KTM150 12 or YZ125 09 what to buy

wow123
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wow123
Edited Date/Time 9/9/2014 5:01pm
Would like some feedback on what I should get now, done with the 450s for the moment, heavy lumbering fast mthfckers

Both are in mint condition, the YZ about 20% cheaper

So should I get teh KTM and fix the suspension

or get the YZ and put a 150 kit on it?

Fors Againsts Opinions

Thanks
|
Crush
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Crush 9/9/2014 1:46am
9/9/2014 1:46am
I honestly think the 150 is the funnest bike i've ever ridden.

Enough motor to make it easy to get on the pipe, and handles great. Definitely not the plushest bike stock but can be sorted to well enough.

I've read, but haven't got any exp that the 125 with a 144 kit is still not as quick as the KTM.
Jeremy200
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Jeremy200 9/9/2014 2:05am
9/9/2014 2:05am
Exactly what Crush said. Funnest bike ever. I miss my 150...

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Jimfunn
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Jimfunn 9/9/2014 2:25am
9/9/2014 2:25am
personally I'd get the yam and stick with the stock motor. The standard motor is not fast but is definitely no slug & is fun and linear.
The suspension is best you can get and the things turn, jump and everything else in between better than pretty much any other bike out there.
turbotime
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turbotime 9/9/2014 3:38am
9/9/2014 3:38am
FYI, that YZ looks like a 2013 and the KTM looks like its a 2012.

I didn't really like the KTM when I tested one. Engine is good no doubt, but too much vibration and found it didn't really ride as good overall as the YZ.


YZ vibrates less, has great suspension and turns like a dream. I ended up picking up the YZ with a 144 engine kit. Both stock and bored cylinders are a blast to ride(I will probably revert it back to stock at some point because I kind of like it a bit better).
Crush
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Crush 9/9/2014 3:53am
9/9/2014 3:53am
turbotime wrote:
FYI, that YZ looks like a 2013 and the KTM looks like its a 2012. I didn't really like the KTM when I tested one. Engine...
FYI, that YZ looks like a 2013 and the KTM looks like its a 2012.

I didn't really like the KTM when I tested one. Engine is good no doubt, but too much vibration and found it didn't really ride as good overall as the YZ.


YZ vibrates less, has great suspension and turns like a dream. I ended up picking up the YZ with a 144 engine kit. Both stock and bored cylinders are a blast to ride(I will probably revert it back to stock at some point because I kind of like it a bit better).
I gotta say, people run that comment about Katooms a lot, the vibration.

I don't get it. It's a motorcycle. They all vibrate. Get some softer grips? How bad can it be? It's not an 83 500! Smile

People say the 350 is bad, I came off a 300. Didn't even notice... and definitely didn't notice on the 150...
wow123
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wow123 9/9/2014 4:04am
9/9/2014 4:04am Edited Date/Time 9/9/2014 4:11am
turbotime wrote:
FYI, that YZ looks like a 2013 and the KTM looks like its a 2012. I didn't really like the KTM when I tested one. Engine...
FYI, that YZ looks like a 2013 and the KTM looks like its a 2012.

I didn't really like the KTM when I tested one. Engine is good no doubt, but too much vibration and found it didn't really ride as good overall as the YZ.


YZ vibrates less, has great suspension and turns like a dream. I ended up picking up the YZ with a 144 engine kit. Both stock and bored cylinders are a blast to ride(I will probably revert it back to stock at some point because I kind of like it a bit better).
um yeah whoops, tis a 12, i mis-read the ad and now changed the title

guy says he bought the yz new in 09, maybe he put new plastics on it, guess i'll have to take a look

to be sure.

neither are close, but i'm planning a trip to do some mtbing, so i can incorporate having looksee

hard to understand that the 150 vibes that much that you notice, again i guess i'll know when i check it out.

thanks all
Crisp BRAAAP! 9/9/2014 4:44am
9/9/2014 4:44am
The plastics didn't change on the YZ until this year: all they had to do was buy BNG.

