Opinions on used bikes

ddog558
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ddog558
Edited Date/Time 1/25/2012 3:06pm
My step-sons are just getting into riding a little more seriously, and are needing to update the old hardware. Before they get too serious and make the leap to the high performance 4 strokes, I want them to learn all the basics on the trusty (and affordable) 2 strokes.

We just upgraded the youngest (12 yo) to a CR85, so we're good there.

The oldest (16 yo) is currently riding a KLX 250, and wants to make the jump to a 2 stroke 250, while Im thinking he needs to start on a good 125. May go ahead and get the 250 also so I can ride with them again..

Anyhoo, what is everyones opinions on good, used 2 stroke 125's and 250's?

I, personally, was thinking about an RM or YZ 250...really not sure about the 125 though. Any opinions about performance and reliability of the bikes 2005 and newer would be appreciated.
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scooter5002
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scooter5002 10/31/2011 5:11am
10/31/2011 5:11am
I'm sorry, did you post something? All I noticed was the bottom of the screen. Laughing Used? YZ 250 OR 125. Depending on how heavy you are, the tiddler will haul you around. I think Yamaha has the best quality over the long run. Zooks are good at the start, but wear out a little faster. Those repair bills add up fast, and downtime ruins the fun in a hurry. Having said that newmann has a 2002 Kawi 250 for sale, kind of. Great price. Super low hours. Alphado has an 05 as well. That's in Bazaar section. Great price too. For a kid to make the jump though, I'd go 125. Just less bike to handle, weight and power wise.
Roscoe33
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Roscoe33 10/31/2011 5:20am
10/31/2011 5:20am
dirt bikes break parts lots of em'

so make sure you have a local dealer that stocks parts for the bikes your looking at.
MtnBoy
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MtnBoy 10/31/2011 6:57am
10/31/2011 6:57am
In the 125 department I'd go with a Yamaha or a KTM, they have the most bottom end (I know that's a little of an oxymoron when talking 125s) and will make the learning curve a little less steep but still provide the valuable lessons everyone should get from a 125.
Moto East Mag 10/31/2011 7:42am
10/31/2011 7:42am
2004 and up RM250s are awesome bikes. Handle great, easy to work on, and really solid bikes.

The Shop

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Cygnus
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Cygnus 10/31/2011 7:47am
10/31/2011 7:47am
I learned more about riding motocross on a 125 than any other bike I have ridden. If you can ride a 125 fast you will ride every thing else fast.
AMA714
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AMA714 10/31/2011 8:21am
10/31/2011 8:21am Edited Date/Time 10/31/2011 8:25am
Ddog,

125 or 250F

PM me, contact info.
I just took a 2009 YZ 250F on trade and want it gone. Might be able help you out.

Im in TX too.....
Racer92
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Racer92 10/31/2011 8:24am
10/31/2011 8:24am
Moto East Mag wrote:
2004 and up RM250s are awesome bikes. Handle great, easy to work on, and really solid bikes.
$2400 delivered to your door.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Suzuki-RM-?cmd=ViewItem&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D4%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D3866694765380491931&_trksid=p5197.m7&item=150684814706#ht_7281wt_1134
flarider
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flarider 10/31/2011 8:51am
10/31/2011 8:51am
On starter level, you are not going to notice much difference between any brand.

I suggest you do this before you consider buying any bike, interview your local dealers.
Don't ask for a discount or anything, but go in, sit down with a parts guy or parts manager and try to ascertain their level of commitment to off-road/motocross. You may have a local Honda shop (not picking on any brand), but they may be primarily street oriented, and carry little to no off-road gear or parts.
Determine which dealer is more dirt oriented, and go with that brand, because you will need parts, lots of parts. Shit breaks, and when you're new, lots of shit breaks.

If you walk into a shop and you see almost no off-road gear (pants, jerseys, helmets, etc...) on the wall, that's likely a red flag. Some parts managers don't know ANYTHING about moto, they might be road racers, street stunters or even a farmer, so they're likely going carry more street or ATV/Side-by-side parts. They carry to what they know. Any MX magazines around? Or only street magazines?

Buy your bike based on what dealer best caters to your needs.

