Hello everyone
Im thinking of buying a YZ 125 or 250 2 stroke (2006- 2018 years) for first dirt bike. The problem is that i will not be riding only in tracks, i will be riding in the sand too , so thats where the 250 comes to my mind. i give you some info about me that maybe will help you to give me a better advise .
WEIGHT, HEIGHT, AGE: 180lbs without gear and 5,10`` , 30 years old
EXPERIENCE WITH BIKES: 10 years ago i had a Yamaha blaster 200cc 2 stroke that i used to ride in tracks and today i have a street bike KTM duke 200cc that i use almost everyday going to work ( im used to use the clutch and tight cornering a lot between cars. So, i will not be learing the basics with a 250 2t, but of cource i dont know nothing about body position on corners, jumps, etc more than i could see in some tutorial videos .
TERRAIN IM GONNA BE RIDING: 80% dirt, tracks. 20% sand, dunes. (nothing crazy like glammys but sand and dunes anyway)
I really like the KTM 150sx too, but here in my country a YZ 250 2018 is at the same price of a 150sx 2017, and i prefer to buy a 2006 125/250 much cheaper and put some money to make the bottom end, bearings, top end and make sure i have a fresh bike and only focus on learn and enjoy . (i didnt mention 250 4 stroke because since i was a kid i love 2 strokes and that doesnt change ). Well, hope you can clear my doubts if i can learn in a 250 maybe with a heavy flywheel and the throttle tamer i can tame it a bit
Thanks
Stick with a 125/150 or 250F. A 250 2stroke is too much for a beginner.
You'll be fine on the 250, best do it all bikes and easy to keep running. Just respect the throttle and it will be ok.
If you get a 125 or used 250f you might need to do more involved maintenance as well
As for the 150sx, ive got one and also 450.... the 150 is harder to ride safely, it hits hard and you have to ride it hard.
Yz 250 por cierto compadre
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Skip the 2 stroke. Find a late model YZ250F, get the suspension right for your weight. Use the phone app to tame it down and ride it.
A beginner can learn to ride on a 250 2T, find a turn track, ride in a higher gear at low revs to tame the power, and take your time focusing on braking while standing and body position while cornering. As you improve use higher revs.
Once you've mastered those techniques, start attempting small jumps, again start with a higher gear, low revs, focus on adjusting the bike's attitude in the air with your body, the throttle and the rear brake. Take your time, start small, don't attempt the big quad on your first day!
Cr500
This.
OP has plenty enough motorcycle experience to know how a throttle and clutch works. Respect the throttle just as the 2T will respect your wallet.
I had to laugh. My first moto bike was a 1984 CR480. When I was 24 and never rode offroad. Brought it right to a race.🤣🤡
250 2 stroke is a great bike for sand and yes a beginner can learn on it. Be careful with the throttle, especially in a low gears. Like stated before, ride it a gear higher, you can lug a 250 around a bit more than a 125. My advice would be to ride it out in the sand first and get a feel for it. Try to find some turn tracks or just cut in your own one. Theres no shame in rolling jumps or riding the novice/ intermediate over the expert track. Just ease into it and respect the bike, you will be okay
Just based on the fact that you asked the question, I think you really know the answer. Yes, the YZ 250 2-stroke will be too intimidating for you to enjoy. I hear the folks mentioning throttle control, but a few whiskey throttle moments will be enough to make you regret it. The bike’s a beast, fr. If you must have 2-stroke, get the 150 or even a 125 and enjoy the hell out of revving it to the moon. You’ll have much more fun on a bike that doesn’t seem like it wants to kill you.
Get a low hr 2019 yz125 I think it has a better feel than a 2020-25. 19 has a better seat more foam & a little dip pocket instead of a totally flat seat. Low to mid is better too. At 180 you want a 125 to rip out of a corner. Fun light bike & easier to progress in your riding , get better. That fun too getting better. Mike Metzler Tge God of free style raced 125&250 pro. He once said the 250 is harder to ride because you hv to be perfect . A swamp - left or rt the 250 punishes you. The 125 you can swamp keep the throttle on & ride it out. A 125 you can get up to speed fast enough to race Real quick. The 125 & 2-st class are the biggest in Wi. Hard to find a low hr 04 cr125 but I did. The bike corners on its own. And jumps are so easy just get the speed usually 4 th gets it done for big jumps. I shut my eyes in the air and
let the bike correctly land.
