Is a KX125 worth it in 2021?

nissan_
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nissan_
Edited Date/Time 11/5/2021 10:16am
What’s up guys, do you think this ‘05 KX125 is still worth it in 2021? I like them but not sure if I’ll have to hunt for parts or not.

Here is an advert I’m looking at right now.

https://www.donedeal.ie/view/29561828

Thanks
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Richy
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Richy 11/3/2021 3:37am
11/3/2021 3:37am Edited Date/Time 11/3/2021 3:39am
Looks decent enough for the money, even better if he still has the proper plastics to go with it but hardly a deal breaker.

Still parts around and most stuff you'll need is easily available from aftermarket companies anyway.

If you go look at it, usual checks, frame, engine cases, bearings and the obvious, if he doesn't know when it had a top end or doesn't have proof then assume it needs one, can always whip the pipe off when it's home for a vague indication of its condition.

Guessing from the wording in the ad that he's not really a moto guy.
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nissan_
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nissan_ 11/3/2021 3:46am
11/3/2021 3:46am
Richy wrote:
Looks decent enough for the money, even better if he still has the proper plastics to go with it but hardly a deal breaker. Still parts...
Looks decent enough for the money, even better if he still has the proper plastics to go with it but hardly a deal breaker.

Still parts around and most stuff you'll need is easily available from aftermarket companies anyway.

If you go look at it, usual checks, frame, engine cases, bearings and the obvious, if he doesn't know when it had a top end or doesn't have proof then assume it needs one, can always whip the pipe off when it's home for a vague indication of its condition.

Guessing from the wording in the ad that he's not really a moto guy.
I’ll see about that stuff like plastics.

The bike looks pretty good and personally wouldn’t mind a KX or a YZ. These have decent parts availability.

I would get it down to 2750 maybe. It needs new grips and shit but it’s minor.
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motox505
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motox505 11/3/2021 5:08am
11/3/2021 5:08am
I was looking into one as well. Definitely make sure you get a 2004+, the motor was improved in 2004 I believe, the 2003 looks similar but like 2 hp slower stock.
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CPR
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CPR 11/3/2021 5:16am
11/3/2021 5:16am
Definitely not the cream of the 2000s 125 crop, but hey if you like kawi’s and 125s, you’ll definitely have fun on it.

The Shop

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nissan_
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nissan_ 11/3/2021 5:23am
11/3/2021 5:23am
motox505 wrote:
I was looking into one as well. Definitely make sure you get a 2004+, the motor was improved in 2004 I believe, the 2003 looks similar...
I was looking into one as well. Definitely make sure you get a 2004+, the motor was improved in 2004 I believe, the 2003 looks similar but like 2 hp slower stock.
Yeah man, it’s an ‘05 so has ‘04 motor basically.
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nissan_
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nissan_ 11/3/2021 5:24am
11/3/2021 5:24am
CPR wrote:
Definitely not the cream of the 2000s 125 crop, but hey if you like kawi’s and 125s, you’ll definitely have fun on it.
What do you think is the best 125 from the 2000s? What’s bad about the KX if you could tell me a few cons that you know of.

Yeah, I do like Kawis a lot and those things sing anyway. They’re all fun especially the 125s!
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kNewc
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kNewc 11/3/2021 5:47am
11/3/2021 5:47am
If it's all you can afford, than it's worth it!
nissan_
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nissan_ 11/3/2021 6:33am
11/3/2021 6:33am
kNewc wrote:
If it's all you can afford, than it's worth it!
Seems to be in better condition than most Yamahas here. I just wanna get on and ride. If I buy an expensive bike like a KTM or newer Yamaha I’ll be stuck without money for a trailer and parts. There is an ‘09 Yamaha big bore for sale but nearly 1000 more.

Also, anyone know some good and bad things about these bikes?
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Wil Denis
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Wil Denis 11/3/2021 6:37am
11/3/2021 6:37am
It was good enough for bubba.
Life’s short, if you want it, get it.
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Hollywood009 11/3/2021 7:04am
11/3/2021 7:04am
price seems high, grated its in Europe, but I see older 125s all the time for around $1500
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GingerSnapRacing 11/3/2021 7:20am
11/3/2021 7:20am
Honestly if it’s in your budget to get some seat time it’s a good bike. As long as it’s not clapped out. I would agree with a few other people. Anticipate potentially needing to fix issues,
Carb rebuild
Piston
Clutch
Basic suspension service
Lubing up chassis.

