Anybody like your old bike better than a new one!

7/22/2025 4:03am
Loved my 2011 150sx, Loved my 2017 150sx, Absolutely despised my 2018 150sx even though it was the same as the 2017,Loved my 2020 125sx.Loved my 2023 gas...

Loved my 2011 150sx, 

Loved my 2017 150sx, 

Absolutely despised my 2018 150sx even though it was the same as the 2017,

Loved my 2020 125sx.

Loved my 2023 gas gas 125.

Why I hated that 2018 I don’t know, really weird.

I was just dropping by to say how much I love my 2018 150sx.  Bought in spring of '19 and it's been my only big bike since. In 30 years of riding, I've literally never had a bike longer than 3 years, and yet this one is still here.  Still able to put it on the podium in the open vet classes.   And now that my son is on and 85sx, there's really no reason to sell it at this point. He'll be taking it over soon...

Cheers King.  Just made me chuckle reading your post. So funny how people gel with different bikes...even when they're suppose to be the same.  Long live the small bore smokers!!  And keep'em carb'd!!

1
usp4u1
Posts
158
Joined
6/22/2024
Location
Chicora, PA US
7/22/2025 4:13am

I've ridden about a dozen new bikes over the last 4 or 5 years.

In the end, I keep running my 14 150SX & 13 250SX

At my my level, I just haven't seen where a new bike would do anything for me.

2
7/22/2025 7:41am
This 86 cr125 i had now i wish I would have kept. Had some rare parts swingarm subframe. Was totally pro circuit modded out. I saved up...

This 86 cr125 i had now i wish I would have kept. Had some rare parts swingarm subframe. Was totally pro circuit modded out. 

I saved up for a year and bought my first ever brand new bike. This 01 Cr125. It was a big disappointment. It was like where's the power? Everything else was nicer on it. But it had like no power. The 86 was faster. 

I traded the 01 in on a 02 yz125 the next summer. Loved that bike it was much faster and made me a much better rider. 

But I fell for the 4 stroke bandwagon and bought a 03 yz250f. Could not gel with it never got comfortable. It was too big n cumbersome for me. Restarting it was a nightmare at times. Put a vortex x10 ignition on it. Still hated it. 

Got rid of it and got a 04 kx125 which brought all the joy of riding back. Still on two strokes never bought another 4 stroke and haven't bought another Honda since. 

Naw, man. Profesional says those CR125's are really fast

I just saw a 2000 same as a 01 sun at Dyracuse deep sand.  He rode 10am to 7 ran 5 tanks of gas.  I went to Badger cycle in 06 to buy a 06 rm125.  I was checking stuff out then I hear roll me out of hear .  You want me not her , I can make you fast again. And get you back to your Profeshenal level .  Just look at me I know you want me .  Hurry up let’s get out of hear .  2,995 out the door .  We fell in Love instantly a relationship filled with Passion , adventure & romance.  

PRM31
Posts
3501
Joined
8/7/2009
Location
Northern, VA US
Fantasy
7/22/2025 7:45am

In relative terms, absolutely!  My '81 RM125 was simply amazing and I loved riding that bike in 1981. If I were to compare it today to my 2024 350 SFX it probably wouldn't seem so great. 

 

The Shop

UGOTBIT
Posts
963
Joined
8/14/2018
Location
Upstate, NY US
Fantasy
7/22/2025 7:45am

2016 Husky FC350 to a 23 Gasgas MC350

 

IMG 5703
7/22/2025 7:48am
This 86 cr125 i had now i wish I would have kept. Had some rare parts swingarm subframe. Was totally pro circuit modded out. I saved up...

This 86 cr125 i had now i wish I would have kept. Had some rare parts swingarm subframe. Was totally pro circuit modded out. 

I saved up for a year and bought my first ever brand new bike. This 01 Cr125. It was a big disappointment. It was like where's the power? Everything else was nicer on it. But it had like no power. The 86 was faster. 

I traded the 01 in on a 02 yz125 the next summer. Loved that bike it was much faster and made me a much better rider. 

But I fell for the 4 stroke bandwagon and bought a 03 yz250f. Could not gel with it never got comfortable. It was too big n cumbersome for me. Restarting it was a nightmare at times. Put a vortex x10 ignition on it. Still hated it. 

Got rid of it and got a 04 kx125 which brought all the joy of riding back. Still on two strokes never bought another 4 stroke and haven't bought another Honda since. 

Naw, man. Profesional says those CR125's are really fast

I just saw a 2000 same as a 01 sun at Dyracuse deep sand.  He rode 10am to 7 ran 5 tanks of gas.  I went...

