2015 YZ125 and YZ250?

JW381
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6/2/2014 7:13pm
Damn, that is sort of a bummer. On one hand, I think they look very cool. And it's already a great bike, so I think it'll sell.

But is it worth the MSRP? No. Ktm is updating their two-strokes, and even advertising it as an alternative to a four-stroke. If you're serious about getting a brand new two-stroke MX machine (not to mention the awesome XC models KTM has), Orange is the way to go. I'd much rather throw my wallet at a bike that is getting actual R&D, as opposed to a long over due style update. I don't hate it by any means, but I do wish they would have thrown a few tricks at it, even leftover parts from the '10-'13 YZ-F turds.
MotoX85
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6/2/2014 7:32pm
The MSRP is high but it is just that MSRP.

I got my 12 125 for $5200 OTD
and a 13 250 for 5700 OTD
and a 14 250F for $5800 OTD (by the way I have had this bike for 2 months and it has 1.7 hours on it, son rides the 250 smoke instead and I have to force him to ride the F. He is 13 yrs old, 5'6", 140 lbs and rides the wheels of this thing)
MotoX85
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6/2/2014 7:36pm
Want horsepower.

Take a YZ125 and send it to JMS performance to make it a 144. The bike and motor work is still cheaper than a KTM150 but the YZ144 from JMS is about 2 less horsepower less than a stock 250 2 stroke.

bd
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6/2/2014 8:18pm
MotoX85 wrote:
Want horsepower. Take a YZ125 and send it to JMS performance to make it a 144. The bike and motor work is still cheaper than a...
Want horsepower.

Take a YZ125 and send it to JMS performance to make it a 144. The bike and motor work is still cheaper than a KTM150 but the YZ144 from JMS is about 2 less horsepower less than a stock 250 2 stroke.

JMS builds engines that strong?

http://jmsperformance.com/

The Shop

Mouse153
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Virginia Beach, VA US
6/2/2014 8:21pm
I was hoping Yamaha would make my decision a little tougher. I love my YZ125 but I have zero incentive to buy a new one when compared to the KTMs. If I buy another 2 stroke it will be a 150SX.
mx_563
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6/2/2014 8:25pm
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2014/06/02/55708/s1200_6_2_2014_7_17_00_PM.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2014/06/02/55709/s1200_6_2_2014_7_16_13_PM.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2014/06/02/55710/s1200_6_2_2014_7_17_00_PM.jpg[/img]










sesker15
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6/2/2014 9:00pm
Looks cool. Do you guys think you can just put the new plastic on our older bike?
ledger
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6/2/2014 9:27pm

I heard from someone at Yamaha that they are stopping 2 strokes so I would be very surprised to see this happening.
Shawn142 wrote:
Real media outlets are saying the '15 YZ250 is getting mildly changed and it currently has an information embargo on it. We're not talking about a...
Real media outlets are saying the '15 YZ250 is getting mildly changed and it currently has an information embargo on it. We're not talking about a radical redesign according to the guys who have seen it, mostly plastic.
Shawn,, I think you pinned it.
Trav138
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6/2/2014 9:34pm
MotoX85 wrote:
Exactly The suspension is the best in the world and the 125 will smoke a 150, 20lbs heavier makes a huge difference on a tiddler bike...
Exactly

The suspension is the best in the world and the 125 will smoke a 150, 20lbs heavier makes a huge difference on a tiddler bike.

Cutting edge, what is cutting edge, you mean the price tag. An 8 yr old design YZ 125 and 250 will run circles around the KTM pigs at half the price.

WE have a KTM dealership that would sponsor us with bikes at cost and after riding both, we bought Yamahas. The handling, cornering and suspension on the KTMs are below sub par and would take massive money to get them to a stock Yamaha.

You sheeple can keep your cutting edge that magazines keep telling you you need to have.
Exactly! I like it and stoked that they are still selling them honestly. What was people expecting realistically? For most consumers, this bike(yz250) offers as much performance as they will ever need in a 250 2 stroke. Not to mention parts from what 10 years being compatible. I'm still amazed at how cheap Yamaha OEM parts are compared to my 08 RM unreal.
scott_nz
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6/2/2014 9:56pm
i have heard from someone that knows, that the new airbox does create slightly more horsepower on both machines,
Skippie
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6/2/2014 10:35pm
MotoX85 wrote:
Exactly The suspension is the best in the world and the 125 will smoke a 150, 20lbs heavier makes a huge difference on a tiddler bike...
Exactly

The suspension is the best in the world and the 125 will smoke a 150, 20lbs heavier makes a huge difference on a tiddler bike.

Cutting edge, what is cutting edge, you mean the price tag. An 8 yr old design YZ 125 and 250 will run circles around the KTM pigs at half the price.

