Thinking about selling my 350 for a 125 or 150

Braaaphole
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Braaaphole
Current bike is a 2017 350SXF that's mint. I've really got the itch for a 125 or a 150 but I'm a little hesitant.
I was always a 125 rider back in the day, I'm over 40 now though and a little unsure. My 350 is pretty dialed for me, I love the bike but still prefer a 2 stroke. I haven't ridden a 125 in a loooong time, so there's some concern I'd regret selling the 350.
I'd like to spin some laps on a 125 to see, but none of my friends have one.

Any of you guys dropped down to a 125 and been happy on it? I'm a Vet C rider and I'm not racing anymore. I only put about 20 hours or so per year on my bikes because I primarily focus on my kids racing.
I'm thinking that if I went that route, I'd probably get a new Husky 125 and a 150 top end kit for it. I'd send the 150 cylinder out to get a good port job then put it on. My kid is about a year away from moving up to a 125 anyway, so if I didn't like the 150 just give it to him with the 125 top end and go back to a 4 stroke.
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DynoDan22
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DynoDan22 3/8/2020 2:35pm
3/8/2020 2:35pm
I'm 45 and had a 150sx ('18) and now I have a '19 350. Don't ditch the 350 just yet. 125's and 150's are a blast but not an everyday bike. I actually want another 150 but I would never sell my 350 and only have a 150. I've been there and that's why I bought the 350. If you can afford both, do it. You will have weeks or months where you primarily rode and 150 and have fun, but it's a lot of work physically and maintenance-wise. Yes, smokers are cheaper to maintain but I threw new rings in every 15hrs and piston and rings every 30hrs. The 350 is a wash and wear item. Lol. Change air filter and oil and off you go. There is no other feeling like wringing out a 125/150 but no way would I make it my only bike. Just my opinion from a guy who went from a 150 to a 350 and now spends hours salivating at a new 150. I'm a vet novice/intermediate btw. More towards the novice spectrum.
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endurox
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endurox 3/8/2020 2:39pm
3/8/2020 2:39pm
A 150 with a VHM head and SX insert adds a lot more mid range power. I rarely ride my 350. !50 is alot more fun. Not a racer, just a trail rider.
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powertrip456 3/8/2020 2:45pm
3/8/2020 2:45pm
DynoDan22 wrote:
I'm 45 and had a 150sx ('18) and now I have a '19 350. Don't ditch the 350 just yet. 125's and 150's are a blast...
I'm 45 and had a 150sx ('18) and now I have a '19 350. Don't ditch the 350 just yet. 125's and 150's are a blast but not an everyday bike. I actually want another 150 but I would never sell my 350 and only have a 150. I've been there and that's why I bought the 350. If you can afford both, do it. You will have weeks or months where you primarily rode and 150 and have fun, but it's a lot of work physically and maintenance-wise. Yes, smokers are cheaper to maintain but I threw new rings in every 15hrs and piston and rings every 30hrs. The 350 is a wash and wear item. Lol. Change air filter and oil and off you go. There is no other feeling like wringing out a 125/150 but no way would I make it my only bike. Just my opinion from a guy who went from a 150 to a 350 and now spends hours salivating at a new 150. I'm a vet novice/intermediate btw. More towards the novice spectrum.
I agree with DynoDan22. I’ve had every size big bike now basically, and currently have a 150 in my stable. I absolutely love it. It’s probably my favorite bike I’ve ever had, but at certain times. I whole heartedly recommend you buy one, but I think it’s the perfect second bike and wouldn’t want it as my only bike. I rode yesterday with another vital visitor who has one as his only bike and he might say it’s fine though!
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burnside
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burnside 3/8/2020 2:47pm
3/8/2020 2:47pm
Funny, I have a 125 and considering selling for a 250f.

Although feels criminal to sell a nearly timeless RM125 for a 250f that will depreciate like a hot potato.

Will try buy 250f and keep the 125 if have the funds...

