1972 Puch 125 5-Speed - 4-Page Vintage Motorcycle Road Test Article

Description

1972 Puch 125 5-Speed - 4-Page Vintage Motorcycle Road Test Article
Original, Vintage Magazine article
Page Size: Approx. 8" x 11" (21 cm x 28 cm) each page
Condition: Good
PUCH125
5-SPEED
Hefty, But Dedicated
Strongly To One Purpose;
The Enduro
□ THE PUCH 125 Enduro is one
of those machines that has trick
features and quality components
everywhere. It’s really impressive.
But, you do pay for this quality in
one area. Weight. The little Puch
weighs in at 256 lb. and that is just
1 lb. less than a 250cc Ossa Pioneer.
Whether this added weight is all
important or not really depends on
what type of riding an individual
has in mind. If drag racing in the dirt with your friends turns
you on, the Puch is not the answer. It isn’t really the bike for
hillclimbing, either.
All of the items mentioned above, though, may be unfair as
they are getting away from this machine’s intended purpose:
enduro riding. Since the Puch Enduro isn’t heavy enough to
make it cumbersome, the weight factor loses most of its
significance in this type of event.
The Puch is heavy, but it does have two important assets
that will endear it to a lot of serious riders who spend
considerable time in the saddle. Rugged construction is the
first.
The frame is robust and should prove difficult to get out of
alignment. A large boxed section which terminates behind the
gas tank forms the top tube. This main structural member is
welded to a tubular hoop which passes down to and then
around the swinging arm pivot. The hoop ends at a frame cross
tube which doubles as a footpeg mounting point.
Design is double-cradle, but the twin down tubes are bolted
on at the footpeg cross tube and at the lower portion of the
steering head. Two additional small diameter tubes pass under
the engine to protect it from rocks.
The swinging arm looks large enough for a 400cc bike. It
passes inboard of the frame tubes and there is a lot of
gusseling around the pivot point. The swinging arm pivot bolt
is fitted with a zerk fitting, making lubrication of this critical
area a snap.
Complementing the frame is a set of full-sized Betor forks.
Because they are beefier than necessary for a 125, these forks
do not exhibit any tendency to twist or flex, regardless of the
punishment to which they are subjected. Spring rate is just
right for a 150 lb. rider. Bottoming occurs occasionally, but
isn’t really objectionable and damping is excellent. Fork travel,
incidentally, is a full 6-in. Girling components are used in the
rear and perform equally well.
Both front and rear hubs are disproportionately large and
are full width for maximum strength. The brakes are adequate,
but considering the size of the hubs they should be more
powerful. Quick stops require a good deal of lever pressure and
there is a mushy feel which is a bit disconcerting.
Rims are steel and should hold up well, even in rocky
terrain. Rim sizes are classic: a 21-in. front and an 18=in. rear.
The 3.00-21 and 3.50-18-in. Metzler tires are an excellent
choice, as they offer superb traction with average wear.
The other major item the Puch offers is comfort. Excellent
suspension components combined with the Puch’s weight yield
a very soft, stable ride. There are few bone jarring jolts
transmitted to the rider, which not only minimizes fatigue, but
also aids in controlling the machine. The seat is thick and
super soft, too, making the comfort factor even greater.
Besides being physically comfortable. Puch riders don’t
have to maintain the mental edge necessary on some other
brands, because on the Puch you don’t have to worry about
being spit off instantly if an error in judgment is made.
The bike has a solid feel about it. Only minimal steering
corrections are necessary to keep on the trail. The front end is
a trifle heavy, though, making it necessary to buzz the engine
hard for any type of front end lofting.
As for sliding the turns, forget it. Except in the lower gears,
there simply isn’t a broad enough powerband or enough
horsepower to overcome the weight.
What the Puch is, is the kind of mount you can ride for
hours without getting overly tired or scaring yourself silly. In
other words, the machine doesn’t really possess the character-
istics required for the execution of exciting off-road antics,
but it does have the comfort and stamina to allow consistent,
high placing enduro finishes...
12089-7211-08