Based off of the looks I’d say it probably would not need all of those things. But if it was a bike flip corners tend to be cut in some places.

Personally it wouldn’t stop me buying it and honestly even a 2019 or newer yz/ktm could have the same issues mine needed a rebuild and some other work as well and it was a 2019z
nissan_
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nissan_ 11/3/2021 7:38am
11/3/2021 7:38am
Hollywood009 wrote:
price seems high, grated its in Europe, but I see older 125s all the time for around $1500
Most places in Europe are cheap. I live in Ireland. It’s overpriced.
nissan_
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nissan_ 11/3/2021 7:40am
11/3/2021 7:40am
GingerSnapRacing wrote:
Honestly if it’s in your budget to get some seat time it’s a good bike. As long as it’s not clapped out. I would agree with...
Honestly if it’s in your budget to get some seat time it’s a good bike. As long as it’s not clapped out. I would agree with a few other people. Anticipate potentially needing to fix issues,
Carb rebuild
Piston
Clutch
Basic suspension service
Lubing up chassis.

Based off of the looks I’d say it probably would not need all of those things. But if it was a bike flip corners tend to be cut in some places.

Personally it wouldn’t stop me buying it and honestly even a 2019 or newer yz/ktm could have the same issues mine needed a rebuild and some other work as well and it was a 2019z
Yeah, I’m not sure but I might invest into a Lectron eventually no matter what bike I get because there’s less work involved in maintaining it and stuff.

I don’t mind doing a top end, it’s not that expensive and getting the suspension checked out and fixed up is something I need to do on any bike, same with a top end really.

The bike is an older one but looks pretty good. But they’re only pictures so I’d need to go there and check it out. Maybe it is clapped who knows.
SmokinJoe439
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SmokinJoe439 11/3/2021 9:13am
11/3/2021 9:13am
GingerSnapRacing wrote:
Honestly if it’s in your budget to get some seat time it’s a good bike. As long as it’s not clapped out. I would agree with...
Honestly if it’s in your budget to get some seat time it’s a good bike. As long as it’s not clapped out. I would agree with a few other people. Anticipate potentially needing to fix issues,
Carb rebuild
Piston
Clutch
Basic suspension service
Lubing up chassis.

Based off of the looks I’d say it probably would not need all of those things. But if it was a bike flip corners tend to be cut in some places.

Personally it wouldn’t stop me buying it and honestly even a 2019 or newer yz/ktm could have the same issues mine needed a rebuild and some other work as well and it was a 2019z
nissan_ wrote:
Yeah, I’m not sure but I might invest into a Lectron eventually no matter what bike I get because there’s less work involved in maintaining it...
Yeah, I’m not sure but I might invest into a Lectron eventually no matter what bike I get because there’s less work involved in maintaining it and stuff.

I don’t mind doing a top end, it’s not that expensive and getting the suspension checked out and fixed up is something I need to do on any bike, same with a top end really.

The bike is an older one but looks pretty good. But they’re only pictures so I’d need to go there and check it out. Maybe it is clapped who knows.
I owned a 04 when they were brand new. Compared to the 05+ yz125 and the ktm's at the time and especially the new one's. It's okay. When I went from the kx to my 06 yz125. It was lighter more power way better suspension.

Oh yea the 03+ kx125 are also smaller than other bikes. With a sdg standard seat I could touch the ground with the balls of both feet. And I'm not a tall guy at 5'5. If your tall you probably won't like it as much.
nissan_
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nissan_ 11/3/2021 9:31am
11/3/2021 9:31am
GingerSnapRacing wrote:
Honestly if it’s in your budget to get some seat time it’s a good bike. As long as it’s not clapped out. I would agree with...
Honestly if it’s in your budget to get some seat time it’s a good bike. As long as it’s not clapped out. I would agree with a few other people. Anticipate potentially needing to fix issues,
Carb rebuild
Piston
Clutch
Basic suspension service
Lubing up chassis.

Based off of the looks I’d say it probably would not need all of those things. But if it was a bike flip corners tend to be cut in some places.