The Shop

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Bruce372
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Bruce372 3/8/2020 2:51pm
3/8/2020 2:51pm
Since you are an older timer 125 rider, just go for it. The ktm 125 and 150s are great bikes, loads faster and more useable than the older japanese 125s from the start of the millennium.

For 125 vs 150, they have a different power feel, and both are great engines.

I wouldn't get too hung up on modifying them either, good fuel, jetting and maybe a vforce or pipe is more than you need.

It's really cool that you can get the 150 kit for less than $900 also.... that's great value.
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BikeGuy321
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BikeGuy321 3/8/2020 2:53pm
3/8/2020 2:53pm
A 250 smoker is more fun than a 125 IMHO. You still have to ride aggressively and carry momentum like on a 125, but you're not stuck railing outside lines before every big jump like on a 125.
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Dcross829
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Dcross829 3/8/2020 4:32pm
3/8/2020 4:32pm
I sold my 350 for a sx125. I do miss the 350 that was an awesome bike but the 125 is still fun to pin it around a track... thinking of putting the 150 head on
Tuna
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Tuna 3/8/2020 4:37pm
3/8/2020 4:37pm
I had a 350 and a 125. Miss those days😢
loftyair
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loftyair 3/8/2020 7:59pm
3/8/2020 7:59pm
While 125/150 so much fun, at 40+ and really not that fast, I would just stick with the bigger bike. If you rode 3x a week, and were in incredible shape, then go small bore for fun.
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GeorgiePorgie 3/8/2020 8:00pm
3/8/2020 8:00pm
Prefer my 350. But have a 144 also.....both fun.
Langhammx 3/8/2020 8:05pm
3/8/2020 8:05pm
DynoDan22 wrote:
I'm 45 and had a 150sx ('18) and now I have a '19 350. Don't ditch the 350 just yet. 125's and 150's are a blast...
I'm 45 and had a 150sx ('18) and now I have a '19 350. Don't ditch the 350 just yet. 125's and 150's are a blast but not an everyday bike. I actually want another 150 but I would never sell my 350 and only have a 150. I've been there and that's why I bought the 350. If you can afford both, do it. You will have weeks or months where you primarily rode and 150 and have fun, but it's a lot of work physically and maintenance-wise. Yes, smokers are cheaper to maintain but I threw new rings in every 15hrs and piston and rings every 30hrs. The 350 is a wash and wear item. Lol. Change air filter and oil and off you go. There is no other feeling like wringing out a 125/150 but no way would I make it my only bike. Just my opinion from a guy who went from a 150 to a 350 and now spends hours salivating at a new 150. I'm a vet novice/intermediate btw. More towards the novice spectrum.
100% agree with Dan on this !
Ryan625
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Ryan625 3/8/2020 8:46pm
3/8/2020 8:46pm
I ride a 250 smoker full time, but I am actually faster on certain tracks on a 125 and have so much fun on them. But I tend to blow them up at around 20 hours...though the stock top end of my TC went at 16.

If I could afford it I would have a 350 to race, a 250 because I love them, and a 150 because well, I love them too.
KTM Two Stroke 3/8/2020 10:27pm
3/8/2020 10:27pm
Braaaphole wrote:
Current bike is a 2017 350SXF that's mint. I've really got the itch for a 125 or a 150 but I'm a little hesitant. I was...
Current bike is a 2017 350SXF that's mint. I've really got the itch for a 125 or a 150 but I'm a little hesitant.
I was always a 125 rider back in the day, I'm over 40 now though and a little unsure. My 350 is pretty dialed for me, I love the bike but still prefer a 2 stroke. I haven't ridden a 125 in a loooong time, so there's some concern I'd regret selling the 350.
I'd like to spin some laps on a 125 to see, but none of my friends have one.