I just saw a 2000 same as a 01 sun at Dyracuse deep sand.  He rode 10am to 7 ran 5 tanks of gas.  I went to Badger cycle in 06 to buy a 06 rm125.  I was checking stuff out then I hear roll me out of hear .  You want me not her , I can make you fast again. And get you back to your Profeshenal level .  Just look at me I know you want me .  Hurry up let’s get out of hear .  2,995 out the door .  We fell in Love instantly a relationship filled with Passion , adventure & romance.  

I've been seeing a lot of mint 2-strokes on Marketplace as of late. I can't remember if it was a 2001 or 2002 CR125, but man this thing was CHERRY! I immediately thought of you buddy!

1
7/22/2025 8:29am

Naw, man. Profesional says those CR125's are really fast

I just saw a 2000 same as a 01 sun at Dyracuse deep sand.  He rode 10am to 7 ran 5 tanks of gas.  I went...

I just saw a 2000 same as a 01 sun at Dyracuse deep sand.  He rode 10am to 7 ran 5 tanks of gas.  I went to Badger cycle in 06 to buy a 06 rm125.  I was checking stuff out then I hear roll me out of hear .  You want me not her , I can make you fast again. And get you back to your Profeshenal level .  Just look at me I know you want me .  Hurry up let’s get out of hear .  2,995 out the door .  We fell in Love instantly a relationship filled with Passion , adventure & romance.  

I've been seeing a lot of mint 2-strokes on Marketplace as of late. I can't remember if it was a 2001 or 2002 CR125, but man...

I've been seeing a lot of mint 2-strokes on Marketplace as of late. I can't remember if it was a 2001 or 2002 CR125, but man this thing was CHERRY! I immediately thought of you buddy!

02 was very popular frame looks like a 04.  A 125 jr on a 02 his dad said the only day the bike is not ridden is on mon, race sat, sun in 03. Only Reeds & pistons that’s reliable.  A vet Fast talking Darryl had a 04 he rode a massive amount .  That reliability sold me.  A lot of pro riders hv a 02 cr250.   DV12 did a 91 cr250 you wouldn’t believe how good that bike is.  I wouldn’t hesitate to race a 90 or 91.  

7/22/2025 8:38am

Dream bike only 3,500 not 4,995 like most of them. IMG 3838 0

1
7/22/2025 8:53am Edited Date/Time 7/22/2025 8:53am

I will never,  ever sell my 2013 KTM 200 XC-W. 

And by far the most enjoyable race bike I have is by far my BSA B50 MX. 

7/22/2025 9:05am

I think the best bike I owed was 1996 YZ125, handling and motor was just awesome!! Of on the fastest I ever had was a 95 YZ250, with a 94 cylinder and a long rod kit! Would just pull your arms outa the sockets!! Motor was faster than my 99 & 03 YZ250

3
OwenJakes
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Location
sebree, KY US
7/22/2025 12:25pm

After getting a 450 and now breaking my neck (literally - I'm sitting here in a neck brace) I am feeling romantic towards my old YZ250 bahahaha.

Maybe I'll get a 150SX in the future or something. I still love the RMZ.

1
SPODEBOY
Posts
803
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Apple Valley, CA US
7/22/2025 1:01pm

It's been a minute but my 03 YZ450 was the most comfortable bike after I got it set up. Nothing I couldn't do on that thing.

Circa Lake Elsinore Summer of 2004

 

20250722 125825

 

2
Slowride858
Posts
23
Joined
6/24/2021
Location
White Bear Lake, MN US
7/22/2025 10:15pm

I'm not very good, and finishing at the back a lot can wear on you. I know for me if I find myself not having fun I get on my 2007 RM250 and all is right with the world. I'm still slow but smiling the whole time. So I guess yes, my old bike brings me more joy. 

3
7/23/2025 1:33am

Ride my old Smokers from Time to Time and enjoy it.

The Brakes -Suspension are far behind a modern Bike , but love the Raw Brutal Power of this old Big Bores Twostroke

IMG-20250723-WA0000.jpg?VersionId=irJ08SqPJd6BwZ1yp2m9Z5CckXV4IMG-20250723-WA0001IMG-20250723-WA0002.jpg?VersionId=esO9fJTP2No4GZFRqG.zgX
4
YZ125H1
Posts
814
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1/31/2012
Location
Elizabethtown, PA US
7/23/2025 1:58am
I think the best bike I owed was 1996 YZ125, handling and motor was just awesome!! Of on the fastest I ever had was a 95...

