July 27th, 2013, 10:08 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
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I got another 250! But it's not a Kawi...
I'm a sucker for marketing buzz, and the buzz is strong about this little bike. It's about time for some family dirtbiking fun, so I picked up a 2014 Honda CRF250L this afternoon (and bought www.crf250l.org). Will be picking up a 50 for the little monster and a 125 for the missus over the next few weeks. I was considering a dirt-only machine, but this is going to be a tame playbike to chase Kyle around on, so having it be a dual-sport gives it that much more capability and freedom, without too much of a penalty for the light to moderate dirt work it will ever be subjected to. I took it straight home from the dealership on about 20 miles of highway, and it did fine. Top speed is right around 80 mph indicated. Dyno charts have it near 18 hp at the rear wheel. It's the same engine that is in the new CBR250R, but it is tuned more for mid-range torque and has a little less top end (around 3 - 4 hp down at peak). It is surprisingly smooth for a single; the counterbalancer works quite well. The mirrors are clear and readable even at high revs. Will take it out tomorrow on a loop around Calaveras...
Link to Honda's main site for this bike.
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July 27th, 2013, 10:20 PM | #2 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Alexander
Location: Santa Rosa
Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): (Sold) 2007 Red Ninja 250r, 2003 Cbr 600 F4i Posts: 137
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I would like to own one but I would want it in supermoto trim.
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July 27th, 2013, 10:23 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
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They sell a 250M of it overseas. With any luck we'll get it here as well.
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July 27th, 2013, 10:25 PM | #4 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Alexander
Location: Santa Rosa
Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): (Sold) 2007 Red Ninja 250r, 2003 Cbr 600 F4i Posts: 137
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Yeah I dig the M model. I'd like to have that or a wr250x or a drz400sm
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July 28th, 2013, 09:29 AM | #5 |
MSF Coach!
Name: Lupe
Location: Antioch, Tennessee
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 ninja 250 Posts: 886
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dirt bikes are awesome, i just hate riding one on the street for a while then going back to my ninja, makes me feel like im riding a tank. almost layed my ninja down last time, spent 6 hours on a dirt bike on the street and went to get on my ninja and damn near fell over!
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July 28th, 2013, 09:40 AM | #6 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: -
Location: -
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): - Posts: 591
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Nice new bike Alex! I have been thinking about a dual sport bike lately also. I will have to take a look at the one they have currently on the floor at my local dealership.
I had a WR250R and I never should have gotten rid of it. I miss it a lot. Congrats on the bike. You have great taste in the motorcycles you buy and use. |
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July 28th, 2013, 10:03 AM | #7 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Benji
Location: Wadsworth, IL
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r (Sold), 2009 FZ6, 2015 Honda Grom Posts: 898
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That's a sweet bike, if I had some disposable income one of those would be in my garage for sure. I hope you enjoy it.
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July 28th, 2013, 12:47 PM | #8 |
Ninja chick
Name: Allyson
Location: Athens, GA
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 4
MOTM - Dec '13, Feb '15
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Awesome Alex! I'm jealous! I'm due for a new bike too. I need to start a fund raiser.
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July 28th, 2013, 01:04 PM | #9 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rick
Location: Alexandria, Louisiana
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much.
MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14
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That so makes me want to get back into dirt bike riding!
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July 28th, 2013, 01:21 PM | #11 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
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$. If it were for me to really learn how to zip around on dirt, I'd likely get a more a capable machine. This is more than enough for what I need from it for the time being.
