Husqvarna SM 125 S [2006-2011]: The Lightweight Supermoto That Defined a Generation

Introduction

The Husqvarna SM 125 S isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a rite of passage. Between 2006 and 2011, this feisty two-stroke supermoto became the ultimate gateway drug for teenagers across Europe itching to taste the adrenaline of motard riding without breaking laws (or the bank). Lightweight, flickable, and dripping with race-derived DNA, the SM 125 S carved its niche as a street-legal playground machine. But does it hold up as a practical daily rider? Let’s twist the throttle and find out.

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Design & First Impressions

The SM 125 S looks like it’s perpetually ready to attack a corner. With its aggressive supermoto stance—knobby-tire proportions swapped for 17-inch road wheels, inverted forks, and a minimalist body—it’s a scaled-down version of Husqvarna’s championship-winning motocrossers. The 2009 refresh added sharper graphics, black-anodized wheels, and a white frame that visually bridges it to Husqvarna’s four-stroke lineup. At 113.5 kg (250 lbs), it’s laughably light—you’ll practically shoulder-check it into parking spots.

The seat height? A towering 870 mm (34.3 in), which feels intimidating until you remember the suspension sags under weight. Still, shorter riders might need a ballet dancer’s tiptoes at stoplights. The digital dash (a rarity in this era and class) is a nice touch, offering a tachometer, speedometer, trip meter, and service reminders—no frills, but functional.

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Engine & Performance

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the 124.8cc liquid-cooled two-stroke single. It’s a 15 hp time capsule from an era when smokey, ring-dinging engines ruled the lightweight class. Peak power arrives at 9,500 RPM, but the real magic is in the midrange. Thanks to Husqvarna’s ECS (Electronic Carburetion System)—a collaboration with Dell’Orto—the PHBH 28 carb delivers precise air-fuel-oil mixtures, complying with Euro 3 emissions while preserving that classic two-stroke punch.

Cold starts require patience (and a strong right leg—kick-only, no electric assist here). Once warmed up, the engine barks to life with a metallic snarl. Acceleration won’t terrify you—0-60 km/h (0-37 mph) takes around 7 seconds—but the 6-speed gearbox lets you chase every last RPM. Keep it spinning above 6,000 RPM, and the SM 125 S transforms into a buzzing, hyperactive hornet. Top speed? A GPS-verified 105 km/h (65 mph) with the rider tucked in.

Pro tip: Mix your two-stroke oil religiously. The factory recommends a 2% ratio (50:1), but seasoned owners often lean toward 3% (33:1) for added lubrication during hard riding.

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Handling & Ride Experience

This is where the SM 125 S shines. With a wheelbase of 1,470 mm (57.9 in) and a steering geometry borrowed from motocross, it flicks into corners like a BMX bike. The Paioli suspension—260 mm (10.2 in) of travel up front, 220 mm (8.7 in) at the rear—is plush enough for potholed streets but firm enough to handle curb hops and parking-lot wheelies.

The Michelin Pilot-derived tires (120/70-17 front, 150/60-17 rear) offer surprising grip, though they’ll protest loudly during aggressive lean angles. Braking is adequate: the single 260 mm front disc bites progressively, but don’t expect ABS-level confidence in the rain.

Ride it through a city, and the SM 125 S feels invincible. Filtering through traffic? Easy. U-turns in a driveway? Done. It’s a motorcycle that rewards skill—the harder you push, the more it giggles back.

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Competition

How does the SM 125 S stack up against its peers? Let’s break it down:

1. Yamaha DT125X

The DT125X’s four-stroke engine is smoother and more fuel-efficient, but its 15 hp feels lethargic compared to the Husqvarna’s two-stroke hit. Yamaha’s suspension is softer, better suited to casual commuting, but it lacks the SM’s track-ready aggression.

2. Aprilia SX 125

Aprilia’s offering matches the Husky’s power output but adds a racier aesthetic. However, its higher seat height (910 mm/35.8 in) and heavier 118 kg (260 lb) frame make it less accessible for shorter riders.

3. KTM 125 Duke

The Duke’s four-stroke engine is torquier at low RPMs, and its modern fuel injection eliminates premix hassles. But KTM’s styling is polarizing, and its price tag traditionally soared above the Husqvarna’s.

Verdict: The SM 125 S wins on sheer fun factor. Its two-stroke character and motocross DNA make it the most engaging ride in the class—if you’re willing to tolerate its quirks.

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Maintenance

Owning a two-stroke supermoto isn’t for the faint of heart. Here’s what to watch:

• Engine Rebuilds: Two-strokes demand more frequent top-end refreshes. Plan for piston/ring replacements every 5,000 km (3,100 miles) if ridden hard.
• Carburetor Tuning: The Dell’Orto PHBH 28 is reliable but sensitive to altitude/temperature changes. Keep spare jets handy.
• Suspension Service: Clean fork seals monthly if you’re off-roading. The Paioli units benefit from fresh oil every 10,000 km (6,200 miles).
• Chain & Sprockets: The 14/49 sprocket combo prioritizes acceleration. Swap to a 15T front sprocket for highway cruising.

MOTOPARTS.store Recommendations:
- Upgrade to a NGK BR9EG spark plug for consistent ignition.
- Use Motorex CrossPower 2T oil for cleaner combustion.
- Install a DNA air filter to reduce maintenance intervals.

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Conclusion

The Husqvarna SM 125 S is a motorcycle that refuses to grow up—and that’s its greatest strength. It’s raw, unapologetic, and demands participation from the rider. While modern four-strokes have eclipsed it in practicality, few bikes in the 125cc class deliver this much personality. Whether you’re a teenager chasing your first taste of freedom or a seasoned rider craving a lightweight thrill, the SM 125 S remains a cult classic for good reason.

Just keep a spare spark plug in your pocket.

Looking to keep your Husqvarna SM 125 S in peak condition? Explore MOTOPARTS.store’s curated selection of performance upgrades, OEM replacements, and maintenance kits tailored for supermoto enthusiasts.

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Specifikacijų lentelė

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