Too Large For a 125?

SamST
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SamST
Edited Date/Time 5/15/2020 9:06pm
I have recently seen a few discussions about being to large for 125 2t’s and I’ve kind of been worried about the topic because I’m atm, 215lbs+ and 5”11, and unfortunately still growing cause I’m still pretty young, I’m worried that my bike will struggle lugging me around on the track, atm I have only ridden on the beach and a couple trails but no hard riding that will show obvious signs of struggle from the bike, I also have no idea what the signs of struggle would be as this is my first 2 stroke dirt bike/full size bike as well. I’m thinking I might ride it for the season and sell after re building the top end over winter, but what other bikes would you guys think would be good as well?

Thanks For Any Responses or Feedback!
-Sam
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mattyhamz2 4/30/2020 3:41pm
4/30/2020 3:41pm
I've seen some big dudes, like 250lbs+ 6'+, ride and go really fast one 125's. I think you're best bet is to try it out and see how you're feeling, then go from there.
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dimetime
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dimetime 4/30/2020 3:58pm
4/30/2020 3:58pm
It's all about the big mo. Momentum. A good chance to learn a valuble moto skill, carrying speed all around the track or trail with minimal braking.
5
Mossy
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Mossy 4/30/2020 4:19pm
4/30/2020 4:19pm
I met this pretty cool "bigger" dude at the track a little over a month ago. He was probably around 220/230lb.

He had a 1996 KX125 he had just picked up for like $1200. Suspension was all ragged out. This dude was the fastest if not one of the fastest that day. Straight hauling ass. Sending every jump, throwing whips, just wide open. It was actually funny because I would hear this little sound behind me like some whinning or a bee.....BRAAAAAP there he goes past me Woohoo Grinning

If it's your first big bike, a 125 won't hold you back at all. Ride the shit out of it until you actually are thinking that it's "slow."
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Bret
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Bret 4/30/2020 4:22pm
4/30/2020 4:22pm
Not at all. Ride it and have fun. The most important modification is going to be the suspension. At the very least you will need stiffer springs at both ends. Small displacement bikes are a friggin blast to ride.
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Black Diesel Bomber 4/30/2020 4:35pm
4/30/2020 4:35pm
SamST wrote:
I have recently seen a few discussions about being to large for 125 2t’s and I’ve kind of been worried about the topic because I’m atm...
I have recently seen a few discussions about being to large for 125 2t’s and I’ve kind of been worried about the topic because I’m atm, 215lbs+ and 5”11, and unfortunately still growing cause I’m still pretty young, I’m worried that my bike will struggle lugging me around on the track, atm I have only ridden on the beach and a couple trails but no hard riding that will show obvious signs of struggle from the bike, I also have no idea what the signs of struggle would be as this is my first 2 stroke dirt bike/full size bike as well. I’m thinking I might ride it for the season and sell after re building the top end over winter, but what other bikes would you guys think would be good as well?

Thanks For Any Responses or Feedback!
-Sam
Sam,

You are not too big, you can ride the 125 with the proper suspension. But before spending money on that, would you agree you could probably improve your diet/exercise routine and easily lose 20lbs? I have a friend who is the same height and he's built like a tank (very thick and all muscle) and weighs 195lbs...

If you happen to be in good shape at that weight then accept my apology, but there's nothing wrong with focusing on some fitness for this sport.

4
mx621
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mx621 4/30/2020 4:59pm
4/30/2020 4:59pm
I’m 6’3 235lb currently, and I go pretty good on my 125. It’s also sprung for my weight.

18
Chance1216
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Chance1216 4/30/2020 5:03pm
4/30/2020 5:03pm
My son is 5’8” and 210. He rides a 125 and still has fun on it. That’s all that should matter.
4
SamST
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SamST 4/30/2020 5:04pm
4/30/2020 5:04pm
SamST wrote:
I have recently seen a few discussions about being to large for 125 2t’s and I’ve kind of been worried about the topic because I’m atm...
I have recently seen a few discussions about being to large for 125 2t’s and I’ve kind of been worried about the topic because I’m atm, 215lbs+ and 5”11, and unfortunately still growing cause I’m still pretty young, I’m worried that my bike will struggle lugging me around on the track, atm I have only ridden on the beach and a couple trails but no hard riding that will show obvious signs of struggle from the bike, I also have no idea what the signs of struggle would be as this is my first 2 stroke dirt bike/full size bike as well. I’m thinking I might ride it for the season and sell after re building the top end over winter, but what other bikes would you guys think would be good as well?