I think the best bike I owed was 1996 YZ125, handling and motor was just awesome!! Of on the fastest I ever had was a 95 YZ250, with a 94 cylinder and a long rod kit! Would just pull your arms outa the sockets!! Motor was faster than my 99 & 03 YZ250

I really like the ergos of the 96 yz. I spent that much time on it modern bikes with a flat seat still feel weird to me. It still messes with me when getting on my 24 yz.

Bearuno
Posts
5249
Joined
6/28/2014
Location
AU
7/23/2025 2:10am
Ride my old Smokers from Time to Time and enjoy it.The Brakes -Suspension are far behind a modern Bike , but love the Raw Brutal Power...

Ride my old Smokers from Time to Time and enjoy it.

The Brakes -Suspension are far behind a modern Bike , but love the Raw Brutal Power of this old Big Bores Twostroke

IMG-20250723-WA0000.jpg?VersionId=irJ08SqPJd6BwZ1yp2m9Z5CckXV4IMG-20250723-WA0001IMG-20250723-WA0002.jpg?VersionId=esO9fJTP2No4GZFRqG.zgX

Are you at all tempted by the new Beta 350RX,  KTM Two Stroke ?

Similar Bore and Stroke (78 x 73.6mm) as your 360 (78 x 74mm), and at least 26 / 27 years 'younger'. But, with a Carb - that we old bastards can relate to - well,  a bit more than EFI......

It's the sort of bike - but I'll want the plated version that's sure to come - that I'd put besides my old, much loved Teddy Bear of a Bike. 

1
7/23/2025 3:10am

Of all the bikes I’ve had and currently do have, my 2004 YZ250 with SSS forks and the newer shock is the most comfortable bike I’ve ever ridden. I bought it as a secondary “goof off” bike and it ended up being my preferred machine. My other bike is a 2023 KTM350SX with kyb conversion. It’s so comfortable and easy to ride. But the YZ250 has the perfect balance of comfort and stability, while also feeling raw enough to remind me that it is a little wild too. The modern bikes are so seamless and “rider friendly” that they take a lot of the excitement out of the riding experience for me. I’m not the baddest rider out there by any means, but my YZ250 is just flat out more fun to ride. At this point in my life (40), I’m just here for a good time. 

IMG 7028 2.jpeg?VersionId=d5KywZLmevysbNmqLEHnRRsgn
9
7/23/2025 3:30am
Bearuno wrote:
Are you at all tempted by the new Beta 350RX,  KTM Two Stroke ?Similar Bore and Stroke (78 x 73.6mm) as your 360 (78 x...

Are you at all tempted by the new Beta 350RX,  KTM Two Stroke ?

Similar Bore and Stroke (78 x 73.6mm) as your 360 (78 x 74mm), and at least 26 / 27 years 'younger'. But, with a Carb - that we old bastards can relate to - well,  a bit more than EFI......

It's the sort of bike - but I'll want the plated version that's sure to come - that I'd put besides my old, much loved Teddy Bear of a Bike. 

Yes exactly you are right , i‘am waiting for that 350 since i saw the first Pictures. There is a Test Day planned here in Austria in the next few Weeks from BETA. Will give a Report as soon as i get my Hands on that Bike
1
7/23/2025 4:24am

Had a 1991 YZ250 that I loved, and traded it for a '93 YZ. Hated it from day one and never got on with it, but could never work out why. Just didn't seem to "fit" me.

7/23/2025 4:32am
Had a 1991 YZ250 that I loved, and traded it for a '93 YZ. Hated it from day one and never got on with it, but...

Had a 1991 YZ250 that I loved, and traded it for a '93 YZ. Hated it from day one and never got on with it, but could never work out why. Just didn't seem to "fit" me.

The '93 was all new that year. I remember the Factory Yamahas looking so sick. I had an '89 RM250 back then and I made the mistake of riding a ftiends of mines '91 YZ250. It was so much faster, it made my RM feel like a 125. It crushed all my confidence. We wont talk about that there was a guy in my class whupping me on an old KX250. When you're young and immature you blame the bike for you being slow

2
7/23/2025 7:03am Edited Date/Time 7/23/2025 7:04am

I had a 2014 Yamaha YZ450F that I still look back and wish I had. I dont know what it was about the bike, but it just felt like it was built for me. Stock suspenison and everything, it just worked for me. I had roughly 40 hours on the bike and convinced myself that I needed a fresh bike for the following season. I traded it in for a 2015 YZ450F (essentially the same bike, very minor updates) and man, I couldnt stay on two wheels on that thing. I broke my Humerus, Femur and tore my ACL all in the same season (3 different crashes in 9 months) on the 2015. I swear the bike was cursed or something. I was out of work and needed to sell the bike badly, so I practically gave the thing away for like $6000 with only 14 hours or so on it. I got a call two days later that the new owner, who I knew had crashed on the first ride and blew his shoulder out. Just a weird experience coming from the best feeling bike I had ever owned, to the least comfortable and predictable. 

