Considering a new 125

OldTiddler
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OldTiddler
I'm considering getting back into the sport after about a 5 year layoff. I'm looking at getting a 125 (or maybe a 150) since that is what I always most enjoyed and was comfortable on. I really only know Suzukis but those seem rare now and would like to consider something newer as well.

I'd like to find something that turns comparable to the RM125s, I don't like having to fight through corners. Also, I'd like something that overall handles well (for a C rider) and is good quality. Less concerned with price, looks, comparative power or other features.

It looks like either a KTM (or Husky) or else a YZ. Is there any consensus as to which would be better?

Thanks,
~ W
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burn1986
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burn1986 7/1/2020 6:45am
7/1/2020 6:45am
OldTiddler wrote:
I'm considering getting back into the sport after about a 5 year layoff. I'm looking at getting a 125 (or maybe a 150) since that is...
I'm considering getting back into the sport after about a 5 year layoff. I'm looking at getting a 125 (or maybe a 150) since that is what I always most enjoyed and was comfortable on. I really only know Suzukis but those seem rare now and would like to consider something newer as well.

I'd like to find something that turns comparable to the RM125s, I don't like having to fight through corners. Also, I'd like something that overall handles well (for a C rider) and is good quality. Less concerned with price, looks, comparative power or other features.

It looks like either a KTM (or Husky) or else a YZ. Is there any consensus as to which would be better?

Thanks,
~ W
If you decide to go with a 150, I’d do a TM. It’s the only one that isn’t an overbored 125.
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ElliotB16
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ElliotB16 7/1/2020 6:49am
7/1/2020 6:49am
Yz125, KTM or husky 125. Wouldn’t get a 150 if you’re planning on racing and wouldn’t be able to race 125 specific classes.
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GeorgiePorgie 7/1/2020 7:28am
7/1/2020 7:28am Edited Date/Time 7/1/2020 7:29am
Yz has easy access to parts (same for years and years and years. Some shop will have what you need now.)

Ktms are awesome.


Either one you’re gonna be pumped with.
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Rickyisms 7/1/2020 7:39am
7/1/2020 7:39am
The KTM/Husq platform is hard to beat.
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AH387
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AH387 7/1/2020 8:43am
7/1/2020 8:43am
I would say that the new KTM/Husky has a turning characteristic that is a bit more similar to the RMs. That being said, any 125 is going to be super responsive and a bit skittish and kinda search it's way around. So in saying that, the YZ is still a great choice, as it is a bit more stable, in my opinion. I chose a YZ last year for the following reasons. Less jetting hassle, overall better (well rounded / neutral) handling, powerband and suspension. Also, tons of parts and known reliability. Nothing wrong with the KTM/Huskys at all. The have better peak power and are a bit lighter. I just felt like the YZ was a can't miss bike, for me to keep for a long time.
BroFoSho
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BroFoSho 7/1/2020 9:07am
7/1/2020 9:07am
Rode a friend's KTM 125 and I almost didn't believe him that it was stock. So much power (I mean, it's still slow as shit because its a 125, but it was faster than any CR or YZ I've ridden).
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huutnanny
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huutnanny 7/1/2020 9:27am
7/1/2020 9:27am
I have an RM125 and have been thinking about getting an updated 125/150. For the used market, there seems to be more 150sx that are lightly used compared to 125sx/tc125 that have been put through the ringer.

I had a YZ250 and I didn’t like how it turned in comparison to my RM125. Different bike, but I think the chassis character carries over from the 125 to the 250 to some extent.


loftyair
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loftyair 7/1/2020 10:26am
7/1/2020 10:26am
Either spend 2k on a 06 or newer yz, or go for the much more expensive ktm. The 150 has more midrange, but signs off earlier. I like to scream a small bore, so 150's suck IMO. But, a c rider, and off road style riding a 150 is fine.
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zehn
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zehn 7/1/2020 10:28am
7/1/2020 10:28am
Buying brand new, top priority is that it handles well and reliability? Less concerned with power etc.? Sounds like a YZ is perfect for you

Good luck trying to buy a new one though lol
OldTiddler
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OldTiddler 7/1/2020 3:13pm
7/1/2020 3:13pm
Thanks all for your input, much appreciated
Indy mxer
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Indy mxer 7/1/2020 3:25pm
7/1/2020 3:25pm Edited Date/Time 7/2/2020 4:46am
The Husky and KTM are so trick and modern. The YZ is a workhorse for sure, but to me just looks dated. I have 15 TC125 as a second bike. I also had a 16 SX125. Both bikes are well made and handle well..

My brother sells Kaw/Polaris/TM.

He rides a TM300 4 stroke and likes it. Very trick. They make a nice 125 but they're a bit pricey, even more than a Husky. lol
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yz133rider
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yz133rider 7/1/2020 5:36pm
7/1/2020 5:36pm
Indy mxer wrote:
The Husky and KTM are so trick and modern. The YZ is a workhorse for sure, but to me just looks dated. I have 15 TC125...
The Husky and KTM are so trick and modern. The YZ is a workhorse for sure, but to me just looks dated. I have 15 TC125 as a second bike. I also had a 16 SX125. Both bikes are well made and handle well..

My brother sells Kaw/Polaris/TM.