Personally it wouldn’t stop me buying it and honestly even a 2019 or newer yz/ktm could have the same issues mine needed a rebuild and some other work as well and it was a 2019z
nissan_ wrote:
Yeah, I’m not sure but I might invest into a Lectron eventually no matter what bike I get because there’s less work involved in maintaining it...
Yeah, I’m not sure but I might invest into a Lectron eventually no matter what bike I get because there’s less work involved in maintaining it and stuff.

I don’t mind doing a top end, it’s not that expensive and getting the suspension checked out and fixed up is something I need to do on any bike, same with a top end really.

The bike is an older one but looks pretty good. But they’re only pictures so I’d need to go there and check it out. Maybe it is clapped who knows.
SmokinJoe439 wrote:
I owned a 04 when they were brand new. Compared to the 05+ yz125 and the ktm's at the time and especially the new one's. It's...
I owned a 04 when they were brand new. Compared to the 05+ yz125 and the ktm's at the time and especially the new one's. It's okay. When I went from the kx to my 06 yz125. It was lighter more power way better suspension.

Oh yea the 03+ kx125 are also smaller than other bikes. With a sdg standard seat I could touch the ground with the balls of both feet. And I'm not a tall guy at 5'5. If your tall you probably won't like it as much.
Weird that it was more powerful. The KXs weren’t weak bikes from what I’ve heard.

A bigger seat and taller bars will definitely be neccessary but it’s a bike I’d check out. I’m a bigger guy I’m 6’3” so not sure if it’s small but I do like those KXs and price is solid.

Suspension can always be tweaked. I’d rather a YZ myself but I’ll see what I’ll buy not in a rush.
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three9zero
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three9zero 11/3/2021 10:00am
11/3/2021 10:00am
I'm 6'1 and bought a 04 KX125 for my wife to ride a while back, I ended up riding it all the time, it was so much fun to rail ruts and smash berms on. I did not notice that it felt small, if was just FUN. Buy it, go over the bike in the winter and enjoy moto...
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SmokinJoe439
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SmokinJoe439 11/3/2021 10:05am
11/3/2021 10:05am
nissan_ wrote:
Yeah, I’m not sure but I might invest into a Lectron eventually no matter what bike I get because there’s less work involved in maintaining it...
Yeah, I’m not sure but I might invest into a Lectron eventually no matter what bike I get because there’s less work involved in maintaining it and stuff.

I don’t mind doing a top end, it’s not that expensive and getting the suspension checked out and fixed up is something I need to do on any bike, same with a top end really.

The bike is an older one but looks pretty good. But they’re only pictures so I’d need to go there and check it out. Maybe it is clapped who knows.
SmokinJoe439 wrote:
I owned a 04 when they were brand new. Compared to the 05+ yz125 and the ktm's at the time and especially the new one's. It's...
I owned a 04 when they were brand new. Compared to the 05+ yz125 and the ktm's at the time and especially the new one's. It's okay. When I went from the kx to my 06 yz125. It was lighter more power way better suspension.

Oh yea the 03+ kx125 are also smaller than other bikes. With a sdg standard seat I could touch the ground with the balls of both feet. And I'm not a tall guy at 5'5. If your tall you probably won't like it as much.
nissan_ wrote:
Weird that it was more powerful. The KXs weren’t weak bikes from what I’ve heard. A bigger seat and taller bars will definitely be neccessary but...
Weird that it was more powerful. The KXs weren’t weak bikes from what I’ve heard.

A bigger seat and taller bars will definitely be neccessary but it’s a bike I’d check out. I’m a bigger guy I’m 6’3” so not sure if it’s small but I do like those KXs and price is solid.

Suspension can always be tweaked. I’d rather a YZ myself but I’ll see what I’ll buy not in a rush.
It made about as much power as the older design yz125 which the kx was basically a copy of especially the top end parts.
Mxa has the test of the bike online. Pay attention to the part in the 04 test. Where they say the engine rev's up slightly slower than the other bikes.

I found myself clutching more and over revving it a lot. To keep it in the sweet spot.

It's a fun bike but it's definitely lower then other full sized bikes. It even has slightly less ground clearance. I had a blast on my 04. But riding the kx the weekend before and then my 06 yz125. It was like woah!!
nissan_
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nissan_ 11/3/2021 10:29am
11/3/2021 10:29am
three9zero wrote:
I'm 6'1 and bought a 04 KX125 for my wife to ride a while back, I ended up riding it all the time, it was so...
I'm 6'1 and bought a 04 KX125 for my wife to ride a while back, I ended up riding it all the time, it was so much fun to rail ruts and smash berms on. I did not notice that it felt small, if was just FUN. Buy it, go over the bike in the winter and enjoy moto...
Yeah bro. I wanna enjoy it but I want the right bike too so I’m taking it slow for now.