WE have a KTM dealership that would sponsor us with bikes at cost and after riding both, we bought Yamahas. The handling, cornering and suspension on the KTMs are below sub par and would take massive money to get them to a stock Yamaha.

You sheeple can keep your cutting edge that magazines keep telling you you need to have.
Trav138 wrote:
Exactly! I like it and stoked that they are still selling them honestly. What was people expecting realistically? For most consumers, this bike(yz250) offers as much...
Exactly! I like it and stoked that they are still selling them honestly. What was people expecting realistically? For most consumers, this bike(yz250) offers as much performance as they will ever need in a 250 2 stroke. Not to mention parts from what 10 years being compatible. I'm still amazed at how cheap Yamaha OEM parts are compared to my 08 RM unreal.
That's exactly the point. With the bikes being basically unchanged for the past 8 years there is almost no difference in picking up a clean bike off craigslist for 2gs or going to the dealer and paying 5gs for a brand new one. You go to am races and you see how many KTMs are on the line? People like new things.
RM127
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6/2/2014 11:13pm Edited Date/Time 6/2/2014 11:54pm
I still don't know why they haven't put the new 09+ swing arm on!!!

There are so many updated parts from the yzf's that will bolt straight on.

IE: swing arm, rear hub, brakes, suspension, triple clamps......
6/2/2014 11:34pm

I heard from someone at Yamaha that they are stopping 2 strokes so I would be very surprised to see this happening.
Shawn142 wrote:
Real media outlets are saying the '15 YZ250 is getting mildly changed and it currently has an information embargo on it. We're not talking about a...
Real media outlets are saying the '15 YZ250 is getting mildly changed and it currently has an information embargo on it. We're not talking about a radical redesign according to the guys who have seen it, mostly plastic.

Someone I know will be surprised. Great news ! Always cool to see some smokers still alive.

That is not a big change indeed, but that means yamis smokers will still be available for a least a few years.
HenryA
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6/3/2014 12:34am
MotoX85 wrote:
Want horsepower. Take a YZ125 and send it to JMS performance to make it a 144. The bike and motor work is still cheaper than a...
Want horsepower.

Take a YZ125 and send it to JMS performance to make it a 144. The bike and motor work is still cheaper than a KTM150 but the YZ144 from JMS is about 2 less horsepower less than a stock 250 2 stroke.

What? A 144 with 48 ponies? Blink
Lightning78
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6/3/2014 2:08am
Socket946 wrote:
Did it need new suspension?

Did the motor need to be updated?
Brent wrote:
as compared to a cutting edge KTM 125 or 150? You decide. KTM is significantly ahead of Yamaha in Ergos, Suspension and Horsepower. Putting new side...
as compared to a cutting edge KTM 125 or 150?

You decide.

KTM is significantly ahead of Yamaha in Ergos, Suspension and Horsepower. Putting new side panels and a new fender on won't help those things.
Yes an updated? Look is EXACTLY what yamaha needed to renew interest in their 2 strokes and I 100% assure you they do not need any help selling their 2 strokes as they sell out of them every year, granted it is a?much smaller production run but still they will sell every single one of them with just an updated look but I digress, i think you are jumping to conclusions about their updaes being only plastics id be willing to bet there are some turn key parts taken off the yzf's and passed onto the 2 strokes but I digress…. There are a few areas you have misspoke regarding ktm's superiority of their 2 strokes

Suspension - no way not even close, yamahas ass suspension is FAR SUPERIOR to ktm's wp suspension ans there isnt one person on here that would disagree with that statement
Motor - yes ktm has yamaha beat in this department, no arguing that BUT we havent heard if yamaha made any engine improvements l, if not then ktm is the winner here on the dyno BUT mt 05 rm250 is far more explosive and makes more power faster
Ergonomics - this is a 50/50 debate as I personally do not care for ktm's ergonomics the body of the ktm's feels hard and rigid in the plastic dept thats just my opinion but I feel tue yamaha has a more comfortable feel to it compared to the 4 or 5 new ktm's ive ridden as I didnt care foe their feel.
Handling - again its a personal preference as I think both have their strong and weak points
We will Know for sure friday but the yz is a LOT better than you think and I applaud yamaha for updating their 2 strokes rather than killing them off and I wish ALL the other mfg's would follow suit.
Personally I really prefer riding 2 strokes over thumpersregardless if any pros are racing them
Fearo
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BE
6/3/2014 2:48am
Are you fucking shitting me?

They took the ugliest part of the godawful looking 4-strokes and dumped it on the smokers. So the bikes are now not only older than dinosaurs, they also look like an aircooled Chinese Zingchang 110cc.
reded
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6/3/2014 3:56am Edited Date/Time 6/3/2014 3:59am
Fearo wrote:
Are you fucking shitting me? They took the ugliest part of the godawful looking 4-strokes and dumped it on the smokers. So the bikes are now...
Are you fucking shitting me?

