125-200cc Looking for specific 165 info...

Ive read lots of "awesome motor" "lugs" "woods weapon" posts, but I'm looking for some info on how well it works in more open terrain. Like California desert. Bigger hills with loose fluff. I know a 250 or 300 would be more suited, but would the 165 work and why? or why not?
I ride a wide variety of terrain, from tight jumpy tracks to steep single track to open fire roads.
Also, who makes the piston and is it readily available or is it a special piston licensed to only one company?
I'm right at 200 lbs plus riding gear. Am I going to wear thru top ends like car air fresheners in a plumbers truck?
Thanks...

I think the 165 motor is very flexible with simple pipe changes allowing you to modify where you want the power. There have been several riders who have had success racing the 165 in many different types of terrain. I think the best quality of the 165 is that it makes good to the ground power/torque while still maintaining the 125 feel and handling. It isn't going to hang with the 250/300 in the hands of a talented rider but it will certainly make your riding more enjoyable and extend your riding time by being less demanding to hang onto. I don't think there is anywhere I can't go on the 165 that I could on a larger bore.

Now obviously I am biased and not to be trusted so a simple search will turn up many stories from actual non-interested parties that have experienced the 165. The piston is made by Wossner and anyone can order it direct from Wossner if you want to with the part #. Now it will be really spendy buying just one or two from them as they are not a regularly stocked item. I do keep pistons kits and rings stocked and available at just a little above my cost that I get for buying in quantity. The piston is a quality forging and most riders are getting great life out of the piston kit. I just got done stroking TNTTimbers 165 to 177 and could have used his 65 hour piston for the kit as it was still well within spec and exhibited very little wear. I used a new kit for this application as it is a brand new motor in all other regards and wanted to start fresh. I would expect you to get at least 100 hours out of a piston if you were exclusively racing and close to 200 hours as a trail rider. I know Ajax Auto got huge hours out of his last piston kit exclusively racing it.

So with the use of two pipes you can have a torquey bottom/mid and some top motor or a ripping mid to top motor that still lugs very well. JMO. I used to have a WR250 and a WR360 that I really liked...now I have a 165 and a 177. I am also a guy with a ~245# riding weight.

Thanks Walt. It looks like I may have some funds freed up and I just need the slightest push in the right direction...

A 165 would be good in my opinion as compared to a 125 or 144 you can gear it for more high speed and it will not fall off the power as easily .
A quick flick of the clutch and the power is always there .
I would get the HGS pipe or DEP - top end pipe .
If you can get higher octane fuel it will be even better to run higher compression head.
My 165 kit has a nice smooth power delivery and is definitely better on hills than a 144 .
If you are into the 125 platform they are a good investment in my opinion .

In sand


On village road

In a water hole

Robert-Jan

Well today I started pulling off the 125 top end. I'm going to install the 144 so I can ride it this weekend. I'm planning on packing up the 125 for shipping...

You are going love the 165.

Even though Wally has an interest in the 165 he's a straight shooter and the 165 is the real deal in my opinion. I'm also in the #230 geared up range and with confidence can say everywhere I can go on my 300 I can go on the 165. With stock gearing 13/50 I don't find myself using first or second gear much at all I'm currently trying 13/49. It feels like the 300 has a higher top speed with the same gearing but no speedo so its a guess.
I can't vouch for high speed desert riding but single track, hills, gncc type stuff the 165 should get the job done no problem. All my buddies ride 250's,300's, and 450's and they usually make me lead on the 165 Cuz they like the chase and can always find me when I loose them Cuz they can hear me screaming at 10k+ lol! I'm a top three B rider or mid pack A rider this year and still have power in reserve on the 165.

I can't believe this.... from when I last posted I have completely finished the switch. This bike is so easy to work on. I left the tank and radiators in place, just pulled the lower hose. The powervalve switch was straight forward too.
Alright I've heard enough, I've got just the right size box to ship in too.
Walt I'll be sending a pm for shipping info this week.
Thanks to everyone for their input.