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
1999 125cc MX Shootout Kawasaki KX125 .. Uquld-cooled. 2·stroke. single Bore" stroke 54mm x 54.5mm Displacement .. .1 24cc Compression ratio .9.8-8.2:1 Carburetion Keihin PWK36S w/powerjet and K-TRIC Transmission .6·speed, constant·mesh .........12/49 Final ratio .520 chain Drive chain ...Digital CDI Electrical Engine type SUSPENSION . .. Kayaba. inverted. 46mm, cartridge fork, fully adj. Rear . .UNI-TRAK. single·shock. fully adj. Front . . WHEEL TRAVEL .... 12.2 in. . .13.0 in. . ...26 0 . .. .4.3 in. Front . Rear . Rake . Trail _.. BRAKES Front Rear ., Disc ............ .Disc TIRES/SIZES Front Rear , .. 80/100-21 in. Dunlop 100/90-19 in. Dunlop ................. ..56.5in. Gnnmd cleerance 15.4 in . . . . . height .. . ~ .37.2 in. .... L cltr.···· .. 2.25 gal. chy weight 191.7 ..$4799 Like last year, the KX125's suspension offers a plush ride, but the motor left us wanting more. 12 "Classification: Vet Expert 1. Yamaha: "By far the Leader; does everything well." 2. Suzuki: "Feels like a 125 on steroids; turns very easy; fun to ride." 3. Kawasaki: "Very comfortable; good power in the meat of the powerband." 4. (TIE) Honda/KTM: (Honda) "Ergos - wide and fla t; better sea t padding; good power but not as strong as the Yamaha." (KTM) "Smooth motor bu t lacks low-end grunt; stable handling and jumps well; feels a little heavier than the others." Classification: Intermediate 1. Suzuki: "I simply liked it best; turns well; lots .of power; suspension - top honors." . 2. Honda: "Good, user-friendly power delivery; good handler." 3. Yamaha: "Turns well, best throttle response; plush suspension." 4. KTM: "Suspension works quite well; broad power - fast." _ 5. Kawasaki: "Failed to inspire me; power is smooth but n.ot enough; suspension - king of plush." Classification: Novice 1. Yamaha: "Still the best all-around motorcycle; smooth power delivery in all areas; good chassis but prone to headshake; cramped." 2. Suzuki: "Very fast from bottom to mid; comfortable." 3. KTM: "Very f1ickable bu.t hard to hold lines in sweeping turns; good suspension." 4. Kawasaki: "Tu.rns very well; hard to keep on pi pe; feels low to t.he grou.nd." 5. Honda: "Comfortable ergos; turns well; explosive power; don't like five-speed transmission." Classification: Novice 1. Yamaha/Suzuki: (Yamaha) "Broad powerband; 'plush yet sturdy suspension; all-around good package." (Suzuki) "Strong motor; quick turner; solid suspension; excellent transmission./I 2. KTM/Honda: (KTM) "Hard-pulling motor; stable handling; steering feels a little heavy; all-arou.nd good bike." (Honda) "Stock jetting - uninspiring; modified jetting - very inspiring; turns well; jumps well; suspension could be plusher." 3. Kawasaki: "Opposite of Honda: narrow powerband, cushy suspension; notchy shifting." Classification: Beginner 1. Yamaha: "Every tiling works well; feels complete." 2. Suzuki: "Best Suzuki RMI25 ever; potent motor but still user-friendly." 3. Kawasaki: "Easy to ride; suspension never felt harsh; everything in right spot." 4. KTM: "Fast as hell; seat way too hard; rear brake imp:coved, no more brakeinduced engu.1e stalling." 5. Honda: "Better than last year but left longing for more power and plusher suspension; excellent ergos." Classification: Beginner I. Suzuki: "Effortless and precise steering; motor has the goods bu t power delivery is a Uttle hard to manage; predictable handling." 2. Yamaha: "Torquey for a 125; smoothpulling and powerful motor; plush. chassis; cramped ergos for my 6-foot2 frame." 3. KTM: "Sweet midrange rush; medium-speed steering; stable chassis; liked the hydraulic dutch." 4. Honda: "Strong motor; nice control; good brakes; Suspension okay." 5. Kawasaki: "Needs KTM's clutch; hard for a Beginner to keep in the powerband; good suspension."