Getting back into it...what's the best 125?

burn1986
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burn1986 2/7/2012 11:41am
2/7/2012 11:41am
burn1986 wrote:
I would have to go back to saying the best deal used would be the YZ. They dropped about 5 lbs when they went to the...
I would have to go back to saying the best deal used would be the YZ. They dropped about 5 lbs when they went to the alum frame in '05 (I think). Besides the engine change in 06 or 07 (where they put the trans under the cylinder more and tilted the engine forward) there haven't been many major changes to it (because it'sat a peak technologically).
mxb2 wrote:
Yz used, New? 2012 ktm 150.
Oh heck yeah, the KTM 150 would be the ultimate bike. KTM apparently fixed the 08 144's piston problem the next year and the reliability has only gotten stronger (according to forums and MXA test of the 09 150).
Charles Bronson 2/7/2012 11:43am
2/7/2012 11:43am
anyone have a photo of an 08 piston/ring and cylinder? the KTM one with all the problems. I'd like to see it. one that isn't already destroyed.
burn1986
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burn1986 2/7/2012 11:44am
2/7/2012 11:44am
burnside wrote:
I've got an RM125, 06 and as a sporadic weekend warrior she has been a great steed. Just about to do top and bottom end and...
I've got an RM125, 06 and as a sporadic weekend warrior she has been a great steed. Just about to do top and bottom end and hopefully she'll be good for another summer.

Did find this beaut if any UK guys are in the market.. As new YZ for £2500
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/yamaha-yz-125-exceptional-condition-2005-year…
That's a keeper right there.

The Shop

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burn1986
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burn1986 2/7/2012 11:49am
2/7/2012 11:49am Edited Date/Time 2/7/2012 11:50am
Charles Bronson wrote:
anyone have a photo of an 08 piston/ring and cylinder? the KTM one with all the problems. I'd like to see it. one that isn't already...
anyone have a photo of an 08 piston/ring and cylinder? the KTM one with all the problems. I'd like to see it. one that isn't already destroyed.
Here's a link with pics about halfway down the page.
http://www.thumpertalk.com/topic/592000-do-the-ktm-144s-blow-up-alot/
Falcon
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Falcon 2/7/2012 12:29pm
2/7/2012 12:29pm
Yamahas are bulletproof and since '06 have had the best suspension in the business. Not as fast as a KTM 125 or 144/150, but faster than a Suzuki, without a doubt. I loved my '05 YZ125. The damn thing only weighs 189 pounds dry! Absolutely killer.
You could make a case for handling on a suzuki, or for better parts on a KTM or TM, but from a basic, working-model standpoint, I think it's a YZ125. If you can find a cheap 2011 KTM, go for it. Otherwise, go blue.
malachi177
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malachi177 2/7/2012 12:31pm
2/7/2012 12:31pm Edited Date/Time 2/7/2012 12:34pm
MtnBoy wrote:
Get a YZ The YZ has the broadest range of power, great ergos, handles great and it will last forever unlike a Suzuki (I can see...
Get a YZ

The YZ has the broadest range of power, great ergos, handles great and it will last forever unlike a Suzuki (I can see why you guys would say Suzuki, but unfortunately the RM 125s were back when Suzuki built shit, they went through clutches like crazy and had tons of rattles and vibrations after just a few hours)
What a crock of shit MtnBoy!! The 05+ RM125's are one of the best bikes ever. You obviously have no clue. I own an 08 and have since new.....the bike is awesome in every aspect. I also have a 91 RM125 and the thing is solid as well.
dcg141
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dcg141 2/7/2012 12:36pm
2/7/2012 12:36pm
I heard them RM's was badass.
2Mattheseswide 2/7/2012 1:28pm
2/7/2012 1:28pm
Unless you can get a newer KTM, I wouldn't even consider anything besides a YZ. Ive ridden them all and nothing else compares. The KTM's have always been fast, but so has the YZ and it also has far better suspension and handling, unless you get a newer KTM. Look at almost every magazine shootout from 1996 onward, odds are the YZ won, let alone how popular they are. Choice is pretty easy if you ask me. My second choice if you're in the mid 2000's era would be a KX.
bigborefan
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bigborefan 2/7/2012 1:37pm
2/7/2012 1:37pm
That Husaberg does it for me, and the TM is pretty sexy.
burn1986
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burn1986 2/7/2012 1:44pm
2/7/2012 1:44pm Edited Date/Time 2/7/2012 1:57pm
http://vehicles.vivastreet.co.uk/motorcycles+folkestone-ct19/kawasaki-k…

http://www.adtrader.co.uk/wales/pembrokeshire/narberth/motorcycles-and-… 125

06 RM125
http://www.adtrader.co.uk/east-midlands/derbyshire/chesterfield/motorcy… 125


Brand new 07 RM125
http://www.adtrader.co.uk/yorkshire-and-the-humber/west-yorkshire/batle…
MXEditor
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MXEditor 2/7/2012 1:51pm
2/7/2012 1:51pm
Any 1996 - up YZ125 is the BOSS
DrSweden
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DrSweden 2/7/2012 1:55pm
2/7/2012 1:55pm
I don't think anyone have ever complained about the YZ. Seems like a solid choice, and seems one should go for the 06 with the SSS forks, and Ti-rear spring(?). CR125 also seems very solid, but seems to get it's ass kicked in a majority of mags by the YZ.