I think you'll grin no matter which bike you choose. It's like a choice between a hot blonde and a hot brunette. Both would be best but you can't go wrong with either.
#991
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#991 9/9/2014 5:21am
9/9/2014 5:21am Edited Date/Time 4/2/2015 6:19pm
Crush wrote:
I honestly think the 150 is the funnest bike i've ever ridden. Enough motor to make it easy to get on the pipe, and handles great...
I honestly think the 150 is the funnest bike i've ever ridden.

Enough motor to make it easy to get on the pipe, and handles great. Definitely not the plushest bike stock but can be sorted to well enough.

I've read, but haven't got any exp that the 125 with a 144 kit is still not as quick as the KTM.
...
#991
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#991 9/9/2014 5:33am
9/9/2014 5:33am Edited Date/Time 4/2/2015 6:19pm
turbotime wrote:
FYI, that YZ looks like a 2013 and the KTM looks like its a 2012. I didn't really like the KTM when I tested one. Engine...
FYI, that YZ looks like a 2013 and the KTM looks like its a 2012.

I didn't really like the KTM when I tested one. Engine is good no doubt, but too much vibration and found it didn't really ride as good overall as the YZ.


YZ vibrates less, has great suspension and turns like a dream. I ended up picking up the YZ with a 144 engine kit. Both stock and bored cylinders are a blast to ride(I will probably revert it back to stock at some point because I kind of like it a bit better).
Crush wrote:
I gotta say, people run that comment about Katooms a lot, the vibration. I don't get it. It's a motorcycle. They all vibrate. Get some softer...
I gotta say, people run that comment about Katooms a lot, the vibration.

I don't get it. It's a motorcycle. They all vibrate. Get some softer grips? How bad can it be? It's not an 83 500! Smile

People say the 350 is bad, I came off a 300. Didn't even notice... and definitely didn't notice on the 150...
...
crf250pilot
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crf250pilot 9/9/2014 6:14am
9/9/2014 6:14am
It would come down to the price, if your able to get the YZ for a grand or so cheaper, that be the one to take. Also, if your on the heavier side +160lbs you might think of the extra cc of the KTM.
yak651
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yak651 9/9/2014 6:38am
9/9/2014 6:38am
I would guess about $3500 for the 150 and $2500 for the 125? If so, don't think you can go wrong with either one. For those saying the 150 isn't that fast, i'm assuming the ones they rode were not jetted properly or worn out? On my 150 I was able to keep a local kid that is a much better rider behind me on sand tracks due to the power difference between the 150 and his yz125. Everyone that rode my bike like it and no one complained about vibration or bad suspension. May come down to support from local dealer, both bikes should pretty much hold their value and give you a good time.
#991
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#991 9/9/2014 6:38am
9/9/2014 6:38am Edited Date/Time 4/2/2015 6:20pm
wow123 wrote:
Would like some feedback on what I should get now, done with the 450s for the moment, heavy lumbering fast mthfckers Both are in mint condition...
Would like some feedback on what I should get now, done with the 450s for the moment, heavy lumbering fast mthfckers

Both are in mint condition, the YZ about 20% cheaper

So should I get teh KTM and fix the suspension

or get the YZ and put a 150 kit on it?

Fors Againsts Opinions

Thanks
...
wow123
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wow123 9/9/2014 7:02am
9/9/2014 7:02am
yak651 wrote:
I would guess about $3500 for the 150 and $2500 for the 125? If so, don't think you can go wrong with either one. For those...
I would guess about $3500 for the 150 and $2500 for the 125? If so, don't think you can go wrong with either one. For those saying the 150 isn't that fast, i'm assuming the ones they rode were not jetted properly or worn out? On my 150 I was able to keep a local kid that is a much better rider behind me on sand tracks due to the power difference between the 150 and his yz125. Everyone that rode my bike like it and no one complained about vibration or bad suspension. May come down to support from local dealer, both bikes should pretty much hold their value and give you a good time.
think again, i dont live in the real world, and its why the recent 13 300exc and 350sxf that came up for sale are outta the question, ridiculous prices.

