newbie questions

[rooster125]

First time poster looking for some tips on joining the sport. I live in grand rapids mi, and am trying to gather some info on what it would take to get going in the spring. I recently bought a 2000 125 suzuki rm to get back into the swing of things.( used to ride an 80 as a kid) I was wondering if a 125 is going to be too small for trail riding/scrambles etc. should I have a 250 or go with a thumper? If I can go w/125 what mods should be in place? And what races would be the best for me to get started on near here? Sorry lots of questions - but any help would help a ton!!!!

 

[YZMAN400]

Aluminum handguards, Spark arrestor that pass's 94db test (fmf Turbinecore 4 is really good), and orv sticker if your going to be out in the woods riding. And stay on the Marked ORV trails. Dont go wandering down all the side trails/2-tracks if they are not marked for ORV's

Being that its a 125 you may be a little limited on fuel range. An oversized tank may be usefull.

Ive seen some fast riders on 125's in the woods. The bike is more than capable if your just getting back into it.

 

[Asrith]

I dont know what kind of woods riding you do, but i would never choose a 125 for woods riding...just my opinion.

 

[INCA]

rooster125 - By mentioning races around Grand Rapids, it appears you're thinking motocross. Trail riding is a different situation, which is what YZMAN400 is talking about.

Young Ted

 

[katoom125]

I dont know what kind of woods riding you do, but i would never choose a 125 for woods riding...just my opinion.

Asrith is correct - a lot of people would not pick a 125 for woods riding, however there are a bunch of us that love a 125 in the woods - they are an absolute riot. For sure, they are not like the big bores - which includes anything larger than the 125 if you happen to be on a 125 - but in many ways they are more fun than the bigger (and usually much heavier) bikes.

you'll learn skills on the 125 that the bigger bikes do not teach you - go ride your 125 and have a blast, you can always get something bigger later.

Normally the concern for a larger gas tank mentioned by YZMAN is also no real concern, the 125's get great fuel economy and typically can go as far (or further) than their large cousins with their bigger fuel tanks

 

[Wolverine423]

And to add to the larger gas tank thing most loops are less than 28 miles in which a moto tank will do just fine.

DW

 

[CircuitRider]

Welcome, Newbie,

Back in the olden days, a lot of us rode 125 cc. Pentons and other stuff like that...

You've got the 125, ride it and enjoy it...

You'll see a lot of other folks' bikes and equipment, and will be able to learn what works and what doesn't, without spending a lot of money right at the start...

Brush bars, silencer with SA, and an ORV sticker will get you started just fine...

See you Friday at Trailfest,

OGB (that's old grey beard)

 

[rooster125]

Thanks for all the tips - trust me all I want to do right now is get out and ride! The gas was really a big concern so its good to know that on some smaller runs I will make it. I read in the forums of a gas truck half way through a run, sounds like a very organized event! What kind of gas is available- pump premium?

 

[Fred T]

Thanks for all the tips - trust me all I want to do right now is get out and ride! The gas was really a big concern so its good to know that on some smaller runs I will make it. I read in the forums of a gas truck half way through a run, sounds like a very organized event! What kind of gas is available- pump premium?

BYO gas in a can and we haul it. Hard to find Sunoco stations out on the 2 tracks. :p

 

[INCA]

But Woodsy can always find a Wesco.

 

[Asrith]

Sorry, I was under the impression you where looking at other bikes or something.
The best thing is to get out there and just ride, see you at trailfest.

Jim