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1993 Honda CR125lKawasaki KX125/Suzuki RM125lYamaha VZ125 comp_ari_so_fl
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Photos by Kinney Jones
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ur ears are still ringing.
For the last couple of weeks, it
seems as though we've heard
nothing but the sounds of buzzing
motorcycles - 125cc MXers, to be exact,
and four in particular: Honda's CRl25,
Kawasaki's KXl25, Suzuki's RMl25 and
Yamaha's YZl25.
The occasion? Our annual125cc MX
showdown, where after testing each
10
bike on an individual basis, we round
'em all up, freshen 'em up and haul 'em
up to some of our favorite local MX
tracks and go at it.
In all fairness, it really isn't our intention to come away with one overall winner, or to award "best bike" honors,
because very seldom does our entire
staff agree on choosing one bike that's
the best. Everyone is different. Sure, it
sounds better having one winner but
very rarely is ~ the case.
What follows is a brief summary
of some of the more major categories
- motor, suspension, handling and
ergonomics - concluded by riding
impressions of each motorcycle from
each test rider.
Motors
It almost goes without saying that
horsepower is the most crucial element
in the high-revving 125cc class. In the
2SOcc class, a motor that is considered
under-powered or slow still usuaily produces more power than we nonNational caliber people can handle. But
in the 125cc class, an underpowered or
slow motor often makes the difference
between winning and losing. Usually,
but not always, as we will soon find out.
All four of these bikes make comparable power, but each bike has its own
. distinctive characteristics. The Honda
makes good power all over - down low,
in the middle and on top. You name it,
