125 for Beginner?

nickkraze
Profile picture for user nickkraze
Posts
71
Joined
11/28/2016
Location
Buffalo, NY, USA
nickkraze
Looking into getting a dirt bike. Long time follower of the professional sport and have ridden quads my whole life. I'm 5'11", 150. I was thinking a 125 would be best for me to start out on. Any suggestions? Thanks guys.
|
FWYT
Profile picture for user FWYT
Posts
3558
Joined
5/25/2014
Location
San Diego, CA, USA
FWYT 12/13/2016 7:20pm
12/13/2016 7:20pm
Depending on your budget, yeah, a 125 has my vote!
F150Motocrosser 12/13/2016 7:30pm
12/13/2016 7:30pm
Definitely. Can't go wrong with a KTM SX125 or Yamaha YZ125 made in the last 10 years
CarlinoJoeVideo
Profile picture for user CarlinoJoeVideo
Posts
7517
Joined
11/30/2013
Location
Portland/Los Angeles, CA, USA
CarlinoJoeVideo 12/13/2016 7:37pm
12/13/2016 7:37pm
What's your budget? 125 has more than enough power.
trevor310mx
Profile picture for user trevor310mx
Posts
177
Joined
10/18/2016
Location
East Bend, NC, USA
trevor310mx 12/13/2016 7:51pm
12/13/2016 7:51pm
I was in the same boat as you, a little lighter, same height, haven't rode/raced since I was 8. I'm 18 now and wanted to get back into it. I bought an 03 KTM 125SX and absolutely love it. It's got power, but not enough to where you can't have fun on it as a beginner. Not sure what you're planning on riding, but I ride tracks and absolutely love the bike.

The Shop

See All »
RandyRotta
Profile picture for user RandyRotta
Posts
100
Joined
8/2/2016
Location
North Hollywood, CA, USA
RandyRotta 12/13/2016 8:06pm
12/13/2016 8:06pm
I'm about 5'7, 145lbs and haven't rode since I was about 10. I'm 26 now and want to get a bike to ride the local tracks and trails. Originally, I was thinking 250f, but after reading this post, maybe I go 125? hmm...
Grieby54
Profile picture for user Grieby54
Posts
2826
Joined
7/1/2008
Location
Castle Rock, CO, USA
Grieby54 12/13/2016 8:24pm
12/13/2016 8:24pm
RandyRotta wrote:
I'm about 5'7, 145lbs and haven't rode since I was about 10. I'm 26 now and want to get a bike to ride the local tracks...
I'm about 5'7, 145lbs and haven't rode since I was about 10. I'm 26 now and want to get a bike to ride the local tracks and trails. Originally, I was thinking 250f, but after reading this post, maybe I go 125? hmm...
A 125 will make you a better rider and it's one of those bikes you'll miss after you move up (if you move up).
DrinkMoreWater 12/13/2016 8:28pm
12/13/2016 8:28pm
RandyRotta wrote:
I'm about 5'7, 145lbs and haven't rode since I was about 10. I'm 26 now and want to get a bike to ride the local tracks...
I'm about 5'7, 145lbs and haven't rode since I was about 10. I'm 26 now and want to get a bike to ride the local tracks and trails. Originally, I was thinking 250f, but after reading this post, maybe I go 125? hmm...
I was in the same boat as you, stopped racing at 12 picked up at KTM150 at 25 I'm 6ft 180lbs.

Best choice I made I defiantly didn't lose it, after watching pro's all these years I feel like Im less fearless now haha, also comparing to a 80cc which was my last bike it's great how full size bikes go over bumps with ease.

