Quick update on the 125 debuts. I rode the RM-M at the last HEAVEN, and it went fine except for the old barrel being too worn and the piston slapped too much and went bang. I'll pop on the new barrel and all will be fine. I loved it. That thing flies and the handling is just perfect for me. The YSS shocks worked a treat although too soft, I'll get them sorted and get the PD valve into the front forks. It will be a weapon next year. I am even thinking it could be good value to race it in an Amcross or two (Over 45s)
The TM played up on me at HEAVEN and I only got it running well enough to ride today. The new needle and seat was actually no good so back to the old one. After a tank of fuel today I started to give her some stick. Holy shite... it revs like there's no tomorrow and really hammers. I have no idea how fast it is up against say the trick 125s I'll find at the DT Nats, but it would annihilate the RM-M in a straight line. It's got a decent looking port job and the Circle F pipe running Vortex Ultra or whatever it's called. My only fear is I have no idea how hard to rev the thing. It feels like it won't sign off at all, and I'd swear it doesn't drop off the power as far as I was game to rev it. Yet it still pulls fine and while it's peaky it's not too bad at all. I was worried the port job (there when I bought it) might have been a worry, but given the decent shape the bike was in I suspect the owner had it done professionally.
The downside? The crappest suspension I have ever experienced. Nathan's clapped out DT125 with stuffed rear shocks was better. The TM forks bottom, top, bounce and flex. I will preload them some and go to 20 wt I think. The shocks are cheapo US ones, but they should work better than they do. They are harsh, pogo, and have no feel whatsoever. YSS will be on there as soon as I can save up for them. The TM will NOT be used on any circuits less smooth than a speedway track, EVER.
So, am I happy? Yep, these 125s are sooo much fun. Love it. Let's see how the TM handles the Nats...