KTM 150 seems superiour as a race bike, but I fear the quality...
burn1986
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burn1986 2/7/2012 2:07pm
2/7/2012 2:07pm
From reading the forums and mags, KTM recalled some stuff on the 08 144sx, since everyone was having the same problem - piston skirt breaking, or ring catching on the exhaust port. Once they came out with the 09 150sx, it had some updates to the cylinder, head, and ingnition (among other updates). There doesn't appear to be much available information as to problems from 2009 on.
MtnBoy
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MtnBoy 2/7/2012 2:10pm
2/7/2012 2:10pm
malachi177 wrote:
What a crock of shit MtnBoy!! The 05+ RM125's are one of the best bikes ever. You obviously have no clue. I own an 08 and...
What a crock of shit MtnBoy!! The 05+ RM125's are one of the best bikes ever. You obviously have no clue. I own an 08 and have since new.....the bike is awesome in every aspect. I also have a 91 RM125 and the thing is solid as well.
Ok, whatever you say
Denn700
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Denn700 2/7/2012 2:48pm
2/7/2012 2:48pm
I would definatley go for a husky or TM as my first choice. If I was buying used I would get a 95-97 cr125 or I have heard Suzuki may be importing the RMs again and if they do I would get one because I can get a good deal from my dealer.
Graphite
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Graphite 2/7/2012 2:49pm
2/7/2012 2:49pm
DrSweden wrote:
I don't think anyone have ever complained about the YZ. Seems like a solid choice, and seems one should go for the 06 with the SSS...
I don't think anyone have ever complained about the YZ. Seems like a solid choice, and seems one should go for the 06 with the SSS forks, and Ti-rear spring(?). CR125 also seems very solid, but seems to get it's ass kicked in a majority of mags by the YZ.

KTM 150 seems superiour as a race bike, but I fear the quality...
Everyone seems to say the CR125 is down on power compared to the rest.

'06 and newer YZ's are HARD to find used! I did find a minty '06 that is all stock, except for the terrific dented pipe.

Found a nice looking '05 KX 125 that's close!

Pit Row

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IceMan446
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IceMan446 2/7/2012 2:57pm
2/7/2012 2:57pm
DrSweden wrote:
I don't think anyone have ever complained about the YZ. Seems like a solid choice, and seems one should go for the 06 with the SSS...
I don't think anyone have ever complained about the YZ. Seems like a solid choice, and seems one should go for the 06 with the SSS forks, and Ti-rear spring(?). CR125 also seems very solid, but seems to get it's ass kicked in a majority of mags by the YZ.

KTM 150 seems superiour as a race bike, but I fear the quality...
Graphite wrote:
Everyone seems to say the CR125 is down on power compared to the rest. '06 and newer YZ's are HARD to find used! I did find...
Everyone seems to say the CR125 is down on power compared to the rest.

'06 and newer YZ's are HARD to find used! I did find a minty '06 that is all stock, except for the terrific dented pipe.

Found a nice looking '05 KX 125 that's close!
The forks on the 06 are better on the YZ but I like the steel frame on the 04 over the aluminum on the 05 and up.

Think DV said the same thing.

Really if you want to have fun. Most of those bikes will work. Corner speed is king on the small bikes. A few more HPs dont help you turn any better.
sec114
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sec114 2/7/2012 3:13pm
2/7/2012 3:13pm
jndmx wrote:
He is speaking with his wallet.....his wallet is saying "I don't have that much cash in me"....lol. I have always been partial to the RM125, better...
He is speaking with his wallet.....his wallet is saying "I don't have that much cash in me"....lol.

I have always been partial to the RM125, better handling bike than the YZ.
i love my 04 yz125 (last year with steel frame), but would be all over a newer rm125 if they were released for sale here in USA again. i like the rm turning a good deal better than a yz and am very aware of corner speed to play catchup with the 250/450 four strokes. but honestly, besides that my yz has been bomb proof, and as of now i plan on tracking down another yz (2008-2010) and having at it.
YZ125H1
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YZ125H1 2/7/2012 3:19pm
2/7/2012 3:19pm
I have a YZ125 one of the steel framed ones and i prefer it over the aluminum ones. Also the older YZ's have better motors than the 06+. Never liked Suzuki always seems to be reliability issues (always is with them), but i hear they handle the best. CR125 is good bike but lacks power and is a 5 speed (yikes).
burnside
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burnside 2/7/2012 3:26pm
2/7/2012 3:26pm
You guys are making me lust for a YZ125 now.

