Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/125835
padding has been trimmed, which better shocks m.igh t make more tolerable. The Carabela in bit bigger, overall, than some of the new skinny one-twa-fives. The same chassis accommodates 100, 125 and 175cc engines. So at just over 200 pounds, it still carries more baggage than some of the competition. And the wheelbase has either grown from 51 to 55" between the magazine-tested model and the one we had; or someone had the wrong figures. But even with what appears to be a rather high ceo ter of gravity, the Carabela doesn't complain about being stuffed into tight turns with plenty of throttle. It has to be humming up on the pipe to get out rapidly, but it will hook in and out as quickly as you can. Th e unique cross brace on the handlebars is nice for hooking up tie-downs, but the handlebar angle itself wasn't right for us. Bars with less rearward angle would be better for motocross. The cobby V-bolt handlebar clamps are gone. Another traditional weak spot has been corrected with the use of Timken tapered roller bearings in the steering head. They appear quite difficult to damage. So, from the chassis/suspension standpoin t all the Carabela seems to need are shocks and fork seals. Handlebars are a matter of personal preference. The semi-adjustable footpegs may be suitable where riding duties are to be shared between the tall and the short, but optional, non-adjustable pegs that mount lower are available. We would recommend the latter. The straight cut gears in the Carabela transmission have been known to grow weary under continual c1utchless shifting, and the ensuing sloppiness can result in missed shifts. The newest transmissions are designed with entrance ramps for smoother gear engagement, which should eliminate the need to either use the clutch or rebuild the transmission every season. We had no complaint with the 30mm Mikuni carburetor, and the engine feels like it could handle even more orifice for the real go-fasters. Air gets in through a well-designed enclosure under the seat, with a Filtron foam element doing the screening work. The electronic ignition performed well throughout the test. Regarding the need for suitable breaking.in; it should suffice to remind riders for the need to do so with any engine built to close tolerances, Two or three sessions of half·throttle operation should do it. Run for fifteen minutes the first few times, Ie tting the engine cool completely. You should feel the power increase as the moving parts get more accustomed to working with each other. Then begin experimenting with jetting and needle positions, scrutinizing the spark plug carefully for danger signs. The Carabela engine will carry the mail, and with the factory indicating its willingness to make necessary changes, the Mexican entry should be in the ball game. Get some good shocks on it, set the forks at the height that provides the best overall handling for your needs, and gas it. Oh yeah, the factory is supposed to be working on improved, Honda-type fork seals, so you may not have to change them. The results of the recent improvements at Carabela will be' determined on the motocross courses. ' They may have been unfairly criticized, or maybe not. They seem to take much of the Gringo advice very seriously. We shall see. • • • • , III III ..:llI E c<") '" ..... O"l 0 C'J '"' IlJ ..0 E IlJ :> 0 Z f)SCUDERIA HUSQVARNA PENTON LAVERDA SALES. SERVICE'. A/IID _ _ Sl'ECIAl.I$TS (213) 542-1695 The Finest Selection of Parts and Accessories For Bike and Rider We Offer Expert Repairs Porting and Competition Tuning In proper tune, the Carabela 125 delivers good grunt if you keep it buzzing. Between Now and Dec. 15th Receive $50 Worth of Parts and Accesson'es FREE When Yo·u Buy a New Husky ... 2419 Artesia BIIId. Redondo Beach, California 90278 Grips are good, levers fair. Elbowed cross brace is nice for tie-downs. The radial headed, Mikuni carbureted 125 is pipey. It will track a tum, but with little aid from the shocks. Filter setup is like Maico and CZ. 1974 PHOTO .... POSTER ~imEi ;;;;iiJ IT;;;;; ~;mE CALENDAR ;-;iJ;~E h;;;;; ii;~E!E ;;;im 2 $6~;SFT rmm ili;gEE ill;;;; rmm PLUS 5% SALES TAX & $1.50 FOR HANDLING f.J~L) cheekyour photoorder send or money with to: holograPhIc 1829 W. KATELLA /liVE. ANAHEIM, CAUF. NI04 .. 29 , ..