I believe every beginner should start on a 2 stroke small bore it teaches you far more than a 4 Stroke does, positional body language, getting the power down etc.
ledger
Profile picture for user ledger
Posts
3669
Joined
1/17/2013
Location
USA
ledger 12/13/2016 8:33pm
12/13/2016 8:33pm
Absolutely !! You'll look back someday and think.....Man, that 125 was a blast. Woohoo Stamp it. Oh, have fun.
wsc96
Profile picture for user wsc96
Posts
1019
Joined
8/26/2013
Location
AU
wsc96 12/13/2016 9:00pm
12/13/2016 9:00pm
125 should be a good choice based on the info.
RbR
Profile picture for user RbR
Posts
1086
Joined
12/9/2011
Location
Saint Paul, MN, USA
RbR 12/13/2016 9:03pm
12/13/2016 9:03pm
125 is a great bike for a beginner to learn on, but takes an expert's expert to make go fast.
smashingpumpkins167 12/13/2016 10:36pm
12/13/2016 10:36pm
They're fun. It feels like you're going really fast. Just don't watch any videos of yourself riding or listen to anything that anyone says.
Jaze
Profile picture for user Jaze
Posts
139
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
FI
Jaze 12/14/2016 4:16am
12/14/2016 4:16am
Go for it! But do not buy Honda 125cc it has horrible motor.
Kx125rider 12/14/2016 4:21am
12/14/2016 4:21am
Yup go for it. Look for a nice 03-05 kx. They're great bikes
mx621
Profile picture for user mx621
Posts
310
Joined
12/8/2014
Location
USA
mx621 12/14/2016 6:15am
12/14/2016 6:15am
Jaze wrote:
Go for it! But do not buy Honda 125cc it has horrible motor.
lol, I love hearing this..Cool
Phillip_Lamb
Profile picture for user Phillip_Lamb
Posts
2091
Joined
12/14/2010
Location
ORANGEVALE, CA, USA
Phillip_Lamb 12/14/2016 8:48am
12/14/2016 8:48am
125 is a greate place to start. a 250f will have more power and be generally easier to ride but just being a weekender a 125 is perfect and must cheaper
jeffro503
Profile picture for user jeffro503
Posts
27635
Joined
7/22/2007
Location
St Helens, OR, USA
jeffro503 12/14/2016 9:03am
12/14/2016 9:03am
RandyRotta wrote:
I'm about 5'7, 145lbs and haven't rode since I was about 10. I'm 26 now and want to get a bike to ride the local tracks...
I'm about 5'7, 145lbs and haven't rode since I was about 10. I'm 26 now and want to get a bike to ride the local tracks and trails. Originally, I was thinking 250f, but after reading this post, maybe I go 125? hmm...
Grieby54 wrote:
A 125 will make you a better rider and it's one of those bikes you'll miss after you move up (if you move up).
Exactly what Grieby said....you can learn so much on a 125. A 250 2 stroke is the same , just a lot more power , so I wouldn't suggest starting out on one of those. I know when I bought my 06' RM 250 two years ago , I had to re-learn how to ride a 2 stroke. But damn it man , coming off the 450's.....it was a pleasure trying to remember what a 2 stroke felt like. My 450 is a " Lazy man's bike " ( Which is great at times )....but a 2 stroke will teach you the correct way to do certain things. Especially on how to maintain momentum. So yeah.....the 125 would be a great choice for you Randy!
Falcon
Profile picture for user Falcon
Posts
12457
Joined
11/16/2011
Location
Menifee, CA, USA
Falcon 12/14/2016 9:51am
12/14/2016 9:51am
A 125 is my favorite MX motorcycle of all time. There's nothing more fun.
Dirty Points 12/14/2016 10:03am
12/14/2016 10:03am Edited Date/Time 12/14/2016 10:29am
If you get a 125, it will be an absolute blast to learn on, to work on, and to race.

And then, someday, after multiple "upgrades", a buddy will lend you his 125 for a few laps, and you'll find yourself suddenly grinning ear to ear inside your helmet, and realize what you've been missing, and need one once again.

Pit Row

See All »
JRT812
Profile picture for user JRT812
Posts
2799
Joined
3/4/2014
Location
Cottontown, TN, USA
JRT812 12/14/2016 10:08am
12/14/2016 10:08am
Just for options also look at a ktm 200.
nickkraze
Profile picture for user nickkraze
Posts
71
Joined
11/28/2016
Location
Buffalo, NY, USA
nickkraze 12/14/2016 10:59am
12/14/2016 10:59am
Thanks everybody! I probably should've mentioned I've been snowmobiling for about 18 years now. I was definitely leaning towards a 125 because of how fun everybody says they are but this just cements it! I rrally don't wanna spend much more than 2500 since it is my first bike. I mean besides the pw50 I started out on 16 years ago haha
Kx125rider 12/14/2016 12:05pm
12/14/2016 12:05pm
Post pics when you get one
nickkraze
Profile picture for user nickkraze
Posts
71
Joined
11/28/2016
Location
Buffalo, NY, USA
nickkraze 12/14/2016 12:25pm
12/14/2016 12:25pm
Will do!
Tarz483
Profile picture for user Tarz483
Posts
6344
Joined
2/25/2009
Location
Mankato, MN, USA
Tarz483 12/14/2016 1:55pm
12/14/2016 1:55pm
I Havent Ridden for many years either
And was debating between 250f
(Ive nevet had or ridden a 4 stroke )
Or get another 125 my last was a brand new 2002 CR 125

