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It is tough to afford a good machine while working an hourly job. The key is to get into a good trade or go to uni to study something worthwhile, that way you can afford the hobby. Trades or school, both work. Good luck m8
OP I personally believe you are on the right path with a older YZ125. You could even extend your search as far back as a 2000 and still have a capable bike short term. These 125’s are much different than a XT125
It's very frustrating to buy a YZ in my country as most people seem to make absolute shit out of these bikes for some reason. A lot of people also try to bullshit you by putting in the wrong years of the bike. I am keen on a YZ but if I have to pay more to get a KTM or Husky that is actually sold as what it actually is - that's what I might have to resort to. I just want a Yamaha. I constantly keep contradicting myself but everyone says just get a YZ and have heard a lot of good things about it. Not many complaints about Yamaha. These are very versatile bikes. I will keep waiting for more adverts to pop up. I'd need to get up close and actually see the '09 for myself. I need to check the VIN on that thing and those forks.
The newer the parts in those bikes, the better it is for me. I just need a reliable bike that could last a few seasons. I don't mind doing some basic mechanic work and learning but right now I'm a shit mechanic.
Although I will add. I do like when my bike has a little more power than what I need, don't know why, but when I bought my first bike which was a DT, I got used to the power in like 2 rides and I was hopping off a damn scooter LOL.
I think that the YZ will be of no issue to get used to the power and I will be able to shred in no time. I love that you need to work the clutch and genuinely work hard to get the power out. I don't like bikes that are lazy. The DT is quite slow for me. It's definitely different compared to a race bike like a YZ, love these bikes to bits and would love to get one but damn man, it's just so annoying because it's so hard to trust sellers these days.
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Wouldn’t bother with a 150 myself if that was the case and would get a YZ250 or Husqvarna.
What really is unfortunate about Ireland is that there is almost no market for these bikes nor many for sale. Very little choice.
My mrs' one we gave 2200 for and then a couple hundred for piston, rings and rod bearing and new bearings for the wheels and swingarm but it worked fine as it was, we just always do those bits.
Pit Row
I also want a bike that’s ready to ride as my mechanic skills don’t exist.
Me at 175lbs on a nearly stock YZ125 getting the holeshot, from the outside, with a gate full of mostly 450's. This was 2016. The next year at 55 years old I qualified for Loretta's in the Over 50 class.
I do know that 125s are piston hungry engines and I'm fine with that. I will learn to work on my own stuff over time. I might mess a few things up but it'll come out good in the end I hope. I don't really plan on racing kids on 125s, but not sure who I'll be up against. I know a kid who's 15 really fast guy on those 125s, met him at a few races anyway. LL kids are on a different level. I'm a beginner when it comes to track riding just because I've never had the chance to have been on one. I'll most likely race open class if that's a possibility as I like the challenge of having bigger bikes against me.
You can be just as fast as anyone on it, it's just a lot harder. I'm 190 and on my rm125 I could do most everything on track and could keep up with my vet class.
I ultimately got off it cuz I don't ride enough to make riding or racing it fun.
When I start getting more seat time I'll pick another up as 2nd bike.
If you do a little motor work, port polish or big bore etc it makes it an easier 125 to ride as long as you still ride it like a 125
When people talk about being to big for going fast on a 125..
TLDR: racing you’ll still do decent if you have the skill and learn the bike.
Practicing is fun as heck definitely helps get your corners more dialed.
If you want one get one.
I think I’ve made my decision, and that decision is to get a 125, primarily a YZ125.
A lot of you guys, pretty much all of you guys have helped me a lot and thank you for the motivation and a big thanks for being supportive and showing me that anything is possible. This sport is all about discipline and perseverance. The challenge is great. I love it.
125s definitely take skill to ride, the only time you can really say you need more power is when you’re on the pipe 24/7. Not everyone can do that. As much as I plan on racing, I also want a bike that I will love and a bike that will excite me every time I get on to ride. And, ultimately — the 125 is the definite choice for that.
I hope to find a way to ride on a track, but I’ll earn more money and figure out what bike to buy. It’s a bit tough having very little choice to buy bikes, and I’ll have to wait for a good YZ to show up as they tend to be a tad bit cheaper than KTMs are. I will keep my eye out for KTM 150s but those Yammies are too tempting.
I’ve decided to get the 125. If I ever need to upgrade — I’ll get a 250. But I want to have fun, race and so on. The 125 is the perfect package for it. I hope to hone out my skills and become a better mechanic in the process.
Thanks again for the help 🙏
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