Any of you guys dropped down to a 125 and been happy on it? I'm a Vet C rider and I'm not racing anymore. I only put about 20 hours or so per year on my bikes because I primarily focus on my kids racing.
I'm thinking that if I went that route, I'd probably get a new Husky 125 and a 150 top end kit for it. I'd send the 150 cylinder out to get a good port job then put it on. My kid is about a year away from moving up to a 125 anyway, so if I didn't like the 150 just give it to him with the 125 top end and go back to a 4 stroke.
I rode 125/150 from 1999 to 2019 in Summer 2019 i switch to a 350 SXF.
After all these years i was tired of the hectic small bore Two stroke riding.
Love the 350 for MX but for Offroad its to heavy

It‘s hard to say what is the best bike but when you rode just 20 hours take the 150 .
It is lightweight , has good power and is easy to Service





garagedog 3/8/2020 10:36pm
3/8/2020 10:36pm
Do it. Not a big deal. If it doesn’t work out, just move on to another bike. Then at least you will know.
tobz
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tobz 3/8/2020 11:10pm
3/8/2020 11:10pm Edited Date/Time 3/8/2020 11:12pm
Speaking from similar experience, don't do it, not as your main bike.

I regret ditching my main steed for a vibrating, pre mixing, jet adjusting, narrow banded thing.

Fun novelty, but I've since sold mine and don't miss it yet .
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Lightning78
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Lightning78 3/8/2020 11:21pm
3/8/2020 11:21pm
DynoDan22 wrote:
I'm 45 and had a 150sx ('18) and now I have a '19 350. Don't ditch the 350 just yet. 125's and 150's are a blast...
I'm 45 and had a 150sx ('18) and now I have a '19 350. Don't ditch the 350 just yet. 125's and 150's are a blast but not an everyday bike. I actually want another 150 but I would never sell my 350 and only have a 150. I've been there and that's why I bought the 350. If you can afford both, do it. You will have weeks or months where you primarily rode and 150 and have fun, but it's a lot of work physically and maintenance-wise. Yes, smokers are cheaper to maintain but I threw new rings in every 15hrs and piston and rings every 30hrs. The 350 is a wash and wear item. Lol. Change air filter and oil and off you go. There is no other feeling like wringing out a 125/150 but no way would I make it my only bike. Just my opinion from a guy who went from a 150 to a 350 and now spends hours salivating at a new 150. I'm a vet novice/intermediate btw. More towards the novice spectrum.
By my math ....if he rides 20hrs a year all he'd have to do is a complete tio end rebuild at the end of every year. $150 and 4 hours of his time doesnt sound like a lot of intensive maintenance to me. Personally I think if hes a previous 125 rider he'd enjoy the 125 or better yet a fully ported 150 more than that tree-fiddy and probably ride it every time he went out
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Plugga
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Plugga 3/8/2020 11:29pm
3/8/2020 11:29pm
Do it.Cool
AH387
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AH387 3/9/2020 5:20am
3/9/2020 5:20am
Tough call. I have a 350 and sold my 250F and got a new 125 last year. At first, I hated the 125, basically because I hadn't ridden 2strokes much recently. So then once I got dialed in again on the 125, then I felt like I never wanted to ride the 350 again lol. That being said, even though I still am on the honeymoon stage with the 125, I am not sure that I would want to give up the 350 for it completely. If you can swing both, I'd say do that. If not, I can understand moving to the 125/150 but there might be situations where you may miss the 350. But since you aren't racing, the 125/150s are always a blast to ride, there is no denying that. And even bigger plus, that you were a 125 guy back in the day (same for me.) So I do think you will love the 2 stroke, if you choose that route.
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Pit Row

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GoonRider93 3/9/2020 5:49am
3/9/2020 5:49am Edited Date/Time 3/9/2020 5:51am
Sold my 250F for a 125 and regret it. 125 is fun but as others have said not as a main bike unless you're in good shape and riding every week. I'm 26, not in the best shape and not a great rider either and I find the 125 hard to ride. I've had it 6 months and I'm wanting to go to a 250F again.

Just my personal experience. I'd keep the 350 but everyone is different.
KX500
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KX500 3/9/2020 7:20am
3/9/2020 7:20am
I think, for many of us 125s are like one of those first girlfriends, who was about 40% good and 60% bad.

