MXA TEAM TESTED: BUD RACING 2016 KTM 125SX PIPE & SILENCER

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WHAT IS IT? This KTM 125SX pipe was developed by Bud Racing and made by the Netherlands-based company HGS. As for the carbon fiber silencer, Bud Racing made and developed this work of art in-house in France.

WHAT’S IT COST? $229.00 (pipe), $119.00 (carbon fiber silencer).

CONTACT? www.budracing-usa.com or (951) 245-2660.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the Bud Racing 2016 KTM 125SX pipe and silencer.

(1) Installation. With the Bud Racing KTM 125SX pipe and silencer, all the OEM hardware is transferred over. Before installing the pipe, make sure to take the O-rings out of the OEM pipe and insert them into the Bud Racing pipe. Do not race without them. Installing the pipe was a breeze, but be sure to use anti-seize on the stinger/silencer juncture. We failed to do this during the first test run and struggled to separate the two parts. Overall, the Bud Racing pipe was a five-star fit. As for the sleek carbon fiber silencer, it has one P-clamp-style bracket that slides on the carbon fiber tube to line up with the stock KTM fitting. It was a simple adjustment, which isn’t always true with P-clamps. Keep in mind that the stock KTM silencer has two mounting brackets, whereas the Bud Racing silencer only has one. We put the unused bolt back into the empty fitting so as not to lose it. Plus, we always switch back and forth between test pipes and stock pipes several times with each test rider to provide point/counter-point.

(2) Stock trim. The 2016 KTM 125SX is all new from the ground up. It is leaner and faster all the way through the powerband compared to the 2015 model. On the dyno, the stock KTM 125SX is the fastest production 125 to date. We like the smooth roll of the 125SX’s linear powerband, but ultimately we would like to liven up the mid and add some over-rev on top.

(3) Performance. The Bud Racing pipe and silencer are built for racers, not the average Joe out for a play ride. Bud Racing focused its attention from the middle to the top. The stock KTM pipe had better pickup off the bottom and ran cleaner than the Bud pipe. Every MXA test rider felt that the Bud pipe didn’t run as clean in the lower revs, when the 125SX was being transitioned through tight corners or off-cambers at half throttle. However, once out of the bottom-to-mid section, the Bud Racing pipe livened up the engine where we wanted it most. Not only did it have a more aggressive hit, but it had a secondary jolt on top that kicked in like an afterburner where the stocker signed off. Best of all, the Bud pipe moved max horsepower up 500 rpm from its 11,400 peak. This made it easier to stay in the sweet spot from shift to shift.

(4) Tuning. Race gas? No need! Jetting? The KTM 125SX ran on the lean side with the Bud Racing pipe. We played with the air screw and got it in the ballpark. You can also go up one on the main jet if you want to be on the safe side.

(5) Options. Bud Racing also offers an aluminum silencer with a carbon tip at the same price. We suggest this silencer if you are looking for increased longevity. We have not had any issues with the Bud Racing full-carbon silencer, but our past experiences have taught us that carbon fiber silencers get soft and fail as they go through continuous heat cycles.

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? We have two quibbles. (1) Bud Racing does not include replacement O-rings with the pipe. This is not an issue unless the OEM O-rings are damaged. (2) We wish the roll-on power was better, but you gotta give to get—and we got added power where 125’s are designed to run.

MXA RATING?

The Bud KTM pipe is a good alternative for a rider looking for more a pro-level powerband from the KTM 125SX. Probaly not a good choice for a Novice or Professional Practice Rider