GasGas TM Yamaha KTM Husqvarna. Comparison of motocross 125-k 2022

It would seem that you want to make a comparison of two-stroke 125-k, so go ahead and do it.

We take an Italian motorcycle, an Austrian motorcycle, a Swedish (but made in Austria) and a Spanish (and also made in Austria) motorcycle. It sounds funny, but let’s honestly check whether there is a difference between the three Austrians, or whether this is all a remake of the same model.

GasGas TM Yamaha KTM Husqvarna

Cross 125s

There was a time when two-stroke 125s were on the verge of extinction. They were replaced by four-stroke 250s, in particular due to the new AMA rules, according to which they were simply equated - two-stroke 125s competed with four-stroke 250s. Adding fuel to the fire (pardon the pun) was the ban on leaded gasoline, which was used by two-strokes with a high compression ratio. But fortunately, this technology is so charismatic that even in an era of strict environmental requirements, there are enthusiasts who drive it - and enthusiasts who produce it. Now the market for modern, powerful, controllable and relatively environmentally friendly two-stroke bikes is already experiencing quite a rebirth, and it’s time to find out who is worth what among the current models.

Special respect to Yamaha for not leaving this market when three other representatives of the Japanese four left it. Even more respect goes to Stefan Pira, the head of KTM, for not only continuing to make two-strokes, but also seriously developing them, introducing new technologies and leaving a foundation for the future (which, according to KTM, two-stroke motorcycles clearly have). Anyone will make and sell motorcycles when they sell like hotcakes, but in a period of decline, maintaining a two-stroke line is expensive.

The current flourishing of two-stroke technology is not so much a market curiosity as a completely logical process. The fact is that these engines have a very special, groovy character, which was almost forgotten when large and harsh four-stroke models with an injection power system began to appear. Yes, the injector is an excellent reason to abandon carb technology once and for all, and the need to add oil to gasoline seemed to obviously put an end to injectors for the 2T. But this, of course, turned out not to be the case.

Now they are being raced again by both beginners and enthusiasts, as well as professional riders. They race because the winners of the competition receive cash prizes. They race because a professional should not stagnate in one topic, and a true enthusiast is almost a professional in character. They race because 125s are easy for beginners (sometimes deceptively easy).

American races like the Wiseco World Two-Stroke Championship, 125 All-Star, Red Bull Straight Rhythm two-stroke, Washougal 125 Dream Race and SoCal's Pasha 125 Open are exciting and fun. And in Europe, the EMX125 racing series successfully precedes the MXGP 250 World Championship.

Comparison of motocross 125-k 2022

So, 2022 125 two-stroke. What's new in them? Less than sensational, but more than it might seem at first glance. The excellent Italian models TM 125MX and TM 144MX seem to many to be the best in their class, and it is gratifying that the 125MX was included in our comparison. TM updated the power valve on their two-strokes, added a sixth gear for 2020-21, removed some excess metal from the frame and revised the suspension settings. KTM and Husqvarna have received new WP XACT fork internals for 2021 to match the four-stroke line, including an intermediate valve. Also, the white and orange brothers received high-flow air filter housing covers, roller throttle grips, updated pistons, clutch modifications, and so on. And for 2021, they were joined by a third brother - red. The GasGas MC 125 is a new model for this year, like the others (the four-stroke MC 250F and 450F) based on the KTM platform with a couple of changes. As for the good old Yamaha YZ125, it's still good old - it hasn't changed much since 2005, when the blue 125 got an aluminum frame and then the legendary Kayaba SSS fork in 2006.

The cornerstone of 125 racing is power. A slow 450 cc model can be quite competitive with a smart rider, but a slow 125 cc model at the exit of a turn gives rivals a gap that will be very difficult to close. The fact that 125s are light and not overly fast further improves their handling, but skill plays an even greater role.

So, more about the comparison participants.

GasGas MC 125 2022

GasGas MC 125 2021

The 2022 GasGas MC 125 is the new brother of KTM and Husqvarna, and the only full-size two-stroke motocross bike in the 2022 GasGas lineup. There is no 250 cc two-stroke model in it yet, and the remaining representatives are children's models: MC 85, MC 65 and MC 50. For 2022, the two-stroke MC 250 and four-stroke MC 350F will join the existing GasGas models in the line, as was the case several years ago when Husqvarna joins KTM.

