125-200cc Considering WR125 have questions

I just turned 51 and have been riding motorcycles for many years, but only started riding off pavement about three years ago. As I learn and improve I seem to want to move to lighter and smaller bikes. In recent months I have been riding a lot of tight single track. I also just ran my first Hare Scramble on my trusty DRZ400S. While I really like that bike, it was a bit like trying to autocross a Peterbuilt. I was pathetically slow, but I'm sure that it had more to do with me than the bike. I did, however have a lot of fun and didn't crash. I have been a bit leery of two strokes, but I am really drawn to the little WR125. Husky claims that they are one of the easiest bikes to learn on. I could use that. I would like to know how long they have been making this model, what sort of iterations they have gone through and if there are particular years that I should not consider. I would appreciate getting a few opinions on this matter.

I just turned 46 and bought a Wr125. I also have a WR250. The 125 will make you look like a pro out there on it. Power great, I was shocked but the thing just rails. Mine is an 09 left over. The 125 is lighter, better on my shoulder, knees and wrists.

Typpyt

I just made the switch to a 2 stroke....why did I wait so long? the 125 is so frickin easy to start and light its ridiculous. Its a little bit of work getting used to this whole power valve thing...but its fun as heck!

its the best bike to learn on. youll learn all about gear selection, clutching how to use momentum, and how to best pick a good line!

have fun on your little bike!!!

If tuned well the WR125 is very easy to ride for the most part. The power is not intimidating and it will chug very well. For easier stuff that is not real steep it is probably about as easy to ride as anything. For steep hills it works well for a 125 but it still takes some skill with the clutch and the ability to read terrain and carry speed. A KDX would probably be the easiest 2 stroke to learn on but the WR will be more fun and have more potential. If you like 4 strokes you might want to loos at a TE or TXC 250 also.

get a wr250, light and easy to ride, plus when you twist the throttle it goes, not to good on the road though

Thank you all for the responses. I found a good deal on a 125, but I realized that it is a CR. I assume that this means close ratio. I am also assuming that this is intended more for motocross. I would appreciate some insight. Is it a big deal to switch the gear cluster?

same trans, diff suspension ignition/rotor mass. also- wr has 18" rr wheel, oring chain, kickstand, lighting etc... cr is a moto bike.

we need an "the offical never ending wr 125 thread".

The last post about the transmission ratios of cr and wr may well be correct for the current model however without stating what year cr the origional poster has located for possible purchace it also may not be correct. I bought a 1998 model and back then the gear ratios were diffent. wr being about two and a half times low to high in overall. The parts sheets sure seem to be pretty much the same since 1998. The crank was "filled" maybe around 2000 looking through the parts sheets, the power valves were changed with the same part number and later I believe changed to a new number.

I have not ever tampered with the jets it came with, It does have a weak spot then a hit. I think a real racer keeps the bike screaming and isn't particularly bothered. I upped the rear sprocket four teeth as the way it came it was pretty easy to get into a spot where you had to use the clutch and basically break the rear wheel loose. Bike does not cough and stall it may not make much power at 500 rpm or so and need two or three downshifts but it keeps running.

As for whether a small two stroke is easy to learn on, a friend of mine gave me his daughter's kx 80 once to try and it was not east to ride without it standing up.

The one that I found is a 2002 CR125. Does The "CR" stand for crash resistant?

Hey if you like you are welcome to ride my 08 CR125 and see if you like it. I live in Powhatan and I see you are in Richmond.

Wow! That is a very nice offer. Perhaps you would like to join me and some friends riding soon. I'll also send a PM.

I really love my wr 125 2000. For my skills it´s perfect. It´s my thirth 125...I have 28 years old. The bike is very, very strong. I´m impressed with the quality of the brand husqvarna. My next bike will be an husky for sure...

Wr 125

Scootskiper,

I'm 52 and my first off-road bike in 25 years was a DRZ that I loved. Then I started thinking about a WR 125. Bought a 09 a year ago and again loved it but they do require a lot of jetting etc., some more than others. It will make you feel like you are 16 again and king of the dirt. Easy to ride, lot of power and a great bike to learn on. However I don't have the time or desire to work on a moto every other time I ride. I sold it to a gentlemen who has a small moto shop and has the time and knowledge to keep it on top of it's game.

There's a new TXC 250 in my garage awaiting it's first real ride. Guys like Kelly, Norman and Kreig helped me many times with my WR issues and I'm sure they will do the same for you. Go for it!

WR Bob

I will give you a call and directions to my house. I have 9 acres with a track out back and a little woods trail for you to test it on. It's the CR so it will be a little different than the WR but you will get the general feel of a 125 Husky. My son has the 2010 Tc 250 and they are easier to ride than the 125 2-strokes and I can see why WR Bob has one. My next bike will most likely be a 250F Husky. I like them both so if I could only have one it would be a tough call. See what you think.

Id just add that a wr125 is a bike that works best when ridden hard and fast
If you want a trail bike to cruise on a fourstroke eg TE250 is better IMO

I think the only way to have a crash resistant bike is to go so slow mishaps are tip over not crash. I have heard guys claim that steering damper or stabilizer have saved them from crashing though.

I looked at the parts sheets and the transmission ratios of first and sixth (didn't look at the others) for a 2002 cr 125 is the same as the 2009 cr/wr. The wr in 2002 like mine from 1998 has an overall spread of 2.55 vs the 2.36 of the cr and more modern wr. Strangely the owners manual from 1998 doesn't have a different set of ratios for the cr version. Sixth seems to be the same the other five gears different. The lettering system of cr/wr has been around for quit a while whether c means closed course or close ratio is up for discussion as whether wr means woods or wide. These ratios don't seem much different to me as I have some of the older stuff with spread of around 3.5 times first to sixth.

Depends on what sort of spots you get into, a 125 with no battery and no electric starter is the best choice for when you have to manually pull it out of a stuck situation one wheel at a time.

Fran