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July 28th, 2013, 04:06 PM | #13 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
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Took it out this afternoon for a quick spin around Calaveras. Plenty of fun at low to mid speed, it does get a little breathless at 60+ mph, but that's part of the package. I was trying to lean it over further, as I really need to get comfortable with the way a dirtbike steers. It feels quite foreign to me, and it's a matter of trust that I just need to get over. 21" wheels just feel different than 17" sportbike front ends. The brakes have old-school ABS; i.e. there's no way in hell to lock them up unintentionally. It also helps in normal stops to use a healthy dose of both front and rear. I wonder in all of those threads here where people with different riding experience on different bikes are so adamant about the "right way" to brake, if some of it just comes down to the types of bikes they ride most often. At least on this particular bike, rear braking becomes an essential part of the repertoire. The pads felt quite soft and weak in the beginning, but now with 50 or 60 miles on the bike, they are starting to bed in. The seat is a plank, and not a comfortable plank at that. Corbin makes a nice seat for this bike, and I have a hunch one will be ordered this weekend. I also need to figure out a whole bunch of other accessories. With no metal tank, I need a way to attach some type of tank bag or tailpack. I need to figure out how to get the bike lifted to do wheel maintenance, and I need to figure out how to wire up and attach a GPS and a heated-clothing pigtail.
Link to all pics in full resolution.
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July 28th, 2013, 04:18 PM | #14 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rick
Location: Alexandria, Louisiana
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much.
MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14
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I can't wait to see pics of the bike out in the dirt trails.
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July 28th, 2013, 04:28 PM | #15 |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13
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Alex, your invited over to my backyard. I plan on a new 2smoke at the end of the race season. Good luck with yours and remember, if your not crashing... your not riding it right. lol
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July 28th, 2013, 04:33 PM | #16 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: .
Location: .
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^^ MTB mentality right there. If you're not crashing, go faster!
Alex, look at you, Mr Responsible! Getting stands already to do maintenance. Interesting thought on the braking debate. Good schtuff. |
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July 29th, 2013, 07:40 AM | #17 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: -
Location: -
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): - Posts: 591
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July 29th, 2013, 08:38 AM | #18 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Mark
Location: Portland
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): Cheap Italian Suit. Otherwise known as Dew Kitty Posts: A lot.
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Looks like awesome fun! I always enjoy learning a new skill, or subset of a skill that I already know.
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July 29th, 2013, 09:05 AM | #19 |
Love Rival
Name: Brian
Location: Western PA
Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r Posts: 449
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That looks fun. I'd like to get one and something for my little guys...just to goof off and chase each other around. Off to look for a second job.....
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July 29th, 2013, 09:09 AM | #20 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Monroe, MI
Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '75 CB550:.'82 XV920:.'00 KLR650:.'00 EX250:.'08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
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awesome, looks way more fun than the KLR is!
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July 29th, 2013, 09:10 AM | #21 |
not an actual panda
Name: dan
Location: philadelphia
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250, 2009 CBR600RR (Sold) Posts: A lot.
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Looks like fun! Silly question but does it have enough torque to break the rear tire loose under throttle in the dirt?
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July 29th, 2013, 09:39 AM | #22 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
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I have a hunch I'm going to find out. In 2nd & 3rd gear, I'd expect it to be able to spin up depending on the surface. As the speeds get up there, perhaps not.
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July 30th, 2013, 08:51 AM | #23 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Fish
Location: co
Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 250/300 Posts: A lot.
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Hey when you got some time can you take a few pics of the cluster I can not find any pics on Hondas site
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Hey Unregistered never go faster than your brakes can be applied... |
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July 30th, 2013, 08:58 AM | #24 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
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from gioogle: (large pic link of the dash)
It's minimal, but works fine. Clock, two tripmeters, fuel gauge. No gear indicator or tach.
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July 30th, 2013, 09:02 AM | #25 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Fish
Location: co
Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 250/300 Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
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Hey Unregistered never go faster than your brakes can be applied... |
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July 30th, 2013, 09:13 AM | #26 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
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Link works fine for me. Here it is as an attachment (click for larger):
Honda-CRF250L-2012-widescreen-14.jpg
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July 30th, 2013, 09:19 AM | #27 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Fish
Location: co
Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 250/300 Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
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Hey Unregistered never go faster than your brakes can be applied... |
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July 30th, 2013, 09:19 AM | #28 |
Que Buenos Son!!!
