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/127981
1999 CR125 pipe and silencer evaluation Pipe up By Matt Freeman y adding an FMF, a Pro Circuit, or a Bill's Pipes exhaust system to your 1999 CR125, the motor goes from producing flat power to producing fat power. Of course, all three separate exhaust systems perform differently in their own way, but regardless of which one you use, it is an inlprovement over the stock pipe. The stock Honda silencer, however, is a different story. After testing all aftermarket pipes with their respective silencers and identical jetting, we decided to remount the OEM silencer to eam pipe, and the results were a pleasant surprise. Though the stock silencer is not necessarily better than any of the aftermarket models offered, it's also not any worse. With the Pro Circuit, Bill's and both FMF pipes, the stocker produces great low-end to midrange grunt, whim is not maracteristic of the CR's stock exhaust system as a whole. Basically, if you're strapped for cash, you can get away with ditching the stock pipe and just purchasing any of the aftermarket pipes, and still be content with the performance of the stock silencer. We were. Nevertheless, if you are looking for greater power up top - and most CR125 riders usually are - an entire aftermarket system is your best bet. FMF offers a combination of two pipes and two silencers. The FMF Moto pipe produces stronger power from bottom to mid. It proves a definite power increase up top, but not as much as its brother, the Rev pipe, whim is the better of the two FMF units for high-speed si tuations. As far as silencers go, the FMF Shorty was developed to work with the moto pipe, producing snappy power down low - great for supercross. The Power Core silencer, on the other hand, is a gem for the Rev pipe, juicing even more top-end power out of the five-speed motor. Consider your riding style and area when purchasing an FMF exhaust system, because the proper combination of all their options is crucial if winning is a priority. With the Bill's pipe and silencer, the CR runs sinlilar to the FMF Moto pipe and Shorty silencer setup. Because the bike is slow leaving tight stop-and-go comers, the B ~ ~ ~ ~ .a If 30 FULL COVERAGE Nelson-Rigg USA's new Falcon Defender 2000 motorcycle cover is just one of the many new covers manufactured by the rainwear and soft-luggage company. The Falcon cover is 100-percent waterproof and features a vent system whim allows cross-ventilation and prevents condensation buildup. Constructed of double-coated Tri-Max polyester and complete with an anti-scratm windshield panel, the Falcon comes in all sizes, from SOOcc commuters to full-dress touring rigs. Retail prices start at $69.95 and go up to $84.95 for XXL. Contact Nelson-Rigg USA, Dept. CN, 3518-A Lake Center Dr., Santa Ana, CA 92704, 714/850-1811; www.nelsonrigg.com. (310) 631-4363 • _ J.. 6aciiQ.com .......................................$179.99 ..................................... .$179.99 ....., II IIr , .$99.19 ..... e- II, Tlr .$99.99 .... (909) 738-8060 • _.procircUlt.com ..................................... .$191 FI n , I .$95 BAGGING THE QUESTION HAN~ECOOR~NATION Keep your eyes on the trail and your hands Qn the handlebars with Smith Sport Optic's new line of motorcycle grips. The all-new grips are made of a synthetic rubber compound that provides long-lasting durability, superior grip, and maximum vibration absorption. Currently, Smith has full- and half-waffle, medium- and soft-compound grips available in gray and black colors. Retail price is $7.75 to $8.75. Soon to follow will be the Dual Density rubber-cornpound grips for $9.95. For more information, contact Smith Sport Optic?;, Dept. , 105 Lewis St., Ketmum, ID 83340, 208/726-4477; www.smithsport.com. snappy feel of the Bill's exhaust system is a welcome improvement over stock. Flat becomes fast when coming out of comers and skipping over whoops. Although it's a 125, installing a Bill's pipe and silencer will definitely take a little wear-and-tear off the clutch because you're not fanning constantly, due in part to the improved usable power. If high-speed tracks are your game, then the Pro Cir,cuit Works pipe and Factory Sound silencer may be your best bet. Though it works well on any type of circuit, the Pro Circuit setup is the most versatile of the bunch. The bike revs better and faster, but not too much faster. It doesn't rev violently, as many quicker-revving pipes do. In fact, the power produced by the Pro Circuit pipe and silencer is the smoothest and tlle most useful out of all the pipes we tested. The nicest thing about the CR125 equipped with the Pro Circuit exhaust system was that top speed felt faster at any rpm in any gear on any part of the track. It's not the snappiest setup, but unless you're trying to qualify for the 125cc main event at the next supercross, the Pro Circuit Works pipe and Factory Sound silencer is a great way to get more of everything out of your 1999 CR125. CII GET IN LINE ew from White Brothers are the Fastline Super Stock Brake Line Kits. Designed with the racer in mind, the kits feature' mini-expansion braided stainless-steel lines coated with black HytreJ and utilize nickel-plated steel banjo fittings. Available for most latemodel sportbikes, front-brake kits start at $75.76, while the rear kits start at $30.30. For more information, see your local dealer or contact White Brothers, Dept. C ,24845 Corbit Place, Yorba Linda, CA 92887, 714/692-3404. What should you do wit""h~;,; • •IJi!~~ • your gear to keep it from ;i getting wet inside your leather saddlebags? The answer may be 4 to get your hands on Kwik Tek's SBL-l Motorcycle Saddlebag Liner. The 12x6x18-inch clear vinyl bag is waterproof and fits most leather saddlebags. Available for under $10 from your local dealer or by contacting Kwik Tek, Dept. C ,1260 W. Byers PL, Denver, CO 80223, 888-732-5311, (fax) 303/733-8007, www.jetIogic.com. PIT WARMERS e from Kawasaki is the '99 Team Racing Jacket (left) and tjle Leather Paddock Jacket (right). The Team Racing Jacket is constructed out of nylon with a thin inner liner. It has an outside secured pocket, reflective sleeve striping, knit inner cuffs and molded Team Racing patches on the chest and both shoulders. It comes in sizes XXS thru XXXL. The Leather Paddock Jacket features perforated leather sleeves accented with green panels, wool upper front and rear yoke, and full-grain leather. It also features direct-embroidered sleeve and back graphics. It comes in sizes XS thru XXL. The suggested retail price is $99.95 for the Team Racing Jacket and $229.95 for the Leather Paddock Jacket. For more information, contact your local dealer or Kawasaki Accessories, Dept. CN, 9950 Jeronimo Road, [rvine, CA 92618-2084, 949/77CHl400. CII