When to move up from 85 to 250F

TheCarpenter
Hey, I just wanted some other opinions on when to move up from an 85 to a 250F. I'm 5'8" and 130 lbs, almost 14 years old. I think that I am too big on the 85, but the power is still okay. When I sit on a 250 it feels fine, and I can touch on both sides. So, do you think I should wait a little, or sell the 85 soon.

Thanks
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RalphS
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RalphS 12/31/2021 7:03pm
12/31/2021 7:03pm
I moved up to 125 late when I was 15 close to 16 but it's a personal choices based on comfort, $, and safety so ymmv. If you're racing the answer is the same but according to age limits etc. Take me with a grain of salt as my preferred bikes for fun are 125 and 150.
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Spudnut
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Spudnut 12/31/2021 7:07pm
12/31/2021 7:07pm Edited Date/Time 12/31/2021 7:07pm
I think every rider should ride a 125 for atleast a year when coming off a 85, a jump to 250f from 85 can be intimidating and the last thing you want when riding is to be intimidated by your machine
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cwel11
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cwel11 12/31/2021 7:09pm
12/31/2021 7:09pm
125
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kage173
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kage173 12/31/2021 7:54pm
12/31/2021 7:54pm Edited Date/Time 12/31/2021 7:55pm
Never. At least go 125 for a season.
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EngIceDave
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EngIceDave 12/31/2021 7:56pm
12/31/2021 7:56pm
Can you touch the ground?
Can you start it?

You're fine, have fun
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ama530
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ama530 12/31/2021 8:50pm
12/31/2021 8:50pm
My son went from his KTM 85 to a 150XCW last year when he was 13. He was 5'-9" and about 130#. Transition went very well. Jumping from an 85 to a 250F is a big jump in weight of the bike more than the power. Go with a 125 or 150. It will make you a better rider.
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TheCarpenter 12/31/2021 8:55pm
12/31/2021 8:55pm
Spudnut wrote:
I think every rider should ride a 125 for atleast a year when coming off a 85, a jump to 250f from 85 can be intimidating...
I think every rider should ride a 125 for atleast a year when coming off a 85, a jump to 250f from 85 can be intimidating and the last thing you want when riding is to be intimidated by your machine
OK, do you think I should move up to a 125 ASAP; or wait a bit? My only problems on the 85 are my height and weight. I feel like I'm maxing out size-wise on the 85.
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kunk
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kunk 12/31/2021 9:08pm
12/31/2021 9:08pm
My son was on a 125 at 14 and he’s still not as tall as you. He’s almost 15 now.
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Spudnut
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Spudnut 12/31/2021 9:37pm
12/31/2021 9:37pm Edited Date/Time 12/31/2021 9:41pm
TheCarpenter wrote:
OK, do you think I should move up to a 125 ASAP; or wait a bit? My only problems on the 85 are my height and...
OK, do you think I should move up to a 125 ASAP; or wait a bit? My only problems on the 85 are my height and weight. I feel like I'm maxing out size-wise on the 85.
ASAP. You’ll get familiar with the larger bikes and it will be a lot faster but not mind blowing compared to a 250f and it will also make you a better rider once you are ready for a 250f. You will learn how to carry speed and the importance of carrying momentum being in the right gear ETC

At 5’8 you are plenty tall for the 250 but weighing 130lbs and not having any experience on a big bike you are a little light and a little green for the instant power and torque of a 250f.

Over the next few Years you will probably gain a good bit of muscle, a few more inches and most importantly experience.
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TheCarpenter 12/31/2021 10:01pm
12/31/2021 10:01pm
Spudnut wrote:
ASAP. You’ll get familiar with the larger bikes and it will be a lot faster but not mind blowing compared to a 250f and it will...
ASAP. You’ll get familiar with the larger bikes and it will be a lot faster but not mind blowing compared to a 250f and it will also make you a better rider once you are ready for a 250f. You will learn how to carry speed and the importance of carrying momentum being in the right gear ETC

At 5’8 you are plenty tall for the 250 but weighing 130lbs and not having any experience on a big bike you are a little light and a little green for the instant power and torque of a 250f.

Over the next few Years you will probably gain a good bit of muscle, a few more inches and most importantly experience.
All right, what you wrote makes sense. I rode a 2021 YZ-125, and YZ-125X at a Yamaha demo. It was in June. I could handle the 125, and felt comfortable on it. It was easier to ride for me, and the power was controllable, so I can see why it'd be better to get some experience on the 125.

