts
2084
Joined
3/22/2014
Location
Garden City, ID US
11/2/2015 3:50pm
I've raced 125s offroad since I got my first full size bike in '82, an Husqvarna 125XC. [img]http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x348/kartwheel68/308433_4060769511966_1707715003_n_zpskbtmibaz.jpg[/img] I've got an '82 Husqvarna 125XC now that...
I've raced 125s offroad since I got my first full size bike in '82, an Husqvarna 125XC.



I've got an '82 Husqvarna 125XC now that I race in vintage off road races.



I also have an '84 KTM125MXC that I race in vintage off road.



You have to be aggressive and conserve momentum at all costs, which can lead to some odd line choices and you cant be lazy. Even at almost 48 years old, in most situations I think I can go just as fast on a 125 as I can on a bigger bike. At this point in my riding/racing "career" all I care about is having fun, and for me, there is nothing more fun that wringing a 125/150s neck for all its worth. I am small at 5"8" and 145lbs though, so that does make it easier for me than for a larger rider.

As for race prep, all you would really need to do is get hand guards, some sort of skid plate (I dont use full size, I use MX "glide" plates), a couple tooth larger rear sprocket and possibly a larger tank. I have one modern 125 set up for MX and one for off road so the off road bone has suspension valved and sprung much softer than stock, but you could get away with just springs and clickers.
elfrago wrote:
That's awesome mate! Vintage racing looks like so much fun, and yeah another good reason to ride the 125... It teaches me not to be lazy...
That's awesome mate! Vintage racing looks like so much fun, and yeah another good reason to ride the 125... It teaches me not to be lazy! haha Cheers Smile
That 84 KTM 125 was one of my favorite all time dirt bikes I have owned. Had very good bottom end for its day and got great mileage. Had the Procycle suspension specs and made for a great off road bike.
kevkx125
Posts
213
Joined
12/4/2013
Location
Douglassville, PA US
11/2/2015 3:58pm
kevkx125 wrote:
Here is my 03 kx125 set up for off road. changed the gearing a little and set up the suspension for the woods.[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/11/01/109673/s1200_GEDC0030.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/11/01/109674/s1200_GEDC0031.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/11/01/109675/s1200_GEDC0032.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/11/01/109676/s1200_GEDC0033.jpg[/img]
Here is my 03 kx125 set up for off road. changed the gearing a little and set up the suspension for the woods.







elfrago wrote:
That's awesome! B) I have a mate who used to race a KX 250 only up until about a month ago, and he would flog everyone...
That's awesome! Cool I have a mate who used to race a KX 250 only up until about a month ago, and he would flog everyone else out their on their new bikes haha. Enduro, MX, Natural Terrains whatever, it was great Grinning
Thanks for the compliment, love riding 125's too much fun!!!
kevkx125
Posts
213
Joined
12/4/2013
Location
Douglassville, PA US
11/2/2015 4:03pm
You should call it a KDX125, that thing is a woods weapon.
Have you done any motor work? That year KX isn't exactly known as fast, but James Stewart showed us it was plenty competitive

No motor mods just proper jetting runs great
endurox
Posts
2084
Joined
3/22/2014
Location
Garden City, ID US
11/2/2015 8:02pm Edited Date/Time 11/2/2015 8:03pm
PC wrote:
I've got a couple small bores setup for offroad and they work amazingly well here in the tight NW 2nd-3rd gear gnar. I have an 09'...
I've got a couple small bores setup for offroad and they work amazingly well here in the tight NW 2nd-3rd gear gnar.
I have an 09' Husky cr144, which has stock motor/carb, but suspension softened and resprung for my weight (210#). Second bike is a 14' Husky CR165 (all bore, no stroker crank) with a 36mm Lectron, KTM 200 FMF fatty/turbine core II, Steahly 10oz FWW, high comp head and the usual armor pieces.

The 165 with the KTM pipe is a beast. It doesn't rev out quite as well with the heavier slug and 200 pipe, but the low end and (especially) the midrange are crazy strong. No clutch work required to keep this one in the revs and it will plunk around at idle all day. It really blurs the line between a 125 and 250.

KTM 200's are based off 250 cases/cranks and still feel like big bikes. This bike still feels like a free revving 125 with 30% more power. Plus, I picked up each one for a song and dance. I have these 2 bikes for serious single track and a KTM500 for dual sporting & dez trips. I sold the YZ250 & WR300 as I just stopped riding them once I got into the small bores.

My buddy says "its funner to ride a slow bike fast then a fast bike slow" and he is exactly right!
The 125, 150 and 200 are the same engine cases part # 51530000044. Pre 2016 that is. Some people run a 150 crank with a 200 piston, turns into a 175. Some run a 200 crank with a 150 cylinder.
Crasher
Posts
38
Joined
9/23/2015
Location
AU
11/2/2015 10:06pm Edited Date/Time 11/2/2015 10:20pm
Here's mine.

RM-X 144XC










2006 RM125XC project. The seat has been finished since this Pic. Had to extend it
Edit: That's actually my spare 2002 engine. Has the 06 in it now, with a Scalvini cone section pipe and carbon silencer.
Once the engine's been to TSP she'll have 42rwhp. About the same as a 2016 KTM150.
I have new 2014 RMZ250 suspension for it as well.
Seat cover is the same as the 144AF. Custom made seat foam. Nice and flat from the tank to the rear guard.


Busted!
elfrago
Posts
40
Joined
11/1/2015
Location
AU
11/2/2015 10:43pm
Crasher wrote:
Here's mine. RM-X 144XC [URL=http://s295.photobucket.com/user/willow991/media/Suzuki%20RM%20125AF/001_zpsb8qa9jx8.jpg.html][IMG]http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm123/willow991/Suzuki%20RM%20125AF/001_zpsb8qa9jx8.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s295.photobucket.com/user/willow991/media/Suzuki%20RM%20125AF/002_zpsfg3ybs0j.jpg.html][IMG]http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm123/willow991/Suzuki%20RM%20125AF/002_zpsfg3ybs0j.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s295.photobucket.com/user/willow991/media/Suzuki%20RM%20125AF%20build/003_zpsy1p1bvwh.jpg.html] [IMG]http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm123/willow991/Suzuki%20RM%20125AF%20build/003_zpsy1p1bvwh.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s295.photobucket.com/user/willow991/media/101_57641_zpsudg0cnuu.jpg.html][IMG]http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm123/willow991/101_57641_zpsudg0cnuu.jpg[/IMG][/URL] 2006 RM125XC project. The seat has been finished since this Pic. Had to extend it Edit: That's...
Here's mine.

RM-X 144XC










2006 RM125XC project. The seat has been finished since this Pic. Had to extend it
Edit: That's actually my spare 2002 engine. Has the 06 in it now, with a Scalvini cone section pipe and carbon silencer.
Once the engine's been to TSP she'll have 42rwhp. About the same as a 2016 KTM150.
I have new 2014 RMZ250 suspension for it as well.
Seat cover is the same as the 144AF. Custom made seat foam. Nice and flat from the tank to the rear guard.


Busted!
Man those bikes are awesome, looks like you've put a lot of hours into them, I bet they're animals in the bush too Woohoo

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