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nissan_
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nissan_ 11/3/2021 10:30am
11/3/2021 10:30am
SmokinJoe439 wrote:
I owned a 04 when they were brand new. Compared to the 05+ yz125 and the ktm's at the time and especially the new one's. It's...
I owned a 04 when they were brand new. Compared to the 05+ yz125 and the ktm's at the time and especially the new one's. It's okay. When I went from the kx to my 06 yz125. It was lighter more power way better suspension.

Oh yea the 03+ kx125 are also smaller than other bikes. With a sdg standard seat I could touch the ground with the balls of both feet. And I'm not a tall guy at 5'5. If your tall you probably won't like it as much.
nissan_ wrote:
Weird that it was more powerful. The KXs weren’t weak bikes from what I’ve heard. A bigger seat and taller bars will definitely be neccessary but...
Weird that it was more powerful. The KXs weren’t weak bikes from what I’ve heard.

A bigger seat and taller bars will definitely be neccessary but it’s a bike I’d check out. I’m a bigger guy I’m 6’3” so not sure if it’s small but I do like those KXs and price is solid.

Suspension can always be tweaked. I’d rather a YZ myself but I’ll see what I’ll buy not in a rush.
SmokinJoe439 wrote:
It made about as much power as the older design yz125 which the kx was basically a copy of especially the top end parts. Mxa has...
It made about as much power as the older design yz125 which the kx was basically a copy of especially the top end parts.
Mxa has the test of the bike online. Pay attention to the part in the 04 test. Where they say the engine rev's up slightly slower than the other bikes.

I found myself clutching more and over revving it a lot. To keep it in the sweet spot.

It's a fun bike but it's definitely lower then other full sized bikes. It even has slightly less ground clearance. I had a blast on my 04. But riding the kx the weekend before and then my 06 yz125. It was like woah!!
I mean it says the KX has more horsepower but yeah I haven’t ridden one so not sure. If I bought one would you think I could still be competitive on one? I think I could as I have money to tune it up and customise it to my comfort and liking and I mean suspension, height, etc.
yz133rider
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yz133rider 11/3/2021 10:49am
11/3/2021 10:49am
An 06 or newer yz will be a better much - and a ktm 125sx as new as possible will blow it out of the water.
SmokinJoe439
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SmokinJoe439 11/3/2021 10:50am
11/3/2021 10:50am
nissan_ wrote:
Weird that it was more powerful. The KXs weren’t weak bikes from what I’ve heard. A bigger seat and taller bars will definitely be neccessary but...
Weird that it was more powerful. The KXs weren’t weak bikes from what I’ve heard.

A bigger seat and taller bars will definitely be neccessary but it’s a bike I’d check out. I’m a bigger guy I’m 6’3” so not sure if it’s small but I do like those KXs and price is solid.

Suspension can always be tweaked. I’d rather a YZ myself but I’ll see what I’ll buy not in a rush.
SmokinJoe439 wrote:
It made about as much power as the older design yz125 which the kx was basically a copy of especially the top end parts. Mxa has...
It made about as much power as the older design yz125 which the kx was basically a copy of especially the top end parts.
Mxa has the test of the bike online. Pay attention to the part in the 04 test. Where they say the engine rev's up slightly slower than the other bikes.

I found myself clutching more and over revving it a lot. To keep it in the sweet spot.

It's a fun bike but it's definitely lower then other full sized bikes. It even has slightly less ground clearance. I had a blast on my 04. But riding the kx the weekend before and then my 06 yz125. It was like woah!!
nissan_ wrote:
I mean it says the KX has more horsepower but yeah I haven’t ridden one so not sure. If I bought one would you think I...
I mean it says the KX has more horsepower but yeah I haven’t ridden one so not sure. If I bought one would you think I could still be competitive on one? I think I could as I have money to tune it up and customise it to my comfort and liking and I mean suspension, height, etc.
Yea sure you can still kick ass on one today. I had mine for a year and a half. When I had mine the only mods I did to it. Was a pro circuit pipe and shorty silencer and a vforce V3 Reed block.

