125 for Beginner?

C-Rock
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12/15/2016 5:58am
nickkraze wrote:
Does anybody have any good recommendations for nice 125s? Not sure what ones to look for and which ones to stay away from.
You can't go wrong with a 2006 and up YZ, it's kind of "middle of the road" and works for everyone.
Just have to find a clean one...

nickkraze
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3/18/2017 7:46am
Hey guys just an update.... I finally nutted up after all this time and picked up a nice 2013 KTM 125SX down in St. Augustine, FL. That day we then took it down to Ocala National Forest and rode about 40 miles there. It was definitely difficult riding a big bike for my first time ever in that deep Florida sand! Anyways, thanks for everybody's help on this thread and can't wait to get it home and ride it on the WNY dirt. Will post more pics when I get it home.

mxbrian15
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3/18/2017 7:49am
Nice man! Congratulations on the new ride!
bturner26x
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3/18/2017 7:56am
nickkraze wrote:
Hey guys just an update.... I finally nutted up after all this time and picked up a nice 2013 KTM 125SX down in St. Augustine, FL...
Hey guys just an update.... I finally nutted up after all this time and picked up a nice 2013 KTM 125SX down in St. Augustine, FL. That day we then took it down to Ocala National Forest and rode about 40 miles there. It was definitely difficult riding a big bike for my first time ever in that deep Florida sand! Anyways, thanks for everybody's help on this thread and can't wait to get it home and ride it on the WNY dirt. Will post more pics when I get it home.

Nice bud!!! You did good. Enjoy it! I'd definitely like to see more pics!

The Shop

davistld01
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3/18/2017 9:20am Edited Date/Time 3/18/2017 9:21am
jeffro503 wrote:
Exactly what Grieby said....you can learn so much on a 125. A 250 2 stroke is the same , just a lot more power , so...
Exactly what Grieby said....you can learn so much on a 125. A 250 2 stroke is the same , just a lot more power , so I wouldn't suggest starting out on one of those. I know when I bought my 06' RM 250 two years ago , I had to re-learn how to ride a 2 stroke. But damn it man , coming off the 450's.....it was a pleasure trying to remember what a 2 stroke felt like. My 450 is a " Lazy man's bike " ( Which is great at times )....but a 2 stroke will teach you the correct way to do certain things. Especially on how to maintain momentum. So yeah.....the 125 would be a great choice for you Randy!
So, Jeffro...are you saying that a 250f wouldn't be as fun? I mean, I'd hate to recommend a 450f to a beginner...but how about a 250 4-stroke? At least he could race it once he learned how to go fast, rather than to have to buy a different bike once he learned the basics on the smoker.

Thoughts?

(Oh, crap...didn't see the above post that the OP bought a KTM 125. Oh well, questions still stand.)
Landonious217
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3/18/2017 2:44pm
davistld01 wrote:
So, Jeffro...are you saying that a 250f wouldn't be as fun? I mean, I'd hate to recommend a 450f to a beginner...but how about a 250...
So, Jeffro...are you saying that a 250f wouldn't be as fun? I mean, I'd hate to recommend a 450f to a beginner...but how about a 250 4-stroke? At least he could race it once he learned how to go fast, rather than to have to buy a different bike once he learned the basics on the smoker.

Thoughts?

(Oh, crap...didn't see the above post that the OP bought a KTM 125. Oh well, questions still stand.)
Why would he have to buy a new bike? I raced three seasons on a 125 in the 250F novice class and did just fine. I'll admit I did a bit better on my 150sx but a 125 in the beginner class will be no issues.
3/18/2017 2:55pm
Congrats, have fun
YamahaJT1
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3/18/2017 4:08pm Edited Date/Time 3/18/2017 4:10pm
Didn't read a single post above... Ya, you can kill yourself on one if you are not careful. Small displacement isn't a panacea. Take it easy and roll safely!
nickkraze
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4/2/2017 5:30pm
Just some more pictures of the bike! Today was my second ride on it and it feels much better to be on New York dirt! It's safe to say I do not miss the deep sand in the Ocala National Forest! Can't wait to get out and ride again! Thanks again for all your help guys!







kaptkaos
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4/2/2017 6:32pm
To those who say a 125 will make you do everything better...I really disagree. You can learn to ride properly on any bike if you want to. You can also learn how to really suck on any bike. You will suck even worse on a 125 though.

