Motocross is a impolite sport. Final 12 months we had been thrilled and enthralled with the brand new Yamaha YZ125. It was the primary main redesign for the YZ motor in virtually 20 years, and the bike acquired new bodywork and suspension thrown in. Now, the bike of the second is the Husqvarna TC125. It not solely obtained a whole motor and chassis redesign, however it incorporates know-how that we haven’t seen on a 125 two-stroke—ever. Has it made us neglect the Yamaha?
No. We’ve stated many instances that the YZ125 is the best-handling motocross bike ever constructed. It’s gentle, turns nicely and has glorious suspension. The brand new model has all that plus fashionable ergonomics. So, it’s solely pure that we couldn’t wait to get the brand new Husky out on the monitor with the semi-new Yamaha.
THE STATE OF THE 125 UNION
First, let’s discuss preconceptions. Although the Yamaha gained peak energy final 12 months, it didn’t attain the identical stage as any of the 2022 Austrian 125 two-strokes, which means the KTM, GasGas and Husqvarna. And, though the Yamaha was gentle at 203 kilos, it wasn’t as gentle because the Austrian bikes, which had been 195 kilos apiece on the identical scale. The Yamaha’s benefits had been in suspension and stability.
This 12 months, after all, the Yamaha is totally unchanged, so you possibly can be forgiven for those who thought the YZ was already falling behind the massively modified Husky. However, that’s not likely what’s taking place. First, within the weight division, the YZ has regained its edge. It’s now 3 kilos lighter than the 2023 Husqvarna TC125. Nearly all of the Husky’s weight acquire is within the electrical starter and the battery. Is 3 kilos sufficient to note on the monitor? Probably not; each bikes are extremely gentle.
A way more fascinating comparability is within the horsepower division. Final 12 months the Husky had a bit extra down low and much more on prime. Now, whether or not accidentally or design, the Husqvarna’s new energy supply has flipped the wrong way up. The brand new TC125 has rather more low-end energy than the Yamaha, and on prime the 2 bikes are just about equal. On the monitor, that makes the Husqvarna simpler to journey. Once you fall off the powerband, it’s fast and easy to get the revs up and keep transferring. The Yamaha begins off lazy, then catches up quick. It has a really hard-hitting powerband.
One other fascinating comparability is seat peak. The Yamaha acquired taller in the course of the saddle final 12 months. There are advantages to that improve in peak; the Yamaha could be very flat throughout the seat/tank junction, and the bike is snug for taller riders. Shorter riders, alternatively, love the Husky’s seat peak. It’s even decrease than that of the KTM 125SX—a motorbike that’s in any other case similar to the brand new Husky.
In suspension and general dealing with, the Yamaha remains to be king of the world, however by a a lot smaller margin than ever earlier than. When the monitor will get actually tough, the YZ is unbelievable. Between the suspension and the sunshine weight, you’re feeling like you may get away with something. The Yamaha’s solely shortcoming is that it’s a bit stiff for riders within the 130-pound vary, which is the bread and butter of the 125 class. The Husky is about up softer, not less than with the really helpful air stress within the fork, and is plush on tracks with gentle chop. When it’s actually tough, although, the Yamaha is extra secure and constant.
THE NEW DEAL
All that provides as much as a really completely different conclusion than we anticipated. The brand new Husky, with its clean energy supply, plush suspension setup, decrease seat peak and electrical begin, is way simpler to journey for much less skilled riders. It’s an ideal transition bike for a younger rider transferring as much as the massive bike world. The Yamaha is aimed toward a extra skilled rider. Intermediates and Professionals can reap the benefits of the YZ’s suspension and can forgive the hard-hitting nature of the facility.
We anticipate the Husky to proceed to evolve with updates and modifications galore, whereas we don’t anticipate to see a lot change from Yamaha. If any bike is resistant to traits and fads, that is it. For some riders, that’s a part of the YZ125’s enchantment.