On the other hand, do you think a easier to ride/more mellow 250, like the RMZ-250 could be an option as well? I could ride this, get comfortable on it, gain experience while saving up for a newer Yamaha, or Kawasaki. Of course, this would be basically what the 125 is for.
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Spudnut
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Spudnut 12/31/2021 10:07pm
12/31/2021 10:07pm
A RMZ will still be much more powerful and heavier than the 125 would be. Also more maintenance intensive costing you more in the long run I would think.

It’s not a terrible idea but also not the route I would go.
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TheCarpenter 12/31/2021 10:16pm
12/31/2021 10:16pm
Spudnut wrote:
A RMZ will still be much more powerful and heavier than the 125 would be. Also more maintenance intensive costing you more in the long run...
A RMZ will still be much more powerful and heavier than the 125 would be. Also more maintenance intensive costing you more in the long run I would think.

It’s not a terrible idea but also not the route I would go.
Yeah, it was based off that I pretty much have to buy used, and the 250's here tend to be a little cheaper than a good 125, since less 125's are listed here in Oregon, and they sell super quick. Wouldn't be my first choice, but I think it could work.
Spudnut
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Spudnut 12/31/2021 11:07pm
12/31/2021 11:07pm Edited Date/Time 12/31/2021 11:07pm
TheCarpenter wrote:
Yeah, it was based off that I pretty much have to buy used, and the 250's here tend to be a little cheaper than a good...
Yeah, it was based off that I pretty much have to buy used, and the 250's here tend to be a little cheaper than a good 125, since less 125's are listed here in Oregon, and they sell super quick. Wouldn't be my first choice, but I think it could work.
I wouldn’t buy a used 250f unless it was under about 50 hours. A full rebuild could be upwards of 2000 bucks. If a 2 stroke grenades on you you are looking at about 250-750 bucks. I would spend a few more bucks on a lightly used 125. Much more cost effective and less risk all said and done

Not to mention you could take the 125 to the 125 dream race this September at washougal 😎😎

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TheCarpenter 12/31/2021 11:49pm
12/31/2021 11:49pm
Spudnut wrote:
I wouldn’t buy a used 250f unless it was under about 50 hours. A full rebuild could be upwards of 2000 bucks. If a 2 stroke...
I wouldn’t buy a used 250f unless it was under about 50 hours. A full rebuild could be upwards of 2000 bucks. If a 2 stroke grenades on you you are looking at about 250-750 bucks. I would spend a few more bucks on a lightly used 125. Much more cost effective and less risk all said and done

Not to mention you could take the 125 to the 125 dream race this September at washougal 😎😎

Yeah, I can see how the 125 is cheaper in the end with maintenance, among other prices. Parts are just cheaper overall. It would probably pay for itself in the end.

Thanks
Rotaholic
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Rotaholic 1/1/2022 12:15am
1/1/2022 12:15am
125 or even a 150
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Lastander
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Lastander 1/1/2022 1:42am
1/1/2022 1:42am
I raced a 450 for the first time when i was 13 straight from my 150r, moved up to a 250 the month after, i dont get the 125cc hype
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cwel11
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cwel11 1/1/2022 4:41am
1/1/2022 4:41am
Lastander wrote:
I raced a 450 for the first time when i was 13 straight from my 150r, moved up to a 250 the month after, i dont...
I raced a 450 for the first time when i was 13 straight from my 150r, moved up to a 250 the month after, i dont get the 125cc hype
You raced a 450 then moved up to a 250 the month after? Completely makes sense you don’t get the 125 hype. Stay in school kids.
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Lastander
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Lastander 1/1/2022 4:56am
1/1/2022 4:56am
cwel11 wrote:
You raced a 450 then moved up to a 250 the month after? Completely makes sense you don’t get the 125 hype. Stay in school kids.
Yeah my 250 was late and i wanted to ride a big bike until i got it, a 450 was what we had
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soggy
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soggy 1/1/2022 5:20am
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Yea I would just save up and buy a nice used 250f. Sure they are a bit heavier but it’s easier to ride and I don’t think the maintenance cost is that much different. Plus it sounds like you really want a 250f. If you buy the 125 you may be looking to sell it in a few months to jump to a 250f. Just get the 250 and save yourself the time and money of buying multiple bikes.
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oceantrav
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oceantrav 1/1/2022 5:55am
1/1/2022 5:55am
I’d skip a 125 and get a 250f. Don’t see the need to “ride” a 125 unless your serious and trying for some of 125 Loretta classes.