Yeah its cheap, and easy to maintain if you know what you are doing but if you try to be fast on it you can grenade it really easy.

If you want to be a fast racer then you have to learn how to be fast on a 250f because thats what the fast guys are on and the bike is superior in every aspect. A brand new Husky/KTM150 IS NOT AN 05 KX125 folks.

If you are over 16 or weigh 160+ lbs and want to ride tracks and be competitive or try to be, a 250f is best. If you just love to ride and want to be out there twisting the throttle and tossing a bike around and hear the engine zinging, and you dont care about competing then a 125 will be great. If your local track has a lot of elevation or you ever want to ride some sand/trails or desert then get a 250f unless your sub 150lb then I hate you.

Either way riding is awesome and You will be riding so go for it!

Rockinar
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4/3/2017 2:11pm
Jaze wrote:
Go for it! But do not buy Honda 125cc it has horrible motor.
mx621 wrote:
lol, I love hearing this..Cool
Especially for beginner kids who are just going to be rolling around the track. You could hand them and brand new 2017 450F and they won't go any faster.


Rockinar
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4/3/2017 3:07pm
calcoast wrote:
Im 30 years old, 5'10 and about 200 pounds with all my gear on. I've been street/trail riding for about two years now on a DR350se...
Im 30 years old, 5'10 and about 200 pounds with all my gear on. I've been street/trail riding for about two years now on a DR350se and my wifes TTR225.

Am I too heavy for a YZ125?
I'm 5"11 and 190 without gear and ride a CR125. I even ride the 2001 with the "slow" motor and narrow/peaky poweband. The bike is a blast and I'm having trouble departing with it for a new 4 stroke. It wont win any pro nationals, but its still a blast on track and trails, and with my terrible skills, I have not noticed anything "slow" about it.
kaptkaos
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4/3/2017 5:02pm
Thats a really nice bike, congrats. Ocala sand is no joke! Thats where a 4 stroke makes things easier.

That bike looks sweet and its going to be so much better than an old 125 for sure.

Good luck with it and enjoy it!
nytsmaC
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4/3/2017 5:41pm
kaptkaos wrote:
To those who say a 125 will make you do everything better...I really disagree. You can learn to ride properly on any bike if you want...
To those who say a 125 will make you do everything better...I really disagree. You can learn to ride properly on any bike if you want to. You can also learn how to really suck on any bike. You will suck even worse on a 125 though.

Yeah its cheap, and easy to maintain if you know what you are doing but if you try to be fast on it you can grenade it really easy.

If you want to be a fast racer then you have to learn how to be fast on a 250f because thats what the fast guys are on and the bike is superior in every aspect. A brand new Husky/KTM150 IS NOT AN 05 KX125 folks.

If you are over 16 or weigh 160+ lbs and want to ride tracks and be competitive or try to be, a 250f is best. If you just love to ride and want to be out there twisting the throttle and tossing a bike around and hear the engine zinging, and you dont care about competing then a 125 will be great. If your local track has a lot of elevation or you ever want to ride some sand/trails or desert then get a 250f unless your sub 150lb then I hate you.

Either way riding is awesome and You will be riding so go for it!

I think you're way off here.

Best way to learn proper cornering technique is on a great handling, lightweight underpowered bike.

As for racing, unless you're talking B/A class it's not about the cc's or power. Most C riders would finish about the same with an XR250 engine under the hood of their CRF. they just couldn't be lazy about it.
kaptkaos
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4/3/2017 7:58pm
kaptkaos wrote:
To those who say a 125 will make you do everything better...I really disagree. You can learn to ride properly on any bike if you want...
To those who say a 125 will make you do everything better...I really disagree. You can learn to ride properly on any bike if you want to. You can also learn how to really suck on any bike. You will suck even worse on a 125 though.

Yeah its cheap, and easy to maintain if you know what you are doing but if you try to be fast on it you can grenade it really easy.

If you want to be a fast racer then you have to learn how to be fast on a 250f because thats what the fast guys are on and the bike is superior in every aspect. A brand new Husky/KTM150 IS NOT AN 05 KX125 folks.

If you are over 16 or weigh 160+ lbs and want to ride tracks and be competitive or try to be, a 250f is best. If you just love to ride and want to be out there twisting the throttle and tossing a bike around and hear the engine zinging, and you dont care about competing then a 125 will be great. If your local track has a lot of elevation or you ever want to ride some sand/trails or desert then get a 250f unless your sub 150lb then I hate you.

