Well here is my two cents thus far:
I had a nice 09 WR125 that I bought new and hated my first impression of the bike. I almost sold it.
It bogged, and the front end was super harsh with the 50 marzocchi's.
As time went on, I dumped a lot of money in it and countless hours. I revalved the front forks, 144'd it and figured out the TMXX carb. Gees, I bought every carb and fooled with them. So finally, went back to TMXX and figured it out.
As time went by, I tried several pipes (Dyno Port was best), I ported it on my own and figured out TMXX performance mods. Also thanx to members on here, I bolted the CR ignition on it. It would pass the later stock 150's like they were sitting still.
I still hated the front forks. No matter what I tried or valves I used. I got close but no cigar. Those forks sent my on my shoulder all the time!
Then the Txc 310r came out as the new Red Head and I pulled the trigger. One, had the famous KYB's on it, electric start and I liked the engine. After the KYB boinkers were professionally done. It was my favorite Husky that I ever owned. Was a hard decision to give up but I did.
So, through this whole KTM/BMW/Husky/Husaberg transition, I patiently waited.
I also, saw where all the prices were heading. I just sat back and watched progress as it unfolded!
My honest thoughts were, price and amount of $$$$ had to throw at it to get suspension dialed.
My son and I talked about getting rid of our Red Heads. He went for the 16 FC 250 with the softer 4CS's on it. I have been riding the crap out of his bike and love it. This two fitty will pass my 310 on the right map. To me, think it still is lil stiff up front but he likes it. Also, his forks are not broken in yet. Me! I had my eye on the new 150, with Explorer forks.
So here are my thoughts, plus I'm type of person that just says things the way they are. You may not like what I say but, it is what it is.
The 2017 TE 150:
One, I did not like the price tag! My thinking was? Here we go with big price tag and all this money being dumped into the suspension and some add ons. Pretty easy to have a $10 K bike.
Two: I do like Son's roominess of new frame and ergo's.
Three: There are no reviews out there, except 125's or bolt on kits. My thoughts are???? Awwww, maybe I should wait?
Well along came a spider and said, pull the trigger and rider!
Four: The new explorer forks are plush! I think they are as good as the KYB's. Might be too plush for me. Right now I'm thinking, correct spring for my weight and maybe thicker fork oil and maybe increased oil height? Time will tell but I don't think it needs revalved at all. I am Impressed! Front and Rear! Like the preload adjuster and all the clickers work! Now with preload adjusted. Wondering if I need springs?
Map Switch: It Works! Wild or Simply mild! Like a Fruit of the Looms switch. Makes you think you might need some new undies if you not careful! Here is a funny! I was in hurry yesterday and just wanted to get home. Been driving all day. First impression was Ahhhhhhhh! Then noticed the map switch was on one! So clicked on two and thought????? Weeeeeeee! Like on a down hill log water ride!
Tires: Not bad, so I will race rest year on them!
Engine: Likes to be revved and feels like it has a hit or flat spot down low.... But I will tune that out and adjust power valve, with included yellow spring. Looks like 150 only has two recommended springs. Yellow is the aggressive one. The TMXX carb uses step needles and my thinking? That's adding to the hit in power band.... I will get this bike to pull down low like a tractor and rev out to the moon. The engine is awesome! Bike has some great ass to it and likes to wheelie****************************************!! I pretty sure my old modded TMXX is gonna be the ticket. 36mm pull and rev out to like a 40mm'er!
So, I'm thinking, Carb needle, jetting and maybe pipe and silencer! The rest will be better spent in the Gym!
I do have some front end twitch but I've not set my rear sag, fork height yet and so on and so forth.....that's pretty easy to eliminate.
So what do I really think? Well, it's kinda like dating all kinds of girls. Some are pretty until they speak! Some are pretty and rough! Some are just down right rough! These are the ones that never get to meet your parents!
Now this new gal? She is beautiful, got a killer body, feels right, great personality and going to take care of you! This is the one you take home to your parents to show off and marry right away, before she gets away!
I am impressed and bike is awesome out of the crate! If they keep producing bikes like this! I have no problem coughing up the extra $$$$. Bike feels like I could race a 2hr Harescramble and have no problem racing another hour. It's light, flickable, carves like butter! It may smoke a lil bit but it moves out!
Bike feels roomy like an 08 250, but turns like the newer 09+ frames of X lites.
Negatives
Had to get used to shifting easily. To much toe and it doesn't shift. You just need lil effort to shift!
Back brake lever feels funky but I'm sure it needs adjusting height/length or getting use to!
Keep ya posted as things progress!