2
Spike33
Posts
441
Joined
1/6/2024
Location
Malibu, CA US
7/23/2025 7:27am

I’ve been chasing an ‘09 rmz 250 for 15 years 

1
7/23/2025 7:36am

I rode a 2008 crf450 at LACR and sold my ktm 350sxf right after.  the 08 honda is so good.  

2
7/23/2025 8:13am
Of all the bikes I’ve had and currently do have, my 2004 YZ250 with SSS forks and the newer shock is the most comfortable bike I’ve...

Of all the bikes I’ve had and currently do have, my 2004 YZ250 with SSS forks and the newer shock is the most comfortable bike I’ve ever ridden. I bought it as a secondary “goof off” bike and it ended up being my preferred machine. My other bike is a 2023 KTM350SX with kyb conversion. It’s so comfortable and easy to ride. But the YZ250 has the perfect balance of comfort and stability, while also feeling raw enough to remind me that it is a little wild too. The modern bikes are so seamless and “rider friendly” that they take a lot of the excitement out of the riding experience for me. I’m not the baddest rider out there by any means, but my YZ250 is just flat out more fun to ride. At this point in my life (40), I’m just here for a good time. 

IMG 7028 2.jpeg?VersionId=d5KywZLmevysbNmqLEHnRRsgn

I,d Love to race your bike .  There’s quite a few 250,s actually 90- to 07 cr250 yes even s 97 or 8.  Not a 98 yz250 I hated that bike but later yrs 04& up.  RM 250 05& up.  Etc .  90,91 cr250 has to hv a revalve , a rad valve & pipe would be nice probably my choice bike beside a 02-07 woukd be easier to adapt to tho.  95-97 cr125 mod bike try to win on it . To get invited to FoxHills to race any 125 .  A 96-2k Husky with a works trans etc. it’s raining supposed to be a heat wave today, crazy summer to much unexpected rain. 

2
1
wwdiii
Posts
2535
Joined
4/15/2019
Location
League City, TX US
7/23/2025 8:30am
I had a 2014 Yamaha YZ450F that I still look back and wish I had. I dont know what it was about the bike, but it...

I had a 2014 Yamaha YZ450F that I still look back and wish I had. I dont know what it was about the bike, but it just felt like it was built for me. Stock suspenison and everything, it just worked for me. I had roughly 40 hours on the bike and convinced myself that I needed a fresh bike for the following season. I traded it in for a 2015 YZ450F (essentially the same bike, very minor updates) and man, I couldnt stay on two wheels on that thing. I broke my Humerus, Femur and tore my ACL all in the same season (3 different crashes in 9 months) on the 2015. I swear the bike was cursed or something. I was out of work and needed to sell the bike badly, so I practically gave the thing away for like $6000 with only 14 hours or so on it. I got a call two days later that the new owner, who I knew had crashed on the first ride and blew his shoulder out. Just a weird experience coming from the best feeling bike I had ever owned, to the least comfortable and predictable. 

I had a 2014 YZ250F I wish I’d hung on too.  Kick start or not it was a good ride.  Previous owner has ENZO rear suspension.  Really easy bike to ride, very forgiving and just as fast or maybe faster than my 23 Honda I had to have.  

2
AH387
Posts
1627
Joined
8/29/2019
Location
Bridgeville, PA US
7/23/2025 8:53am
I had a 2014 Yamaha YZ450F that I still look back and wish I had. I dont know what it was about the bike, but it...

I had a 2014 Yamaha YZ450F that I still look back and wish I had. I dont know what it was about the bike, but it just felt like it was built for me. Stock suspenison and everything, it just worked for me. I had roughly 40 hours on the bike and convinced myself that I needed a fresh bike for the following season. I traded it in for a 2015 YZ450F (essentially the same bike, very minor updates) and man, I couldnt stay on two wheels on that thing. I broke my Humerus, Femur and tore my ACL all in the same season (3 different crashes in 9 months) on the 2015. I swear the bike was cursed or something. I was out of work and needed to sell the bike badly, so I practically gave the thing away for like $6000 with only 14 hours or so on it. I got a call two days later that the new owner, who I knew had crashed on the first ride and blew his shoulder out. Just a weird experience coming from the best feeling bike I had ever owned, to the least comfortable and predictable. 

wwdiii wrote:
I had a 2014 YZ250F I wish I’d hung on too.  Kick start or not it was a good ride.  Previous owner has ENZO rear suspension...

