125-200cc 125 Model Year Changes?

I'm looking at getting an older 125 to have something to ride till I can afford to get back into woods racing full swing (just graduated from law school). I raced a '95 WXC250 for a while in the 90s/00 and really liked it and also raced an assortment of japanese 125s. I particularly like the 125cc machines and was thinking about a husqvarna 125. Unfortunately I've been out of the loop for most of the last decade and don't know what changed from year to year and how people liked various. I do know that they got a new frame in '09.

If someone has already posted a model year guide, please point me to it!

If no one has put one together yet, just post up what you know (I'd like to work out what changes were made, basic specifications, fuel capacity, and a consensus on how well they worked - that sort of thing) and I'll compile everything and post it up for posterity


Thanks!

How much are you looking to spend?

Probably $1-$2k, ideally closer to $1k. Then for next season I will most likely get a '10 150 or TC250 (I don't start work till the beginning of October, but have a ton of time to ride between now and then). I've got a honda CR250R I keep in the Denver area and a suzuki DR350 here on the east coast, but want something light that I can use for general woods riding, probably the odd harescramble race and a little playing around on a MX track.

I used to race B class, have probably slowed to C-class speeds since being away from it for so long.

I saw an '03 CR125 that looked really clean for $1k. I've ridden an '03 kawasaki KX125 and really liked it. Any clue how the husqvarna CR125 would compare?

I'd also like to get an idea of the model history for good measure

I've got an amazingly awesome local honda/kawasaki/husqvarna dealership (MFI), so will be sticking to one of those three brands unless I come across something that's just too good to pass up.

Along those lines, has anyone had any experience with the TM125s? I've seen a few pretty cheap and they sure are pretty

I've also come across a 2000 WR125 for a very good price. Any thoughts on how it'd compare to the '03 CR125? I'm assuming the WR has a lighting coil and maybe more mild porting?

thanks!

'00 (WR or CR) have a more stretched out frame geometry. This was changed in '01. '00 WR has a wide ratio tranny, from '02 on WR has CR close ratio tranny. The CR tranny will still let you go 65+mph in 6th. '00 WR has analog ignition with heavier flywheel, spark arrestor silencer, 18" rear wheel, bigger fuel tank than CR. There were no '03 CR125's imported (only a hanful of '03 TE610E's came in), so must be an '02 or '04.

Thank you so much, that is extremely helpful! I think I'd prefer the CR tranny and lighter flywheel but I'm sure I'd get along ok either way. Not too picky on rear wheel size, though 18" would probably be ideal for the rocks around here (but I've raced my honda CR with a 19" rear and did fine before sending it off to colorado). The larger tank would be a big plus. I really liked the high capacity, but slim tank design on my '95 WXC250.

Here's the '00 WR I'm considering
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/sat/mcy/1852449579.html

And here's the "2003" CR
http://greenville.craigslist.org/mcy/1867764209.html

Other outside ideas
A KX125, simple and parts are easy, but maybe a bit ordinary
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/mcy/1808091008.html

And a TM125, maybe a bit too exotic? Sure is pretty though.
http://scranton.craigslist.org/mcy/1868989914.html