125-200cc New 2013 CR or WR 125 for Woods Work?

Thinking about getting a 125 to compliment my 2012 WR300. It will be used for Eastern U.S. hare scrambles and enduros. (Insert tight woods here.) Do I buy a CR and add the enduro equipment (larger fuel tank, fly wheel weight) or just get a WR and be done with it? My 300 does fine in the tight stuff, but I can't help but think about how a 125/144 would carve up the trail. Both bikes will need the usual goodies, bark busters, skid plates, rotor guards, etc. Is the low end on the WR that much greater than a CR? I don't want to get in a battle of clutch slipping and alot of shifting in the trees. Of course I do understand that it won't be a horse like my 300, but not many bikes are.

Don't forget suspension. The CR has closed chamber forks, while the WR has open chamber (same as your 300).

I haven't ridden the CR, so I can't speak on the power delivery differences, but wanted to point out the additional suspension setup you'll need to look into for the CR as it is supposedly a bit harsh out of the crate.

Also, I know some east coast enduros require lighting, if that's the case for you, the lighting coil on the WR will be necessary.

I just bought a 2013 WR 144 for my nephew. The shop had a 2012 CR 125 and a 2013 WR 144. The 125 had so little bottom end as to be difficult to not stall. The 144 felt like a mini WR 300. Same kind of power, just smaller. Lots of fun to ride and soooo light! It came with a Pro Circuit works pipe and 296 silencer, so I don't know how the stock exhaust compares yet. It has a great feel at slow speeds and on the pipe. Very easy to ride.
Already thinking it might not make it to the nephew.

I did not think about the suspension, good point. My decision may already be made for me. The dealer with the WR125 told me he wanted list price for the bike. That is $6288. He is insane. And he also said that it did not come with the 144 kit. I thought all 125's came with it. I have seen these bikes sell for over $2500 less. The dealer with the CR has it for $4288 before haggling. I am already looking at a 2014 KTM 200 XC-W. If I am going to spend close to $7000, I am going to get electric start and a hydraulic clutch. Heading out after work today to test ride my buddies' one week old 200. That should make my mind up one way or another.

No way I'd spend more than $4000 on a WR/CR125 at this point. A local dealer has one for $4000 and includes the 144 kit. Each dealer is different.

Have you read up on the 165 kit that a lot of CafeHusky users have tried? Many like it more than the KTM 200. But to each their own!

$4000 before tax/title of course.

You could have yourself a 165, an extra 144 cylinder + all the mods you'd ever want for $7000.

That hydro clutch isn't all it's cracked up to me. Especially for a racer.

Left hand soaked in Magura Blood at the start of a 2 hr race isn't fun. Then having to dish out $80 for a rebuild kit. Twice in one season. Yeah, I'm happy with a cable clutch going forward.

Adjusting it also requires changing out the thickness of gaskets between the slave cylinder and the case.

KTM will also require the same work in the suspension. Expect $500 either way. I've never met anyone that is happy with stock KTM suspension.

But, by all means try both. The KTM engine feels good to me, but I rode 200s (KTM and KDX) for about 15 years before switching to Husky. Makes me kick myself because I really wanted a WR250/360 back in 2000. I probably would have spent around $22k less in dirt bikes over the years had I made that decision.

Rode the KTM 200 yesterday and let's just say that my 300 with the Lectron, Rekluse, and a Gnarly pipe has made me lazy! There is no replacement for displacement. Riding small bores require a bit more work, but hey, that's what makes them fun. The KTM felt light and agile with a low center of gravity. I can see how the small bikes would be a blast to ride. I am going to continue to look for a dealer with a new WR125 and see what I can come up with at a reasonable price.

If you're in the Pittsburgh area, I know of a shop that has one for $4000 with the 144 kit. Another user on here just bought one out of state and got it for (If I recall correctly) less than $4300 out the door.

I'm in the same boat, leaning to the WR125 becuz of 18" wheel & larger tank, Although I would like the CR forks. The dealer with the 125 w/o 144 kit for list$ is gonna be eating that thing. Never rode a bike with a 19" so not sure what diff it makes in handling.

That was me and it was a CR for $4111 to be exact. Very very happy with it by the way. I rode my 07 "300" and the 125 back to back this afternoon. Still love the tractor like torque, but there is large(no pun intended) difference in the feel/handling of the two. Less effort to carve up my steep woods trails. Does keep the left foot and index finger busy. But fun it is!

Dave

WR 150 for me, I bought the son one when I had the KTM EXC and then couldn't keep up with him, and after swapping around I much preferred the husky so now I have one. I think Cagiva deserves a lot of credit for the development of the 125 / 144 engine. I recently pulled down sons after around 50 -60 hrs of use and minimal wear on rings. I put new ones in but they weren't req'd.

what'd you decide?

Actually the CR forks are a better overall fork than the Wr. I bought a CR and converted it with ims tank 18" rear and the normal woods goodies. I also have a 300 so I can relate. The Cr suspension is more plush and forgiving on the medium and bigger stuff and handles the small stuff great, the Wr forks are more plush on the small stuff but don't seem to handle the other stuff as well as the Cr suspension. I had both bikes done up for me and my pace by Halls at the same time so its apples to apples.
If your ever going to do a 165 I've heard the Cr vs. Wr ignition differences won't matter but if you plan to keep it a 125 or 144 I'd look hard at the Cr just due to the extra umph the ignition will give you.
Also I paid about $4000 for my 2014 Cr so I'd definitely look around! But I'll tell you first hand I would never be as satisfied with s $7000 KTM 200 as I am with my fully decked out CR/WB 165 for $6500 with all the woods goodies!

Well, I was still on the prowl for a WR125, but a visit to my doctor has changed my plans for the future. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer on 3/18, and can only ride until my surgery date which is 4/28. Then I will have to take a 3 month break from riding. I hope to get back in the saddle by early August to get back in shape for the upcoming racing season. The Little Brown Jug National Enduro is Labor Day weekend and is only 50 miles from my house, so my goal is to be ready by then. It appears that I will have many boring hours to scour the classifieds and research every dirt bike made. Alot of time will probably be spent out in the shop just looking at my 300 and wishing.

Oh man I'm sorry... Praying for you

tough break mate, good luck with it all

Thanks guys. I am in good hands. It was caught early and the prognosis is good. Praying for a successful surgery and a quick recovery! My bike needs me!

I really hope that small bore will make you smile a lot when you get it and help you forget about the down time.