Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
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this isn't the fastest 125cc production MXer of the year, we will be surprised. But you can certainly feel its kart-racing heritage, since most okay all - of the TM's power is congregated at the top of the powerband, making it a bit of a handful if you're not used to such a hard-hitting motor. There's not much in the way of bottom end and not a whole lot of midrange either, but when it does finally come on the pipe, watch out. Once the power comes on, the TM hits hard and just keeps revving and revving, it's an ideal setup for long, hilly and sweeping-fast motocross tracks like many of those found in Europe, where the TM is quite popular and has a good track record on the GP circuit. But for tighter Supercross and motocross tracks like those here in the U.S., the TM takes a lot of getting used to. Once you learn to keep it pinned and you get to know exactly where and when the power comes on, though, you'll be fine. Again, it just takes getting used to. Your left hand will be kept busy on the TM, luckily the TM's hydraulic clutch has a light pull and good feel. The tranny works well, too. The TM's ergonomics aren't much different than any other 125cc. It has a relatively flat layout and the handlebars are positioned a little high, the seat is just narrow enough and a little on the firm side. The TM feels pretty much like any other 125 - until you start moving and reach for the footpegs. They're positioned way too high for our liking, making the bike suddenly feel - weird. So weird, in fact, that a couple of our test riders just couldn't get comfortable on the bike. Handlingwise, the TM gets the job done. Nothing more. The back end stays put and delivers a fairly plush ride, and we never really felt the need to make major adjustments. Up front, though, the Paioli forks just didn't have the solid feeling of some of the other 125cc Mxers we've ridden lately. They soak up big hits good enough, but feel a little harsh and "pogoee" when slowing down from speed and hard on the brakes. Getting the TM through the turns is simple enough. You can force it through the inside of tight corners when you need to without too much fuss, but it seems more happy leaned over and plowing through the berms, where you can open 'er up and get a good drive down the straights. It stays put in the ruts, too. Overall, our TM test bike got mixed reviews from out testers: Our finicky Pro tester liked the TM's power and thought it handled fairly well but just couldn't come to terms with its "different" feel. Another tester, a Novice-level rider, also said (Below) The TM's Paloll forks absorb landings well but feel a litUe harsh under braking. One complaint a few of the test riders had was that the pegs were to high-set, and that m d bike feel rd. he had a hard time getting used to the ergonomics, the erratic powerband and "bouncy" forks. A couple of other riders, however, weren't so critical of the TM. Yes, they agreed the bike felt different at first but didn't have too much problems adapting and went as far as saying they even had fun on the bike. The bottom line: Some of our test riders liked the TM and some did not. However, all of them agreed that the bike has serious potential and that the best way of getting over some of the TM's "weirdness" is simple - just ride it (and ride it and ride it - and don't ride any other bike in the meantime). And once you do get used to it, people at the track won't be looking at you just because you're on something different, but because you're winning. eN Z5 ENGINE; .............•.....................Water-cooled, two-stroke, single BORE: 54rnm STROKE: .54.4mm DISPLACEMENT: . 123.543cc INTAKE: ................••..•.................•.....Case-reed induction CARBURETlON: ....................................•..Keihin 38mm PVM IGNmON: .........•.............Koukusan COl eJectronich w/variable advance PRIMARY DRIVE: Straight-tooth gear CLUTCH: . .Hydraulic TRANSMISSION: .....•..•.....•....•.•....•...................6·Speed FRAME: Perimeter, steel FORKS: ..................•...•....................... .46mm Paioli USD SHOCK: ...•.••.••........................•......••.••..• . ...Ohlins TIRES Front: ................••..••.•.•..••.....................90/90·21 in. Rear: .....................•..•...•..•...................110/90·19 in. BRAKES Front: 270mm disc, Brembo Rear: ....................•..•.•...................220mm disc. Brembo FUEL CAPACITY: _.•••............3.1 9a1l0n CLAIMED DRY WEIGHT: ....................................•. . .209 ib•. MSRP: .....................••..•.••••.•........................$5999 eye I e n e _ so • FEBRUARY 14. 2001 29