My 14 year old is on a 21 crf250. Loves it a lot more than the ktm 125 we did for a few months
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Overcusser
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Overcusser 1/1/2022 6:13am
1/1/2022 6:13am Edited Date/Time 1/1/2022 6:14am
I think I would just go straight to the 250F tbh. Most of the things you can learn on a 125 you can learn on a 250f. But there are some things that you can ONLY learn on a 4 stroke.
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hylo
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hylo 1/1/2022 6:15am
1/1/2022 6:15am
Youre a light guy, pretty green on a big bike and thats totally fine.

Heres a few good reasons to go with a 125:
1: You’ll learn to handle the transition much easier.
2: You’ll carry over many of the techniques you use on the 85 and get much better at using them.
3: Maintenance is cheaper on a 2 stroke. No cams, valves or fancy parts.
4: You’ll get a easier transition from the 85, but you will still feel the difference in size and displacement.
5. If youre fast on a 125 you will basically be fast on every displacement there is. If youre fast on a 450 doesnt mean youre fast on a 125. Get it? 125s teach you technique and carrying speed. 250f has more power and torque, so you can have less momentum and still do ok laptimes.

Stay a couple of seasons on a 125. You will progress a lot and when the time comes, move to a 250f.

You have many years ahead of you to ride 250fs. Start with something more fun!
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Orange
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Orange 1/1/2022 7:28am
1/1/2022 7:28am
A 125 is one of the best skill building bikes out there. Want to go fast on a 125? better get your technique on point. If you aren't racing at a high level, no reason to go straight to the 250f. My son went 85, 100, 125, 150, then at 16 got his first 250f. Guess what? He absolutely rips on the 250, he'd still be fast without the 125's, but, those bikes taught him more than the 250 ever will. He is light, and started on the 125 at 13, and 110 lbs. he had no problems hanging with, or flat beating most of his buddies on their 4 strokes. Mostly due to skill, and discipline of proper gear selection, clutch use, and body position. You don't buy shoes too large and plan to grow into them, why would you do that with a bike? If you feel you've outgrown the 125 in 6 months, no biggie. Just sell it and move on. It's hard to not notice what used bikes are Selling for, making moves to different bikes is easier than it's ever been.
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soggy
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soggy 1/1/2022 7:58am
1/1/2022 7:58am
Everyone saying a 125 will teach you good technique, has some validity but only if you actually try to improve your technique which you can do on any bike regardless of size.

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wiedeman
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wiedeman 1/1/2022 8:32am
1/1/2022 8:32am
I'm a little older than you and just started riding within the last year and started on a 125. I had never rode before, but they are great bikes to learn on and I think you would do just fine on either. If a 4 stroke grenades, it will cost you an arm and a leg. But if maintain a 4 stroke, they can be just as cheap as a 2 stroke,

I have never owned a 4 stroke, but I put almost 100 hours on a 125 this season. It never blew up on me, but I had about $1000 into maintenance with things like, 4 top ends, 1 set of sprockets and a chain, tires, and suspension/bearing service.

It costs about the same to replace the top end (not including anything in the head) in a 2021 yz 250f as it does a 2021 yz 125, but if anything else starts to wear out, it will cost you a lot more on the 4 stroke than on the 2 stroke.
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motorick5052
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motorick5052 1/1/2022 8:41am
1/1/2022 8:41am
All of the advice above is excellent input and all worth your consideration! Ultimately it just comes down to what your long-term goals are and what your budget will allow!?
If you are an aggressive amateur racer with racing aspirations I agree that a 125 is an excellent next step!
But… I will also tell you that my son, (who rode and raced from 50’s on!) was ALWAYS too big for the bikes before he was too old for them!
He rode his 50’s as long as possible, then moved to 65’s and really struggled with the extra power but mostly the additional complexity that 65 brought, (clutching, shifting etc) he got too big for his 65 even though he could race a 65 another year by age, moved him to an 85 and he did fine. He out grew the 85 the same way, and moved to a KX100 that fit him well and he felt quite comfortable on.
A year later he was too tall for the 100 and we were out at a local track with a buddy that had a clean older 250f in his trailer, and asked my son if he wanted to try it out? I told him if he could start it, he could ride it!

