125-200cc My second 165 kitted bike and it's the frankenbike...

[water racer]

After 6 months on '12 Husaberg TE250 2T I think I can speak to the KTM/Husky handling debate....

The KTM/Husaberg PDS chassis can be made to work, but everything is critical.... sag, triple clamp offset, tires, bar position, rear axle postion, freaking everthing. It took me 4 plus months to figure this out and get the bike handling near as well as my '09 Husky WR165. I think a guy who was weaned on KTM's might have less of a problem. The Husky just works, any which way. I stayed off my '09 WR165 on purpose, while dialing in the TE250, but jumped back on it about a month ago and what a great bike. The power and handling are sublime for sure. My TE250 is only better in a wide open drag race and in it's near infinite power adjustment, with three PV springs easily changed and external preload adjustment. Throw in dual ignition map and you can adjust to any traction condition. The WP CC forks do work well too, but the overall package goes to the Husky for sure.

I never got the KTM 200 thing.... every KTM 200 I ever rode seemed like a weird pipey 250, not a 125 on steroids.

When I used to ride a KTM, spent all efforts trying to make the suspension work as did everyone else that rode them. Motor was rock solid. Switch to Husqvarna and it is all about tuning the motor, no one ever talks about tuning suspension hardly because they already work so well.
I will take handling over motor anyday, maybe that is why I haven't felt the need to upgrade the 125.
GP

 

[Norman Foley]

When I used to ride a KTM, spent all efforts trying to make the suspension work as did everyone else that rode them. Motor was rock solid. Switch to Husqvarna and it is all about tuning the motor, no one ever talks about tuning suspension hardly because they already work so well.
I will take handling over motor anyday, maybe that is why I haven't felt the need to upgrade the 125.
GP

The Huskys are just more neutral overall when it comes to rider input, it's intuitive.... you just think where you want to go and you're there. The Berg was the opposite.... you had to force it to your will. I'll have to admit with all the changes I've made to the Berg, it's 90% better. When I first got it, between the bigger motor and handling... I felt more like a passenger than a rider!

 

[Motosportz]

I felt more like a passenger than a rider!

Thats it right there. The husky 125's feel like an extension of you and you can make it do anything you like. I LOVE that. Crap forks and wrong shock sag setting does not matter still handles better than most anything. 2002-2009-2013, does not matter, handles better than anything. NO bike for me handles as good or brings so many smiles to my face. I just gold valved the forks on my 04 and it took it to the next level without the forks deflecting off everything. I am one shock re-valve away from having my perfect bike.

 

[Motosportz]

BTW got a quick ride on her yesterday with the stock carb back on. The APT for sure has more bottom end, more roll on power, better throttle response and overall power. I rejetted the stock carb and got it running about as good as it can, crisp and pulls nice everywhere. If I had never used the APT I would think it is near perfect but after that APT know better and that there is performance the stock carb leaves on the table. The stock carb is fine and works good, the APT is simply better.

Lectron carb test coming up, lets see where it stacks up.

BTW here are my jetting specs for my particular (but semi odd ball build) 165 for reference...

DJ-60 needle in one lean from middle position (that cleared up some mid range sluggishness i had)
37.5 pilot
390 main (up one and gained some top end)
3 slide

runs nice bottom to top with no issues and pulls hard.

APT has more bottom, more throttle response, more power everywhere and a smoother liquid feel to it.

 

[wallybean]

BTW got a quick ride on her yesterday with the stock carb back on. The APT for sure has more bottom end, more roll on power, better throttle response and overall power. I rejetted the stock carb and got it running about as good as it can, crisp and pulls nice everywhere. If I had never used the APT I would think it is near perfect but after that APT know better and that there is performance the stock carb leaves on the table. The stock carb is fine and works good, the APT is simply better.

Lectron carb test coming up, lets see where it stacks up.

BTW here are my jetting specs for my particular (but semi odd ball build) 165 for reference...

DJ-60 needle in one lean from middle position (that cleared up some mid range sluggishness i had)
37.5 pilot
390 main (up one and gained some top end)
3 slide

runs nice bottom to top with no issues and pulls hard.

APT has more bottom, more throttle response, more power everywhere and a smoother liquid feel to it.

Did you feel it pulled farther in the top end with the smart carb or because it was better everywhere else it doesn't matter? Just looking for comparison feel for when I test it with the fatty and HGS.

 

[Motosportz]

Hard to tell as I don't ride bouncing off the rev limiter. I am a bottom and mid range guy. I did go bigger on the main on the stock carb after the APT had so much more top and did gain top but think the APT still has more. Carb on the way to you tomorrow as well as my 125 cylinder n stuff.

 

[wallybean]

Thanks Kelly. I am going to do runs with the gps doing speed tests. I am also going to do some different spring tests with the sc to see is the improved carburation allows more flexibility with governor springs. I can also say that unless I am on a road or fast wash the bike will never be in the extreme top end......OK....I am slow.

 

[water racer]

Cool thing about the Husqvarna, it is possible to have a 125 with a 144 and 165 cylinder sitting on the shelf. Depending on your mood or riding conditions you can transform your bike in about an hour!

 

[water racer]

OK Kelly, I am wondering about something, but don't want to get flamed, so I thought I would ask here on your thread. I totally understand the movement to smaller cc bikes and after riding 250/300 2-strokes for the past several years I started riding my sons Gasgas ec200 and realized the advantages that the smaller bikes have. I picked up a well equipped older KTM 200 a couple of months ago and am totally sold on a smaller 2-stroke! It does everything my bigger bikes did, but is less tiring and more fun.

I do have interest in the Huskies, but since KTM already has a 200 that is on a 125 frame, wouldn't that be the go to bike? I know many don't like KTM's for a variety of reasons, but I don't have any brand bias, so am looking for the best small cc bike out there.