The 2022 GasGas MC 125 is equipped with the same engine as its KTM/Husqvarna siblings, a KTM-like aluminum subframe, the latest WP fork, forged aluminum triple clamps, non-branded metallic-colored rims, silver Neken handlebars, a Husk-like swingarm, a tiny handlebar pad, textured seat trim, new tank and unique red body kit.

On the track, the GasGas MC 125 feels most like a KTM, but three elements set the red model apart from its orange sibling.

The first is the triple clamps: forged ones are more flexible than the billet ones found on KTM and Husqvarna. When cornering, GasGas oversteers somewhat at the entrance and understeers at the exit. And in general, in the factory state, the GasGas MC 125 is somewhat less accurate than its brothers: in some turns it actually tries to lie down, which greatly unbalances it. Now, if you raise the feathers in the crossbars higher and tighten them better, the front end will become somewhat more confident. But the best solution would still be to replace the traverses with KTM ones.

The second is the air filter cover. The engines on KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas are the same, and their main difference is precisely the throughput of the intake tract. KTM breathes best, Haska is second, and GasGas is, of course, third. Of course, the perforated airbox cover installed on GasGas makes it much more cheerful.

Third - suspension settings. On the GasGas 125 they are softer than on their relatives, and are intended more for beginners and veterans, rather than for pros. But in fact, this is not so bad: pros in any case change the insides of the suspensions to suit themselves, and the GasGas settings are made for the average rider with an emphasis on comfort. At the same time, they still hold very well and practically do not break through - this is due to the low weight of the motorcycle.

In general, the suspension on the red version is not bad, but the cross members and the air filter housing cover need to be replaced. Fortunately, similar components from KTM fit there without any difficulties.

TM 125MX 2022

TM 125MX 2021

A few years ago, everyone was complaining about the TM's tall handlebars, stiff rear suspension springs, rough Kayaba forks and ridiculous high-butt stance. But a new seating geometry has appeared (the distance between the footpegs, saddle and handlebars).

The Italian engine TM 125MX 2022 produces 35.75 power, and this seems to be less than the three Austrians, but the TM is more powerful than the KTM, Husky and GasGas in the region of 10000-10600 rpm, where its rather impressive 23 Nm is located. Yes, if you keep the engine at its favorite speed, even experienced testers really like it. But this is precisely where the problem lies: keeping it in the operating range, constantly clicking gears, is quite difficult - it requires good technology, and those who have it will most likely prefer something larger and more powerful. In less experienced hands, the TM is a much softer and easier bike to ride, but the slightly more serious guys have to work hard to rev it up and it's not kind to those who take the risk at the top.

It is quite pleasant and fun to compete with other newcomers on the TM 125MX 2022. But once you miss the moment of switching, the race is essentially lost. As for the suspensions, for those who weigh 60-70 kg, the TM is a little stiff, but for 90 kg riders it will be just right. The Kayaba fork and TM shock absorber will provide them with smooth and predictable performance on uneven surfaces, and the only negative is that the suspensions are a bit harsh for the average motocross rider.

Overall, though, the TM 125MX is quite impressive. Power and handling are very good, the TM is 1.76 hp more powerful than the YZ125, but if you just make a mistake (over- or under-torque when shifting), the YZ125 will quickly make up for the power deficit. It takes some patience to learn how to ride the TM properly, but this model has a lot of potential. Moreover, given the concept of custom assembly for a specific customer, which is not much different from the idea of ​​assembling a motorcycle from a factory team for a specific rider and equipping it with many customized and hand-modified components.

In general, this is a motorcycle with a serious fighting character and that same two-stroke traction that many love, but not every fan knows how to curb.

"Enduro"

There is a type of motorcycle sport that combines extreme sports and extreme physical stress. This is motocross on mountain trails. Only hardy, specially trained athletes can do this activity, and it is associated with a unique technical base. Special motorcycles of the “enduro” class participate in competitions on high-altitude tracks, which means “endurance” in Latin.

Mountain bikes are specially tuned machines with low transmission ratios. Most motorcycles in this category are capable of reaching up to 70 km/h, that is, three times less when compared with a road model.

In addition, mountain bikes have a number of characteristics that distinguish them from circuit racing machines. First of all, this is the increased diameter of the front wheel, as a rule, it is no less than 21 inches. Such a significant increase in comparison with the rear wheel is explained by the need for super-maneuvering in mountain road conditions. A front wheel with a smaller diameter simply cannot cope with the dynamics of turns, bends, tilts and skidding.

