Please help 6'2" 190lb beginner

AJG_4113
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AJG_4113
Edited Date/Time 11/4/2016 1:55pm
I have never owned a dirtbike before and only have ridden a Honda 70 when I was a kid... I'm 23 and really want to learn... would a Yamaha yz 125 be to small for me?.... and I read a lot of articles saying the 250 has to much power to begin with... I want a 2 stroke preferably. I read they have similar seat heights but would my weight be to heavy for a 125?
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Falcon
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Falcon 11/4/2016 1:56pm
11/4/2016 1:56pm
190 lbs. is getting to the point where a 125 will struggle to perform. It will still work for purposes of putting around, however. You just won't win too many races on it.
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DPR250R
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DPR250R 11/4/2016 1:56pm
11/4/2016 1:56pm
Where will you be riding?

Track? Woods?
Dtat720
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Dtat720 11/4/2016 2:06pm
11/4/2016 2:06pm
Falcon wrote:
190 lbs. is getting to the point where a 125 will struggle to perform. It will still work for purposes of putting around, however. You just...
190 lbs. is getting to the point where a 125 will struggle to perform. It will still work for purposes of putting around, however. You just won't win too many races on it.
I won a few 250b races on my 125. Im 6'3" and 225.... ive won some vet 40 races on my 125 against 450's.... to say its good to putt around on and not much else is pretty naive. A 125 is plenty fast for a beginner, and some of us faster guys as well..

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AJG_4113
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AJG_4113 11/4/2016 2:06pm
11/4/2016 2:06pm
Falcon wrote:
190 lbs. is getting to the point where a 125 will struggle to perform. It will still work for purposes of putting around, however. You just...
190 lbs. is getting to the point where a 125 will struggle to perform. It will still work for purposes of putting around, however. You just won't win too many races on it.
Haha alright thanks
AJG_4113
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AJG_4113 11/4/2016 2:08pm
11/4/2016 2:08pm
DPR250R wrote:
Where will you be riding?

Track? Woods?
Both most likely but woods more
Kx125rider 11/4/2016 2:25pm
11/4/2016 2:25pm
You'll be fine, have fun!
datkin128
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datkin128 11/4/2016 2:27pm
11/4/2016 2:27pm Edited Date/Time 11/4/2016 2:28pm
AJG_4113 wrote:
I have never owned a dirtbike before and only have ridden a Honda 70 when I was a kid... I'm 23 and really want to learn...
I have never owned a dirtbike before and only have ridden a Honda 70 when I was a kid... I'm 23 and really want to learn... would a Yamaha yz 125 be to small for me?.... and I read a lot of articles saying the 250 has to much power to begin with... I want a 2 stroke preferably. I read they have similar seat heights but would my weight be to heavy for a 125?
I used to win motocross races in the 90s in the 125 intermediate class at 6'3" 185lbs approx. I never felt like I was at a disadvantage because of my size.
SmoothOperator 11/4/2016 2:34pm
11/4/2016 2:34pm
Falcon wrote:
190 lbs. is getting to the point where a 125 will struggle to perform. It will still work for purposes of putting around, however. You just...
190 lbs. is getting to the point where a 125 will struggle to perform. It will still work for purposes of putting around, however. You just won't win too many races on it.

There have been plenty of guys in the 200lb range that kick ass on a 125.
That's more of an excuse for being slow, than anything else.
190lbs, you'll be just fine.
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TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 11/4/2016 2:44pm
11/4/2016 2:44pm
The simple trick on a 125 for bigger riders is to add a coupl'a teeth to the rear sprocket...

If you get the jetting Just-Right and do a few tuning tricks to get better power, you'll probably have a better 125 than most people out there.
DPR250R
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DPR250R 11/4/2016 2:47pm
11/4/2016 2:47pm
Yes... a 125 will move you around but you will need to keep the revs up which might be tough for a beginner.

My vote would be for a 250and respect the throttle in the beginning.