They took the ugliest part of the godawful looking 4-strokes and dumped it on the smokers. So the bikes are now not only older than dinosaurs, they also look like an aircooled Chinese Zingchang 110cc.
I hear ya, I don't so much care for the look of the new Yami's. The old one kinda had a classic look to it but I think the new design will grow on me once someone makes a good looking set of graphics.

At least Yamaha has enough sense to keep the two strokes around and make some money off of the few units they DO build vs. scrapping the program altogether. As stated above, with the redesign we can at least be assured that one of the best MX bikes ever designed will be around for a few more years.

I like it!
MotoX85
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6/3/2014 6:53am
MotoX85 wrote:
Want horsepower. Take a YZ125 and send it to JMS performance to make it a 144. The bike and motor work is still cheaper than a...
Want horsepower.

Take a YZ125 and send it to JMS performance to make it a 144. The bike and motor work is still cheaper than a KTM150 but the YZ144 from JMS is about 2 less horsepower less than a stock 250 2 stroke.

HenryA wrote:
What? A 144 with 48 ponies? Blink
A stock YZ250 is putting out about 46-47 HP and yes, JMS is getting 44 HP out of a 144, Don't believe me, call him yourself at JMS Performance. He builds all the Yamaha amateur supported riders motors. I have had three of his motors, will not buy anything else. I have a 125 that he did for us that is by far the fastest 125 I have ever ridden. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
HOPSTOOPID
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Bay Area, CA US
6/3/2014 7:10am
Brent wrote:
Just took a long look through the EU site, and it looks like just new plastic. No EFI, direct injection, new suspension, or anything else.

http://www.yamaha-motor.eu/ie/products/offroad-motorcycles/competition/…
Socket946 wrote:
Did it need new suspension?

Did the motor need to be updated?
MotoX85 wrote:
Exactly The suspension is the best in the world and the 125 will smoke a 150, 20lbs heavier makes a huge difference on a tiddler bike...
Exactly

The suspension is the best in the world and the 125 will smoke a 150, 20lbs heavier makes a huge difference on a tiddler bike.

Cutting edge, what is cutting edge, you mean the price tag. An 8 yr old design YZ 125 and 250 will run circles around the KTM pigs at half the price.

WE have a KTM dealership that would sponsor us with bikes at cost and after riding both, we bought Yamahas. The handling, cornering and suspension on the KTMs are below sub par and would take massive money to get them to a stock Yamaha.

You sheeple can keep your cutting edge that magazines keep telling you you need to have.
No way a stock YZ125 will smoke a KTM150 with the same rider. Absolutely not. Owned an 06 YZ125 and currently ride a 13 150SX. Even the KTM125 will smoke a YZ.
MotoX85
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6/3/2014 7:14am
Socket946 wrote:
Did it need new suspension?

Did the motor need to be updated?
MotoX85 wrote:
Exactly The suspension is the best in the world and the 125 will smoke a 150, 20lbs heavier makes a huge difference on a tiddler bike...
Exactly

The suspension is the best in the world and the 125 will smoke a 150, 20lbs heavier makes a huge difference on a tiddler bike.

Cutting edge, what is cutting edge, you mean the price tag. An 8 yr old design YZ 125 and 250 will run circles around the KTM pigs at half the price.

WE have a KTM dealership that would sponsor us with bikes at cost and after riding both, we bought Yamahas. The handling, cornering and suspension on the KTMs are below sub par and would take massive money to get them to a stock Yamaha.

You sheeple can keep your cutting edge that magazines keep telling you you need to have.
HOPSTOOPID wrote:
No way a stock YZ125 will smoke a KTM150 with the same rider. Absolutely not. Owned an 06 YZ125 and currently ride a 13 150SX. Even...
No way a stock YZ125 will smoke a KTM150 with the same rider. Absolutely not. Owned an 06 YZ125 and currently ride a 13 150SX. Even the KTM125 will smoke a YZ.
Yada Yada Yada.

Had both bikes off the floor brand new, all three riders, one novice, two expert said the YZ125 was faster. But ride what you want. But then again, who actually races MX in a straight line with no bumps.
HOPSTOOPID
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6/3/2014 7:17am
MotoX85 wrote:
Exactly The suspension is the best in the world and the 125 will smoke a 150, 20lbs heavier makes a huge difference on a tiddler bike...
Exactly

The suspension is the best in the world and the 125 will smoke a 150, 20lbs heavier makes a huge difference on a tiddler bike.

Cutting edge, what is cutting edge, you mean the price tag. An 8 yr old design YZ 125 and 250 will run circles around the KTM pigs at half the price.

WE have a KTM dealership that would sponsor us with bikes at cost and after riding both, we bought Yamahas. The handling, cornering and suspension on the KTMs are below sub par and would take massive money to get them to a stock Yamaha.

