125-200cc 07 WR125 vs 11 WR150

I would like opinions on the differences between these two bikes. My dilema is rebuilding (and 144 kits) the 07's vs buying 2011 WR150's.
One of the benefits or keeping the 07's is the suspension, its great on them as they are today. The 07's have many races on them and will require complete rebuilds. It would be cheaper to rebuild vs replace but the factory 150 seems to be the perfect H/S bike.
Are there any handling differences? I would assume so as the frames are different.
I'm not doing anything untill this season is over but I need to solidify my decision soon.
Thanks all.

I haven't actually ridden one of the '09+ 125s, but I ride an '08 CR outfitted for enduros. I bought it cheap as a leftover, but I strongly considered one of the new framers at the same time. What held me back was the teeny gas tank. If a big-ish tank were available then, I likely would have gotten the '09. It supposedly handles a bit better.

The flip side, as you mentioned, was that your already have the suspension all sorted on your '07. So you have to decide whether you value newness more than money.

The 07 with an OEM 144 kit would be the same motor basically - new head design on 144
I dont think a new frame shape will make them win races
An 09/10 may be more impressive in the pits though

Well I have to say that the new frame is a definite improvement. I wouldn't even hesitate to make the jump to the WR150. Your money though and the 07 isn't a slouch at all.

Walt

I went from a 06 to a 09 with the 144 kit. Upgrading the 06 would have been more cost effective but I just like a new bike. Everything is fresh. The new frame does handle better also. Another advantage is the IMS tank for the new frame is way better then the one for the old. The only thing I like less on the new frame is that the bars feel like they are not nearly as far forward as they were on the old.

It feels fine sitting. It is when I try to stand that the bars feel too close and low. I had Fastways on the 06 which was probably part of the reason. I am running the same bars though. I think I will try some higher ones and see if it is more comfortable.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the replies.
How big is the tank on the 2011's?
Are there any cheap alternatives for a fast gas fill tank besides the dry break?

This is a 4 litre can (1+ gallon). I cut down the spout and mounted about a foot of 1 1/4" I.D. Flexible hose to it. As long as possible and still fit in the can like the stock spout. Then I drilled out the vent to 5/16". This will flow 4 litres in about 5 seconds.

To use it you tie a shop cloth to the hose to act as a gasket.

1) Put your finger on the vent hole
2) Place the hose into the fill opening
3) Slide the cloth down to seal any splash
4) Tip up and open take your finger off the vent

You can master this in a few minutes. Done right, you can get the gas cap off, fill the bike, and put the cap back on in 10-12 seconds.

We use this in harescrambles. My son uses about 5.5 litres in about 90 minutes of racing. He pits just after the 90 minute mark, so even in a full 2.5 hour race and riding with a 7 ltire tank he'll have 5.5 litres to finish the last hour of the race, which is well more than enough. The extra is in case he gets stuck.

I know a dry-break system will do this in 1/2 the time, but considering the usual pit stop includes several parrallel activites that take longer (new goggles, a little snack, information exchange, new gloves, any number of little things) I figured the $600 or so to look cool was not a good investment.

I think the new frames make the bike turn better...but I can tell you Norms old 2002 WR125 hauls the mail with a EG 144 now that I got a 50/50 race gas mix in it.

No more pinging and a "lot" of bottom end power and chug....no foolin'.

It's a little weak on top but man does it pull down low.

Harves rock forks make it plush in the rocks!

Maybe a sorted new bike is a little better.

OTOH it costs at least $1000 to rebuild into a 144 and you need to add your labor!

I may buy a 150 next year but I want it delivered ready to rock. No flat spot in the mid etc.