KTM 125 SX 2022

KTM 125 SX 2021

The KTM 125 SX is a powerful thing that has been developing for a lot of years, and it is developing, and not just existing on the market, like the YZ125. KTM continues to spend time and money improving its two-strokes to this day. Example? Until 2022, the WP air fork was not equipped with washers on the idler valve, because the WP specialists could not find washers strong enough that would not bend or break, but at the same time provide soft smoothing for lightweight two-stroke models. With the new intermediate valve design, WP was able to equip it with washers. In WP air forks, smoothing is carried out according to a traditional oil scheme with a lot of know-how in its implementation, and the air is responsible for the spring component of the suspension. The advantage of this scheme is that the stiffness of the “spring” is easily adjusted by the pressure in the fork, which allows it to provide optimal travel for the weight of a particular rider and the complexity of the route with all its unevenness, jumps and ravines. In addition, due to the absence of steel springs, the air fork is more than a kilogram lighter than a traditional one, and for lightweight small-capacity models, each gram of weight reduction results in more lively and responsive handling.

On the track, the 2022 KTM 125 SX is a beast! It rushes to the very peak of 37.52 hp at 11,200 rpm (impressive numbers for a stock 125!). While the KTM was slightly behind the Huske in terms of peak power on the dyno, the freer-breathing large-vented airbox gives it a significant advantage in terms of response and engine speed. On the dyno these differences aren't particularly noticeable as the bike sits there, but in the real world the KTM breathes more powerfully and freely, and its engine is more efficient than the Husqvarna's. As for suspensions, KTM is the standard here not only among its brothers, but in general. They are not too stiff, but they hold up well and handle bumps a little more clearly. The advantages of its suspensions during jumps are even more pronounced: whether you missed the jump, or, on the contrary, flew further than you wanted, or hit a bump, the KTM suspensions absorb all these troubles better than their counterparts. The brothers are definitely softer, which is good in turns, but bad on hard landings.

In general, in contrast to other KTM 125s, the 150 feels like it’s almost a classmate, but still more interesting.

Technical features

Mountain bikes do not have turn signals, nor do they have a brake light. The seat position is very high, in addition, the rider almost never sits on it, he is in a standing position on the pegs to be able to absorb the incessant shocks from below while moving over bumps and potholes.

Mountain bikes have a maximum allowable ground clearance, otherwise the engine crankcase will inevitably collide with the ground and rocks. The front fender is raised high above the wheel and is located at the point where the horizontal bracket meets the telescopic struts. Also, sports mountain bikes are never equipped with headlights and other electrical devices, since there is a high probability of them being damaged during the race.

Husqvarna TC 125 2022

Husqvarna TC 125 2021

The Husqvarna TC 125 from the 2022 model comes in the same lowered form as the rest of the Huskies. Its fork is shorter, but the internals are the same as the KTM and GasGas, including new and improved air and oil bypass systems that provide a more confident connection to the ground. The Husqvarna suspension settings are softer than the KTM, but stiffer than the GasGas. As always, the main topic of conversation about the Husk is its airbox: it looks unique from an aesthetic point of view, it is light - but on the track its shape and design simply strangle the engine. Another (small) difference between Husqvarna is that its Magura hydraulic clutch operates softer and smoother than KTM’s Brembo with its “click.” The Husky engine is absolutely identical to the KTM and GasGas, which is why so much attention is paid to the airbox: it really is behind all the difference in the characters of the Husky and KTM.

This results in the fact that on the track the TC 125 is a little more difficult to spin up to the most torquey part of the revs than the KTM. Yes, in general the character is very similar, but the traction is not as intense, and you need to control the Husky a little more skillfully. The KTM just wakes up and goes, while the Husk takes a little longer to get up to speed, but is smoother and freer when it's already spun up. As for handling, the TC 125 fork lowered by 10mm does not spoil it at all - quite the opposite, as does the new rear suspension geometry. This version of the motorcycle geometry is good for absolutely any level of riders, from the most experienced to complete beginners, and you can’t help but wonder why a higher platform is needed, on which GasGas and KTM are assembled?

Even for tall riders, the Huska was comfortable and not cramped. The downside is the slippery seat covering, but last year it was very abrasive.

Yamaha YZ125 2022

In the secondary market, Yamaha YZ125s are becoming more and more popular, and their prices are rising. Now that two-stroke technology has suddenly turned from a rarity into a trend, it’s even strange to see a motorcycle so similar to a 15-year-old one. Yes, the YZ125's design seems dated today, but that also speaks volumes about how good it was when it was introduced. And it's precisely the fact that it doesn't change much that makes it so popular in the aftermarket: an inspired but not rich newbie can buy a 2006, 2012, 2022 (or anything in between) motorcycle - and it will be almost the same as new 2022 model year. There is nothing to say about the compatibility of spare parts and the abundance of aftermarket.

