I have a 06 WR125 right now. How much better are the new ones? I hope to have some extra bike money soon so I could either start fresh with a new bike or do some mods to mine. Below are the differences I am aware of and how I think they would compare.
Power – From what I hear the new one is a little better. This is not a big factor though since if I keep my 06 I will probably get the factory 144 from Kelly. I believe my motor would be the same as the new one with a 144 kit. Please correct me if I am wrong.
Weight – Is the new frame lighter?
Handling – I hear the new frame handles better. But recently I raised my forks up to three lines and set my sag at 95mm. My bike turns really well now and still is very stable at the speeds I ride. How much better can the new frame turn and is there a trade off in stability? One think I like about my 06 and my previous 02 250 is how the front end stays on the ground when climbing instead of trying to loop out. Has that characteristic changed at all?
Suspension – I know the new ones are better, especially the 09. If I keep my bike I will get a LTR revalve at minimum but I have never been real impressed with the revalved 45’s I have tried. I could always pick up a set of TXC/TC or FBF 50’s though. I think I could find a set fairly cheap and then the suspension would be the same.
Tanks – I don’t like my stock tank as it is 2.5 gallons and impossible to see the fuel level. But it is way better then what the 09 comes with. I am not fond of the IMS for my bike. If the new tank ever becomes a reality for the 09 then that bike will have the advantage. If not I will stick with what I have or even switch brands is necessary. Yes I know the new tanks are “in production” but I will believe it when I see them.
Ergonomics – I am 6’2” and my 06 fits me really well. Is the new frame much of a difference? I rode a 08 TXC once but I do not remember exactly how it fit.
Minor details – I see the linkage hangs down on the new bike. Along with the new linkage did Husky improve the seals or are they still awefull? Do they have zirks? Are the shroud plastics any less likely to be brush collectors? Is the single bolt mount for the silencer a liability? I have cracked both of my silencer mounts so far. Will I still be able to find a spark arrestor, aftermarket pipe, skid plate, etc without hassle?
I am thinking that if I keep my bike I could get a 144, find some 50mm forks, have suspension revalved, get a new pipe, get new plastic, and even throw on an auto clutch and LHRB for the money it will take me to upgrade to a leftover 09. But on the other hand I really like the idea of a fresh tight bike and it is nice to be running the latest thing. I am about 80% sure I want to go with the new one but just thought I would get some more opinions on the advantages first.
To make matters more complicated are the rumors of a new 250 in 2011. If that becomes a reality I might just keep my 125 as is and pick up a 250 as a second bike.
Power – From what I hear the new one is a little better. This is not a big factor though since if I keep my 06 I will probably get the factory 144 from Kelly. I believe my motor would be the same as the new one with a 144 kit. Please correct me if I am wrong.
Weight – Is the new frame lighter?
Handling – I hear the new frame handles better. But recently I raised my forks up to three lines and set my sag at 95mm. My bike turns really well now and still is very stable at the speeds I ride. How much better can the new frame turn and is there a trade off in stability? One think I like about my 06 and my previous 02 250 is how the front end stays on the ground when climbing instead of trying to loop out. Has that characteristic changed at all?
Suspension – I know the new ones are better, especially the 09. If I keep my bike I will get a LTR revalve at minimum but I have never been real impressed with the revalved 45’s I have tried. I could always pick up a set of TXC/TC or FBF 50’s though. I think I could find a set fairly cheap and then the suspension would be the same.
Tanks – I don’t like my stock tank as it is 2.5 gallons and impossible to see the fuel level. But it is way better then what the 09 comes with. I am not fond of the IMS for my bike. If the new tank ever becomes a reality for the 09 then that bike will have the advantage. If not I will stick with what I have or even switch brands is necessary. Yes I know the new tanks are “in production” but I will believe it when I see them.
Ergonomics – I am 6’2” and my 06 fits me really well. Is the new frame much of a difference? I rode a 08 TXC once but I do not remember exactly how it fit.
Minor details – I see the linkage hangs down on the new bike. Along with the new linkage did Husky improve the seals or are they still awefull? Do they have zirks? Are the shroud plastics any less likely to be brush collectors? Is the single bolt mount for the silencer a liability? I have cracked both of my silencer mounts so far. Will I still be able to find a spark arrestor, aftermarket pipe, skid plate, etc without hassle?
I am thinking that if I keep my bike I could get a 144, find some 50mm forks, have suspension revalved, get a new pipe, get new plastic, and even throw on an auto clutch and LHRB for the money it will take me to upgrade to a leftover 09. But on the other hand I really like the idea of a fresh tight bike and it is nice to be running the latest thing. I am about 80% sure I want to go with the new one but just thought I would get some more opinions on the advantages first.
To make matters more complicated are the rumors of a new 250 in 2011. If that becomes a reality I might just keep my 125 as is and pick up a 250 as a second bike.