Have fun either way!!
Radical
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Radical 11/4/2016 3:00pm
11/4/2016 3:00pm
Start with a 125. It'll teach you good habits. If you can go fast on a 125, you're fast!

nascarnate326
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nascarnate326 11/4/2016 3:01pm
11/4/2016 3:01pm
Whatever you get make sure to budget money to get the suspension done. Its a must have for most used bikes.
TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 11/4/2016 3:06pm
11/4/2016 3:06pm
nascarnate326 wrote:
Whatever you get make sure to budget money to get the suspension done. Its a must have for most used bikes.
Best post in this thread
Falcon
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Falcon 11/4/2016 3:45pm
11/4/2016 3:45pm
Falcon wrote:
190 lbs. is getting to the point where a 125 will struggle to perform. It will still work for purposes of putting around, however. You just...
190 lbs. is getting to the point where a 125 will struggle to perform. It will still work for purposes of putting around, however. You just won't win too many races on it.
Dtat720 wrote:
I won a few 250b races on my 125. Im 6'3" and 225.... ive won some vet 40 races on my 125 against 450's.... to say...
I won a few 250b races on my 125. Im 6'3" and 225.... ive won some vet 40 races on my 125 against 450's.... to say its good to putt around on and not much else is pretty naive. A 125 is plenty fast for a beginner, and some of us faster guys as well..
I won several 125B races on my 125, and quite a few +30B races on one as well. For the record, I said he wouldn't win too many races on it. My point was that at 190 pounds, the engine will be taxed to the point where it will make a difference. Didn't mean to imply a good rider could never be competitive on one. Perhaps "putting around" wasn't the best word choice.
AJG_4113
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AJG_4113 11/4/2016 6:31pm
11/4/2016 6:31pm
nascarnate326 wrote:
Whatever you get make sure to budget money to get the suspension done. Its a must have for most used bikes.
Good to know... do you know the average cost to do that by any chance?
Kx125rider 11/4/2016 6:34pm
11/4/2016 6:34pm
nascarnate326 wrote:
Whatever you get make sure to budget money to get the suspension done. Its a must have for most used bikes.
AJG_4113 wrote:
Good to know... do you know the average cost to do that by any chance?
700ish

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r.sal923
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r.sal923 11/4/2016 6:38pm
11/4/2016 6:38pm
DPR250R wrote:
Where will you be riding?

Track? Woods?
AJG_4113 wrote:
Both most likely but woods more
250 if you are riding any woods. I am 200 6'2" and it would be best for both.
KennyT
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KennyT 11/4/2016 6:39pm
11/4/2016 6:39pm
You are built like a Greek God! How do I know? Because I am 6' 2" 190ibs Smile

A 125 will work fine with you to learn and get comfortable on tracks or trails. Less $$$ for repairs she 2 stroke is smart. That bike will have plenty of power for you and the only time it will not is if you are racing and going against a 120ib snot nosed kid. After he beats you to the first turn use that bulk of yours to knock him over the berm! Have fun and be safe
JM485
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JM485 11/4/2016 6:58pm
11/4/2016 6:58pm
nascarnate326 wrote:
Whatever you get make sure to budget money to get the suspension done. Its a must have for most used bikes.
AJG_4113 wrote:
Good to know... do you know the average cost to do that by any chance?
Kx125rider wrote:
700ish
That's insanely high for someone just starting out. Look, if it's your first bike maybe look into having the suspension serviced, which would be able $200 locally, rather than revalved and sprung. If you really feel like you need it, you can buy springs and add about $200 on top of that, but there's no reason for you to send stuff off to a big name shop when you're first starting out. Local tuners are often much cheaper and any I've worked with have done a quality job.
CrGuy2T
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CrGuy2T 11/4/2016 7:02pm
11/4/2016 7:02pm
SmoothOperator wrote:
[Img]https://media.giphy.com/media/3oz8xLd9DJq2l2VFtu/giphy.gif[/img] There have been plenty of guys in the 200lb range that kick ass on a 125. That's more of an excuse for being slow, than...