I also understand the fun of tinkering and having a hybrid or custom type ride. But, I am someone who isn't that adventurous and prefer a bike that is more right out of the box rather than custom fitted. I do have a lot of interest in the Husky WR150, but wouldn't be all the comfortable spending the money on the 165 kit. Just not a forward thinker I guess.

So, is a WR150 better than a KTM 200? I mean they both are on a 125 frame, are light and easy to flick around. The 200 has a motor that can lug all day or rip , you decide.

I guess I just need to hear the clear advantages of the smaller Husky over the KTM. It seems like building the Husky into a 165 is a lot to go through when the KTM 200 is already out there ready to go out of the box. I am totally not trying to rip the Husky or anyone doing the 165 mod. In fact, I am fascinated by it. I just know myself and know I probably would not do a 165 kit. But, I would go buy a WR150 tomorrow if I was convinced it had major advantages over the KTM.

As you know I have been on the fence for a long time about a smaller bike and after riding that little KTM all Fall I am sold! The KTM was simply a good buy, was local and had tons of extras , so I pulled the trigger and it will go to my 14 year old next year. I also like the KTM over the Gasgas 200 . The Gasgas is not as lively and feels heavier. Good little bike though and my 16 year old loves it.

You always have great input and have ridden a wide variety of bikes, so I respect your opinion.

Of course if you have any insecurity issues get the KTM so you can be like everyone else. Don't have to worry if someone is staring at you or your bike!!

 

[firffighter]

Of course if you have any insecurity issues get the KTM so you can be like everyone else. Don't have to worry if someone is staring at you or your bike!!

Hehe! Well, I've been riding a Gasgas for about 3 seasons, so you can imagine the looks and have to continually answer "What the heck is a Gasgas!"

 

[dartyppyt]

Cool thing about the Husqvarna, it is possible to have a 125 with a 144 and 165 cylinder sitting on the shelf. Depending on your mood or riding conditions you can transform your bike in about an hour!

GP, your right on that one! Maybe Kelly and Walt grew up playing with Transformer Toys!

Kelly, bike looks good and like the blue graphics!

 

[steadydirt]

Well they are both still 125 bikes so VERY good. I do feel the new ones are more planted and a little more accurate but it might be in some part due to the forks. I LOVE the 09 and up but these are really right there as well giving a little bit up but not much. I do think the older frames are better built and don't seem to have all the little issues the new ones do with broken engine mounts etc. I'll call it a near toss up with the 09 and up being slightly better for my needs and uses.

Any chance you had it on a set of scales?

 

[CelticDude]

Thanks Kelly. I am going to do runs with the gps doing speed tests. I am also going to do some different spring tests with the sc to see is the improved carburation allows more flexibility with governor springs. I can also say that unless I am on a road or fast wash the bike will never be in the extreme top end......OK....I am slow.

Well, I've ridden with Walt and he isn't as slow as he might lead you to think! One of those guys you size up before the ride and let him lead through a tight section of single track. Then you come out into the open and find he hasn't even left you a dust trail to follow! Can't wait to hear his assessment of the APT carb.

 

[Kevin_TE250]

Well, I've ridden with Walt and he isn't as slow as he might lead you to think! One of those guys you size up before the ride and let him lead through a tight section of single track. Then you come out into the open and find he hasn't even left you a dust trail to follow! Can't wait to hear his assessment of the APT carb.

Walt is a lot of things.. Slow is not one of them....

 

[Motosportz]

Any chance you had it on a set of scales?

I will do that but it makes no difference as it makes all other bikes feel like a XR650 no matter what it weights. The small crank and no reciprocating mass is the key here. My last two rides have been pure bliss. In the zone type riding. Did a ride in super tight stuff and with two guys that are A riders and typically faster than me. Had no problem staying right on their back tire when following and actual was gaping them some when leading. Was a great feeling and i was "In the zone' all day and could do no wrong. The 165 motor and the gold valve forks have transformed an already super fun bike into a lethal weapon. Yesterday was 36 miles of frozen ground in 28 degree weather with 2-5 inches of snow and snowing the entire time and the bike still ruled and was a freaking blast. Fun stuff.

 

[Motosportz]

One of those guys you size up before the ride and let him lead through a tight section of single track. Then you come out into the open and find he hasn't even left you a dust trail to follow!

Thats because he turned on another trail and you spend the next 15 minutes looking for walto Inside joke to some extent after we kept loosing Walt at Moab.

 

[Kevin_TE250]

Thats because he turned on another trail and you spend the next 15 minutes looking for walto Inside joke to some extent after we kept loosing Walt at Moab.

NW Husky Gathering Number 2:

Me and Mitch (to Kelly : You haven't seen Walt have you? .. We've Lost Walt
Kelly : Well of course you have !

 

[Motosportz]

NW Husky Gathering Number 2:

Me and Mitch (to Kelly : You haven't seen Walt have you? .. We've Lost Walt
Kelly : Well of course you have !

like an old lovable dog that keeps wandering off.

 

[Motosportz]

I bought 2 KTM 200 SX SST pipes and a FMF muffler for a song on eBay. I'll get one setup and let Blake try it as he like 125 power characteristics and top end and that's what these are for. They are a little beat but will only get more so. Will report back.

 

[Motosportz]

Update:

Bike is in continuous upgrade mode it seems. Landed a nice used 3.6 gallon IMS tank that is actually slimmer than stock and carries the gas way low. Nice. Added Fastway footpegs that really offer a lot of control especially in the wet muddy nasty stuff. Also added a new throttle cable (smooth) and FMF powercore SA muffler. This bike is one shock revalve away from pure bliss. Fun.