I had a 2014 YZ250F I wish I’d hung on too.  Kick start or not it was a good ride.  Previous owner has ENZO rear suspension.  Really easy bike to ride, very forgiving and just as fast or maybe faster than my 23 Honda I had to have.  

Same. I actually touched on that in the other recent thread about "if we need a new bike every year." The '14 YZ250F is a bike that after I got the sag and suspension dialed, I just rode the thing and felt like I ripped. Cycra plastic to thin out that airbox/shroud area and a few bolt-ons and I had a great couple years racing that bike. I then wanted a 350 ('17) and after the honey-moon, I really struggled with it. Kept the 250F but hadn't ridden it. 1 day took it back out and I felt like I couldn't go back to the 350 again. So I eventually got a '21 YZ250F and still have it, love it. But I think any YZ250F from '14 up (or ay least to '23), once I get it set up, is just what I gel with. I think for Vet riders that aren't racing very serious or frequently, sometimes just having your bike dialed and enjoying it is as much fun as starting over on a freshie. And of course everyone has different preferences, so it's about finding the bike that does what you want/need.

TeamGreen
Posts
36701
Joined
11/25/2008
Location
Thru-out, CA US
7/23/2025 9:01am
38special wrote:
It's a tough call between the '75 RD and '97 YZ

It's a tough call between the '75 RD and '97 YZ

75-RD.jpg?VersionId=6fB.15.zs

 My fav’s are 76-78. ALL RDs have a special place in the Street Bike HOF. 

And for moto…I like the 2019-21 KTM 450 better than the current stuff. 

kawasa84
Posts
1734
Joined
6/7/2008
Location
Flower Mound, TX US
7/23/2025 9:11am
Kindasmoky wrote:
When I was 15 I went from an '02 YZ125 to an '05 KX250. First time i remember pulling off the track because of arm pump...

When I was 15 I went from an '02 YZ125 to an '05 KX250. First time i remember pulling off the track because of arm pump lol. Never got comfortable on that thing!

Edit to add: I also went from a yz250 smoker to a 2018 crf450r and regretted that one big time. 

I have 3 2005 KX250's and an '06, in case you want to relive those arm pump days!! I love the bikes 

1
burn1986
Posts
12246
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4/16/2010
Location
bossier city, LA US
7/23/2025 9:20am Edited Date/Time 7/23/2025 9:20am
wwdiii wrote:
Wanted a button start, sold my YZF and bought a 23 Honda CRF 250R in Sept or Oct or 2022.  That I’ve posted, pissed and moaned...

Wanted a button start, sold my YZF and bought a 23 Honda CRF 250R in Sept or Oct or 2022.  That I’ve posted, pissed and moaned here on the forum more than once.  Even after springs and a few other things I still didn’t like it.  Had a couple of unexpected front end washouts that hurt.  I parked the Honda and bought a 24 Beta 300 RX.

Wanting a good 4 stroke I picked up a left over 24 KX450 end of last year.  Dang green bike is a solid ride.  Race Tech springs for my weight and good to go.

I couldn’t give that dang 23 Honda away.  Decided to instead of letting it gather dust I’d seriously try and do something with it since I couldn’t sell it.  First off I’d lost about 40 pounds.  Ordered spring for my weight loss.  Installed a 23.5 Luxon triple clamp which made all the difference in the world.  With my KX450 being part tractor, when I’d ride my Honda I’d stall every now and then, I’m old and slow!

So I got the bright idea to add a 10 oz flywheel to my Honda which really helped with stalling but also helped with engine braking.  Felt like it was more like my old YZF in the engine braking dept with the 10oz flywheel weight.

Another thing I did on my Honda was move the pegs back and down.  Maybe its just me but I always felt my Honda was front end heavy.  I think this helped, if not it fooled me into thinking it did.

Not saying I don’t like my Beta 300 RX or my 24 KX 450, both are really good.  But with the effort I put into my Honda, which I should have to start with.  I’ve got it working really good.  I prefer to ride it over my Beta or KX.  I’m retired and ride all my bikes, but dang if that Honda’s not a good ride for this old man.  One of the other things I think helped is dropping about 40 pounds.  I don’t think my Honda liked fat guys lol.

Anybody else buy a new bike and ended up liking their old one.  

 

I actually like the seating position of my 99 YZ as opposed to the newer YZ.

1
7/23/2025 9:22am

Do I like my old bike better? Where do I begin?

Sincerely Jorge.

10

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