I have been riding a KLX250S 4 stroke for 2 years. I run a number of dual sport runs a year and love it for that. I also trail ride and would like to dapple in some motocross tracks (used to run a quad on motocross tracks). The idea of a bike that is 70 lbs lighter is VERY appealing to me (192 vs 262 dry)

I need some FRANK answers:

1.. I am concerned with lugging it too much on trails, will I be fouling plugs all the time? I'm not slow nor am I a motocross racer.

2. Are there fairly quiet mufflers for 2 strokes that are available with spark arrestors?

3. I expect higher maintenance and can do it all, but I have no experience with 2 strokes...how are they to get running right? How sensitive are they to elevation and season changes?

4. And lastly, what should I look out for when shopping for a 2000-2004 model ? Are the older ones just as good?

Any of your thoughts would be appreciated !

Rich

 

1) On a trail ride keep it just inside the bottom end of the powerband, this way you will be less likely to foul plugs and you wont be spinning so much, but do only ajust how many revs you use gently because unless you weigh the flywheel down its very racy; on the track keep it in the powerband, ONLY letoutof the powerbanifyou absolubtly need to.

2) Yes, the KDX125(road legal)is same engine and exhaust system.

3)2 strokes are normally sensetive to elevation changes - about 200m before you notice the difference, mine is fine with the seasons (30oC in summer and -10oC in winter)

4) Newer models benefit from years more development but the older ones are not to bad.

J

 

Knowing your ride whether it be two stroke or four stroke is a learning curve. Get to know it. Along with manual and help from the forum.

 

Yes, Dragone, no doubt about it. I've rebuilt everything automotive from engines to gears and do all my own work...learning the 2 stroke should be fun and I'm looking forward to the relative simpicity.

 

You're gonna love the 2-strokers. All engines should be so "obvious."

 

I'm on hold for now. The bike I went to look at wasn't as 'mint' as described. Started right up and ran great, but it's got more than the 10 rides on it that he stated. He's at 1250 now, I told him if he has trouble selling it and will go lower I will consider it. We shall see.....

 

all i can say is the 125 is a great bike and you cant go wrong with 2-stroke. I have an 03 KX125 and ive done just about everything on it and it still runs great.

 

depends, you could have a 92 with a new topend and piston and it will smoke a 03' thats been beatn since it was new. be shure you ask the last time they were changed.