There have been plenty of guys in the 200lb range that kick ass on a 125.
That's more of an excuse for being slow, than anything else.
190lbs, you'll be just fine.
This is awesome. 195 6'0 over 30 b and I feel great on my 125's. That's all I'll ride.
chump6784
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chump6784 11/4/2016 7:33pm
11/4/2016 7:33pm
A 125 would be perfect for you. I would recommend a 2006 onwards yz125 and just ride it. I am the same weight as you and 5'10". My wife's yz125 pulls me around The track just fine.
For just starting out you won't need the suspension done. Hers is stock springs front and rear with 300cc of oil in the forks to soften them up a bit for her. When I take it out I don't even adjust the clickers, it will bottom out hard if i over jump something but for the most part its fine
Find a good low hour bike and rip it
Midwest_Mafia
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Midwest_Mafia 11/4/2016 8:11pm
11/4/2016 8:11pm
I don't think a 125 would be a poor choice, especially if this is your first bike, you are by no means too big for moto. but a larger displacement bike will have lasting value if this is something you stay in, and be more fun in the long run. 2 or 4 stroke. your height is perfect, you'll have an advantage if you learn to use your body to help the bike work!
TheGetFresh 11/5/2016 2:13pm
11/5/2016 2:13pm
My situation was very similar to yours: I was about 24, 6'2", 175 when I bought my first big bike. Had ridden up to about 13 not in between though.

I went with a 250f but you'll be fine on a 125. You'll have more fun but you'll take longer to get fast. 4 strokes are simply easier to ride
stone881
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stone881 11/5/2016 3:18pm
11/5/2016 3:18pm
250 is way more versatile, 2s or 4s, and in my opinion easier to learn on. If you were a 14 year old kid, I would say go for the 125, because you will definitely develop proper technique so that you can go fast and clear that "big double". But you aren't, your 190 pounds and so you need the power to help you overcome mistakes and progress up the learning curve.
Jmicmoto13 11/5/2016 3:28pm
11/5/2016 3:28pm
Radical wrote:
Start with a 125. It'll teach you good habits. If you can go fast on a 125, you're fast!

Exactly. I started on a 125 at age 18. It was very difficult to learn and after the first few rides I was ready to give up. But looking back now I learned so much getting stuck everywhere and had to learn the clutch. I would recommend getting the 125 to learn on.
Radical
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Radical 11/5/2016 4:00pm
11/5/2016 4:00pm
chump6784 wrote:
A 125 would be perfect for you. I would recommend a 2006 onwards yz125 and just ride it. I am the same weight as you and...
A 125 would be perfect for you. I would recommend a 2006 onwards yz125 and just ride it. I am the same weight as you and 5'10". My wife's yz125 pulls me around The track just fine.
For just starting out you won't need the suspension done. Hers is stock springs front and rear with 300cc of oil in the forks to soften them up a bit for her. When I take it out I don't even adjust the clickers, it will bottom out hard if i over jump something but for the most part its fine
Find a good low hour bike and rip it
I have a 2005 and just upgraded to the SSS forks (off of a 2012).
At 300cc, the forks are harsher than they should be. At 325, they feel a lot better.
I'm thinking that the SSS forks need the additional oil in order to function properly.
Do what you will of course. That was my experience.
pmshortt2
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pmshortt2 11/5/2016 4:30pm
11/5/2016 4:30pm
AJG_4113 wrote:
I have never owned a dirtbike before and only have ridden a Honda 70 when I was a kid... I'm 23 and really want to learn...
I have never owned a dirtbike before and only have ridden a Honda 70 when I was a kid... I'm 23 and really want to learn... would a Yamaha yz 125 be to small for me?.... and I read a lot of articles saying the 250 has to much power to begin with... I want a 2 stroke preferably. I read they have similar seat heights but would my weight be to heavy for a 125?
Hey buddy I'm 6 3" and 184lb and 20 years old and never riden a dirtbike before until I bought a 98 yz125 2 stroke back in August. Best decision I've made in my life. Funniest thing I've ever done in my life. I love every bit of it. Do yourself a favor and get one, don't be discouraged when you first ride because I fell A LOT my first couple days of riding, but then you get full control of the bike and have so much fun. Any 125 2 stroke would be perfect for you
Jerkolantern
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Jerkolantern 11/5/2016 8:19pm
11/5/2016 8:19pm
2002 CR125 FTW!

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