We got the 250f out, prepped it, and he easily fired it right up! He then went out and rode the bike and immediately looked smooth, comfortable and as fast as I had ever seen him ride moto!
He fit the bike just fine, had no issues starting it or picking it up if he fell and he loved the easy to ride four stroke power delivery!
We ended up buying that 250f from my buddy and my son rode it for 3 more years before we bought him a new 2009 KX250f. He ended up never riding a 125 and it wasn’t a problem at all!
We still ride and occasionally race MX to this day but MX has always just been our pastime and favorite hobby, we never had any pro racing aspirations or concern about making it to Loretta’s in the school boy class etc.
I would say unless you aspire to a pro career, get whatever bike you can afford and go have fun!
Having fun is what Moto is all about!
Good luck and happy new year! 😎👍
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TheCarpenter 1/1/2022 8:44am
1/1/2022 8:44am
Overcusser wrote:
I think I would just go straight to the 250F tbh. Most of the things you can learn on a 125 you can learn on a...
I think I would just go straight to the 250F tbh. Most of the things you can learn on a 125 you can learn on a 250f. But there are some things that you can ONLY learn on a 4 stroke.
I thought about this, and our local suspension guy told us it really doesn't matter much, 125 or 250F, you can learn good technique on any bike. You made a good point that, there are certain things a 250F can teach you.
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rohleder644
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rohleder644 1/1/2022 8:49am
1/1/2022 8:49am
soggy wrote:
Everyone saying a 125 will teach you good technique, has some validity but only if you actually try to improve your technique which you can do...
Everyone saying a 125 will teach you good technique, has some validity but only if you actually try to improve your technique which you can do on any bike regardless of size.

Totally valid. I don’t believe you could make a valid argument against the 125 being a great (I’d say necessary) stepping stone and skill builder on your way up. Or even a good refresher for someone that’s gotten lazy after being on 4 strokes for a while. But, all that goes out the window unless you’re actively working at improving your skill set.
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TheCarpenter 1/1/2022 9:06am
1/1/2022 9:06am
motorick5052 wrote:
All of the advice above is excellent input and all worth your consideration! Ultimately it just comes down to what your long-term goals are and what...
All of the advice above is excellent input and all worth your consideration! Ultimately it just comes down to what your long-term goals are and what your budget will allow!?
If you are an aggressive amateur racer with racing aspirations I agree that a 125 is an excellent next step!
But… I will also tell you that my son, (who rode and raced from 50’s on!) was ALWAYS too big for the bikes before he was too old for them!
He rode his 50’s as long as possible, then moved to 65’s and really struggled with the extra power but mostly the additional complexity that 65 brought, (clutching, shifting etc) he got too big for his 65 even though he could race a 65 another year by age, moved him to an 85 and he did fine. He out grew the 85 the same way, and moved to a KX100 that fit him well and he felt quite comfortable on.
A year later he was too tall for the 100 and we were out at a local track with a buddy that had a clean older 250f in his trailer, and asked my son if he wanted to try it out? I told him if he could start it, he could ride it!

We got the 250f out, prepped it, and he easily fired it right up! He then went out and rode the bike and immediately looked smooth, comfortable and as fast as I had ever seen him ride moto!
He fit the bike just fine, had no issues starting it or picking it up if he fell and he loved the easy to ride four stroke power delivery!
We ended up buying that 250f from my buddy and my son rode it for 3 more years before we bought him a new 2009 KX250f. He ended up never riding a 125 and it wasn’t a problem at all!
We still ride and occasionally race MX to this day but MX has always just been our pastime and favorite hobby, we never had any pro racing aspirations or concern about making it to Loretta’s in the school boy class etc.
I would say unless you aspire to a pro career, get whatever bike you can afford and go have fun!
Having fun is what Moto is all about!
Good luck and happy new year! 😎👍
I agree, this is similar to when I rode a YZ-125, I felt comfortable, and rode very well on it. I imagine that as I have grown, height-wise, and skill-wise since then, I could handle a 250F similarly.
crusher773
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crusher773 1/1/2022 9:22am
1/1/2022 9:22am
You are a little tall for an 85 but weight wise not a real issue. One of the big things being that tall and that weight you are a bean pole. Do not but a 250F you WILL end up hurt. If that thing gets a little out of control you aren't strong enough to even think about bringing it back. You need to be on a 125 until you are at least 16-18 years old.

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