So I have the itch to own a small bore again. There are plenty of YZs around me, but none are a particularly good deal. I had my heart set on a YZ because I have never actually owned a Yamaha MX bike and they are relatively cheap, reliable, and all-around good bikes. Then I found this 2020 TM 144 on Facebook with all the goodies. The problem is I have not ridden a TM 125 in at least ten years. Does anyone have any honest ride reviews? Are the modern ergos close to what I would be used to with a YZ or KTM? Parts availability does not seem to be a real issue, but I see crankshafts and such are spendy. Here is the bike for reference. The owner seems very straight up and clearly, has lots of coin invested in the bike.
Do any of you guys a YZ125 that you no longer want?
I know that @blackdiamond built a TM or 2 a few years ago, so maybe he can chime in on what they are like.
I took a look at the bike, and I'd buy it.
Man, that bike looks amazing. Always loved those. I hope he accepts my offer😂
good luck, bro
I’ve got a 2021 144. It’s a fantastic bike. All components are top notch, suspension and handling is great. I found it very comfortable coming off a KTM and YZ 250, though I do find it a bit tall for my short legs. Don’t really have enough experience on other brands small bores to compare engines but it’s much punchier and easier to ride than the 06 TM 125 I used to have - that bike was very pipey Whereas the 144 has good midrange but still likes to rev. I don’t see how you can go wrong with a TM.
Raced 300 TM for 4 years , great bikes, in SM or MX trim, never rode the 144 , but i know the 125 rips.
Would have one over the Yamaha , every time
The Shop
Free shipping: VITALMX
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
It does seem like the components and build quality are top notch for certain.
I bought this bike néw and built it, bike is one of the fastest small bores out there bike is mint everything is done that you can do. The bike handles amazing handles a lot like a cr, suspension is slightly stiffer than a stock Yz.
I have over 12k in it, Brady kept the bike mint. Can’t go wrong overall with bike . Parts are super easy to get I go through Josh in pa tm dealer and alot of parts are the same Ktm levers , rm foot pegs slightly modified, Yz brake pads , Crf triple clamps , etc
All I have to add to this thread is that TM 2-strokes give me a boner.... If I was a young man, I would own one.
....carry on.
I have a 2021 TM MX144
i love it, suspension was spot on for me at 150-160lbs. Engine is easy to ride unlike the 150sx
i have about 15hours on the bike and just did a top end. Super easy with the rod actuated PV
The TM is better in every way in my opinion (not just saying that because I own two of them)
They turn better than the YZ, make a LOT more power than the YZ does stock and are just plain cool. Outstanding reliability as well. The 144 is quite a bit easier to ride than the 125 as because the powerband is wider and it has more bottom to mid if that is a concern.
That TM is a steal at that price, it looks like new.
That bike looks awesome. The TM is the only purpose built 144 available, all others are just a big bore 125 (you probably already know that).
KTM used to build true 144 bikes. I'm not sure when that stopped, but I know my '08 was a purpose built 144.
We had a 2019 TM 144. It was the EN model, but we removed the flywheel weight and motor was then like the MX version.
My son raced the bike and I played on it. Being a 144 it’s definitely faster, easier to ride with a wider powerband than a YZ 125. Handling is superb, as it is on a YZ. I thought the TM might have an odd feel or be a little quirky, but it’s not at all. Plus build quality and reliability where great. The power valve cables are a little bit of a pain to adjust, although once you know what your doing it’s not too bad.
I think 2016 was when they changed it.
I had two TMs 450 and 125. Fun bikes to ride. Ergos are spot on for taller rider.
Motor parts are really expensive and there are no aftermarket parts. Ask your dealer about availability and prices of engine parts before pulling the trigger.
It’s a unanimous vote, buy the tm!
I’ve had a lot of TM’s from 2002-2020, my favorite being the 144. Do it.
Yes certain parts are expensive but most are in line with any other brand.
I did just that before I bought my TM's and I found most parts were more readily available than KTM and in most cases cheaper as well.
The engine parts that are really expensive: Cylinders and cases.
If you don't need those, you have nothing to worry about.
That TM is straight up sexy! And but don’t tell my YZ I said that. 🤪🤪
Pit Row
Your yz heard what you said and now wants a set of blue rims or she won’t let you ride her again.😁
Yep. Cranks are expensive too. Con rods are not bad.
Running 2-stroke without a catastrophic failure is somewhat cheap.
4-stroke TMs might the most expensive dirtbikes to rebuild. You can get spare engines though
I am pretty sure the 250 uses the same rod as a CR 250.
Talked to an owner of one at the track one day and he had nothing but good to say about it.
Also to note, I have a '14 KTM 150SX with a cylinder and head done by Tom Morgan and it rips. That TM has the similar bore and stroke as the older KTM 144/150 and I'm sure it rips as well.
Don’t know if it matters, but it’s not the TM144, it’s the 125 with a Tom Morgan 144 mod. I have an older TM125 I can race in Vintage races, what a blast!
I'm just hear for the TM's. Always drooled over them and finally picked up 2 used 250 2 strokes last fall I'm restoring. Posts to follow!
Good catch Graybeard. It helps to read the ad lol.
Sine it’s a 125 modified to a 144, I would pass (for that price).
It’s a 144 ported and modded by tmr. It isn’t a 125 converted.
The owner said it started life as a 144. I pm'd the original owner but have not heard a response. I want to double check this as well.
The ad title labels it a "2020 TM mx 125" and the body of the ad says, "2020 tm 144 mx mod -Tom Morgan cylinder, head and piston mod" so some clarification would definitely be warranted, but either way, I love the TMs!
Excellent!
Facebook Marketplace often doesn’t give you the exact model description that fits the bike, quite likely the nearest selection for the ad was the 125.
Post a reply to: TM 144 (125) Ride Reviews