PNW Riders

SatansPetFerret · 10-20-2009, 09:09 PM

So after sitting on various dirtbikes, sk8rgrl has decided she wants a TTR-125L (small wheel, not the bigger LE). All this bike needs to do is keep up with an 8-year old on a TTR-50, so it won't really be pushed very hard.

I know little about dirtbikes... are there any known problems with this model I should be watching out for? Or flipside, should I be looking for certain modifications either done before or to do after purchase?

Other than local Craigslist, where's a good place to hunt for one?

I'm in the market for a DRZ-SM once this TTR gets bought so I will probably be asking more dumb street-rider type questions... apologies in advance.

Bachelorhouse · 10-20-2009, 09:56 PM

The ttrs are great bikes, my son has one. They are fine in stock form, but there are lots of aftermarket parts available.
You might consider the LE (electric start is real nice) it has the same tires as the L (19 &16in) the TTR-125 has smaller wheels and is made for smaller kids, not sure if your gal would like it.
I see them on craigslist, and because they are usually kids bikes, you can find them in really good condition..

Alanjtc73n · 10-20-2009, 10:00 PM

My wife has an LE model and loves it. BTW - the L and LE model have the same 16 and 19 inch wheels. Only difference is electric start. The standard model has the smaller 14 and 17 inch wheels. You also lose the disc brakes if you go standard. They're pretty solid bikes. She's had many a crash and the only things I've had to do are bend a lever and rotate the perch. They are little hard to start when cold. I changed the pilot jet to 17.5 and the main to 110. It does start quite a bit better but the little engine still likes to be warm. My wife is only 5'2" but I managed to convince her to get the LE since the bigger wheels and disc brake will be a major asset as she gained more experience. Lately she's been wanting to hop on my CR125 with her new found confidence. For what you're looking to do with it, there aren't many mods you need except for the jetting change. Has she had a chance to ride one yet? If not and you're in the area, she's welcome to try my wife's.

Debi · 10-21-2009, 05:08 AM

Originally Posted by SatansPetFerret

So after sitting on various dirtbikes, sk8rgrl has decided she wants a TTR-125L (small wheel, not the bigger LE). All this bike needs to do is keep up with an 8-year old on a TTR-50, so it won't really be pushed very hard.

I know little about dirtbikes... are there any known problems with this model I should be watching out for? Or flipside, should I be looking for certain modifications either done before or to do after purchase?

Other than local Craigslist, where's a good place to hunt for one?

I'm in the market for a DRZ-SM once this TTR gets bought so I will probably be asking more dumb street-rider type questions... apologies in advance.

I found this on CL

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/mcy/1428645586.html

Oh and as for the DRZ......check out
http://www.drzforums.com/
They can lead you to the right choice

Good luck on your search

SatansPetFerret · 10-21-2009, 09:20 AM

Originally Posted by Bachelorhouse

the TTR-125 has smaller wheels and is made for smaller kids, not sure if your gal would like it.

Originally Posted by Alanjtc73n

My wife is only 5'2" but I managed to convince her to get the LE since the bigger wheels and disc brake will be a major asset as she gained more experience.

She is 5'0" so the smaller the better. I didn't realize there are apparently 3 models. 125, 125L, and 125LE. She sat on an L, I think. The LE was a bit too high, but maybe we'll take another look. Appreciate the input.

Alanjtc73n · 10-21-2009, 09:57 AM

Actually, there are four models available - TTR125, TTR125E, TTR125L, TTR125LE. The L means big wheel/disc brake version and the E means electric start. If she sat on the L, it should be the same height as the LE.

Was she flat-footing the one she sat on? My wife is 5'2" but she has short legs. With her motocross boots on she can get her feet down pretty good. I had been lazy all summer and didn't put a new battery in her LE. As a result, she had difficulty starting it when it was cold. Her idea idea of kick starting a single is not the single firm kick but multiple half-assed stabs. As soon as I put that new battery in it, trail riding became a lot more fun for the both of us. Thus - the E model can make life a lot easier on the both of you.

Where do you guys ride? Capitol Forest near Olympia was a blast last time. Some super easy forest roads that wind up the hill for the youngsters. The offer still stands for a test ride if you're up this way or if the weather clears and we head to Capitol Forest.

SatansPetFerret · 10-21-2009, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by Alanjtc73n

Actually, there are four models available - TTR125, TTR125E, TTR125L, TTR125LE. The L means big wheel/disc brake version and the E means electric start. If she sat on the L, it should be the same height as the LE.

Was she flat-footing the one she sat on? My wife is 5'2" but she has short legs. With her motocross boots on she can get her feet down pretty good. I had been lazy all summer and didn't put a new battery in her LE. As a result, she had difficulty starting it when it was cold. Her idea idea of kick starting a single is not the single firm kick but multiple half-assed stabs. As soon as I put that new battery in it, trail riding became a lot more fun for the both of us. Thus - the E model can make life a lot easier on the both of you.

