Re: I need some advice regarding keeping my GasGas 125xc

On 29 Apr 2007 08:09:50 -0700, JayC <jwc@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:


I bought the GasGas for two reasons: all the GG fans keep saying that
they are the cat's ass (but never really say why). I wanted to see
what the big deal was about (so far, can't say I'm on board).

Not to beat a dead horse, Jay, but all the GG guys I've seen who
love their bikes don't ride the 125 MX versions. It's almost like
judging the brand based on trying to motocross a Pampera. <g> The 125
MXer may indeed have engineering problems.

Also, for those who think that the 125 is problematic for being a 125
and think I should've bought bigger: Firstly, I like to ride my XR400
like a 125 and beat it's brains out. Unfortunately, when I ride like
that, the bikes weight and heavy clutch toast me in a quarter-mile.
The power from a 125 is fine - riding with limited power output is fun
and a challenge in these here gnarly parts. The LAST think I want is
a big-bore 2-stink. I'm half tempted to graft my son's CR80 motor
into a full-sized frame someday - it has plenty of power when you
scream it's guts out - that would be a fun 180 pound bike.

I can understand that. Local rider Dave Hernandez rides a YZ250F
in the same manner. Most people would probably consider the 250F to be
low on power and sort of high strung (for a 4-stroke), but Dave rides
it just fine (and quite fast).

That said, I still think you'd enjoy a KTM 200 or, perhaps, a KDX
200.

My concern with power is that the bike is truely gutless - like overly
(obscure 'Raising Arizona' reference). When I say that the bike makes
less power than my son's CR80, I am not exaggerating. I didn't think
that a potential crank seal leak would make much difference in
operating characteristics, but I could be wrong. I drained the tranny
fluid yesterday and was about 50cc short, after burning probably less
than a gallon of fuel. That is enough oil to change the mix from 32:1
to ~20:1. Will that cause the bike to burble everywhere then barf at
WFO? Beats me. If the motor is actually supposed to be a strong
runner, then I'd feel better about it.

I'm no expert on this subject, but in addition to adversely
effecting the final jetting, wouldn't a bad crank seal also lower
compression? Combined, I would think that the two problems could
severely influence performance.

To conclude: I'd really rather keep the thing, believe it or not, but
I don't want to throw a boatload of time and money at it, then end up
with something that is still crap.

I like your decision below. Fix the thing and try to get a better
evaluation afterwards. If it's still not what you wanted, then at
least in will be in good resale shape. Place an add on Talking Smack
or your local Craig's list, ask what you want for it, and see if you
get an interest. Won't cost you anything to try.

While typing this, I think I figured out what I'm going to do. The
two most crappy features of the bike were a dragging clutch and shitty
power. Now that I've seen the clutch, it's not suprising that I'm
having trouble with it. I'm going to give the bike another shot, and
see what a crank seal does for the power characteristics. I'll
probably clean up the clutch components just to see if it helps the
clutch drag problem - I don't have anything to lose and at least the
clutch is easy to get into. If changing the seal makes the motor run
like it is supposed to, maybe I'll be happy and all of this will
become moot.

That'd be great, but even if you still don't like it at least it
will be in good resale shape.

I think I'll ask this in another post too, but does anyone know (from
a mechanical engineering standpoint) what the impact of having wider
clutch basket grooves are? If I file a clutch basket such that the
clutch plates have 1/16" or so of clearance, will the system
experience greater stress?

As I understand it, filing the basket creates greater "play" for
the plate tabs to re-notch the basket even quicker. My own solution
was to buy a new (OEM) clutch basket, but at the last inspection I
noticed that it too is becoming notched. Undoubtedly the best solution
would be a basket with replacable (or steel) inserts like this
Barnett:

http://www.barnettclutches.com/products/clutch_baskets.aspx

Unfortunately, they don't offer such baskets for a 22-year old
bike.

and I can buy a late-
model CR125 in mint condition for $2k.

Get that too.

I'm thinking that myself. If nothing else, my son will be ready for
one next year (if I haven't killed him by then - 14y/os can really
push your buttons...)


There ya go! Good luck Jay!


Fred Bradford - CrashTestDummy
f.j.bradfordREMOVE@xxxxxxxxxxx
.

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