This is a great post im leanimg toward 125 also

nickkraze
Profile picture for user nickkraze
Posts
71
Joined
11/28/2016
Location
Buffalo, NY, USA
nickkraze 12/14/2016 2:46pm
12/14/2016 2:46pm
Does anybody have any good recommendations for nice 125s? Not sure what ones to look for and which ones to stay away from.
jeffro503
Profile picture for user jeffro503
Posts
27635
Joined
7/22/2007
Location
St Helens, OR, USA
jeffro503 12/14/2016 3:00pm
12/14/2016 3:00pm
nickkraze wrote:
Does anybody have any good recommendations for nice 125s? Not sure what ones to look for and which ones to stay away from.
Well for current / newer models , definitely look into the KTM's , Husky's and Yamaha's. Older gen bikes like the RM's , KX' and CR's.....just find the newest one you can , in the best shape as possible and go from there. If you want to jump right on it and start riding , then get the best one you can find ( what ever feels comfortable under you ). OR...you could pick up a cheap basket case and re-build her from the ground up. You could build it the way you want. And don't be in such a hurry to buy one....look for a while. There are some great gem's out there to be had.
jeffro503
Profile picture for user jeffro503
Posts
27635
Joined
7/22/2007
Location
St Helens, OR, USA
jeffro503 12/14/2016 3:05pm
12/14/2016 3:05pm
nickkraze wrote:
Does anybody have any good recommendations for nice 125s? Not sure what ones to look for and which ones to stay away from.
Also.....I see you are from NY. If it's a Craig's list deal.....I'm not sure what cities are safe and which aren't. I know Baltimore has serious issues with bike theft and so forth....so watch your ass on them deals. Maybe check out some of the near by shops as well.
calcoast
Profile picture for user calcoast
Posts
498
Joined
10/11/2016
Location
Elk Grove, CA, USA
calcoast 12/14/2016 10:03pm
12/14/2016 10:03pm
Im 30 years old, 5'10 and about 200 pounds with all my gear on. I've been street/trail riding for about two years now on a DR350se and my wifes TTR225.

Am I too heavy for a YZ125?
smashingpumpkins167 12/14/2016 11:52pm
12/14/2016 11:52pm
calcoast wrote:
Im 30 years old, 5'10 and about 200 pounds with all my gear on. I've been street/trail riding for about two years now on a DR350se...
Im 30 years old, 5'10 and about 200 pounds with all my gear on. I've been street/trail riding for about two years now on a DR350se and my wifes TTR225.

Am I too heavy for a YZ125?
I weigh a little less than you and am not fast by any means, but I rode my 134 fine up the hills of Glen Helen at Day in the Dirt.
Flatliner
Profile picture for user Flatliner
Posts
4252
Joined
11/3/2009
Location
CA
Flatliner 12/15/2016 12:30am
12/15/2016 12:30am
calcoast wrote:
Im 30 years old, 5'10 and about 200 pounds with all my gear on. I've been street/trail riding for about two years now on a DR350se...
Im 30 years old, 5'10 and about 200 pounds with all my gear on. I've been street/trail riding for about two years now on a DR350se and my wifes TTR225.

Am I too heavy for a YZ125?
Geared up I was probably 235 and I rode a modded 02 yz 125 for a few seasons.

Trails, track it was a blast, just not so much fun doing any kind of pit riding.
mx621
Profile picture for user mx621
Posts
310
Joined
12/8/2014
Location
USA
mx621 12/15/2016 4:13am
12/15/2016 4:13am
calcoast wrote:
Im 30 years old, 5'10 and about 200 pounds with all my gear on. I've been street/trail riding for about two years now on a DR350se...
Im 30 years old, 5'10 and about 200 pounds with all my gear on. I've been street/trail riding for about two years now on a DR350se and my wifes TTR225.

Am I too heavy for a YZ125?
http://m.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/go-pro-225lbs-on-the-slowes…

You decide. I say no.

Post a reply to: 125 for Beginner?