125-200cc WR125 - 09 vs 10 vs 11

I think the 09 is the best deal but I have not been keeping up with all the 125 talk here so I want to make sure.

I think the 09 has the best suspension.

The 2010 and 2011 have a slightly bigger tank which is a plus if the aftermaket one never gets here but otherwise any year will get a new tank.

The 2010 and 2011 have better plastic I think (integrated graphics).

Are there any other differences?

I see the 11 factory 144 is out. I am assuming it is the same as a 09 or 10 125 with a 144 kit. If that is not true and it has other changes such as a 144 specific pipe and ignition it might be worth looking at . But at $6500 I think I would rather get a 4k 09 and add the kit myself.

You are on it.

Also, 10 and 11 has the reinforced frame. As mentioned, the tank (1.9 vs. 2.3 is kind of like the difference between a 6 pack or a 7 pack!) and the integrated graphics.

That being said, and without vested knowlege and experience with Husky 125's, bang for the buck, the 2011 WR150 is THE best bang for the buck for a young rider looking for an entry level race ready woods bike....period. Turnkey and if they buy early....2 plus years of Husky bucks for a young hotshoe! Great way to get on the "Husky Team" and join the "Family".

Joe

I still think the 09 is the best way to go. The $2500 dollar difference will pay for the 144 kit, pwk carb and a IMS or Clarke tank and still leave you with $1000 in your pocket.

I'm not a salesman maybe, but every-time I have tried that resale idea, it has never worked for me ... I like that heavier frame idea for sure ....

Is the newer frame better? Was the 09 having failures or something?

I’m not going to worry about resale. Huskys are always blown out late in the year so resale is never high and it really makes me hesitate to buy a 2011 for full MSRP. If there are some clear advantages I might but from what I am hearing it sounds like the 09 is the same bike but with better forks. If the 2011 came with the good KYB and a Keihin I would be jumping on the 2011 though.

At this point I am thinking a 09 is the way to go, then add the following:

LTR revalve $600
PWK $240
Spark Arrestor $150
Rad guards $100
Skid plate $60
Bigger tank (if ever made) $250
Gearing 13/52 $150 (maybe not if I get a 144 though)

That would put the bike at about $5650 ready to ride.

I might get the 144 also. A little more pull on long hills sounds good. But on the other hand I really like the soft tractable power the 125 lays down. I will have to try to ride Kellys 144 and see how hard the midrange barks. I don’t want a KTM 200 style midrange. Then I might also get a dyna ring and LHRB. So even the 09 could turn into a 7k bike. It’s nice they start out cheap so there is a good budget for mods.

Well then I guess the 144 is a “must have”. It always feels like my 125 would be perfect with just about 10% more everywhere.

I’ve been out riding a few times. My Vectors keep letting my foot flex too far upwards which has been a problem. My new boots (TCX PRO 2) should be here today so hopefully the problem is solved. These are supposed to be very stiff boots.
I’m planning to ride somewhere Saturday. I don’t want to be gone all day so I will probably head to the Trask or possibly Ginger (the area in those pictures you posted looks to be in nice shape). I’d love to try your bike.

Well that’s another reason not to drive that winding road to Ginger then. I thought it was hammered before!

Lately I like to just start and Jordan and head to the Trask. The first 30 minutes of the ride in the TSF sucks but after that you are in awesome trails. I love the stuff right between Ginger and the TSF as it is tight and does not see a lot of traffic. There are some nice trails towards Hollywood that can be hit also. This is one reason I am really concerned about that tank. All the good loops are 70 miles or so. Everything in the closer TSF area is clapped out. I really hope the big tank becomes a reality soon.

Is there any place better to ride within an hour or so of the Portland metro?


I’ve got some more 125 questios if you have the time...

Is the stock skid plate any good? I was thinking I would need something else but was not sure. I did not see one on the Motosportz site but thought you might make one.

At my speed do you think I should worry about the TC forks of the 09 over the normal forks? I loved the ones on your 450 but don’t know what the standard 50mm would work like with some LTR attention. I am assuming that having LTR go over the suspension, or at least the forks, would be money well spent

Is the 13/50 gearing good with the 144?

If I get a DynaRing is there any way to add a LHRB and keep a clutch lever that you know of?

scorpian makes a kick azz skid plat eif you don't like the stocker

I wouldn't worry about resale either, and it's a sure fire savings. You'd have to be pretty certain you could clean up the Husky bucks to make it worth it on contingency.

I'd also save money on the carburetor. I know there's lots of talk about swapping to the PWK, but it's not a better carb at all, just more common, and therefore a little more understood. If anything I'd send the Mikuni to RB-Designs for his mods.

LTR money is always well spent. The brand name on the suspension doesn't matter if you're going to have it revalved for you anyway. He can make any brand work for you. He made my Ohlins work (they were pretty close anyway) and he made my Zoke/Sachs combo work equally as well.

Sounds like you're on the right track to me. I hope you enjoy whichever one you get.

The 125 is pretty potent, I doubt the 144 kit is necessary either. Even if it makes the bike more powerful, does it really make you faster? I think I ride all bikes the same speed myself, the technique just changes slightly.

I can't disagree with that statement at all.... The 144 just gives us old guys an edge, when the hills get really steep and it gets nasty technical.

Ginger is pretty rough this year; I've hit it just about every weekend for the last few months. Replacement parts are getting pretty expensive........

Then give it a rest and try Mary Ann!
But for goodnes sakes...stay away from Mrs. Howell!

at Joe. +1

Walt

+1 to what Kelly said. The 144 just makes everything that little bit easier and faster.

Walt

The 09 is a good deal, but if you plan on resale then I think the 2011 would be the way to go. I am not sure what to think about a jap fork as i have had good luck with revalved zokes, kind a feel like husky sold out a little. consider Halls for revalve (and lowering if needed) would be a bit less then $600.00 and I have had pretty good results with them. The mikuni carb to me is great and on ANY size husky (125,250, hec even the old 360 I never felt a need to change carbs. I talked to a important guy and he said beginners do better with the K carb. Not worth the money to me. Stock skidplate on my 125 seems to work very well. I have not rode the 125 with a 144 kit but as a good A rider feel it would be nice to have just a little more bark. You guys are lucky Minnesota has NO husky bucks for enduros or harescrambles!! Bummer. Good luck! Oh yea GAS is a BIG issue with stock 09 125 tank. I have resorted to a 1 qt gatorade bottle full of gas duct taped to my front fender (SAD) Where is the big tank! Where is the big tank! Where is the big tank! Where is the big tank! ok you get the point!!

Here is Mary Ann, she is pretty torn up also... Really, that is the name of this trail. Marry Ann is a bitch...

Click for video...




Later,