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DRZ 125 L: Decent, mild trail bike

I have an "04 KLX 125L (same bike as DRZ 125L). I am an older (51)trail rider, 5'8", 155#. This bike is fine for my needs. I ride in the woods, sometimes at moderate speeds, but I do like to ride fast or climb steep hills too. This bike is up to the task. It's definitely not a fast bik...e but it has good torque and can climb most anything. I put on a 15 tooth front sprocket (coutershaft sprocket) to increase top speed and I'm happy with the results. My bike now has good top speed without much loss of power. I opened up the airbox and raised the needle jet with a thin washer but use the stock main and pilot jets. Exhaust is stock for quiet operation.

I would like to maximize power output and plan to exchange the stock 102.5 jet with a 105 or 107. I'll also exchange the stock pilot jet (117.5, I believe) with the next size up 120 for better cold starting and off idle power.

The suspension is ok stock but heavier springs from BBR would help for any rider above 120# or so. The fork springs on this bike are very soft and I plan to go heavier there first and see how this feels. I also plan to install a BBR frame cradle to protect the engine case and mounts and to prevent frame stretching. This bike is a little cramped in size for me but not too bad and I like the small, light size for tight woods riding and loading on my truck cycle rack.

I have owned many bikes, including a Honda xr 100, an xr 200, and a Yamaha TT 12L all of which are similar to the DRZ/KlX 125L. Which is my favorite? Overall If I could pick one now I would pick the TTR 125L first, the DRZ/KLX a close second, the XR 200 third, and the XR 100 last. If I was a small kid the order might be much different with the XR/CRF 100 being above the XR 200.

The TTR 125 has a better power curve and feels a bit faster in the woods than the DRZ/KLX. Both bikes handle pretty well and seem pretty comparable. The Honda XR/CRF 100s have lighter suspension with less travel that is definitly worse than the 125s. Even the XR 200 has slightly worse suspension than the 125s with the fork springs being particulary soft.

I also like the sound of the engine and muffler of the TTR 125 better than the DRZ/KLX. My DRZ just doesn't sound as smooth as the Yamaha or the Hondas I've had, though this is a subjetive view. The DRZ/KLX has more mechanical pinging and whirring noises coming from the engine and the muffler emits a slightly more harsh thump than the Yamaha and the difference is even more when compared with the Hondas (Hondas have a certain classic thumper sound to me that I like).

The XR 200 did have the best ergonimics for my size though I didn't like the heavier weight (223# compared to 176 for my KLX). I did really like the power of the XR 200. It has a really torqey motor with good speed. Of the others, the TTR comes closest.

All in all I like my KLX just fine so far. It is comparable to the Yamaha, though, again, to me just a notch below it in power, and sound. The differences are slight. I haven't mentioned the Honda CRF 150 or the Kawasaki 140 and have no experience with these though I have read many review about all these playbikes. I would definitely strongly consider the CRF 150 along with the TTR 125 if I were to buy a new playbike. The CRF probably has the power that I liked with my old XR 200 with the smaller size that i like of my 125 (though the weight is more like the XR 200). the TTR would have the advantage of lighter weight (172#, or thereabouts).

All bikes discussed seem to have their following and would work well for many with some differences amoung them. In sum, most people seem to prefer the Hondas or the Yamahas with the Suzuki and Kawasakis following closely behind.




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drz 125l

I have this bike with a power core 4 (fmf exhaust). it is a very good bike and is quite fast with the exhaust upgrade. my dad can ride it and he weighs 215lbs. its a great overall llightweight bike and anyone can ride it. I LOVE THIS BIKE. Read Full Review

A question about this bike.....

i want to buy this bike (drz 125 2009)
but i'm from israel and I dont know how can i buy it from you and to send it to Israel and how much it will cost?
my email is:
timor_d@walla.co.il
I'll be glad to get an answer. thank you! Read Full Review