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bish153
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bish153 9/9/2014 7:14am
9/9/2014 7:14am
Only a moron would take the ktm over the yz. I know a lot of people around here think ktm saved the world, but at the end of the day, they are just orange pieces of shit!
BAMX
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BAMX 9/9/2014 7:30am
9/9/2014 7:30am
If you are going to put a 144 kit on the YZ the it is a wash. If not, the KTM would be the way to go. Those extra few cc's may not make the bikes a lot faster but they make them way more fun to ride.
nytsmaC
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nytsmaC 9/9/2014 7:42am
9/9/2014 7:42am Edited Date/Time 9/9/2014 7:42am
^^^ This bish123 guy sounds like he is full of good opinions and advice!

They'll both be great bikes, one has way more motor and one has way better suspension. For me the motor is more important on a smallbore like this, are you planning to keep them stock or do you have a budget in mind to help their shortcomings?

All things being equal I'd get the KTM if you don't want to tinker, or get the YZ if you want to spend some coin on engine work. It's not all that expensive to make the YZ smoke a stock KTM.

Both bikes are great, just get the one that you are leaning towards and don't look back.
Hman144
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Hman144 9/9/2014 7:46am
9/9/2014 7:46am Edited Date/Time 9/9/2014 7:47am
bish153 wrote:
Only a moron would take the ktm over the yz. I know a lot of people around here think ktm saved the world, but at the...
Only a moron would take the ktm over the yz. I know a lot of people around here think ktm saved the world, but at the end of the day, they are just orange pieces of shit!
Predictable but vague input from a guy with a Yamaha logo as your avatar.

What is your experience with KTM's that would lead you to have such a strong negative opinion?
loftyair
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loftyair 9/9/2014 8:19am
9/9/2014 8:19am
KTM is only good for intense racing. Will cost more money after initial purchase too. Yz good for all kinds of riding, not just racing. Don't big bore the yz, motor much better in stock form. Don't gain a little low end for top end scream on a small bore.
endurox
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endurox 9/9/2014 8:48am
9/9/2014 8:48am
turn the 150(actually a 144) into a 153. Eric Gore can do this and port it for more power. The 2012 lost power over the 11 model.
Something to due with the change in air box over the 11 model so there is more power to gain in the air box.
RPM93
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RPM93 9/9/2014 8:57am
9/9/2014 8:57am
I currently own both a KTM 150 (2011) and Husky 144 (13) and have owned dozens of Yammies. in the current state of things the KTM 150 is by far the most fun bike I have owned. I use it to race in the woods and some MX. The Husky is also a great bike as I bought mine brand new for $4k with both 125 and 144 top ends. I would take the KTM anyday over old tech with BNG.
Cheers
TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 9/9/2014 9:21am
9/9/2014 9:21am
Yamaha w/ a good reed-cage and mod'd head and cleaned up power-valve. Add whatever pipe-silencer you fancy and you're good.

You'll NEVER be bummed about the suspension & handling of the YZ.

Ever.
#991
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#991 9/9/2014 9:24am
9/9/2014 9:24am Edited Date/Time 4/2/2015 6:20pm
endurox wrote:
turn the 150(actually a 144) into a 153. Eric Gore can do this and port it for more power. The 2012 lost power over the 11...
turn the 150(actually a 144) into a 153. Eric Gore can do this and port it for more power. The 2012 lost power over the 11 model.
Something to due with the change in air box over the 11 model so there is more power to gain in the air box.
...
Mx4life320
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Mx4life320 9/9/2014 9:28am
9/9/2014 9:28am
YZ 125

The KTM feels like it just stops making power.. reves to the moon, but power just stops..
Just my .02
ME686
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ME686 9/9/2014 9:49am
9/9/2014 9:49am
This is easy. The yzinger. The suspension is 100 times better and its crazy reliable for a 125. The jetting is usually way rich. Play with the optional needles, and slides out there to find some extra low end snap.

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