Where do you guys ride? Capitol Forest near Olympia was a blast last time. Some super easy forest roads that wind up the hill for the youngsters. The offer still stands for a test ride if you're up this way or if the weather clears and we head to Capitol Forest.

Hmmm... then maybe I'm wrong and it was an E model that she sat on. I know it had electric start, but the other LE bike at the dealer looked bigger. Not sure if it was a difference in the suspension set-up or what, but she was flat-footing the E that she tried and the LE was a bit too much. We'll go back and check out the LE again, disc brakes would be nice.

So far we've only taken the kid on the 50 out on various private property, but we are going to be doing Capitol Forest / Straddeline as soon as we can go out with her. With a 125 and me on some sort of SM, we should be good for easy forest road type rides next year.

Appreciate the offer for a test ride, if you don't mind, shoot me a PM before you head down to Capitol next time? I'm trying to sell my track bike before buying this dirtbike so who knows when I will actually buy it.

slo rider · 10-21-2009, 11:53 AM

Just watch craigslist for one that's lightly used, and go with the elctric start. It will save your wife some frustration and you the time of having to start it for her. My SIL has one and it's proven to be quite indestructable despite her best efforts.

Michaelb · 10-21-2009, 12:11 PM

I have an LE in Tacoma/Puyallup also you are welcome to look at and test ride. My daughter would never talk to me again if I sold it but it might give you a better perspective on the L model. Get the electric start, the bike kick starts very easy but the magic button is nice.

JW · 10-21-2009, 12:50 PM

My daughter has the 125 le and enjoys it. Bone stock they come very lean from the factory, I ended up taking the snorkel/ air box screen out and cut the top of airbox + a jet kit and a new end cap for the stock exhaust. I have took the bike out a few times myself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OOpvPske0U

R-Steve-R · 10-21-2009, 12:59 PM

pricing is quite competitive I would go were you bought your other bikes and try a deal that way

Hawker · 10-21-2009, 03:14 PM

I bought one last weekend that needed a top end from craigslist. They aren't all that common, but tend to be lightly used. I got mine for $650. Putting in a BBR150 kit just for fun

.

This is "my" second TTR bought for GFs in the 5'4" range. Both had lots of street experience, and the LE was just about right for them. The stock bars are easy to bend, but that's my only complaint for a beginner bike.

Before you ride it, do yourself a favor and remove the stock snorkel, backfire screen, and rejet. If you don't mind losing the ability to go back to stock, drill a big hole(s) in the top of the airbox. Thumper Talk has lots of info on jetting.

Oh, if you don't want to take your motard out in the dirt, I have an XR200 I'm looking to get rid of for cheap. Runs good but smokes (needs valve guide seals)

KillerB · 10-30-2009, 05:55 PM

I rode the street for most of my adult life (25 yrs) and wanted to have a wintertime hobbie so a couple years ago, not knowing much about modern dirt bikes, I bougth a used TTR125LE. I am about 5' 6" and have an inseam of 30' at best. Any thing smaller of a bike and I would have been stuck in every hole I came across. I now have a XR 200 and am looking to move up again.

The TTR125LE I believe is her best bet, it is a good bike. As she gets into it more and more she will appreciate the bigger wheels of the (L) as she will be able to navigate over obstacles better. The electric strart is something I miss very much.


