gasser 125

[STEVEV]

couldn't find much using search, but has anyone ridden the GG 125? My son will all too soon be out-growing his 85 pumpkin. I don't really want to get him on a snappy bike but something smooth. We ride mostly in the woods. After 37 years of riding or racing I've never ridden a 125 so I need some input. Thanks.

[orangezuk]

Originally Posted by STEVEV

couldn't find much using search, but has anyone ridden the GG 125? My son will all too soon be out-growing his 85 pumpkin. I don't really want to get him on a snappy bike but something smooth. We ride mostly in the woods. After 37 years of riding or racing I've never ridden a 125 so I need some input. Thanks.

I have a 2011 125 Six Days. It has been an adventure in setting it up due to the lack of knowledge on the little bike. There haven't been that many brought into the states over the years. The GG125 lacks on the bottom end department if you compare it to a late model YZ125 but everywhere else the GG125 is faster. I have yet to ride a 125 of any color that you would call "smooth" in the power department. They all come onto the pipe pretty hard. Brett at The Race Shop in Georgia and myself have shared every trick we can on this bike (Brett owns one as well) and we are pretty close to having the bike where it needs to be. We have "unlocked" the powervalve, plugged in the ignition wire, jetted and re-jetted the carb, messed with gearing and I think he has an idea to add some preload to the powervalve thru shock shims to make it open a bit later (giving the bike more bottom end power). I am about to take the plunge into the Athena 144 kit - it should be the same cylinder and such as a 2000 YZ125.

I have really enjoyed my 125 and I know that it has made me a better rider. Let me know if you have any questions.

[GMP]

I'm 99% sure the YZ cylinder is different, so don't spend your $$ before looking into it in more detail. If I remember its the PV rod passage area of the casting. Many YZ parts LOOK the same, but are slightly different.

I have a GG125 cyl and head on the shelf you can have for $100 for a 144 project, all PV parts and head stay too.

[orangezuk]

Originally Posted by GMP

I have a GG125 cyl and head on the shelf you can have for $100 for a 144 project, all PV parts and head stay too.

I'll take it. Email me the details - patridge dot ryan at gmail dot com . I just acquired a donor yz125 that has the athena kit on it so I won't be out any cash to try the 144 kit.

[GMP]

OK great. I'll get in touch with you this weekend.

[Clay]

So if we were to try to talk GG into building a "bridge the gap bike" would it be better to shorten the 125 or the 200?

[Clay]

Originally Posted by STEVEV

couldn't find much using search, but has anyone ridden the GG 125? My son will all too soon be out-growing his 85 pumpkin. I don't really want to get him on a snappy bike but something smooth. We ride mostly in the woods. After 37 years of riding or racing I've never ridden a 125 so I need some input. Thanks.

Steve,
Where do you live? I just got one for my daughter. I'm in TN. You are welcome to meet me somewhere to ride it.
Clay

[STEVEV]

Thanks Clay. That's a nice offer and I appreciate it. Although my son isn't quite ready yet. I bought a set of big wheels for his 85 and now he's comfortable on that. Not quite flat footed but a little more that tippie-toe. I was hoping that would get us through next year but I'm not sure now. At this point I'm just planning ahead. A 125 probably would fit him but I'd like him to gain a little more experience. I have many friends in TN (Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Nashville) so maybe when it's time I'll get in touch. I'm in Ohio.

[Dave]

I wouldn't rule out a 250F. While I don't care for 4Ts, my son sure did - he was a lot faster on them. When the time comes see if your son can get demos on both and let him choose.

[GMP]

The consideration there is the weight issue, which is also true when considering the GG200. Kids develop such that they get tall fast, but may lack the strength (particularly upper body) to handle the weight. Depends on the kid and his current stage of development. Take him to the gym and it will be evident. When my nephews were growing up, they got tall fast, but after a growth spurt, could barely do pullups. Soon after no problem. I'm just going to make sure my son can physically handle a full size bike first. I'll make him pick mine up with a full tank, lift the rear enough to drag it out of a rut, start it easily, etc. before turning him loose.