Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/105496
With fine stock suspension and a lightweight feel, the handling was unsurprisingly quick. I felt like I could trail ride this bike for an entire day and not worry too much about fatigue. Most often a 125 or 150 will kick me around on the typical New England trails to the point where I get tired from the constant deflection. That wasn't the case with the little 2012 Husqvarna WR125 - North American Specifications/Technical Details MSRP Price: $5,999 USD DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT/CAPACITIES: Wheelbase: 57.68 in. Overall Length: 88.98 in. Overall Width: 33.07 in. Seat Height: 38.38 in. Rake: 26.5 degrees Trail: 4.33 in. Ground Clearance: 12.8 in. Curb Weight (no gas): 222.7 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons Oil Capacity: 0.74 quarts FRAME: Chromoly single tube frame cradle utilizes rounded-rectangle elliptical tubing for maximum strength and durability. 18 Trail Rider Husky. It was actually great fun to squirt through the trees, skip over the rocks and wring out the tiddler amongst the technical single track. The upright turning characteristics were quick and the corner-carving ability was decent in the few corners that were not plastered with rocks and roots. We didn't spend much time in the upper reaches of the top end, but the bike shifts smoothly throughout the transmission and is well spaced. The transmission is such that we were able to find the right gear for about any situation. We tracked through gnarly rock gardens, wound through rolling single, and pinned it on a short stretch of double track. In each situation the transmission spacing was a non issue. From an ergonomics standpoint, the Husqvarna is a little different from what most are used to, but it's nothing that takes significant time to get used to. As instantly comfortable as I felt on the Husqvarna TXC 310, it took a little time to get in sync with the 2-stroke ergonomics. So what is there not to like? The Husqvarna isn't going to win any beauty contests, at least in my opinion. The motor is reminiscent of another era, but it works. And as stated, the ergonomics are also different from most other bikes - not bad, just different. Overall the little Husqvarna exceeded my expectations. The WR 144 has the big potential to be an excellent woods machine for someone that is moving up from a mini bike, or for the adult that wants a lightweight tiddler in the stable. The bike is just flat out fun to ride, especially when ridden like a 125 is supposed to be. There is also a certain comfort knowing that huge gains can be had with taller gearing and appropriate jetting. I will go so far to say that of all the small bore bikes I've ridden over the years, I liked the Husky 144 the best. Yup, I said that. If you are looking for an affordable small bore that handles the trails well, consider the Husqvarna. At $5200, you really can't go wrong. SUSPENSION: FORKS - Kayaba 48mm closed-cartridge fork featuring 11.8 inches of front wheel travel. Upside down (USD) telescopic fork features fully-adjustable compression and rebound damping. SHOCK - Sachs single shock with remote reservoir, adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping. Shock delivers 11.6 inches of travel. BRAKES: Front: Braking 260mm wave rotor, Brembo dual-piston floating caliper; Hydraulic actuation. Rear : Braking 240mm wave rotor, Brembo single piston floating caliper; Hydraulic actuation. RIMS/TIRES: Front: 1.60x21 Excel rim, 90/90-21 Rear: 2.15x18 Excel rim, 120/90-18 ENGINE: Type: Single-cylinder, two-stroke Head: Power valve with mechanical control on the exhaust port Displacement: 124.8cc Bore x Stroke: 54 x 54.5mm Compression Ratio: 8.8:1 Starting: Kick start Clutch: Wet, multi-plate with mechanical control Cooling: Liquid, 2 radiators IGNITION: Electronic with adjustable advance FUEL SYSTEM: 38mm Mikuni TMX carburetor LUBRICATION: Fuel/oil pre-mix of 50:1 www.TrailRider.com