10-20-2009, 09:09 PM	#1
SatansPetFerret Superbiker Joined: Mar 2007 From: Oly Blog Entries: 3 I Ride: 83 Nighthawk CB550 SC	TTR 125 - input? where to buy? So after sitting on various dirtbikes, sk8rgrl has decided she wants a TTR-125L (small wheel, not the bigger LE). All this bike needs to do is keep up with an 8-year old on a TTR-50, so it won't really be pushed very hard. I know little about dirtbikes... are there any known problems with this model I should be watching out for? Or flipside, should I be looking for certain modifications either done before or to do after purchase? Other than local Craigslist, where's a good place to hunt for one? I'm in the market for a DRZ-SM once this TTR gets bought so I will probably be asking more dumb street-rider type questions... apologies in advance. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-20-2009, 09:56 PM	#2
Bachelorhouse Newbie Joined: Sep 2009 From: port gamble, wa	The ttrs are great bikes, my son has one. They are fine in stock form, but there are lots of aftermarket parts available. You might consider the LE (electric start is real nice) it has the same tires as the L (19 &16in) the TTR-125 has smaller wheels and is made for smaller kids, not sure if your gal would like it. I see them on craigslist, and because they are usually kids bikes, you can find them in really good condition.. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-20-2009, 10:00 PM	#3
Alanjtc73n Endorsed Joined: Mar 2007 From: Redmond, WA I Ride: 03 ZX636, 90 FZR400, 97, RS125, 98 RS125, Z50!	My wife has an LE model and loves it. BTW - the L and LE model have the same 16 and 19 inch wheels. Only difference is electric start. The standard model has the smaller 14 and 17 inch wheels. You also lose the disc brakes if you go standard. They're pretty solid bikes. She's had many a crash and the only things I've had to do are bend a lever and rotate the perch. They are little hard to start when cold. I changed the pilot jet to 17.5 and the main to 110. It does start quite a bit better but the little engine still likes to be warm. My wife is only 5'2" but I managed to convince her to get the LE since the bigger wheels and disc brake will be a major asset as she gained more experience. Lately she's been wanting to hop on my CR125 with her new found confidence. For what you're looking to do with it, there aren't many mods you need except for the jetting change. Has she had a chance to ride one yet? If not and you're in the area, she's welcome to try my wife's. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-21-2009, 09:57 AM	#6
Alanjtc73n Endorsed Joined: Mar 2007 From: Redmond, WA I Ride: 03 ZX636, 90 FZR400, 97, RS125, 98 RS125, Z50!	Actually, there are four models available - TTR125, TTR125E, TTR125L, TTR125LE. The L means big wheel/disc brake version and the E means electric start. If she sat on the L, it should be the same height as the LE. Was she flat-footing the one she sat on? My wife is 5'2" but she has short legs. With her motocross boots on she can get her feet down pretty good. I had been lazy all summer and didn't put a new battery in her LE. As a result, she had difficulty starting it when it was cold. Her idea idea of kick starting a single is not the single firm kick but multiple half-assed stabs. As soon as I put that new battery in it, trail riding became a lot more fun for the both of us. Thus - the E model can make life a lot easier on the both of you. Where do you guys ride? Capitol Forest near Olympia was a blast last time. Some super easy forest roads that wind up the hill for the youngsters. The offer still stands for a test ride if you're up this way or if the weather clears and we head to Capitol Forest. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-21-2009, 11:53 AM	#8
slo rider Pit Crew Joined: Jul 2006 From: Granite Falls, Wa I Ride: 98 KTM 200EXC, 06 KTM 250SXF	Just watch craigslist for one that's lightly used, and go with the elctric start. It will save your wife some frustration and you the time of having to start it for her. My SIL has one and it's proven to be quite indestructable despite her best efforts. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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10-21-2009, 12:11 PM	#9
Michaelb WMRRA Qualifier Joined: Jun 2007 From: South	I have an LE in Tacoma/Puyallup also you are welcome to look at and test ride. My daughter would never talk to me again if I sold it but it might give you a better perspective on the L model. Get the electric start, the bike kick starts very easy but the magic button is nice. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-21-2009, 12:59 PM	#11
R-Steve-R suzukigixxer Joined: Feb 2007 From: everett washington I Ride: gsxr750/Aprilia rsv 1000/gsf1200s bandit	pricing is quite competitive I would go were you bought your other bikes and try a deal that way __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-21-2009, 03:14 PM	#12
Hawker Pit Crew Joined: Apr 2006 From: Seattle, WA I Ride: Too many	I bought one last weekend that needed a top end from craigslist. They aren't all that common, but tend to be lightly used. I got mine for $650. Putting in a BBR150 kit just for fun . This is "my" second TTR bought for GFs in the 5'4" range. Both had lots of street experience, and the LE was just about right for them. The stock bars are easy to bend, but that's my only complaint for a beginner bike. Before you ride it, do yourself a favor and remove the stock snorkel, backfire screen, and rejet. If you don't mind losing the ability to go back to stock, drill a big hole(s) in the top of the airbox. Thumper Talk has lots of info on jetting. Oh, if you don't want to take your motard out in the dirt, I have an XR200 I'm looking to get rid of for cheap. Runs good but smokes (needs valve guide seals) __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by Hawker; 10-21-2009 at 03:19 PM..


10-30-2009, 05:55 PM	#13
KillerB Training Wheels Joined: Jun 2009 From: Albany I Ride: when I can	I rode the street for most of my adult life (25 yrs) and wanted to have a wintertime hobbie so a couple years ago, not knowing much about modern dirt bikes, I bougth a used TTR125LE. I am about 5' 6" and have an inseam of 30' at best. Any thing smaller of a bike and I would have been stuck in every hole I came across. I now have a XR 200 and am looking to move up again. The TTR125LE I believe is her best bet, it is a good bike. As she gets into it more and more she will appreciate the bigger wheels of the (L) as she will be able to navigate over obstacles better. The electric strart is something I miss very much. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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