On the track, the Yamaha YZ125 is the easiest to ride and is the model best suited for beginners. This is an excellent training model, very pleasant to drive and inexpensive to maintain and improve. Not a model of reliability, but with a 15-year history of repairs, fixes and modifications, most of its potential problems have already been fixed or at least known. Despite having the weakest engine (1.76 hp less than the TM 125MX and 3.61 hp less than the Husqvarna TC 125), the Yamaha's thrust characteristics are such that it responds to any throttle opening better than any other 125 th motor. On the dyno, the Yamaha performs best in the range from 6600 to 7800 rpm, and it seems that this range can be considered a torque plateau, but the difference with other revolutions is so small that in fact the Yamaha, as they say, rides at any speed. The thing is different: after 7800 it deflates much more than other 125s, and this is sad on long straights, deep sand and large hills.

Yamaha YZ125 2021

There are simply no complaints about the handling of the YZ125: the SSS fork is great, and the whole bike is predictable, clear and manageable.

It would be nice for Yamaha to invest a little money into improving the engine (and not ruin everything else!) - the public will be delighted.

Price

Two-wheeled sports equipment is quite expensive if they are original Japanese motorcycles. But the market is literally flooded with relatively inexpensive Chinese-made models. The Racer company alone supplies up to six new developments annually, all with good technical characteristics. The Chinese also produce enduro motorcycles, which, although they cannot compete with Japanese-made motorcycles, have firmly occupied their own niche.

The Chinese mountain motorcycle, the price of which is an order of magnitude lower than the Suzuki or Honda models, has its own exclusive advantages, among which, first of all, is efficiency. And since “enduro” cars are equipped with very small fuel tanks, and gasoline consumption is significant, this factor is of no small importance.

The cost of mountain motorcycles can vary from 55 to 500 thousand rubles, depending on the model and year of manufacture. A high-class car, such as the Aprilia Dorsoduro 750, can be purchased for 354 thousand rubles. A simpler model - Kawasaki Versus 650 - will cost 274 thousand in ruble equivalent.

Comparison GasGas TM Yamaha KTM Husqvarna

Well, now let’s put everything in its place, why everything is this way and not otherwise.

Fifth place TM 125MX 2021

In fifth place is the TM 125MX 2022. This is a motorcycle with excellent potential; in stock its engine is more powerful than the Yamaha, and the suspension is stable, but a bit harsh. Yes, the TM 125MX won't appeal to everyone - but it shouldn't. This is a small brand whose motorcycles are hand-assembled and produced in significantly smaller quantities than competitors. The TM 125MX is for those who go against the grain, and like other motorcycles from the company, it can be ordered with a modified engine, modified suspensions and so on. But that’s precisely why it qualifies less than others as the “best” 125cc motorcycle: it’s not the best, but the most specific and unusual.

Fourth place Yamaha YZ125 2021

Fourth place - fun, cool, controlled, confident Yamaha YZ125 on excellent suspensions. The WP air fork may be almost as cool, but the Kayaba SSS has one major advantage: worry-free. No need to pump up the pressure before each trip, the most basic bulkhead, a design that has been proven for decades (!). However, if the YZ125 had the right to be called the best motorcycle now, when almost nothing has changed in it over the past 15 years, why would other models be needed? Yamaha is a stable mid-ranger that cannot be compared with the Austrians in terms of handling, power, clutch, brakes, and so on. The YZ125 is a great bike if you race other Yamahas. But in a race with KTM, Huskami and GasGas YZ125, you will first be spoiled for various modifications, and then you may not be able to cope if you are not lucky with the track itself.

Third place GasGas MC 125

Third place for GasGas MC 125. Soft comfortable suspension, nice design, but a little lacking in power - not because it can’t, but because KTM doesn’t want it. The GasGas is designed to shadow the KTM, not beat it. It's designed to steal Yamaha's audience with its price ($600 below the KTM and $200 above the YZ125). On the track he lags behind Orange simply because he is designed to lag. It has room to grow, provided you're willing to pay extra to make it a KTM.

Second place Husqvarna TC 125

Second place - Husqvarna TC 125. We've all been complaining for a long time that motocross bikes are too tall, and Huska solved this issue by lowering the TC 125 by 2 centimeters in the saddle. It turns out that we, the riders, were right all along: on the track, the TC 125 turns better, goes more accurately at speed and grips the ground more confidently.

