TC125 or 150SX

dpittman66
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dpittman66
I know this has been done over and over - but before I sink the cash this week need some help because I am more confused then ever. Both 2017's, no dealer prep, freight, set up - so same price. Been a 85, 125 rider, then got out of the game for college, job, etc. 180 pound B Vet rider. Soon to be back to 170 I swear! Currently riding a 2008 KTM 250 SXF which may have the worst forks ever made. We have tried everything without throwing a bunch of money at them. They just suck. So bad that I dread riding it on the track. Son has a 2014 YZ125 which is a blast. We traded for one lap recently and he immediately demanded his bike back, which of course I refused. Those Kayaba SSS were just a dream compared to what I have.
I know they are essentially the same bike other then the bore. But I have read so many reviews saying 150 has more mid, then signs off and is tough to ride - the 125 has broader power range. The 150 is more fun, the 125 is more fun, etc.
Going back to a small bore smoker either way - at one time I had an '89 RM125 and it was the greatest bike I ever had.
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tk2stroke
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tk2stroke 2/27/2017 10:21pm
2/27/2017 10:21pm
dpittman66 wrote:
I know this has been done over and over - but before I sink the cash this week need some help because I am more confused...
I know this has been done over and over - but before I sink the cash this week need some help because I am more confused then ever. Both 2017's, no dealer prep, freight, set up - so same price. Been a 85, 125 rider, then got out of the game for college, job, etc. 180 pound B Vet rider. Soon to be back to 170 I swear! Currently riding a 2008 KTM 250 SXF which may have the worst forks ever made. We have tried everything without throwing a bunch of money at them. They just suck. So bad that I dread riding it on the track. Son has a 2014 YZ125 which is a blast. We traded for one lap recently and he immediately demanded his bike back, which of course I refused. Those Kayaba SSS were just a dream compared to what I have.
I know they are essentially the same bike other then the bore. But I have read so many reviews saying 150 has more mid, then signs off and is tough to ride - the 125 has broader power range. The 150 is more fun, the 125 is more fun, etc.
Going back to a small bore smoker either way - at one time I had an '89 RM125 and it was the greatest bike I ever had.
It's a no brainer, get the 150. I have a plenty of time on 125's and own a 2011 150sx and there is only one somewhat significant difference, the 150 gets on and stays on the pipe easier. MXA often says the 125 has better top-end, but it's simply not a factor. The 150 only signs off at max RPM, which is at 11,100RPM. The ONLY reason to get a 125 over a 150, is if you're racing the 125 class.

I know these decisions are stressful as no one wants to make a mistake on a 7k purchase, but in my experience this is a really easy decision based on what your info.
colintrax
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colintrax 2/27/2017 10:30pm
2/27/2017 10:30pm
tk2stroke wrote:
It's a no brainer, get the 150. I have a plenty of time on 125's and own a 2011 150sx and there is only one somewhat...
It's a no brainer, get the 150. I have a plenty of time on 125's and own a 2011 150sx and there is only one somewhat significant difference, the 150 gets on and stays on the pipe easier. MXA often says the 125 has better top-end, but it's simply not a factor. The 150 only signs off at max RPM, which is at 11,100RPM. The ONLY reason to get a 125 over a 150, is if you're racing the 125 class.

I know these decisions are stressful as no one wants to make a mistake on a 7k purchase, but in my experience this is a really easy decision based on what your info.
You have to remember your 2011 is nothing like the 2016+
The 2011 150 is both bored and stroked. The 2016+ is just bored. The new engine also has less crank case volume.
dpittman66
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dpittman66 2/27/2017 10:42pm
2/27/2017 10:42pm
tk2stroke - have you rode much on the 16/17s? thanks for any help guys - before I spend 7 grand would like as much info as I can get considering I can't go out and test them. I love my kids YZ125 but I got a crazy good deal on it, and its time to treat myself for a freakin change.
BobPA
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BobPA 2/27/2017 10:47pm
2/27/2017 10:47pm
colintrax wrote:
You have to remember your 2011 is nothing like the 2016+ The 2011 150 is both bored and stroked. The 2016+ is just bored. The new...
You have to remember your 2011 is nothing like the 2016+
The 2011 150 is both bored and stroked. The 2016+ is just bored. The new engine also has less crank case volume.
The crankcase volume thing is not relevant, for comparison sake, as the porting and pipe shape have changed.

