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/127975
Shootout 1999 125cc MX Shootout KTM 125 SX liquld·cooled, Engine type ..... 2·stroke. single 54.25mm X 54mm _ 124.Scc Bore x stroke Displacement Compression ratio. . . N/A Carburetion .. . ... Keihin PWK 39mm Transmission ... 6-speed w/hydraulic clutch Final ratio Drive chain Electrical. . SUSPENSION Front. . . . . . . . . ..13/50 520 chain Kokusan digital 2K-' . .. WP Extreme, non·inverted, 50mm, fully adj. . .WP·PDS, single shock Reer . . . WHEEL TRAVEL Front Reer .. Rake . T...H . BRAKES Ft'OId . , . , . ...... .11.02 in, . .. 12.61 in, .N/A , ...N/A .D,SC 260mm, Brembo ' ..Disc 220mm, Brembo lIIIESlSIZES ..............80/100·21 in. Bridgestone in. Bridgestone ___• . . . . . . . . . .. . ...57.56 in. " acI .. 14,96 in. _ 36.44 in. ....... , 1.99 gal. ....... 199.Slbs. l'.'" _ _ ._ •• _ . • • 100/90·19 ... .$4998 None "I never even thought about it," said our lntermediate rider, while one of our Novice riders said, "I don't like the five-speed tranny; once you reach fifth gear, you start wishing for sixth gear." But, then again, who doesn't wish for another gear, even with six-speed gearboxes? Getting back to the Kawasaki's motor: It basically left our testers wanting more - more power. [t comes on off the bottom okay, followed by a short burst of power in the middle that leaves you begging for more pull on top. This bike can get around the track okay, but you have to work a little harder, because the powerband is just so narrow. "The KX comes out of the hole and turns fast and quick - just as good as the RM - but is hard to keep on the pipe," said a Novice rider. "The power is smooth and easy but just not enough anywhere in the rev range," said our Intermediate tester. Our Vet Expert tester said, "I did not feel confident coming right out of a turn and trying to do a double." Our Beginner riders had troubles keeping the KX on the pipe. "The power and pu II isn't there, and the result is constant clutching to keep the KX on the pipe," said one Beginner. "If my riding style was more adaptable, I migh t learn to keep the green bike wailing in the upper reaches and rid~ the bike with good style, but that just doesn't seem in the cards. The KX is definitely a bike in which the engine lets the chassis down." So which bike has the best motor? Take your pick, really. Most of our testers feel that the Suzuki's, Yamaha's and KTM's powerplants are all pretty equal in terms of sheer power and ridability. The Honda's motor is right there, too, while the Kawa aki's motor is a tad off the pace. The KTM has a more user-friendly (but still very fast) motor and beefier suspension. 8 SUSPENSION AND HANDLING We had a wide range of opinions when it came to tlie suspenSion and handling departments, which pretty much tells us that all of these bikes have strong chassis, but personal riding styles and individual tastes were the main objects that set each bike apart. Take the Honda, for example: One of our Intenllediate riders felt that the CR was the best-ha.ndling bike of the bunch, while a Novice rider felt it was the worst - but even he said the Honda turns extremely welL "I was a.ble to attack the corners on the Honda like no other," said our