Of the five, the Husqvarna TC 125 handles best, but handling isn't everything. Its plastic-carbon airbox subframe does not breathe freely enough to provide a sharp, sonorous throttle response. KTM designers took race victories into account when they made a well-ventilated airbox, and Husky designers (if they are different people) meant beauty and a softer character. It may have been an attempt to bring a bit of Scandinavian tranquility to Austria - but no 125cc motocross rider is willing to sacrifice power for smoothness.

First place KTM 125 SX

And... first place! The best 125cc two-stroke motocross bike of 2022 is, of course, the KTM 125 SX. He is the most powerful, the most balanced and the most prepared for tough fights on the track. The only thing it lacks is the lowered Husqvarna suspension, but otherwise it's a benchmark. You can feel whatever way you like about the fact that two other Pierer Mobility brands serve as backup dancers for the brilliant KTM, but having choice and the opportunity to customize your motorcycle is a definite plus for the entire Austrian trio, which is headed, of course, by the Orange motorcycle.

Review of popular models of children's motorcycles

You can ride a children's motocross motorcycle from school age. The cross-country children's motorcycle comes complete with front and rear disc brakes .
The presence of a control panel for it allows you to stop the motorcycle in an unexpected situation. The distance at which the remote control operates can be up to 50 meters.

You can only refuel a children's cross-country motorcycle with gasoline..

The motorcycle has a two- or four-stroke engine with an automatic transmission and an electric starter. A child up to 10 years old will be able to ride this type of equipment.

The wide variety in this area allows you to make the right choice, focusing on cost and external data, we will analyze the most popular models.

Domestic cruiser Ural Wolf, in the development of which members of the well-known motorcycle club “Night Wolves” participated.

And here is another domestic, legendary motorcycle that has come to us almost without significant changes.

Children's off-road motorcycle - Yamaha PW80

One of the best children's SUVs today is the Yamaha PW80, released in 2005.

Japanese catalogs claim that the model is intended for children aged 7 to 10 years . However, this bike can easily support even a hundred-kilogram adult man.

The Yamaha PW80 is perfect for a beginner - due to its small dimensions it is not scary to sit on.

It has a two-stroke engine with a volume of 80 cm3. Quite stable and easy to control . The estimated cost of the model is $1,300.

Crossbike Honda CRF125F

Among crossbikes, the Honda CRF125F stands out. There is a carburetor engine with a volume of 125 cm3. The front fork is strong and reliable .

There is a front hydraulic disc brake. This model is more suitable for those with experience in driving a minibike .

The Honda CRF125F Big Wheel has a 19-inch front wheel and a 16-inch rear wheel.

This is 2 inches more than the “regular” Honda CRF125F. Another difference between the models is the travel of the front and rear suspension .

You can purchase the Honda CRF125F model for approximately 2800 euros.

As a motorcycle owner, you have probably encountered the problem of transporting a motorcycle. There is a solution!

A good motorcycle for beginners is the 250 cc version of the Kawasaki Ninja. Review and technical specifications in our article.

Minibike Suzuki DR-Z70

Suzuki DR-Z70 is a sports children's bike equipped with a single-cylinder four-stroke engine with a displacement of 67 cm3. Three speeds, electronic ignition .

The fuel tank capacity is 3 liters, the model weight is up to 55 kilograms.

Weight and dimensions: length of Suzuki DR-Z70 is 1320 mm, width - 580 mm.

The wheelbase is 935 mm. This model is presented in yellow . The price ranges around 2 thousand dollars.

Cross mini motorcycle Kawasaki KX65

Another wonderful minibike model is the cross-country Kawasaki KX65, which was released in 2009 .

The engine is a two-stroke single-cylinder with a volume of 64.7 cm3, single-cylinder, six gears, kick starter for starting.

The fuel tank has a capacity of 3.8 liters. The Kawasaki KX65 is slightly longer than the Suzuki DR-Z70 - 1590 mm, width - 760 mm.

It also weighs a little more - 60 kg . An excellent model that has brought its owners more than one sports medal.

The price of a new minibike is about $4,900, although a used one can be purchased for $1,500.

A wide variety of interesting examples are included in the Honda motorcycle lineup. Models that won world competitions came off the assembly line of this Japanese concern.

You can find a high-quality review of the domestic motorcycle IZH “Jupiter 5” here. Technical characteristics and brief history of the model.