I also had the full pro circuit billet shock linkage. I would recommend the pipe n reeds. Forget about the shock linkage. They are rare as fuck anymore. Just get the suspension redone when it's time.
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nissan_
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nissan_ 11/3/2021 1:07pm
11/3/2021 1:07pm
My concern is parts so I don't know, man. I love the KXs I'd love to try one not too sure. I mean I don't have to buy the bike if I go to test it out and I don't like it.
Phil109
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Phil109 11/3/2021 1:47pm
11/3/2021 1:47pm
Had an 03 Kx125 back in the day. Was bone stock and I loved it back then. The Yamahas were a bit better but I liked the kawi and pretending I was screaming around the track like bubba was a blast. Flick-ability off the charts haha

Overall it was a good bike. I locked up quite a few Yamahas and Ktm 125’s back in the day. Never had an issue with that kawi tho. (Yes I was bad about doing my top ends on time when I was 23 and beer and chasing meow meow was more important to me😂)
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scott_nz 11/3/2021 2:02pm
11/3/2021 2:02pm
for fun riding, yes, to be competitive against modern KTM/GG/Husq and Yamis no,
nissan_
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nissan_ 11/3/2021 2:30pm
11/3/2021 2:30pm
Phil109 wrote:
Had an 03 Kx125 back in the day. Was bone stock and I loved it back then. The Yamahas were a bit better but I liked...
Had an 03 Kx125 back in the day. Was bone stock and I loved it back then. The Yamahas were a bit better but I liked the kawi and pretending I was screaming around the track like bubba was a blast. Flick-ability off the charts haha

Overall it was a good bike. I locked up quite a few Yamahas and Ktm 125’s back in the day. Never had an issue with that kawi tho. (Yes I was bad about doing my top ends on time when I was 23 and beer and chasing meow meow was more important to me😂)
Everyone seems to shit on the KXs but there’s always one or two guys who genuinely had fun on one. If I can get parts for it I’ll buy it. Life is too short and if you like it get it like someone said on the thread.
nissan_
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nissan_ 11/3/2021 2:33pm
11/3/2021 2:33pm
scott_nz wrote:
for fun riding, yes, to be competitive against modern KTM/GG/Husq and Yamis no,
I mean, I’m a beginner on the track but have ridden before for about a year now. I started a year ago basically.

I think by the time I’ll get into a place where I need to rely on a bike to be competitve will be a few years in and by then I’ll be on something else. I think you can still be competitve on these things because Yamahas haven’t change much besides this year and were still great.

It looks like to me that a KX isn’t a very polished bike that’s a little rough around the edges but I think it’d put the biggest smile on my face.
hanzhonglboy1
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hanzhonglboy1 11/3/2021 6:12pm
11/3/2021 6:12pm
looks like an old bike someone just put a restyle kit on. I cant believe the ask price is almost 4k usd. Like at that point you can go finance a new one if you had simply a fraction (say half) of that up front and pay comparatively little per month. Sometimes financing makes sense, especially if you have zero percent or low % interest.

To me, paying 4k usd for a 04 kx would be a time it does make sense. I know EU is more expensive and less bikes tho and that the situation isnt even remotely comprable to here in the usa. But damn, there must be some decent yz125s around, not those pieces of crap you posted the other day with the wrong year of forks on them and who knows what else problems with them.
Ryan625
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Ryan625 11/3/2021 8:29pm
11/3/2021 8:29pm
I have ridden a lot of 2000’s+ year 125 and 250 two strokes. What I can tell you is that a good rider can still haul ass on them and parts are still available. We will see if that changes post Covid bullshit.

I have two older two strokes and love fixing them up riding them, and I can maintain a pretty fast pace on them both, but my daily rider is definitely the new bike.

I’d suggest a newer yz or ktm if you wait to be competitive on it consistently.
theycallmeebryan 11/3/2021 9:35pm
11/3/2021 9:35pm
Yes. I have a shit ton of fun on mine. Im 6'1" 190lbs and i scream the tits off it but it gets me around just fine. It does have a slightly smaller rider triangle than modern ergos (kinda feels like a 7/8 scale bike to me, like an adult supermini), but the bike is so light and turns really well and is fun to rip around on.
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