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tk2stroke
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tk2stroke 2/27/2017 11:03pm
2/27/2017 11:03pm
colintrax wrote:
You have to remember your 2011 is nothing like the 2016+ The 2011 150 is both bored and stroked. The 2016+ is just bored. The new...
You have to remember your 2011 is nothing like the 2016+
The 2011 150 is both bored and stroked. The 2016+ is just bored. The new engine also has less crank case volume.
I'm not sure what you're trying to say, but here is the actual info on the bore and stroke...

"The 150SX’s bore and stroke is 58mm by 54.5mm, while the 125SX’s is 54mm by 54.5mm. Sharing the same stroke means the cylinders are interchangeable. "
tk2stroke
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tk2stroke 2/27/2017 11:14pm
2/27/2017 11:14pm
dpittman66 wrote:
tk2stroke - have you rode much on the 16/17s? thanks for any help guys - before I spend 7 grand would like as much info as...
tk2stroke - have you rode much on the 16/17s? thanks for any help guys - before I spend 7 grand would like as much info as I can get considering I can't go out and test them. I love my kids YZ125 but I got a crazy good deal on it, and its time to treat myself for a freakin change.
I have several hours of time on the 2017 250sx, but no, no time yet on the new generation 125/150's. The only difference between the two is the size of the bore/piston, just like the older generations. Everything else other than gearing, pipe, jetting and other insignificant items are exactly the same between the two bikes. According to all the reviews the same overriding and significant benefit, is having the extra torque and HP. This is what a 170+ lb rider will appreciate the most ;-)

Since you love your sons 125 already, I suspect you'd be thrilled already with the 125, though it's hard to imagine you wouldn't be even more pleased with the 150.
HenryA
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HenryA 2/27/2017 11:18pm
2/27/2017 11:18pm
Well if you can't decide...how about a TC125 with a 150kit? Cool

But really, get the 150sx. 144cc is awesome.
tk2stroke
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tk2stroke 2/27/2017 11:37pm
2/27/2017 11:37pm
HenryA wrote:
Well if you can't decide...how about a TC125 with a 150kit? Cool

But really, get the 150sx. 144cc is awesome.
Great point, why choose when you can have them both!
305FC250
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305FC250 2/28/2017 4:14am
2/28/2017 4:14am
HenryA wrote:
Well if you can't decide...how about a TC125 with a 150kit? Cool

But really, get the 150sx. 144cc is awesome.
The 150 kit isn't too expensive so this is a good option.

I just bought a 2017 tc125 and myself along with some others who rode the bike were blown away by the power these newest 125s have and the suspension is a dream. It pulls really hard once it hits that powerband. I know the 150 is even faster but the newest 125s are nothing to scoff at.

I was initially considering a 150, but could not find one within 250 miles of me. Meanwhile a local dealer 30 mins from me had the tc125 so I jumped on it and while my wallet is hurting now I have no regrets. Bike is an absolute blast. It's already got a good amount more power than the yz125 but weighs a little less if I'm not mistaken so if you thought the yz125 was great then you would be easily satisfied with the ktm/husqvarna 125s and can always get the 150 kit for it later if you want. Or just get the 150sx. Basically you can't go wrong either way both are great.
erik_94COBRA
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erik_94COBRA 2/28/2017 4:43am
2/28/2017 4:43am
I would buy a TC125 or 125SX now, and if it's not enough power then go for the 150SX kit. Then sell off your stock components. Can't easily/cheaply go the other way (150 to 125).

I have a 2014 150SX and it's a fun bike. Have ridden a '17 250SX several times and the new chassis/suspension/etc. is great.

PRM31
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PRM31 2/28/2017 4:43am
2/28/2017 4:43am Edited Date/Time 2/28/2017 6:09am
I too am now a vet rider (50). I took many years off after racing 80s, 125, 250s and 480s in the late 70s and early 80s. I built an RM144 and really enjoy it. It is surprisingly different from a 125. They hit a point in the RPMs and are then done unlike a 125. Note: the KTM may not be that way. But there is a lot more going on up to that point. I find you do have to shift a lot (not unlike a 125) but you can't just rev it out at the end of a straight like a 125. I have a friend with a YZ125 so I get to compare occasionally. I'm happy with the 144, but it's different. I much prefer it to the CRF250R, and even the CR250 I had previously. So much more forgiving overall. The extra grunt of the 144 is significant and once you get a feel for the power it is really fun to ride.