My last suggestion, NEVER, EVER buy a bike listed as "never raced"
I will buy a race bike before a "never raced" bike, because racers typically take better care of their bikes. They (typically) will clean the air filter more often, change oil more often and perform basic maintenance more often. Non-racers typically ride it til it breaks.
There are always exceptions to every rule, but more often than not, a raced bike will be in better shape than a non-raced bike
MtnBoy
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MtnBoy 10/31/2011 8:53am
10/31/2011 8:53am
flarider wrote:
On starter level, you are not going to notice much difference between any brand. I suggest you do this before you consider buying any bike, interview...
On starter level, you are not going to notice much difference between any brand.

I suggest you do this before you consider buying any bike, interview your local dealers.
Don't ask for a discount or anything, but go in, sit down with a parts guy or parts manager and try to ascertain their level of commitment to off-road/motocross. You may have a local Honda shop (not picking on any brand), but they may be primarily street oriented, and carry little to no off-road gear or parts.
Determine which dealer is more dirt oriented, and go with that brand, because you will need parts, lots of parts. Shit breaks, and when you're new, lots of shit breaks.

If you walk into a shop and you see almost no off-road gear (pants, jerseys, helmets, etc...) on the wall, that's likely a red flag. Some parts managers don't know ANYTHING about moto, they might be road racers, street stunters or even a farmer, so they're likely going carry more street or ATV/Side-by-side parts. They carry to what they know. Any MX magazines around? Or only street magazines?

Buy your bike based on what dealer best caters to your needs.

My last suggestion, NEVER, EVER buy a bike listed as "never raced"
I will buy a race bike before a "never raced" bike, because racers typically take better care of their bikes. They (typically) will clean the air filter more often, change oil more often and perform basic maintenance more often. Non-racers typically ride it til it breaks.
There are always exceptions to every rule, but more often than not, a raced bike will be in better shape than a non-raced bike
This is pretty damn solid advice
eThug
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eThug 10/31/2011 8:56am
10/31/2011 8:56am Edited Date/Time 10/31/2011 9:04am
how big is the 16 year old??

if he's smaller, the 2001+ RM125's are good bikes. I had a 2003 when i was 16 and i was about 5'3 and 120 lbs...worked awesome, suspension on those bikes are for lighter guys. (in stock trim)

The CR125's are REALLY slow, but reliable and would make a good beginners bike as well. If he can go fast on a CR125..he will fly on anything else.

a 250 2-stroke is way too much bike unless your kid is a big guy (160 lbs + )

honestly any 125 is a good bike for a kid like that, but im just partial to honda's and suzukis as i have owned them. never rode a ktm125, but the aluminum framed yz125's have awesome motors as well

also +1 on buying a race bike. if you can find one with a stock motor..even better. as true race bike has little to no time on it compared to a bike that was just ridden.
7GP
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7GP 10/31/2011 10:10am
10/31/2011 10:10am Edited Date/Time 10/31/2011 10:11am
flarider wrote:
On starter level, you are not going to notice much difference between any brand. I suggest you do this before you consider buying any bike, interview...
On starter level, you are not going to notice much difference between any brand.

I suggest you do this before you consider buying any bike, interview your local dealers.
Don't ask for a discount or anything, but go in, sit down with a parts guy or parts manager and try to ascertain their level of commitment to off-road/motocross. You may have a local Honda shop (not picking on any brand), but they may be primarily street oriented, and carry little to no off-road gear or parts.
Determine which dealer is more dirt oriented, and go with that brand, because you will need parts, lots of parts. Shit breaks, and when you're new, lots of shit breaks.

If you walk into a shop and you see almost no off-road gear (pants, jerseys, helmets, etc...) on the wall, that's likely a red flag. Some parts managers don't know ANYTHING about moto, they might be road racers, street stunters or even a farmer, so they're likely going carry more street or ATV/Side-by-side parts. They carry to what they know. Any MX magazines around? Or only street magazines?

Buy your bike based on what dealer best caters to your needs.