Hell yea, great story
150 would be great but the yz250 is also good. Rmz250 if you can get an rm army edition would be great.
Put a flywheel weight on the YZ 250 if you go that route and it will take some of the edge off.
I laughed way to hard at this. but you got a point. could probably pick up a brand new KTM 4fiddy for a good price nowadays and not fear the sand
edit:you will learn fast and be bored with a 250. I bought my 14yo a 22fc450 and he rides it map2😎
Worst bike to learn on. There's a reason that there is a progession in motor size and power.
Buy the beginner bike 250F, make sure suspension is setup properly, and pay for lessons. You will be safer, and faster, and will ride longer.
And don't fall for the, you'll grow out of it bs. RJ Hampshire has been racing that bike professionally for 10 years.
I'd say a250f with a button is probably an easier bike to ride for a beginner, but you say you love 2 strokes, you know the basics and ride a motorcycle almost everyday, and it sounds like you want the YZ250 ? I agree with both sides, yes if you whisky throttle it in a low gear it will be a lot to handle, but you know that going in and you sound educated about bikes, (you mentioned a flywheel weight so you know about bikes in general and have a clue about powerbands and power delivery) plus you're 30, 5'10'',180lbs so you're big enough to throw it around. I agree with the guys who say the YZ is a great bike. Just like mentioned earlier ride it a gear high and lug it around, respect the throttle and go put it around on easy trails you know to get used to it and have fun. You can always add a flywheel weight and gear it a tooth or two taller to friendly it up a bit if you want.
Pit Row
Considering a 1984 CR480 does not exist.
If you are mechanically inclined or know someone who is I suggest a heavier flywheel weight. Also getting the jetting right can be a game changer. Stick with the stock pipe and silencer/muffler and take your time learning to ride it. You'll be fine. A lot of folks on this forum are either too young to remember or have forgotten what it was like growing up riding two strokes. Yeah, a 125/150 will seem easier at first and they are fun but you they can actually be work for a bigger guy to ride once you gain confidence imho. 250 4 strokes are nice and easy in many ways until you have issues that start costing you $ (if you go used). A well maintained properly set up YZ250 2T is one of THE best bikes you could own. Not hard to get tuned in and there are tons of parts and info for them out there.
Back in the 80's, my friend who had never owned or ridden a motorcycle bought an RM250 and he did just fine with it.
Of course his parents hated my guts for getting him into riding....🤣
Then there is the maintenance of a smoker....so much easier and less expensive.
Memory fades with age, what year is it?
You hit the nail on the head with a heavier flywheel. Even a 9oz makes a difference. The reason 4 strokes seem easier to ride is because of the smoother power delivery. With the YZ250, you could go 11oz to try and see if you like it. You’re a little big for a 125/150/250F.
Start with the 125 and once you get to where the lack of power is holding you back, sell it and buy the 250.
Agreed 100% but I would steer him to a 250F due to his size as he would not run out of power likely ever. Much better to lean and enjoy riding than to be protective of the power and eventually get caught off guard and he will. Lots of experienced street guys think a 250 2 stroke is too much but the ER loves them.
youre asking for trouble. the yz250 is not where you want to be as a beginner. YZ250F is a MUCH better choice
First off he is price sensitive enough he is looking at 06-18 2 strokes vs even a 2017 150sx. I don’t think he is going to want to spend on a newer 250f.
Secondly the 150sx is the bike I would recommend because that is the bike that I learned to ride sand whoops on. It was easier than a 250f or 250 2t. It had enough power to get on top of the sand without feeling like it was too fast. I think a 125 will be similar. Four strokes can be tricky to ride in sand for a beginner due to the engine braking so that is another vote against a 4 stroke.
I really think it's based on the person. If you're the kind of person that's going to go out and try to ride this thing WOT on day 1 than a 125 is probably best for you.
If you can respect the power and focus on getting comfortable and good technique than I think you would be fine on a 250.
I have been riding since PW50's so I can't comment personally but over the years I have had friends buy 450's as a 1st bike. Some look like they're going to die everytime they ride and some lug around the track in 3rd gear while perfectly in control.
Being price sensitive is the exact reason(also others) I would go 250F. Is two bikes cheaper than one?
I do agree a150 is a good bike for him, Much better than a YZ250 would be.
Whoops. It was a long time ago. 83 I'm sure. 🙃