Edit: if you start as a 125 and go to 144, gear it a bit taller. It will pull it really well.

I hear mixed reviews on KTM suspension. I had Factory Connection rebuild my 2005 RMs suspension and revalve and spring for my weight (170s) and I could not be more impressed. It absorbs everything beautifully! I'll go into a chopped out section cringing and am always pleasantly surprised. Hard landings, no problem; braking bumps, amazing; cornering, great: and so on...
Johndeere506
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Johndeere506 2/28/2017 5:31am
2/28/2017 5:31am
I just bought a 2014 150SX. Its easy to get in the power, with just a touch of the clutch. The gearing is terrible. Just terrible, so Im adding 2 teeth to the rear. Me being too heavy for it doesn't help, but these are my initial quick thoughts. I just got back into things as well Im 36. You def cant be lazy riding this thing, but if ridden hard its pretty fast. I haven't tested out the suspension really yet, but Im not real impressed with the forks so far. Ill respring before deciding too much.
I have had several 125s lately also and I would get the 150 for sure.
Sixeightone
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Sixeightone 2/28/2017 6:10am
2/28/2017 6:10am
I've ridden two strokes my entire life. I just recently switched to a 450. But I will say I like unicorns. The 125 will pull a little farther up top, but it does not make up for the extra torque you get off the bottom with the 150. I work at a dealer here in Central CT and have 2 SXS 150 kits in stock that I would be willing to sell and ship to you at a pretty decent deal! You should get the TC125 and make it into a 150! Nobody around here is doing this! The Husqvarnas look great, and if you had a 150 in that chassis it would be even better!
CarlinoJoeVideo
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CarlinoJoeVideo 2/28/2017 6:40am
2/28/2017 6:40am
I went through this same debate 6 months ago. Everyone had a different opinion. I ended up with a 2016 KTM 125 because I got a good deal, came with a bunch of extras, pipes, silencers. I do not regret my choice at all. I'm 5,9 160lbs and it hauls ass! You will be stoked either way, just flip a coin!
JRT812
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JRT812 2/28/2017 6:42am
2/28/2017 6:42am
I'd take either, but still say the KTM 200 is one of my favorite bikes ever
BAMX
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BAMX 2/28/2017 6:54am
2/28/2017 6:54am
dpittman66 wrote:
I know this has been done over and over - but before I sink the cash this week need some help because I am more confused...
I know this has been done over and over - but before I sink the cash this week need some help because I am more confused then ever. Both 2017's, no dealer prep, freight, set up - so same price. Been a 85, 125 rider, then got out of the game for college, job, etc. 180 pound B Vet rider. Soon to be back to 170 I swear! Currently riding a 2008 KTM 250 SXF which may have the worst forks ever made. We have tried everything without throwing a bunch of money at them. They just suck. So bad that I dread riding it on the track. Son has a 2014 YZ125 which is a blast. We traded for one lap recently and he immediately demanded his bike back, which of course I refused. Those Kayaba SSS were just a dream compared to what I have.
I know they are essentially the same bike other then the bore. But I have read so many reviews saying 150 has more mid, then signs off and is tough to ride - the 125 has broader power range. The 150 is more fun, the 125 is more fun, etc.
Going back to a small bore smoker either way - at one time I had an '89 RM125 and it was the greatest bike I ever had.
tk2stroke wrote:
It's a no brainer, get the 150. I have a plenty of time on 125's and own a 2011 150sx and there is only one somewhat...
It's a no brainer, get the 150. I have a plenty of time on 125's and own a 2011 150sx and there is only one somewhat significant difference, the 150 gets on and stays on the pipe easier. MXA often says the 125 has better top-end, but it's simply not a factor. The 150 only signs off at max RPM, which is at 11,100RPM. The ONLY reason to get a 125 over a 150, is if you're racing the 125 class.

I know these decisions are stressful as no one wants to make a mistake on a 7k purchase, but in my experience this is a really easy decision based on what your info.
Having ridden the 15 versions back to back, I agree with this. The 150 is slightly easier to ride but you still get the feeling of the small bore. I didn't notice a huge difference in the top end feeling but I did notice a big difference down low to mid.

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