Heres my steed, just got her a fresh crank & piston kit for 2012. Not the most flattering snap but oh well!

sec114
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sec114 2/7/2012 3:26pm
2/7/2012 3:26pm
YZ125H1 wrote:
I have a YZ125 one of the steel framed ones and i prefer it over the aluminum ones. Also the older YZ's have better motors than...
I have a YZ125 one of the steel framed ones and i prefer it over the aluminum ones. Also the older YZ's have better motors than the 06+. Never liked Suzuki always seems to be reliability issues (always is with them), but i hear they handle the best. CR125 is good bike but lacks power and is a 5 speed (yikes).
i absolutely love my 5 speed. i rev 3rd to the moon and it starts popping before 4th a lot of time. with my 5 speed i shift less often. i know im a minority here for liking a 5 speed and slightly more spread out gear ratios.
IceMan446
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IceMan446 2/7/2012 3:51pm
2/7/2012 3:51pm
YZ125H1 wrote:
I have a YZ125 one of the steel framed ones and i prefer it over the aluminum ones. Also the older YZ's have better motors than...
I have a YZ125 one of the steel framed ones and i prefer it over the aluminum ones. Also the older YZ's have better motors than the 06+. Never liked Suzuki always seems to be reliability issues (always is with them), but i hear they handle the best. CR125 is good bike but lacks power and is a 5 speed (yikes).
sec114 wrote:
i absolutely love my 5 speed. i rev 3rd to the moon and it starts popping before 4th a lot of time. with my 5 speed...
i absolutely love my 5 speed. i rev 3rd to the moon and it starts popping before 4th a lot of time. with my 5 speed i shift less often. i know im a minority here for liking a 5 speed and slightly more spread out gear ratios.
I am the same way. Third gear on the 6 speed is too short for me.

The 5 speed will pull in 3rd gear forever. Guess its just what you like.

I also like a 50th in the rear while most run a 49th.
drmarkr
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drmarkr 2/7/2012 3:58pm
2/7/2012 3:58pm
I have an 05 YZ, and 06 YZ, and an 05 CR125 (134) that has been heavily massaged.

The YZ's are almost as fast, and have more midrange that the CR. (The CR also has a set of Showa forks on it) If you can ride a 125 the way it's supposed to be ridden, the CR is absolutely more fun than the YZ....it turns better/handles better in whoops, and the forks are better. And the motor will rev to the moon.

If you're not planning on spending $$ on big engine work, then get an 06 or newer YZ. The suspension on the 05 is good for about 20 minutes of hard pounding, and then you'll notice some fade. I do not notice that on the 06.
Charles Bronson 2/7/2012 4:35pm
2/7/2012 4:35pm
Charles Bronson wrote:
anyone have a photo of an 08 piston/ring and cylinder? the KTM one with all the problems. I'd like to see it. one that isn't already...
anyone have a photo of an 08 piston/ring and cylinder? the KTM one with all the problems. I'd like to see it. one that isn't already destroyed.
burn1986 wrote:
Here's a link with pics about halfway down the page.
http://www.thumpertalk.com/topic/592000-do-the-ktm-144s-blow-up-alot/
It seems to me that every time I see something about rings catching ports, the ring gap is always on a thrust surface. When i scrolled down this page, that was the first thing I saw.
FGR01
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FGR01 2/7/2012 4:53pm
2/7/2012 4:53pm
YZ125H1 wrote:
I have a YZ125 one of the steel framed ones and i prefer it over the aluminum ones. Also the older YZ's have better motors than...
I have a YZ125 one of the steel framed ones and i prefer it over the aluminum ones. Also the older YZ's have better motors than the 06+. Never liked Suzuki always seems to be reliability issues (always is with them), but i hear they handle the best. CR125 is good bike but lacks power and is a 5 speed (yikes).
The older YZ engine is better than the 06+ ???? You are the only person in the world that thinks that.
Smitch
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Smitch 2/7/2012 5:10pm
2/7/2012 5:10pm
Katoomage is my recommendation.
sec114
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sec114 2/7/2012 5:20pm
2/7/2012 5:20pm
YZ125H1 wrote:
I have a YZ125 one of the steel framed ones and i prefer it over the aluminum ones. Also the older YZ's have better motors than...
I have a YZ125 one of the steel framed ones and i prefer it over the aluminum ones. Also the older YZ's have better motors than the 06+. Never liked Suzuki always seems to be reliability issues (always is with them), but i hear they handle the best. CR125 is good bike but lacks power and is a 5 speed (yikes).
sec114 wrote:
i absolutely love my 5 speed. i rev 3rd to the moon and it starts popping before 4th a lot of time. with my 5 speed...
i absolutely love my 5 speed. i rev 3rd to the moon and it starts popping before 4th a lot of time. with my 5 speed i shift less often. i know im a minority here for liking a 5 speed and slightly more spread out gear ratios.
IceMan446 wrote:
I am the same way. Third gear on the 6 speed is too short for me. The 5 speed will pull in 3rd gear forever. Guess...
I am the same way. Third gear on the 6 speed is too short for me.

The 5 speed will pull in 3rd gear forever. Guess its just what you like.

I also like a 50th in the rear while most run a 49th.
yeah last year i finally switched to a 50 tooth on the rear and have liked it. but yeah u said it right, 3rd pulls forever on a yz 5 speed,

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