Newbies Forum

I agree with Bill wholeheartedly!  
Since when is Dirt blue??!!!

quick easy fix put that fatty and silencer on then get carb set right  
1998 cr125
2002 cr80

I cant find any thing higher than a 53. Where should I go to look? Thanks  

Also do I need a longer chain and do I need any tools to take off or put a new one on?  

Look up sprockets on most any popular dirt bike online suppliers.  If you can't find one on the site giev them a call and have them look it up for you.  you should only need an allen wrench and a good strong lock tight when reinstalling.  
Bill H. 2000 CR250R

you should always put a new chain on when you put a new sprocket on. same when you change the chain, you should put a new sprocket on.

to put a new chain on you will need a tool or a grinder. to cut the links.  
1998 cr125
2002 cr80

Just get a chain breaker tool.  No cutting needed  
Bill H. 2000 CR250R

do I need to get both sprockets replaced? or just the back? are there difference size chains that I'm going to need to get?  

Jason,

You've received a lot of good advice on here!

To answer your last question, yes, change BOTH sprockets and the chain at the same time.  If you find a rear sprocket two teeth larger in the rear difficult to find keep in mind that you will actually receive more difference by going ONE tooth LESS on the front (or "countershaft") sprocket.  Be careful with this as you might end up wearing out your front chain slider.  I'm not sure how tight Honda 125'5 are in this area.

Personally, I would urge that you return the shorty pipe and get a spark arrestor pipe.  The new spark arrestor pipes rob very little power and they make the bike a lot quieter.  Remember, noise is one of if not our main problem in trying to deal with those who want to close our riding areas across the country.

I agree on suggestion that you return the reed cage.  Even more so with the poster's added suggestion that you use the money to purchase safety/protective gear for you and/or the bike!

Given that you don't appear to have much experience with carburetors and 2-stroke bikes, I do think you should seek professional assistance, at least in coming up with a baseline setup.  The dealer may not be overly good at this, but I'll bet there are some good bike shops in your area who can help with this for a reasonable charge.  Ask if you can watch them change jets and so on.  This will help you move forward as you take on work yourself.  Frankly, it might not be a bad idea at all to have such a shop give the bike a general lookover anyway!

Remember, that 125 is designed from the outset as a motocross bike.  A wide-open racer with stiff suspension as compared with a off-road or "woods" bike.  While there is no question that you'd find yourself more comfortable on a 4-stroke (even an older Honda XR in 250 or 400 models) you don't need to buy a new 4-stroke bike to achieve a "easier" ride.  In addition, if you tune your bike a little by adjusting sprockets and so on and you learn to ride woods/trails on this 125 you're probably going to be a better rider for it.  Just remember that the 125 WANTS to blast and it's never going to pull off the bottom like even a larger displacement moto 2-stroke, let a lone a "woods-tuned" 2-stroke like KTM produces.

If I were you I'd make the chain/sprockets mod, get the carb at least close to right for your riding conditions and go enjoy yourself for a time before you look at other things.  You could throw money at changing springs and re-valving your forks/shock, you can add a flywheel to the engine and do other things which would get the bike closer to a woods machine.  Heck, many, many international enduro championships have been won on 125cc 2-stroke bikes, but those are very purpose-built for such riding and your bike was built in the opposite direction.  Point is, you can bring your bike closer to the woods, but it will be difficult to fully get there without spending a lot of money.

If you ride a buddy's 4-stroke you're going to find it very easy to ride compared with your bike, at least in tight, technical areas.  But if you've gained some experience on your bike once you get it working well I think you're also going to find that the 4-strokes will feel somewhat heavy and lazy by comparison.  Of course, you can get used to riding anything.

One last thing from an old man:  If you haven't already done so change the oil in the bike and make certain you keep the airfilter CLEAN.

I hope you have a blast on your bike, but please try to ride within your experience and skill level and wear good safety gear.  You'll be glad you did, believe me!  

Well written post. You are very wise OldWoods, welcome aboard.  

Well said Oldtimer.  I recommend only going up on the rear sprocket because your bike is already running a 13 tooth front.  you can go smaller, but you will wear through your chain slider, and you chain will wear out faster too because of the tighter turn it will be making.  

Go to Hondas Web site and click on the HRCA link.  join the club and you will gain access to the service manual for your bike online.  Take the time to print it out and it will be well worth it's weight in telling you how to work on and fix your bike.  
Bill H. 2000 CR250R

Thank you all vary much for all your help!!!! But I still would like to know do I need a longer chain when I add the new sprocket and how do I know what size chain?  

The new chsin you get will be long enough, you will have to cut it down.  
I love this dirt stuff.

Jason..

Pop is right.  Chains come in standard lengths, and you cut them down to fit your bike.  Put your new sprockets on, and then set your axle sliders where you want them (toward the front for traction and cornering, toward the rear for high speed stability).  Then lay your chain on the sprokets and mark which link you need to cut or press out.  
Since when is Dirt blue??!!!

the only thing i disagree with oldwoods is dont take the silencer back. the shorty is made to give better response off the bottom, and sounds a LOT better. that is the second best silencer you can get in my opinion the only thing i think better is the fmf titanium 2. it gives same results as a shorty but better.  
1998 cr125
2002 cr80