I have a son who is 14, but quite small. I am thinking that he could fit on a 125GP bike. I have never owned a 2-stroke. Why do they always seem to come with two or three heads? Are these high-maintenance engines? I could do the rebuilds myself. But are there lots of parts to buy or head work to be done periodically? What other options do I have for a small rider? Thanks for any help!
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/125GP/ Those guys could probably help you. Yeah, 2-smoke requires a bit of tuning and looking after. Nothing major, but not gas and go like a 4 stroke. It's cool that you want to get your boy involved, but I think he may be a bit young yet for track days. (I didn't make the rules! Blame the insurance companies....) You'd probably have to actually take him racing on that 125 to get him track time at age 14. Also, search USGPRU for more info. Good luck. I wish you'd been my Dad!
Right now there are people as toung as 12 racing in USGPRU. I heard something about insurance rules may be raising the age, but their Website will tell more. 125s are the best to get anyone young or old into racing. They're light, cheap to fix, are low in power and teach corner speed like nothing else out there. They do require work, but it is easy and parts are not that expensive. Assuming you have a Honda or Yamaha 125, Aprilia's are another story. The USGPRU community is rather tight. You can expect lots of support from fellow 125 racers.
I run soley two stroke. 125 is a great bike for your son. They're ready to go out of the box. Really no need to try to tune,port,pipe, etc. Just get the suspension set up for him and run. ...And they will run!!!! Now jetting is important but with the help of a detonation counter and some experience.....you'll get it down quick enough. Rebuilds will run around $600 in parts. you'll get a season out of the build. They say 300 miles on a piston but I say 2 days and toss $125.00 a shot. You'll save that in tires as a set will set you back $225 and you'll get 6 days with a light rider. Try to hook up with another two stroker and they'll gladly help you sort out the bike. I'll gladly coordinate a track day with you and help you as much as you need. .....Beaver Falls... or maybe someplace a little closer to you .... haven't run in the Midwest yet Was recently on my 125 at Pocono and had a complete blast. Will be running this all year with the TZ250 coming out for the premium venues.... There are some serious young guns running 125's and more than a few old men hehe an extra cylinder is a plus just in case (racing with jetting on the edge) as well as an extra head/pistons/plugs/mix/ratio right...... the list goes on You'll be busy in the pits I call it the "two stroke Tango" while everyone is resting with the warmers on........your dancin trying to get her running right (really isn't that bad) :wink: There's a nicely equipped bike for sale over on the USGPRU site with everthing you could possibly need and the price is right http://www.usgpru.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3873 I would buy this bike ....in fact there are quite a few really nice extras that I would like to pull from the package and then sell the bike for what he's asking Good luck!