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/128088
Honda CR125R Honda has a history of consistently producing good-performing MX bikes, such as the CR125. It might not always be "the best," or win magazine shootouts every year, but the CR 125 is pretty much a guaranteed contender and, perhaps better yet, usually the best-built and most reliable bike out there, which is hard to come by in the high-revving and machinery-abusing 125cc classes. Performance always seems to outweigh practicality and reliability when it comes to choosing a motocross bikes, but this shouldn't be a problem for the 2001 CR125R. With the Honda's motor, a number of minor changes were made to improve power across the board, but with emphasis put at the top of the rpm spread. The new Honda does seem to run stronger than the '00 CR, but not dramatically. Most of the improvement is found at high rpm, where the CR revs out a little longer and stronger. Even though the Honda puts out respectable power overall, By KIT PALMER PHOTOS BY JOE BONNELLO rI'hinkin g about buying a new 125cc motocrosser but just don't know which one? It can be a tough decision, especially these days, when the last thing you want to do is blow $5000 on a bike that loses nearly half its value before a knobby touches the dirt and you soon find out the first time you take it to the track that the bike you just bought... well, might be good for Freddie McFactory on the National circuit but just isn't right for you at Local MX Raceway. Also, you don't want a bike that feels - or looks like it has a full National season under its belt after just a few motos. No, what you need is a good, solid motocross bike that has a rep uta tion for being a top performer right out of the crate and will not only run good but continue to do so - you know, like a Honda CR125. 32 JANUARY 24,2001 • cue I e n _ 'l1li' S it's not what we would call a real ripper, at least not on all tracks. The CR seems to work best on more-hardpacked, dry tracks, where throttle control is critical and smooth power transition is essential. In these condi- tions, the CR revs out quickly and smoothly, and feels quite strong and controllable, but on loamy, powersapping tracks, where traction is premium, the CR suffers a bit in sheer horsepower. Our Pro-level tester Whcri'sNew? Cylinder porting shapes and specifications. Larger air·intake connecting tube. o Four-petal (instead of six) reed-valve combined with a new asymmetrical reed block. • Reed-valve stopper shape. o Exhaust-pipe joint seal. o Exhaust-flange bore shape is now oval. o Exhaust valve flaps feature a 2.5mm hole (for improved bottom-end response). o Redesigned exhaust-governor components provide added stroke adjustment. o Ignition.flywheel mass increased by 8 percent. o Aluminum ACG cover is redesigned for better sealing. o Ughtweight drive chain is 3 ounces lighter. o Heavier spring rates in front fork. o Fork damping. o Anodized aluminum brake pistons and newly designed front-brake disc are nearly 5 ounces lighter. o Steering stem features aluminum top threads and stem nut to reduce weight. o Handlebar grips. • Side panels feature 20-percent-wider air-intake openings. o 20-inch front wheel (optional). o Team Honda-inspired colors and graphics. o o