Thanks For Any Responses or Feedback!
-Sam
Black Diesel Bomber wrote:
Sam, You are not too big, you can ride the 125 with the proper suspension. But before spending money on that, would you agree you could...
Sam,

You are not too big, you can ride the 125 with the proper suspension. But before spending money on that, would you agree you could probably improve your diet/exercise routine and easily lose 20lbs? I have a friend who is the same height and he's built like a tank (very thick and all muscle) and weighs 195lbs...

If you happen to be in good shape at that weight then accept my apology, but there's nothing wrong with focusing on some fitness for this sport.

No problem asking that, I work out every day during the week so I’m pretty healthy, I’m just a pretty large guy, thanks for recommending it though
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Moto520
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Moto520 4/30/2020 5:12pm
4/30/2020 5:12pm
You’re good for a 125. Maybe add a tooth to the rear sprocket and have fun.
1
Black Diesel Bomber 4/30/2020 5:37pm
4/30/2020 5:37pm
SamST wrote:
I have recently seen a few discussions about being to large for 125 2t’s and I’ve kind of been worried about the topic because I’m atm...
I have recently seen a few discussions about being to large for 125 2t’s and I’ve kind of been worried about the topic because I’m atm, 215lbs+ and 5”11, and unfortunately still growing cause I’m still pretty young, I’m worried that my bike will struggle lugging me around on the track, atm I have only ridden on the beach and a couple trails but no hard riding that will show obvious signs of struggle from the bike, I also have no idea what the signs of struggle would be as this is my first 2 stroke dirt bike/full size bike as well. I’m thinking I might ride it for the season and sell after re building the top end over winter, but what other bikes would you guys think would be good as well?

Thanks For Any Responses or Feedback!
-Sam
Black Diesel Bomber wrote:
Sam, You are not too big, you can ride the 125 with the proper suspension. But before spending money on that, would you agree you could...
Sam,

You are not too big, you can ride the 125 with the proper suspension. But before spending money on that, would you agree you could probably improve your diet/exercise routine and easily lose 20lbs? I have a friend who is the same height and he's built like a tank (very thick and all muscle) and weighs 195lbs...

If you happen to be in good shape at that weight then accept my apology, but there's nothing wrong with focusing on some fitness for this sport.

SamST wrote:
No problem asking that, I work out every day during the week so I’m pretty healthy, I’m just a pretty large guy, thanks for recommending it...
No problem asking that, I work out every day during the week so I’m pretty healthy, I’m just a pretty large guy, thanks for recommending it though
Good news then, sounds like you are built like a super tank.
1
APLMAN99
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APLMAN99 4/30/2020 5:43pm
4/30/2020 5:43pm
The last time I rode a 125 was about 25 years ago, and I was 6’5”, probably 240-245 at that time. I wasn’t good enough to keep it on the pipe very well and didn’t have too easy of a time on it.

If I were a better rider I’m sure I would have been able to get more out of it and had a better time.
Spudnut
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Spudnut 4/30/2020 5:53pm
4/30/2020 5:53pm
Y’all are talking me into one 🤣
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SamST
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SamST 4/30/2020 6:13pm
4/30/2020 6:13pm
Thank you guys so much! I’ll just practice ringing er,
Out a little more!
Glassworker 4/30/2020 7:33pm
4/30/2020 7:33pm
Too heavy, no way,

Back in the days we were 160-180 lbs, but back then the 125's had half the power and a narrower power band.

Go for it.
DynoDan22
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DynoDan22 4/30/2020 7:47pm
4/30/2020 7:47pm Edited Date/Time 4/30/2020 7:48pm
Riding a 125 is a blast but challenging. You will build skills that will carry you through for the rest of your riding years. I believe everyone should spend at least a season or two on a 125. Are you too heavy for a 125? No. Will you be able to lug it around? No. It will demand you keep you momentum up and it will reward you with a smile. No other motorcross bike makes you feel so accomplished. Lol

Food for thought: modern 125's have increased peak horsepower by at least 20% over the past few decades. They make respectable power and are much easier to ride than an older 125. Go for it and enjoy it. It's well worth the experience.
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FortyHat
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FortyHat 4/30/2020 8:05pm
4/30/2020 8:05pm
No way are you too big for it. Sam you never stated what type of riding you intend to do in the future with it. If it's just play riding and not racing, even more reason to just wring that thing's neck. I mean technically speaking I'm too big for my 110 pitter but I still love riding the thing almost as much as my 450.
Crush
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Crush 4/30/2020 8:16pm
4/30/2020 8:16pm
Bro. Worry when you're going faster than this dude.



