2008 Husqvarna CR125
 

I thought that I would share my new ride. I was looking for a change and I came across this little beauty. Yes, it is a different brand but I will still here to share my knowledge on the GasGas bikes. I still believe that GasGas makes great enduro bikes and will continue to promote them to others.

Well, I've only had a few rides on the 125 so far, but it is definitely a different animal. It's going to be fun to learn a new bike, riding style, and those quirks that come with any brand.

I may be on a different ride, but I'm the same guy that likes to help out GG riders when I can. Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!

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I noticed it was a CR not WR, any reason you went w/ the MX version? Please let everyone know how you like it, good -bad-or otherwise. I'm interested in a small bore machine, my XC 300 was too big,(I'm 5'8", 160lbs. and 52 yrs. young) but I'm afraid a 125MX is too far in the opposite direction. The Husky is a very good looking machine.

I was after a smaller bore bike since it suits my riding style more. The 250's are great all-around bikes, but just more power than I need. I ride singletrack and always have to modulate the power of the 250. Feels like I only use 1/2 throttle or less. I did have a short time period on the KTM 200EXC and was a faster rider versus the 250's. I like the challenge of carrying my speed through corners, shifting/clutching, and picking better lines. The 125 will reward you when ridden correctly or you will suffer the consequences of poor judgements. For now, the 125 represents the mindset that I'm currently in. Who knows if I will hate it in the future. I can always bump the displacement to 144cc if needed.

After doing a bunch of research and considering my options, I was down to two bikes: 2008-2010 Yamaha YZ125 or 2008 Husky CR125. Yes, I would have been happy with the 2009/2010 Husky WR125, but the 2008 CR125 was the first preference.

Here are my reasons why...

• The 2008 model has the older style frame and gas tank. This provides me with a larger IMS gas tank option (3.2 gallon if I recall correctly). The stock tank is 2.5 gallons which is nice compared to the 2009/2010 bikes (new frame style). The 2009 only had 1.8 gallons. The 2010 bike will have slightly more at 2.1 gallons. Gas tank size was a big factor for me.
• The CR125 has the lighter flywheel that I was interested in. The WR125 has the larger flywheel (like the GasGas EC bikes.) The CR125 will give be a better platform for converting it into a cross country/hare scrambles style bike. Note: the CR125 has no lighting capabilities, but this is fine for me.
• The 2009 WR125 has several issues that needed to be fix. The PV and exhaust pipe needed to be replaced. Also, there was an upper engine mount that was recalled. While these are warranty items, the bike suffers from a midrange bog with the newer Mikuni TMX carb. The 2010 WR125 comes with the new fixes, but apparently still has a midrange bog.
• The 2008 CR125 has a more proven track record with the older Mikuni TMX carb, no issues with the exhaust or PV, and good engine reliability from several racer's reports.

The only downside for me...
I will have to build an 18" rear wheel. This gives me the ability to run my studded Trelleborg tire in the winter. I'm using Kold Kutter screws at the moment but I really miss my Trelleborg studs! It does have a side benefit though since I will have the option to run either 19" or 18" tires in the future.

I will post up a ride report in the near future!

you left out the fact that they were giving them away....
I got my 08 cr 125 for $3000. new ... may of 2009!!
I would have prefered a wr but 3k ... what the hell ... I popped the top end on mine so its a 144 now. However I think if you really know jetting you might not need to 144 it.
Which dealer did you get that from matt??

I bought it "used" from a gentlemen here in Michigan. It was only used 5 minutes by his 13 year old son. It scared the crap out of him and wanted something easier to ride. The bike was literally brand new in showroom condition. I just completed the break-in procedure and had 2 good rides on it so far. It is such a blast to ride. I'm still dialing in the jetting, but it is pretty close. This thing is definitely a lightweight rocket! Too much fun. :D

Matt,

I've been kinda keeping up with your threads over on Cafe Husky...I think you made a great choice, and I know nothing about you, other than your bikes look to be very well cared for. The price seemed right, and the money you saved, could get you that 18inch hoop!

Being a Senior "B" CC and Enduro racer on a 200 is a hoot, and 125 would only add to the fun factor! Enjoy and good luck!

Rick,
Thanks for the kind remarks. I've done a few rides so far this Winter. I have Kold Kutter screws in the rear 19" tire at the moment with a regular carbide stud Trelle up front. The bike is really fun to ride. I can't wait until Spring when I get it in the dirt. I'm still planning to get another rear 18" wheel. You're right about the price... the money saved can buy lots of parts. Unfortunately, I had to sell my GG for about the same price (so it is basically an even swap). Now, I'm buying new parts since items don't cross over very well.

FYI...
If you're looking for some spare GG parts, check the used section in the upcoming weeks. I will be selling some of my leftover GG goodies. :)

Malcolm Smith Motorsports in Riverside CA had some leftover '08 CR 125's they blew out for $1995!!!!! I missed them. If I'd have seen the ad in time I'd have driven to SoCal to get one. That's a LOT of bike for the money.

WIth ISDE qualifying looming for me this year, I was within millimeters of buying a YZ 125. Ended up I got a deal I couldn't refuse on an '08 GG EC 250. 125s are a riot to ride. For some of our jungle expeditions, they're a little on the unforgiving side, but as far as speed goes, there's no disadvantage.

Wow! hopefully that was just a misprint... that's like winning the lottery for anyone snatching up one of those. :eek:

I think that was a misprint.the original blow out price was 3995, back in the spring. There was an ad printed that said 1995 that was actually a misprint. this happened early last spring. Unless they have a few left over and really are blowing them out at $2k right now. But the misprinted ad last spring was where the original $1995 came from.