Posts
193
Joined
6/30/2013
Location
GB
All this talk about two strokes recently has got me wanting a 125 again. Last time I owned a 125 it was about 5 or 6 years ago. My first 125 was an RM which I had for a year and then a KTM which I had about three months, my buddy had a YZ and then a CR. At the time I preferred my RM to any of the others but since then I've had CR500s, CR250s and now a CRF450 and haven't even touched a 125.
Is the RM still the better bike if it's in good condition or am I better with a YZ these days? Has the YZ changed enough since my buddies 05 to beat the RM? Also how do you go on for OEM parts for the RMs these days?
And seen as there's been so much talk about the cost of racing, when I was 14 and paying for all my riding (apart from the transport) out of my own pocket, earning £40 a week washing trucks this is the bike I could afford and had great fun on.
Is the RM still the better bike if it's in good condition or am I better with a YZ these days? Has the YZ changed enough since my buddies 05 to beat the RM? Also how do you go on for OEM parts for the RMs these days?
And seen as there's been so much talk about the cost of racing, when I was 14 and paying for all my riding (apart from the transport) out of my own pocket, earning £40 a week washing trucks this is the bike I could afford and had great fun on.
Get an 06 or newer. I loved my 2015. Most fun ever. Raise the forks in the clamps and that thing will turn sharp. Pull the forks and shock and send them to Slipdog. I didn't get a revalve on the 125 - didn't need it. He just put good fluid in both ends and reassembled them with Slipdog TLC. That suspension would handle anything and everything without a complaint.
The Shop
Honda 125's are pathetically slow, like really really slow
KX 125's are descent, not as much motor as the RM or YZ, but do everything well. If you want to do a big bore no case machining is needed for the Kawi.
RM's are great too. I have an 03 Kawasaki and my friend has an 04 RM and his has more motor then mine. We both are going 144 this year (friendly rivalry haha) and his required more labor and $$ because of the require machining. Chassis wise I prefer the Kawasaki...but I grew up racing the last generation Kawasaki 2 stroke.
As for the KTM idea, I've had bad experiences with old KTM's. Also while I can afford to buy a new 125 I just can't seem to justify it in my brain as I know that even a brand new one is going to need rebuilding before summers over.
But if the only choice is a RM or YZ, go for the 2006 or newer YZ.
I'll have a try on my mates CR before I do anything but by the sounds of it the YZ will be the way to go.
Ive had great success at around 155lb on my yz in the sand. Never liked riding it in the mud though.
The yz125 is a great bike,lots around to buy and lots of spares also
Pit Row
I got on bobs KX thinking I would only do a lap. The bike was so much, turned with ease. Only issue I had was the thin foot pegs.
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