Husqvarna TC 125 [2014-2017]: A Motocross Weapon Built for Agility and Adrenaline

Introduction

The Husqvarna TC 125 represents a golden era for two-stroke motocross bikes, blending razor-sharp agility with the raw, unfiltered thrill that only a 125cc screamer can deliver. Produced between 2014 and 2017, this generation of the TC 125 solidified Husqvarna’s reputation as a brand that caters to riders who value precision over brute force. Designed for tight tracks, technical sections, and riders who aren’t afraid to wring every ounce of power from an engine, the TC 125 is a bike that rewards skill and punishes complacency. After spending a day thrashing a well-maintained 2016 model on a mix of hardpack and sandy terrain, it’s clear why this machine remains a cult favorite among motocross enthusiasts.

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Engine Performance: The Heart of a Two-Stroke Beast

At the core of the TC 125 lies a 124.8cc liquid-cooled two-stroke engine, producing between 38–40 HP (28–29 kW). This isn’t an engine that coddles you with low-end torque—it’s a high-strung, peaky powerplant that demands aggression. The powerband hits like a switch: below 8,000 RPM, it’s docile, almost polite. But crack the throttle open, and the bike transforms into a screaming demon, pulling hard all the way to its 11,500 RPM redline.

Riding the TC 125 feels like conducting an orchestra of chaos. The Kokusan ignition system ensures crisp throttle response, while the Magura hydraulic clutch offers buttery modulation, critical for keeping the engine in its narrow powerband during uphill climbs or corner exits. On tight, technical tracks, this bike forces you to work. You’ll dance on the shifter (a slick 6-speed gearbox) and feather the clutch to maintain momentum. But when you nail the rhythm, it’s euphoric—the kind of ride that makes you feel invincible over jumps and fearless in ruts.

Fueling is via a carburetor (2014–2015) or reed-valve intake (2016–2017), depending on the year. While not as fussy as some two-strokes, it still requires jetting adjustments for altitude or temperature swings. The 7–7.5-liter (1.85–1.98 US gal) fuel tank is adequate for 25–30 minutes of hard riding, typical for its class.

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Handling and Suspension: Precision Meets Playfulness

If the engine is the TC 125’s heart, its chassis is the central nervous system. The chromoly steel frame strikes a balance between rigidity and flex, offering a planted feel in corners without sacrificing feedback. Paired with WP suspension—USD 48mm forks (AER 48 in later models) and a linkage-assisted rear shock—the bike feels like an extension of your body.

On the track, the TC 125 shines in sections where flickability matters. The 1485mm (58.5") wheelbase (lengthened from 1290mm/50.8" in 2014) adds stability at speed, while the 87–92kg (192–203 lbs) dry weight makes it feel like a mountain bike mid-air. The WP 4CS forks (2014–2015) received mixed reviews for their stiffness, but the 2016–2017 AER 48 forks are a revelation—plush over small bumps yet resistant to bottoming-out under hard landings.

With 310mm (12.2") of front travel and 300mm (11.8") at the rear, the TC 125 soaks up whoops and braking bumps with ease. Set the sag to 105mm, and the rear end stays glued to the ground even when hammering through berms.

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Ergonomics and Controls: Built for Attack

Tall riders might gripe about the 960mm (37.8") seat height, but the TC 125’s layout encourages an aggressive stance. The handlebars are narrow and flat, ideal for weighting the front wheel in corners, while the slim fuel tank lets you grip the bike with your knees effortlessly. At 375mm (14.8") of ground clearance, it glides over rocks and roots without a second thought.

Brembo brakes—twin-piston front and single-piston rear—provide stellar stopping power. The front 260mm disc bites hard enough to lift the rear wheel, but modulation is intuitive, even for less experienced riders.

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Competition: How Does It Stack Up?

The 125cc motocross segment is fiercely competitive. Here’s how the TC 125 holds up against its rivals:

• Yamaha YZ125: The YZ’s air-cooled engine is more linear, making it forgiving for beginners. But the Husqvarna’s liquid cooling and sharper power delivery give it an edge on hardpack.
• KTM 125 SX: The KTM shares DNA with the Husqvarna (both under Pierer Mobility Group), but the TC 125’s steel frame feels more forgiving on choppy tracks compared to KTM’s stiffer chassis.
• TM MX 125: The Italian TM packs more premium components (e.g., Öhlins suspension), but it’s heavier and far pricier. The Husqvarna strikes a better balance for weekend warriors.

Where the TC 125 falters is in low-end torque—the Yamaha and KTM are slightly easier to ride lazily. But for pure agility and race-bred intensity, the Husky is hard to beat.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Screamer Alive

Two-strokes thrive on attention, and the TC 125 is no exception. Here’s what owners need to prioritize:

1. Top-End Rebuilds: Pistons wear quickly in high-RPM engines. Replace the piston every 30–40 hours (or sooner if compression drops). MOTOPARTS.store stocks OEM-sized pistons and gasket kits for hassle-free rebuilds.
2. Air Filter Care: Sandy tracks? Clean the filter after every ride. Use a quality foam filter and tacky grease for a perfect seal.
3. Suspension Servicing: WP components demand fresh oil every 50 hours. Upgrade to MOTOPARTS.store’s synthetic suspension fluid for improved heat resistance.
4. Chain & Sprockets: The 520 chain lasts longer if kept clean and tensioned properly. Swap worn sprockets early to avoid costly countershaft damage.
5. Cooling System: Flush coolant annually. Consider MOTOPARTS.store’s high-capacity radiators for extreme heat conditions.

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Final Thoughts

The Husqvarna TC 125 isn’t a bike for the timid. It’s a demanding, exhilarating machine that rewards precise riders with unmatched agility and a powerband that feels like lightning in a bottle. While newer four-strokes dominate the market, the TC 125 remains a testament to the raw joy of two-stroke motocross—a bike that turns every lap into a masterclass in momentum.

For riders looking to extract even more performance, MOTOPARTS.store offers everything from aftermarket exhausts to grippy seat covers. Keep your Husky sharp, and it’ll never let you down.

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Specifications sheet

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