2008 Husqvarna CR125

2008 Husqvarna CR125 – A Major Engine Update for the Italian Two-Stroke

The 2008 Husqvarna CR125 was a significant development of the long-running Italian-built 125 rather than a simple annual graphics change. Husqvarna retained the basic steel-frame platform and familiar 54.0 x 54.5 mm two-stroke engine dimensions, but substantially reworked the cylinder, power-valve system and suspension package. At a time when many manufacturers were directing most of their attention toward four-strokes, Husqvarna was still actively developing a purpose-built 125cc two-stroke motocrosser.

The biggest changes were inside the engine. For 2008 the CR125 received a completely revised cylinder using five transfer ports. Husqvarna also modified the inlet and exhaust porting with the aim of producing stronger power and improving delivery throughout the rev range. The H.T.S. exhaust power-valve arrangement was redesigned as well, including changes intended to improve exhaust-gas sealing and simplify the valve-control system. These were meaningful changes on a small-bore motocross engine, where port timing and exhaust-valve operation have a major influence on how power is delivered.

Fuel continued to be metered through a 38 mm Mikuni TMX carburettor. On a 125 two-stroke, correct jetting, float height, reed condition and air-filter sealing are critical because there is little excess torque to hide a poorly tuned intake system. Owners rebuilding an original machine can use the MXOwners carburettor replacement reference when worn carburettor components are no longer suitable for service.

The chassis remained recognisably Husqvarna, but the suspension specification changed. The CR125 used 45 mm Marzocchi upside-down forks with black-coated outer tubes, while the rear switched to a Sachs shock with an integrated reservoir. Front travel remained approximately 300 mm and rear-wheel travel around 320 mm. Factory information specifies AGIP Fork 7.5 oil for the CR fork with a 95 mm oil level, making the MXOwners fork oil reference useful when servicing an older fork whose previous setup may be unknown.

Other details reinforced the bike's European race-bike character. Black Excel rims carried the standard 21-inch front and 19-inch rear motocross wheel combination, while tapered Tommaselli handlebars continued from the previous model. Braking was handled by a 260 mm front disc and 240 mm rear disc. Riders restoring a bike today can check modern replacements against the original 80/100-21 front and 100/90-19 rear sizes using the MXOwners tyre size guide.

Maintenance is particularly important on a surviving 2008 CR125 because these motorcycles were built to race. The revised power-valve assembly should move freely and seal correctly, while piston and ring condition, crankshaft bearings, reed petals and intake sealing all deserve close inspection. Wheel, steering-head and suspension-linkage bearings may also have seen years of water, pressure washing and hard landings, so the MXOwners Bearing Finder can be useful during a complete chassis rebuild.

Historically, the 2008 CR125 is an interesting model because Husqvarna was still investing seriously in the traditional 125 motocross formula while the market around it was changing rapidly. The new cylinder and power-valve system gave the established platform another round of genuine development rather than simply allowing it to fade away. For collectors and riders today, that makes the 2008 CR125 one of the more interesting late Italian-era Husqvarna small-bore two-strokes: conventional in concept, unusual in the paddock, and still very much designed as a serious race motorcycle.