Needle Suggestions...

[Troy Smith]

Hi Folks, finally got the new shifter together with one item left on the "to do" list. I have a stock CR125 and am looking for some suggestions on which needles will get me in the ball park for southern LA and TX? The CR125 is stock, setup with an R2 pipe, carb is a Keihin PWM. I got the motor from up north so I am assuming the needles might be a bit off. It is currently set up with a main of 168, a pilot of 52, clip in middle position and a #6 slide. Any suggested changes to get close to a reliable set-up for this area? Thanks Much...

[Scott Boone]

Troy,
I would be very careful using any needle settings from anyone unless you are sure that your two engines are identical. I have two icc motors that are setup very differently and require entirely different configurations of jets etc. I would get some tuning advice from a builder and go to the track and get your own baselines established. ie you need to look at the top of the piston and you need to look at the exhaust tip. You also need to need to tune to pull out of the corners etc. I do not have a stock 125 but my gut tells me you need to qualify any advice you get re jetting and setup.

[Brad Johnson]

Scott is right, every setup will be a bit different. Each variable makes things different, like your pipe, carb type etc. Most guys here don't run the R2 pipe, that's mostly a road race pipe but might be sucessful sprinting. I have the RCE T3, PWK carb, and last time out I had a 52 pilot and 162 main. I'm not sure of the slide but I have a DJB needle. All that said I'm no where near a good enough tuner to tell much difference in needles, clip position or pilot jets. Best advice would be to setup on what might be rich, run some laps, check the plug/piston and adjust as needed.

[Troy Smith]

Thanks Guys - will try it out and see what we get. This preparations phase is killin' me. How about a couple other inputs: What should I see for EGT and Water temps? What is an average max (safe) RPM for the CR125? Another question in regards to the clutch and neutral. I can't seem to get out of gear with the clutch - the only time I am able to freespin the axle is in neutral. Putting it in gear and pulling the clutch does not release the gear - is this normal - am I missing something? This is all without the motor fired up. Just looking to having things covered prior to a long waisted trip to the track. Thanks again...

[Brad Johnson]

Mine doesn't freewheel with the clutch either. It will sit on the ground and not move but if I just pull the clutch and try to spin it it won't. I can't help you with the EGT, I don't have one and really don't know what is best. I do know that those who know how to tune by EGT swear by it. I usually like to see my water below 140-145 but sometimes it will get in that area. I have run mine to hit around 12800 RPM at Katy, I think much passed that and you aren't making any power just revving. This is all with a stock motor. Maybe if Oscar or one of the faster guys chimes in they have better info for you.

[Scott Boone]

Troy,
Establish a relationship with an engine builder. They will share this advice with you in anticipation of getting business from you in the future. I highly recommend John at SRS engines. He is a straight shooter and builds a very good stock shifter. Go to http://www.srsengines.com/ and get his contact info and call him. He will treat you well!