The super popular 144 Kit by Eric Gorr (Millennium Technologies) seems to be a major source of discussion across the moto-forums. While there are a few great reviews out there, i thought i would put down my experience with this kit and the process. I know i scoured the boards for reviews on the Eric Gorr 144 setup, more specific, a Suzuki Rm 125. Hope this helps!
Let me start by saying i am a
former B level Amatuer Champion. Have competed in Multiple Mammoth MX, Lorreta's, Lake Whitney, and even World Mini Excursions. Even got to ride for Cole Gress' Amateur Suzuki program for a bit in 2005. I raced heavily from about 2003 to 2006. I was competing in the C class on my KX 125, when Kawasaki released its first 250f in 2004. Suzuki and Honda also released there pint size thumpers that year. I saw the slow switch from 2 smokes to 4. I too made the switch to 4 strokes in 2004, and would race them until injury put me out in late 2006. (Broken back, dislocated hip, and snapped femur). I sold any remaining bikes i owned, and had given up riding completely.
3 months ago i got the bright idea to get back in shape and try and race Mammoth this year (After 6 years of NO riding) I was looking for a late model RM 250, but through some odd forces of nature, i cam across a killer deal on a 2001 RM 125 from the original owner. Figured a 125 would help get me back into shape! After a brief moto at Zaca Station MX the next day, 2 things were very clear. I needed more power, and to lose weight! The bike was 100% Stone Stock, and had only it's second top end. But even at 185 pounds, it was a chore to get over the obstacles at my old stomping grounds. I purchased a pro circuit pipe and silencer, and tossed a new clutch in, V-Force3 Reed setup, and jetted it, also an hour meter to track maintenance. Much better, but still absolutely no low end, and the suspension felt like a 12 year old bike (soft and worn out). I pulled the motor, and sent it off to Eric Gorr to work his 144 magic. I opted for the Mid/Top end porting with the High Compression Race Gas option, as well as a new Wiseco crank assembly. While my motor was out for mods, i replaced all the linkages and shock bearings in the rear end. I called Independent Race Shop in San Luis Obispo for a quote on a suspension spring and valve. Bryce told me if i was going to race the bike (which i am), i had to buy 05 or newer forks as they were the last gen for those models. Found a set of brand new OEM forks on Ebay for $400. Shipped them out and installed them. Then, after $100 total in shipping, 2 conversations with Mr. Gorr and 4 weeks later i had my motor back. Slapped on some 180 Decal Numbers, and we were ready to go.
Mixed 5 gallons of VP C-12 with Castor 927 @ 32:1. Took to bike out to a friends track to test out the new setup. The bike fired right up on the 4th kick or so, and to me instantly sounded a tad throatier than the 125. Eric claims there is no break in time with the special plating on his cylinders, however i couldn't get my head around that, and broke the bike in over the next 45 minutes using low to mid RMP's , with 2 full heat and cool cycles. Even cruising around the bike had low end now, i was smiling from ear to ear as this thing was pulling 3rd up a few uphill sections without even revving up. This would of been impossible on my 125 in a gear this high. The bike was jetted super rich. It had close to stock jetting with a 450 main, and a 25 pilot. I tossed a new plug in it and moved the needle clip to the 2nd position form the top, and put in a 22.5 pilot with a 440 main. I geared up and took it out for its hard track test. The bike is a rocket. There was a new found low end that would pull nicely into the mid range. I know some other porting options or big bore kits, kind of broaden the powerband, and it will sometimes lose its "2 stroke hit" in the midrange. That is not the case here. The bike rips out of the midrange and keeps revving without any power falling off. I was blown away, and very happy with the setup. The suspension was night and day ahead of where it was, and with a few clickers adjustments we were set.
Last weekend we had a chance to get some motos in at Porterville MX, with my friend on his 2011 Kawi 250f. The 144 was a blast, however i quickly found that i could not take any inside line if i wanted to maintain speed. The track is smaller and tight. Once i moved to mostly outside lines, it felt like i could use the power much better and on the pipe. Simply put the bike keeps revving. I had a chance to jump on the Kawi 250f. This bike had a full pro circuit race head, pro circuit valve and springs and cams. With a GET programmer. Keep in mind this is the first bike other than my 125 i have ridden in 6 years. My expectations were high. After just a few corners on the thumper, i realized why so many people had made the switch. There is a decent amount of low end snap, with easy to use power. A huge difference was the fact that i could now take the inside ruts without any guilt. The bike would track well and lug out of most any corner in 2nd or 3rd. Besides that, i was kind of disappointed with the rest of the power. It pulled well, and revved well. It did not feel any faster than my 144 once in the midrange to top. After climbing back on my bike instantly after, i spun a few quick laps to make sure my assumptions were right. And yes, the 144 is as fast if not faster once in the midrange, and revs much much stronger than the thumper in my opinion. Both bikes got over all obstacles, although a few required more work on the 144 (needing to take an outside line to carry speed). But the bike is a rocket!
When i purchased this bike a few months ago, i thought i had made a bad decision. a 13 year old 125 with about 20 extra pounds on me. I can tell you today, i couldn't be happier with my setup. Just what i had envisioned when i wanted a 125 to get back in shape. I am still waiting to get the suspension done, but here is a list of mods i have done in the past few months. Feel free to ask any question! I HIGHLY recommend the Eric Gorr 144 Kit. See you at Mammoth!
Pro Circuit Platinum Pipe-
Pro Circuit R-304 Shorty Silencer
2005 Showa Forks
Renthal 5/8 Bars -
Linkage / Swing arm Bearings
Shock Bearings
Eric Gorr 144 Head - Mid Top Port- Race Gas Compression Option
Twin Air Filter
Moto Tassanari V Force 3 Reed System
Wiseco Crank Assembly
VP- C12 Race Fuel
-ZOOK