Name: Ryan
Location: Grovetucky, OH
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia Shiver 750, Husaberg FE 450, Ninja 300 (sold), xr100 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Nov '14
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Link didn't work for me either, and why wouldn't they give it a tachometer?
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Don't do something because it's easy,.. Do it because it's not! If you aren't going forward, then you're falling behind. "Drive it like you stole it"!!! |
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July 30th, 2013, 09:22 AM | #29 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Fish
Location: co
Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 250/300 Posts: A lot.
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Thanks for the pic tho I really like how simple it looks.
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Hey Unregistered never go faster than your brakes can be applied... |
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July 30th, 2013, 09:38 AM | #30 |
Private Joker
Name: Ben
Location: Towson, MD
Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '14
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July 30th, 2013, 10:03 AM | #31 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
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Ah - got it, they have a redirect for those that get to the pic directly before going to the page. I visited the page, so the pic shows up correctly. I'd call it devious, but I used to run something similar here on this site for awhile as well.
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Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered) |
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July 30th, 2013, 10:04 AM | #32 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
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Tires, better brakes, and a firmer suspension set-up are probably the gist of most SM conversions.
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July 30th, 2013, 11:25 AM | #33 |
dirty boy
Name: Joe
Location: Johnstown, PA
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): I don't even know anymore?? Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Apr '14
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looks like a solid bike. Enjoy, now go get some mud and dirt on that thing, enough with the pictures of it on pavement I want some pictures of it in the woods or on some dirt.
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July 30th, 2013, 02:25 PM | #34 |
Private Joker
Name: Ben
Location: Towson, MD
Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '14
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July 30th, 2013, 10:45 PM | #35 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jono
Location: Memphis, TN
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Triumph Street Triple, 2009 KLX250SF, 2003 Suzuki SV650S (Sold), 2006 Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: A lot.
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Very nice! I almost got one of these last year. But decided to go the cheaper route. A used KLX250sf. I kinda wish I could've found the dual sport version but I'm happy with the little SM.
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August 2nd, 2013, 12:05 PM | #36 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Greg
Location: Rhode Island
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.
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nice
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August 3rd, 2013, 08:09 PM | #37 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
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We filled up the rest of our garage today. Picked up a Kendon 3-rail dirtbike trailer this morning. Had to go back almost immediately, as when I got home Annie noticed that one of the rear lights had fallen off and was missing. Shop apologized profusely, and reinstalled a new one as soon as we drove back (and tightened the other one as well).
We then went to a couple dealerships for Annie to sit on a few different dirtbikes she was choosing between. She ended up happiest on a Yamaha, and we bought a tiny one for our biggest little monster as well. Tomorrow we're going gear shopping, and hope to be out at Metcalf some weekend in the not too distant future. Kyle's bike is his birthday present this year, and as that doesn't happen until mid-september, it will take some convincing for him to be able to get out on the bike ahead of time. Annie's TT-R125LE img (1).jpg Kyle's TT-R50E img.jpg
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August 3rd, 2013, 08:50 PM | #38 |
Doh!
Name: Matt
Location: Locating GPS...
Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250r Posts: 286
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Looks like you're all set for a family cross country trip...
I must say nice wheels. It'll be quite some time before our part of the world sees any REAL dirt bikes. We got an ugly 149 cc 4-stroke "dirt bike" which is a joke. Congrats, keep those pics comin
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August 3rd, 2013, 08:58 PM | #39 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Mark
Location: Portland
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): Cheap Italian Suit. Otherwise known as Dew Kitty Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
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August 3rd, 2013, 09:03 PM | #40 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
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Thx, Mark! She really liked the new Honda 125's that are coming out, but they aren't available until September at the earliest. They also will only have 4-speed transmissions, are still carbed, with drum rear brakes as well, so she wasn't giving up any technology by staying with the tried and true yamaha machine.
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