My last suggestion, NEVER, EVER buy a bike listed as "never raced"
I will buy a race bike before a "never raced" bike, because racers typically take better care of their bikes. They (typically) will clean the air filter more often, change oil more often and perform basic maintenance more often. Non-racers typically ride it til it breaks.
There are always exceptions to every rule, but more often than not, a raced bike will be in better shape than a non-raced bike
I used to agree with you on the race bike point, but they usually turn out to be well used, typically hammered, bikes that have been pretty'd up with new plastics and etc...IMO you are best off just trying to find a newer stock bike with low hours.
Matt Fisher 10/31/2011 10:19am
10/31/2011 10:19am
If he's going to be serious about his racing, the 125 does a better job of teaching the fundamentals.

If he's just going to have some fun and race every now and then, plus do some trail riding, the inherent reliability and power of the 250 makes for a more logical option.

However, his physical size can play a part too...
CamP
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CamP 10/31/2011 10:24am
10/31/2011 10:24am
When buying used, don't get hung up on brand. Look for bikes that still have their original tires. They are out there and you generally don't pay much of a premium for them.
wildbill
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wildbill 10/31/2011 11:18am
10/31/2011 11:18am
flarider wrote:
On starter level, you are not going to notice much difference between any brand. I suggest you do this before you consider buying any bike, interview...
On starter level, you are not going to notice much difference between any brand.

I suggest you do this before you consider buying any bike, interview your local dealers.
Don't ask for a discount or anything, but go in, sit down with a parts guy or parts manager and try to ascertain their level of commitment to off-road/motocross. You may have a local Honda shop (not picking on any brand), but they may be primarily street oriented, and carry little to no off-road gear or parts.
Determine which dealer is more dirt oriented, and go with that brand, because you will need parts, lots of parts. Shit breaks, and when you're new, lots of shit breaks.

If you walk into a shop and you see almost no off-road gear (pants, jerseys, helmets, etc...) on the wall, that's likely a red flag. Some parts managers don't know ANYTHING about moto, they might be road racers, street stunters or even a farmer, so they're likely going carry more street or ATV/Side-by-side parts. They carry to what they know. Any MX magazines around? Or only street magazines?

Buy your bike based on what dealer best caters to your needs.

My last suggestion, NEVER, EVER buy a bike listed as "never raced"
I will buy a race bike before a "never raced" bike, because racers typically take better care of their bikes. They (typically) will clean the air filter more often, change oil more often and perform basic maintenance more often. Non-racers typically ride it til it breaks.
There are always exceptions to every rule, but more often than not, a raced bike will be in better shape than a non-raced bike
"farmer"? Hey, some are into it...

Gukamonster
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Gukamonster 10/31/2011 3:24pm
10/31/2011 3:24pm
Based on long term reliability I would rate the 2 strokes like this:

1) Honda
2) Yamaha
3) KTM
4) Suzuki
5) Kawasaki

That's not to say you can't get a great used Kawasaki or a bad used Honda but overall the Hondas hold up very well. Most of the ones made are still going somewhere.
Wadded_Up 10/31/2011 4:19pm
10/31/2011 4:19pm
Without a doubt, the 2003 and up YZ125, the Honda's motor is weak and the piston seizes near the exhaust port. We put several cylinders on the Honda 125 and had quite a piston collection. The YZ 125 was very solid. I race open bikes and 450’s and the YZ125 is one of the few small bores I can ride. The CR125 was a joke on the bottom end. I put so many clutches and pistons in the bike I should have bought stock in Honda.
Roscoe33
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Roscoe33 10/31/2011 4:35pm
10/31/2011 4:35pm
Gukamonster wrote:
Based on long term reliability I would rate the 2 strokes like this: 1) Honda 2) Yamaha 3) KTM 4) Suzuki 5) Kawasaki That's not to...
Based on long term reliability I would rate the 2 strokes like this:

1) Honda
2) Yamaha
3) KTM
4) Suzuki
5) Kawasaki

That's not to say you can't get a great used Kawasaki or a bad used Honda but overall the Hondas hold up very well. Most of the ones made are still going somewhere.
for parts availability by brand I would use the same list in the same order..
DAG
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DAG 10/31/2011 6:22pm
10/31/2011 6:22pm
I think your 16 year old's size definitely plays into things and will ultimately determine the 125 or 250 debate. I also think his maturity and bike handling skills should be considered. Everyone says the power of a 250 is too much but if he can ride his current bike in a controled manner then the 250 shouldn't be an issue. Trials type riddng is a good indication of his skill level. If he can keep his feet on the pegs, use the power of his current bike in a contolled manner and is comfortable go with the 250. I was 15 and went from an 85 to a 250 which was an ex pro's race bike and was very happy with it. I was about 165lbs and about 5'10".