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brocster
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brocster 4/30/2020 8:38pm
4/30/2020 8:38pm
6’ 195# here and on a 125, same for my son. Went up a tooth on the rear and it brings smiles all day long!
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FortyHat
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FortyHat 4/30/2020 8:46pm
4/30/2020 8:46pm
Crush wrote:
Bro. Worry when you're going faster than this dude.
Bro. Worry when you're going faster than this dude.



Love this. One of the worst decisions I've made in recent memory (wife begs to differ) is selling my YZ125 last year to make room for a 450 in the garage. Should have sold my YZ250 instead. Regretting it so badly.
Crush
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Crush 4/30/2020 9:15pm
4/30/2020 9:15pm
In all seriousness, one of the greatest pleasures in motocross is making a small bike sing.

And it's gone away largely because most people at the track are over-biked. Ron Lechien, Travis Pastrana and Preston, Ken above, all have made 125s rip.

It's just because of the idea that you don't want to be at a disadvantage having less power etc... But, it's hugely fun to push a small motor hard. I'd say more so than lugging a 450 in 3rd and 4th.
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nytsmaC
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nytsmaC 4/30/2020 9:56pm
4/30/2020 9:56pm
5 years ago I was 6’7 and 255-260lbs, I bought a new 144 and a 250 and went racing.

I won a bunch of races and too 3’s and a couple championships over the next two years at my local series mainly riding the 144, I only raced the 250 when the 144 was broke. I had a blast and it really improved my riding.

Absolutely get a 125. Some have absolutely no bottom end and are really difficult to keep on the pipe but they can be tuned to be more forgiving.
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Chance1216
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Chance1216 4/30/2020 10:12pm
4/30/2020 10:12pm
I will add to my son having a 125 that I ride a 250. There’s times I’ve gone out with him and enjoyed swapping bikes.
Sometimes I’ve enjoyed riding the 125 more. The only place I’ve felt the 125 held me back was in very tight, rocky, steep uphill sections where a little torque is needed while trail riding. I’m sure I could add a tooth or two to the rear sprocket and be better prepared but, it’s his bike. For the record I’m 5’10” 245 pounds.
Brap!
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Brap! 4/30/2020 10:26pm
4/30/2020 10:26pm
I’m 6’3” and about 230, been throwing the idea of getting another 125. I mainly trail ride and do a little Mx, no more racing for me. I miss the days of ringing out a 125. You may not be going that fast, but you feel like it when you hold it pinned around a nice sweeper.
hogkiller
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hogkiller 5/1/2020 9:04am
5/1/2020 9:04am

64 years old 220 pounds 6 ft tall still riding/racing 125



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OG725
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OG725 5/1/2020 9:57am
5/1/2020 9:57am
Just make sure it has the purple power band.
backinthesaddleagain 5/1/2020 4:57pm
5/1/2020 4:57pm
1980s JoJo Keller would come back To New England after racing a 500 national. JoJo not a small man. Saw him win a race or two against the best New England 125 riders with a worn knobbie on the back.
washeduprider367 5/2/2020 5:30pm
5/2/2020 5:30pm
man if you're not racing competitively, just get whatever you have the most fun on, and i can tell you man a 125 is probably the most fun motorcycle in the world. if you're trying to get on the line in B class or something like that, i'd get the ole 250f. ive tried to race a 125 against a gate of 250's and its really really a definite disadvantage. But as far as fun and safety goes with still being able to go fast, i recommend 100%.
TCMX972
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TCMX972 5/15/2020 9:06pm
5/15/2020 9:06pm
just google robbie reynard at loretta's before he killed his yz. I think most of us over 30 remember having a coach that told us he couldn't even get on a 250 (2 stroke) before he was good enough. Its not the bike at the end of the day until you become pro or top am. 125's can be wrung out. 450's hurt people cause it no longer takes talent. It simply takes a whiskey throttle.
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