Over time, we just tend to forget the bad and only remember the good.

After I got off 125s and on to 250s (2 stokes) I remember being kid of mad - like why did I bother with these dang 125s?

Oh I had a lot of fun with 125s (and that 1st girlfriend) but miss them not in the least!
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HighPlainsSquid 3/9/2020 7:45am
3/9/2020 7:45am
We have a 125, 2 150's, and now 2 250F's. Different tools for different jobs. I will say that my 16 yr old son is pretty happy with his 150 SX. He rides it, competitively, in MX, enduro, and hare scramble. He likes the KTM 250 SX-F we just bought, but his 150 is his go-to bike. For MX Fun, I ride the Husky 125. For more serious stuff, the KX 250F. For enduro and hare-scramble, the 150 XC-W.

So.... if you can keep the 350, do that and get a 150, too. Decide later. If not... get the 150 so you'll know. I don't know... all bikes are fun!
alien
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alien 3/9/2020 7:52am
3/9/2020 7:52am
I was thinking of giving up dirt bikes after forty some years of racing mx . I have tendonitis and other joint related problems with my wrist which are aggravated by the torque,weight and acceleration of a 450. I noticed the light weight and lack of torque of the 125 don't seem to bother my wrist at all. There is a class around here for riders over age forty on 0-200cc 2 strokes . I sold my 450 and bought a yz125 in hopes of saving my hobby I have loved for many years. I spent a couple of months relearning the art of going fast on a 125 and now my lap times are very close to my best laps on the 450. Now I can ride all day without the pain . I am 57 and can still win the 50+ on the 125 I just have to put out a little more effort. If I were to get a new bike it would be the ktm 150 for the little bit of extra low end and the fact it makes 8 more HP then the yz125. If you have never been good on a 125 the ktm 150 is the way to go the extra power will make up for you not being perfect with your shift points.

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AH387
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AH387 3/9/2020 8:00am
3/9/2020 8:00am
alien wrote:
I was thinking of giving up dirt bikes after forty some years of racing mx . I have tendonitis and other joint related problems with my...
I was thinking of giving up dirt bikes after forty some years of racing mx . I have tendonitis and other joint related problems with my wrist which are aggravated by the torque,weight and acceleration of a 450. I noticed the light weight and lack of torque of the 125 don't seem to bother my wrist at all. There is a class around here for riders over age forty on 0-200cc 2 strokes . I sold my 450 and bought a yz125 in hopes of saving my hobby I have loved for many years. I spent a couple of months relearning the art of going fast on a 125 and now my lap times are very close to my best laps on the 450. Now I can ride all day without the pain . I am 57 and can still win the 50+ on the 125 I just have to put out a little more effort. If I were to get a new bike it would be the ktm 150 for the little bit of extra low end and the fact it makes 8 more HP then the yz125. If you have never been good on a 125 the ktm 150 is the way to go the extra power will make up for you not being perfect with your shift points.

That is awesome Cool
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dan45mt
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dan45mt 3/9/2020 8:06am
3/9/2020 8:06am
I am an old guy who races OTMX and have been for many years. Years ago I rode a 450 but just got tired and worn out by the end of a weekend so I went with a 17 Ktm 250sxf. It too became a little too fast for me so this year and I bought a new KTM 150. I love the 150 so far and don't have any problem passing the 450's after the start. Way more fun for moto. I converted the 250 to a Desert Bike (Big tank, gearing, etc.). Both bikes have their place, so I recommend keeping both!
Bruce372
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Bruce372 3/9/2020 10:32am
3/9/2020 10:32am
Just a reminder that the current 150sx is a lot different than the Japanese 125s that have seen little development in the last 2 decades

The 150 sx outperforms some 250f on peak power output
Barrett57
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Barrett57 3/9/2020 10:44am
3/9/2020 10:44am
I have a 250f and a 150. When I have one I want the other, so I just bit the bullet and ended up with 2 bikes. It's cheaper in the long run, swapping bikes is expensive.

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