I have bought many used pro two strokes and have never had problems with all the sacked out frame, clapped out rumors. They make their living on them, usually care about their reputations and offer plaenty of spares you can negotiate into the deal. Unfortunately with the 4 stroke revolution these type of deals may be hard to come by.

FlaRiders advice is spot on as well.

Pit Row

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FastEddy
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FastEddy 10/31/2011 6:34pm
10/31/2011 6:34pm Edited Date/Time 10/31/2011 6:39pm
125 would be the way to go...
Most people cant even ride a stock 125 2smoker to it's full potential...there is no need to stick a 16 year old kid on a 250 2 smoker unless he is over 175lbs or if you are riding massive hill climbs or super deep sand.
Suspension & gearing is the key for beginner/jr/c riders...Having a bike that is easy for them to ride.
Right off the show room floor I always liked the stock Suzuki RM125's...the gearing & the suspension always made them easy to ride.However IMO they do lack power compared to the CR's,KX's & YZ's.
Get rid of the stock top end,clutch,pipe & silencer,bars...and you should be good to go (save them and put them back in/on for re-sale).
machine
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machine 10/31/2011 6:38pm
10/31/2011 6:38pm
FastEddy wrote:
125 would be the way to go... Most people cant even ride a stock 125 2smoker to it's full potential...there is no need to stick a...
125 would be the way to go...
Most people cant even ride a stock 125 2smoker to it's full potential...there is no need to stick a 16 year old kid on a 250 2 smoker unless he is over 175lbs or if you are riding massive hill climbs or super deep sand.
Suspension & gearing is the key for beginner/jr/c riders...Having a bike that is easy for them to ride.
Right off the show room floor I always liked the stock Suzuki RM125's...the gearing & the suspension always made them easy to ride.However IMO they do lack power compared to the CR's,KX's & YZ's.
Get rid of the stock top end,clutch,pipe & silencer,bars...and you should be good to go (save them and put them back in/on for re-sale).
ahem......you forgot to mention the best 125 out there right now. I'll give you a hint, it's orange........Wink
FastEddy
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FastEddy 10/31/2011 6:43pm
10/31/2011 6:43pm Edited Date/Time 10/31/2011 6:43pm
FastEddy wrote:
125 would be the way to go... Most people cant even ride a stock 125 2smoker to it's full potential...there is no need to stick a...
125 would be the way to go...
Most people cant even ride a stock 125 2smoker to it's full potential...there is no need to stick a 16 year old kid on a 250 2 smoker unless he is over 175lbs or if you are riding massive hill climbs or super deep sand.
Suspension & gearing is the key for beginner/jr/c riders...Having a bike that is easy for them to ride.
Right off the show room floor I always liked the stock Suzuki RM125's...the gearing & the suspension always made them easy to ride.However IMO they do lack power compared to the CR's,KX's & YZ's.
Get rid of the stock top end,clutch,pipe & silencer,bars...and you should be good to go (save them and put them back in/on for re-sale).
machine wrote:
ahem......you forgot to mention the best 125 out there right now. I'll give you a hint, it's orange........Wink
Rode 1 stock ktm 125 in my life and never liked it.
I would assume they are better now a days though then they were 10 years ago though. Wink
machine
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machine 10/31/2011 6:44pm
10/31/2011 6:44pm
FastEddy wrote:
Rode 1 stock ktm 125 in my life and never liked it. I would assume they are better now a days though then they were 10...
Rode 1 stock ktm 125 in my life and never liked it.
I would assume they are better now a days though then they were 10 years ago though. Wink
yeah, I reckon so old timer.....Smile

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