He rides a TM300 4 stroke and likes it. Very trick. They make a nice 125 but they're a bit pricey, even more than a Husky. lol
I feel the tms are truly worth the asking price. Look at the components and level of detail, and when compared to a ktm it’s similar once you factor in it having to convert the air forks to spring forks since the tms have Kyb forks stock.
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HighPlainsSquid 7/1/2020 5:58pm
7/1/2020 5:58pm
Indy mxer wrote:
The Husky and KTM are so trick and modern. The YZ is a workhorse for sure, but to me just looks dated. I have 15 TC125...
The Husky and KTM are so trick and modern. The YZ is a workhorse for sure, but to me just looks dated. I have 15 TC125 as a second bike. I also had a 16 SX125. Both bikes are well made and handle well..

My brother sells Kaw/Polaris/TM.

He rides a TM300 4 stroke and likes it. Very trick. They make a nice 125 but they're a bit pricey, even more than a Husky. lol
What he said....

I've had:

01 KX 125
02 RM 125
04 KX 125
05 KX 125
15 TC 125
18 150 XC-W
19 150 SX

Of these, the KTM/Husky's handle great- very similar to the RM and a little sharper than the KX, which are still no slouches. I know the 150 signs off a little faster, but the low end/mid-range totally make up for that, IMHO. OTOH, I had the '05 KX turned into a 144 and it was no big deal... I liked it better as a 125 because it hit harder.

I think pretty much any decent modern-ish 125 is gonna be just loads of fun. Get the suspension dialed for you and you're golden. I race my Husky in the 50+ class and it's just lots of fun.


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kage173
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kage173 7/1/2020 6:04pm
7/1/2020 6:04pm
150 SX. Great bike
dcg141
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dcg141 7/1/2020 6:20pm
7/1/2020 6:20pm
Don't think to long. We sold a 21 today..been out of 20's.

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beamer
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beamer 7/1/2020 6:25pm
7/1/2020 6:25pm
Bought the boy a new YZ about a month ago, very impressed
Deja New
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Deja New 7/1/2020 8:02pm
7/1/2020 8:02pm
I have had RM125 and 250 and now ride TC125 and 250 find they corner very well just the WP forks need looking at.
My son has a TM125 that thing is plain awesome handles very well and is stable in the air never seems to be front end high or nose diving on a kicker. As mentioned about the TM is the only one that has its own motor for a 150 heard great things about it too.

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JM485
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JM485 7/1/2020 10:34pm
7/1/2020 10:34pm
zehn wrote:
Buying brand new, top priority is that it handles well and reliability? Less concerned with power etc.? Sounds like a YZ is perfect for you Good...
Buying brand new, top priority is that it handles well and reliability? Less concerned with power etc.? Sounds like a YZ is perfect for you

Good luck trying to buy a new one though lol
As a yamaha guy who's made the mistake of riding a Husky 125, I wouldn't even waste my time on a YZ at this point.
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burn1986
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burn1986 7/1/2020 11:58pm
7/1/2020 11:58pm
Deja New wrote:
I have had RM125 and 250 and now ride TC125 and 250 find they corner very well just the WP forks need looking at. My son...
I have had RM125 and 250 and now ride TC125 and 250 find they corner very well just the WP forks need looking at.
My son has a TM125 that thing is plain awesome handles very well and is stable in the air never seems to be front end high or nose diving on a kicker. As mentioned about the TM is the only one that has its own motor for a 150 heard great things about it too.

Good points. KTM made a purpose built 150 (144cc) up until 2015, then in 2016 it was just a 125 with a bigger piston and bored out cylinder.
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Motofinne
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Motofinne 7/2/2020 12:41am
7/2/2020 12:41am Edited Date/Time 7/2/2020 12:43am
SX/TC125.

Yeah the YZ is solid but the new 125 from Austria beats it with a large margin. I know some try to argue about this but i can't understand how anyone would pick the YZ if they get to ride these 3 bikes back to back. The YZ is great if you're on a budget and buy one used.
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scott_nz 7/2/2020 2:08am
7/2/2020 2:08am
Motofinne wrote:
SX/TC125. Yeah the YZ is solid but the new 125 from Austria beats it with a large margin. I know some try to argue about this...
SX/TC125.

Yeah the YZ is solid but the new 125 from Austria beats it with a large margin. I know some try to argue about this but i can't understand how anyone would pick the YZ if they get to ride these 3 bikes back to back. The YZ is great if you're on a budget and buy one used.
this, if you want the best 125 buy the KTM/TC, the YZ is a good package, but it aint as fast as the austrian,
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AH387
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AH387 7/2/2020 4:34am
7/2/2020 4:34am
Motofinne wrote:
SX/TC125. Yeah the YZ is solid but the new 125 from Austria beats it with a large margin. I know some try to argue about this...
SX/TC125.

Yeah the YZ is solid but the new 125 from Austria beats it with a large margin. I know some try to argue about this but i can't understand how anyone would pick the YZ if they get to ride these 3 bikes back to back. The YZ is great if you're on a budget and buy one used.
I have a Husky (350) and I realize how good they are but I prefer the YZ. Just like I prefer the YZ250 over the TC250 (friends have both and have ridden them back to back.) It's all preference. The YZ125 is still very fast and easy to ride. Add a pipe and Rad valve and it wakes them up. Plus the suspension is much better, in my opinion. I have grown to hate the AER/Xact fork on my Husky and that suspension in general. Also the jetting is no-hassle, where it seems like there is a lot more pissing around on the KTM/Hus 2 strokes. Like I said, on paper the KTM/Husky are better bikes, but I still think there are plenty of people who prefer the Yamahas, as I am 1 of them. Did I like spending 7 grand on almost the same bike that I bought twice before, since 06? Of course not. But once I rode it, I felt like made the right choice and would do it again.
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