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2019 or newer rmz250. 4-5k will get you one like new. Search your area , send the ones your considering on here and I’ll let you know which one I’d consider. id want one with 10hrs or less that looks essentially new, all oem parts, no wear etc. a 125 is cool and a ton of fun, but a 250f for todays tracks will let you get around the track a lot easier. 125s can be challenging when you’re not only learning how to use the bike but also learning the tracks, and taking it all in. 250f makes learning...

125 allll day!

A 125 will be less expensive, easier to maintain, and you can join the others and me in the 2-Stroke Taliban when we say: "Two strokes truck, four strokes suck!"

It takes a while to learn how to ride and race a motorcycle. Get something less expensive and learn. Totally not important to beat a 250 right now. You will know when a 125 starts holding you back, then you can make the switch. Racing every weekend because your bike is running is way more fun than not riding because you are blown up and out of money. Have fun.

Look for a 2-3 year old 4 stroke 250F. Many have been used for trail riding, and while that does not guarantee a trouble free future, it does make it more likely. Assuming that the upkeep has been done. I feel going from an adventure bike to a 125 ( my personal favorite) will be tougher to begin with. Don’t rush, enjoy the buying process. Good Luck !

Whatever you buy, make sure you have enough money left over for proper gear. I’m guessing you have an off road helmet since you ride a dual sport, but you’re going to need a good pair of moto boots, knee pads/braces, and a chest protector/roost guard (>$500). I love 125s, but my first big bike was an RMZ250… I’d argue that it’s the best beginner bike. Not exhaustively slow, not too fast, fairly bulletproof with basic maintenance, and a good segue to other modern 4 strokes.

I voted 125 but depending what dual sport you ride, how long you've been riding for and your size I'd say a 250 2 stroke wouldn't be a bad option. Still cheap to run and maintain and if something goes wrong they are fairly cheap to fix plus you don't have to ride them hard like you do a 125

Absolutely get a 250f anything with efi it’s forgiving and you will have plenty of power learning, you won’t enjoy riding mx on a 125 unless you’re light weight and want to ring its neck

I can’t believe no one has said CR500 yet. really thought, the YZ125 is probably the correct answer.

Get a yz125. You can work on it yourself, you’ll learn to ride better faster on it than anything else. You won’t lose anything selling it either when you move on to the next stage. If you’re concerned about what people think, every true moto head loves a 125.

find one that works for you and fits your budget. buying used you will have to work on it either way, I would try and find something that is newer, less then 8 years old.

Maybe a leftover 2023 rmz 250

Mite be some deals out there on new 250F's, put a nice down and get some reasonable monthly payments? Follow your Dreams.