JRO-D's new dirty bike! RINGDING

[a13x]

Picked up a new dirtbike for JRO-D last night... she's stepping up to the big bikes! After a slow start she's gotten to grips with dirt riding and has been wringing the neck out of the old TT-R 125. TT-R is a fun bike but even with the YZ80 forks on it the bike is showing its limits. We've been unsure of what to get her as a next bike and we even tried a KX100 but just weren't sure... KX100? CRF150R? 125? 250F? Decisions decisions. Well Sunday she tried Seth505's RM125 and got along with it just fine.... so we went that route!

1) 2 strokes are way cool
2) She and I can use the same gas jug (I have a 250SX)
3) cheap cheap!
4) lighter than a 250F

Found a clean 2003 Honda CR125 and snatched it up. Ended up getting it for $1,100. Renthal bars, Pro Circuit pipe & silencer, cut seat, black DID rims, skid plate, less than 8 hours on full top and bottom end rebuild, starts first kick. Frame, swingarm and plastics are all in real good shape. Only real issue is the radiators are pretty beatup but they function, so I'll keep my eyes on eBay.

Next up is a flywheel weight to help take the 'hit' off it and probably a lowering link out the back to drop the rear another 1", then get it sprung for her weight.

Maiden voyage is tomorrow night!

[Pittenger5]

Jealous.

[Imbeek]

Wicked deal I would've grabbed that too

[Kurlon]

Alex, I've got a set of the chinese aluminum radiators on their way for my WReck. If they're any good I'll let you know. $100 for a pair isn't a bad deal as long as they're built decently.

[a13x]

Alex, I've got a set of the chinese aluminum radiators on their way for my WReck. If they're any good I'll let you know. $100 for a pair isn't a bad deal as long as they're built decently.

Thanks Josh. Please let me know.

[Kurlon]

While we're on the topic of ringdingers for our ladies... did you try out the KTM 200s by any chance? Seems like the logical upgrade from the TTR-125LE, same weight, electric start and a full size chassis with full size suspension? That's what I'm leaning towards for Gen.

[a13x]

Nope. We ride MX tracks. She can kickstart the 125 mx bike no problem.

[Kurlon]

I'd wager Gen wouldn't have a problem kicking one over either, but we're doing more trail riding than track currently, so the lazy button is nice to have. I was under the impression the 200 could handle some jumping, but now I'll have to look at it closer to verify that's the case...

Going to have to either get your bikes out here or ours out there some time and have a dirt party, miss you guys! I even miss Seth a little bit.

[a13x]

Sure the 200 can handle jumps just fine. =]
Miss the NE crew as well!!

[Paul_E_D]

Josh, the 200 is MORE bike than the 125. Not a beginner bike of any sort. Woods racing weapon.

[slowkermit]

I took my 200 to Budd's Creek and the bike was not the limitation, I was! It actually makes a fine MX bike with the right springs and the clickers cranked in.

That CR looks like a great bike for short $$$. I'd definitely add the biggest flywheel weight you can get. If she ever wants more snap, just take it off and sell it.

[Kurlon]

Josh, the 200 is MORE bike than the 125. Not a beginner bike of any sort. Woods racing weapon.

Ok, how did I get the impression it was a milder machine with a broad spread of power and no hit, more like an XR than a two stroke?!

[breakdirt916]

2 strokes are way cool!

and an '03 with a fresh crank at that price is a pretty good deal!

(I'd still crack the top to check just in case)

milestone??

[Chippertheripper]

Ok, how did I get the impression it was a milder machine with a broad spread of power and no hit, more like an XR than a two stroke?!

That's the freeride, I think. You should be buying the 2hunny for yourself. Perfect woodsy weapon.

[csmutty]

SICK BIKE!

I'm fonda yer Honda.

[nt650hawk]

She looks faster than me just sitting there.

Nice pickup.

[Sheppo]

2 strokes are way cool!

and an '03 with a fresh crank at that price is a pretty good deal!

(I'd still crack the top to check just in case)

milestone??

why? it has less that 8 hours on both top and bottom end? I don't understand your thinking process.

[Paul_E_D]

Cause people say all kinds of BS when selling bikes. 2 strokes are so easy to inspect that it's worth it. Buyer beware.

You want to inspect the ring and ringland on the exhaust side for signs of combustion blowby, smeared aluminum, and discoloration (ring itself). Sure signs of age.

[Sheppo]

Cause people say all kinds of BS when selling bikes. 2 strokes are so easy to inspect that it's worth it. Buyer beware.

You want to inspect the ring and ringland on the exhaust side for signs of combustion blowby, smeared aluminum, and discoloration (ring itself). Sure signs of age.

I do know two strokes very well. I would have assumed ( yes that bad word ) Alex would have checked that before. Thanks tho.

[Paul_E_D]

I was more sharing it for the general public interest.

[typeone]

sweet, congrats! 1,100 is a great deal for all that.

on the China radiators, few guys on my Husky forum have been testing them. most reports are pretty good except for the weld quality, appearance only so far i think. i'll re-read the thread and see if any red flags popped up.

[breakdirt916]

why? it has less that 8 hours on both top and bottom end? I don't understand your thinking process.

Cause people say all kinds of BS when selling bikes. 2 strokes are so easy to inspect that it's worth it. Buyer beware.

You want to inspect the ring and ringland on the exhaust side for signs of combustion blowby, smeared aluminum, and discoloration (ring itself). Sure signs of age.

this ^^

seems like every used 2-stroke on craigslist has <10 hours on a new top end...and even if the top end was recent, unless I see a meter (which I only saw james use) I never trust how those "ten hours" were counted...and people tend to become optimistic about those hours when they're selling it

I'm not sure about Alex, but I figure most people just start it, ride it, make sure the clutch/brakes work, nothing leaks, then take it home. Especially when it's a cheaper bike, people rarely take tools with them to crack the top end when buying it to inspect it...

[gregp]

2003 CR125? Is that a "5-speed" year? I like all CR125's in general, but felt it was a mistake to move away from the 6 speed transmission.

[a13x]

2003 is six-speed.

No I did not take a tool-box with me and crack the top end. It is what it is. Bike started clean, sounds clean, good compression, blah blah. Buying a used two stroke not a 500,000 jet fighter. If the thing grenades tomorrow it'll cost >400 to rebuilt it? We'll survive!

Going riding tonight. Spent last night putting in fresh oil (oil in it was pretty clean actually), coolant and just going over it. Again other than radiators the thing is really clean and tight. Funny enough... I found a old AMA tech sticker on the head tube (I missed that when I looked it over pre-buy) ahhaha. So this baby looks like it was in a AMA race at some point.

Not stressing it. It's a bike. We'll go ride it.

[Paul_E_D]

Definitely. I didn't mean to do that before you buy, just at some point... when you have a chance or if you notice anything after riding it.