Either way riding is awesome and You will be riding so go for it!

nytsmaC wrote:
I think you're way off here. Best way to learn proper cornering technique is on a great handling, lightweight underpowered bike. As for racing, unless you're...
I think you're way off here.

Best way to learn proper cornering technique is on a great handling, lightweight underpowered bike.

As for racing, unless you're talking B/A class it's not about the cc's or power. Most C riders would finish about the same with an XR250 engine under the hood of their CRF. they just couldn't be lazy about it.
I cant argue with what you are saying, but I am not going to agree that I am way off base!

The "best" way is very subjective, theres always two ways to skin a cat.

IMO the best way is to learn how to corner when you are on an 80 or super mini.

But I do agree, a light tossable bike is a great way to learn. Now if I am 35+ years old, 6 3" and 225...a 250F is just that!
TJMX947
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4/4/2017 5:59am Edited Date/Time 4/4/2017 6:00am
Both of you guys make good points and I think it all comes down to goals and budget. I personally would advise against buying a used 250F for the sake of having a 250F. A 125 will work for learning to ride, however it is more difficult to go fast on.

I think too often us moto guys let our egos get in the way of intelligent decision making. I got a 250 two stroke a few years ago and although it was fun to ride I hated the fact that I wasn't as fast on it and I couldn't ride it as long. Instead of working out my issues I went back to the four strokes. Now I feel like a true vet and I go as slow as ever so does it really matter that I have a new 450 or should I just get back on a two stroke?

In my last race guy in +30 got a last place start (out of 7) on a 125 and cut through the pack in 4 laps and won. He was putting all 34 HP of that bike to use.

KaptKaos - How much do you weigh? I have a 2014 CRF450R and I hate my suspension, I was wondering how that FC stuff is treating you?
kaptkaos
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4/4/2017 7:17am
I absolutely loved it. But here is the catch.

I am 49, super slow only jump tables and small doubles. I weigh 200 without gear. Honestly, I loved my CRF but I had to sell it a few weeks ago, I need back surgery and wont be riding for a while so I figured I would sell it for some decent money. I am on the fence about my bike. I know it will be a Honda...but will it be a 450 or a 250? I am leaning towards a 250 but have never ridden one. I need to try one out. I could not flick around the 450 at all, it was way too much power for me. I had Ron Hamp remap it with a super linear powerband, I didnt care about peak power. I could lug it around in 3rd all day and be a lazy vet. The suspension could soak up all my mistakes. Bike always started first kick, never ever once failed on me in any way.

The air fork was fine for me, I actually prefer it.

I rode a 125 and it was really fun to flick around, I felt like I could lean it way over and move it around. However it was just not able to get me through the Florida Sand like a 450. Falling on a 125 also seems like a non event compared to the 450 which seems to try to bury you 6 feet under or chase you down. A 125 you just kinda fall off it.

I 250T is just too much, it would knock my teeth out when it gets on the pipe.

I need to try a 250F and see if it bridges the gap between a 125-450F.

I bet a KTM 150 would be awesome. I just cant own a KTM. LOL.

TJMX947
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4/4/2017 8:48am
HAHA Too funny. My biggest qualm with a 250T was the vibration and the unpredictability when jumping it. Small stuff was fine but anything big or with an abrupt face I would jump dangerously nose high. Scared myself a few times.

I honestly have never had more fun on a dirt bike than when I rode 250Fs (I was a decently fast 20 something year old at that point). I think I weighed about 220 lbs then I got hurt, got slower and gained weight then moved up to a 450. I actually got my 2014 CRF450R because it felt the most like a 250F. At the time I felt like it was the best 450 out there handling/weight wise.

I definitely say try a 250F out. Its a very forgiving bike and coming off a 450 they feel like a 125...until you ride a 125. I'm very interested to see that 2018 CRF250R. I hope Honda puts some R&D $ into the motor. If I can get my weight in check I may get back on a 250F.

kaptkaos
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4/4/2017 8:52am
I forgot vibration, add that to my post!

Wells423
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4/4/2017 7:06pm
Jaze wrote:
Go for it! But do not buy Honda 125cc it has horrible motor.
I ride an 05 cr125. I beat 450s every weekend in the 30+ class. It's the rider not the bike.
kaptkaos
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4/4/2017 7:09pm
RIDE RED BRO!!

xplane
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4/4/2017 7:22pm
05+ CR125 has a new motor with more power.

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