Upgrade to enjoy this feature!
Vital MX fantasy is free to play, but Premium users receive great benefits. Premium benefits include:
- View and download rider stats
- Pick trends
- Create a private league
- And more!
Only $10 for all 2026 SX, MX, and SMX series.
I turned down a new free 91 yz125 . To ride my 87 cr125 that’s how good the 87,s where.
I have switched brands and liked some things of the previous brand before.
He's the very first person I thought about...
🤣
You might like my matched pair of 77s then.....
The Shop
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
I bought a 2024 YZ250 and did not like the new rider cockpit. I bought my 04 as a tinker bike. When I got it home, the suspension was shot. So I swapped over my forks and shock (revalved and resprung for me) so I could go riding the next day. I was sort of surprised by how comfortable the 04 was right off the bat. So I just started riding it as my primary bike from that point forward. I think at some degree, unless you are a top level A class rider, bikes made within the last 20 years are still much more capable than than the majority of us are of pushing them to their limits. This past weekend I raced the 35+ class and I was 2nd to the first corner against 350’s and 450’s and I went 2-2. The older bikes are so good.
Well that’s pretty awesome. I like the YZs, even the alum framed (05 on up I think), but I prefer the steel framed. My bike is a little dated but I don’t ride as much lately (babysitting grand baby) so I haven’t seen a need to upgrade yet. Everything works great and it’s fast for a 125.
Favorite bikes of all time:
81 Maico 490
86 CR250
05 CR250
Least favorite:
83 KX125
92 RM250
2018 TC250
I couldn't keep the KX and RM in one piece, and I think the Husqvarna frame was made for the heavier 4T motor as it just didn't corner well. Currently I have a 2006 CR250R and a 2022 CRF450R, both great bikes once you get them dialed in. Hondas don't come setup well from the factory, they just aren't that great out of the box. On my 22 it needed a fork revalve, heavier shock spring, and 23.5mm triple clamps. Prior to that it would pitch back and forth like a rocking horse then pitch you on your head. I can't see anyone liking that bike in stock form. On the other hand, Yamaha does a really his job on mappings and suspension right out of the box.
Great to hear the 04 yz125 was a Great bike too. I like the older 2019 cock pit better too. I,m more comfortable riding my 04 cr125 than walking . I talked with a suspension co it sounds like I out road the top b vet rider setting. I did that in 3 rides progressing fast , it’s fun to ride . So I ride faster to hv more fun . Leaner pilot jet now I hv more snap . Lookin for 20-50 ft jump off the gate in the 125 class . I beat a Stark off the gate for 50 ft . So yeah I,m feeling good about it .
PWK Airstriker with a STIC kit gives more power across the entire RPM range and will give it more over-rev. I know the engines are quite a bit different, but it made a big difference on the 05 CR125.
Those 91/92 YZ's were great bikes that did everything really well. Bulletproof too. That 93 just felt unbalanced as if the seat was too low in the middle, and the power was a bit mellow.
I can tell you that mine with the '06 chassis is miles better in stability and turning than the previous gen. Same goes with TC Showa and KYB forks. KYB only needs shims for upper triples, Showa needs upper and lower.
Lots of times.
Prado thinks so
I've only owned 4 bikes over the last 20 some years. I quit racing after 2014. I had a 2003 YZ450, a 2005 YZ450, a 2005 YZ250 smoker and a 2011 YZ450. The smoker was fun, but I didn't stay committed to it when I went back to racing in 2012 after another multi year hiatus. When I got back out there in the 50+ class here in d14 I knew almost instantly I wanted back on a 450. I still had my 2005 so I went back to that and right away started being much more competitive. Then I decided I needed something more current, and I found a used 2011 in the white and red livery (the bike in my avatar) and went through it from stem to stern getting it set up for me and trying to fix the handling. I got it to a pretty good point, but we all know about that chassis. My 2003 YZ450 will always be my favorite. I had the suspension done by my buddy Dave Bowman of Tech Care fame and I had the subtanks on the forks. They worked amazing and were easily adjustable to suit the track and conditions. The motor stock was perfect for a 200lb guy that raced and rode primarily in sand and loam here in mid-Michigan. It was a beast! The thing was stable fast, and I could confidently ride the living hell out of it in the 40+ class. The 2005 was good but the motor was tamed, and I never got the suspension to feel as good on it. I still have the 05 out in my garage waiting for a restoration. If I ever get around to it I might try to convert the motor to the 2003 specs
Several times over the years:
#1 without a doubt: giving up my totally dialed 96 CR250 for the hype of the 97 when it debuted…worst trade deal ever…
Others:
I liked my 99 and 00 KX250s less than my 98. My 01 was about even with my 98.
I liked every KX450F I had (09, 11, 13, 18) less than my 07 CRF450.
So far my 21 450 SXF is my favorite bike I’ve had. I do wish the suspension was less finicky but the bright side is that I’ve been able to learn a lot about suspension tuning and bike setup. The bike overall is worlds better than my 18 Kawi.
Pit Row
Post a reply to: Anybody like your old bike better than a new one!