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/128119
(Far left, left) Our testers loved the RM's exciting motor and cushy suspension. MiseeDaneQus It's very difficult to tell when the black plastic fuel tank is full, since no light can get inside. As always, Honda pays special attention to detail. For example, the rubber throttle-housing cover has holes for the mounting bolts, so you won't have to peal it back to remove the throttle. 0 The Honda's kickstarter lever flips well out and is easy operate. After spending many days at the track, the Honda looks the least hammered of the five bikes following our shootout. o (Right, below) The Kawasaki Is a screamer, most of its power is found on top. BOTTOM LINE: As always, th.e Honda is built to last. Since none of the plastic has changed on the new KX, the side panels still catch on the tops of your boots (seemingly more so with Sidi boots than others). The easy fix is to drill and zip-tie (the panels, not the boots) to the frame, but you can still get caught every now and then. (We ,know of at least one aftermarket company that actually sells a product to keep your boots from hanging up on the KX's side panels.) 0 How will you know when the black plastic fuel tank is full? Stop pouring when it's wet on the outside. BOTTOM LINE: Styling is getting a little old. Shorty clutch lever is nice. You can easily pull it in with one or two fingers, and the digits that remain on the bar won't get squished by the lever end. 0 As mentioned, the seat is too hard. The rider doesn't sink in, and the cover is slippery. As a result, one's butt slides back when the Katoom's awesome acceleration takes over. 0 Brakes are superstrong (borderline grabby). 0 Another black plastic fuel tank, with the added curse of a small filler hole, so be sure and have a rag handy. 0 The KTM already comes with biackbackers for the number plates, so you don't have to buy any. (N-StyJe provided the black backers that we installed on the other bikes.) 0 Uke the Honda, the KTM held up well in the looks department after many days at the track. BOTTOM LINE: Once again, the high-quality handlebars and levers are nice touches. Black rear fender looks better, too. Just look at the RM, and its flat rider layout practically bites you on the nose. Hop on it, and the feature becomes even more evident - not to mention popular. Time was, Suzukis were famous for their "sit-in" feel. No more. This rider compartment is the most comfortable of the class, with fore-and-aft movement an easy undertaking. At the same time, the soft, comfortable seat grips the rider's butt enough that he or she doesn't slide rearward when accelerating out of a comer. 0 The bike feels light, smooth and comfortable, with even things like throttle pull seeming more effortless than with the other bikes. Brakes are very sensitive, but not overly so, and shifting is the easiest of the class. 0 Graphics are still chintzy. BOTTOM LINE: A real confidence builder. Pointy rear fender (an exaggerated version of the Suzuki's) looks a little scary. Speaking of points, one of our test riders said, believe it or not. that he caught the top of his boot on the upper front point of the radiator shroud while leaned over in a turn. 0 The YZ's brakes still seemed to require a bit more effort to engage compared to the RM and KTM, though they offer plenty of power and good feel once they get started. BOTTOM LINE: The '02 YZ125 will be another crowd-pleaser, thanks to its good, allaround package. cue I e n e _ s • AUGUST 29, 2001 23