You sheeple can keep your cutting edge that magazines keep telling you you need to have.
HOPSTOOPID wrote:
No way a stock YZ125 will smoke a KTM150 with the same rider. Absolutely not. Owned an 06 YZ125 and currently ride a 13 150SX. Even...
No way a stock YZ125 will smoke a KTM150 with the same rider. Absolutely not. Owned an 06 YZ125 and currently ride a 13 150SX. Even the KTM125 will smoke a YZ.
MotoX85 wrote:
Yada Yada Yada. Had both bikes off the floor brand new, all three riders, one novice, two expert said the YZ125 was faster. But ride what...
Yada Yada Yada.

Had both bikes off the floor brand new, all three riders, one novice, two expert said the YZ125 was faster. But ride what you want. But then again, who actually races MX in a straight line with no bumps.
I do agree about the suspension being better on the yamahas by far (even the 06 I owned), but going solely on motor, the KTM will win all day any day. Given the choice, Id take a KTM150 motor, yamaha suspension, and the KTM frame. I also think the older steel frame YZs handled better than the 05+ aluminum ones. Never been a fan of aluminum frames for some reason.
brocsdad
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6/3/2014 7:34am
MotoX85 wrote:
Want horsepower. Take a YZ125 and send it to JMS performance to make it a 144. The bike and motor work is still cheaper than a...
Want horsepower.

Take a YZ125 and send it to JMS performance to make it a 144. The bike and motor work is still cheaper than a KTM150 but the YZ144 from JMS is about 2 less horsepower less than a stock 250 2 stroke.

HenryA wrote:
What? A 144 with 48 ponies? Blink
MotoX85 wrote:
A stock YZ250 is putting out about 46-47 HP and yes, JMS is getting 44 HP out of a 144, Don't believe me, call him yourself...
A stock YZ250 is putting out about 46-47 HP and yes, JMS is getting 44 HP out of a 144, Don't believe me, call him yourself at JMS Performance. He builds all the Yamaha amateur supported riders motors. I have had three of his motors, will not buy anything else. I have a 125 that he did for us that is by far the fastest 125 I have ever ridden. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Getting that much HP out of a 144 is not impossible since a stock KTM 150 is around 40hp.

I’m sure with porting, carb mods, pipe, ceramic bearings and race fuel it’s possible but It’s probably a top-end oriented style of power to make those numbers.

A few of the local kids use his motors and I’ve heard good and bad?

I’ve used PC, Varner, but I’ve had the best luck with Barr’s Competition.
tek14
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Vantaa FI
6/3/2014 7:38am
I have them both yz125 and sx125. Yamaha have awesome suspension for light rider in stock. KTM is not so bad but stock is just not great. I did go to cone valve semi factory set both ends and its even better than what i have in Yamaha. Motors are pretty good on both in stock, Yamaha came alive just with new pipe but KTM needed more mods to make any difference over stock one. Deep sand with large waves i would go KTM and more tricky clay stuff Yamaha. My Yz125 happens to look pretty much like these "2015" are with UFO kit.
MotoX85
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6/3/2014 7:42am
HenryA wrote:
What? A 144 with 48 ponies? Blink
MotoX85 wrote:
A stock YZ250 is putting out about 46-47 HP and yes, JMS is getting 44 HP out of a 144, Don't believe me, call him yourself...
A stock YZ250 is putting out about 46-47 HP and yes, JMS is getting 44 HP out of a 144, Don't believe me, call him yourself at JMS Performance. He builds all the Yamaha amateur supported riders motors. I have had three of his motors, will not buy anything else. I have a 125 that he did for us that is by far the fastest 125 I have ever ridden. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
brocsdad wrote:
Getting that much HP out of a 144 is not impossible since a stock KTM 150 is around 40hp. I’m sure with porting, carb mods, pipe...
Getting that much HP out of a 144 is not impossible since a stock KTM 150 is around 40hp.

I’m sure with porting, carb mods, pipe, ceramic bearings and race fuel it’s possible but It’s probably a top-end oriented style of power to make those numbers.

A few of the local kids use his motors and I’ve heard good and bad?

I’ve used PC, Varner, but I’ve had the best luck with Barr’s Competition.
Fill me in on the bad as we are not sponsored by JMS in any way. I have had three motors with zero issues, all have been horsepower monsters across the board, bulletproof and I will continue to buy them, but I like to keep myself as knowledgable as possible.
brocsdad
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Thompsons Station, TN US
6/3/2014 8:13am
MotoX85 wrote:
A stock YZ250 is putting out about 46-47 HP and yes, JMS is getting 44 HP out of a 144, Don't believe me, call him yourself...
A stock YZ250 is putting out about 46-47 HP and yes, JMS is getting 44 HP out of a 144, Don't believe me, call him yourself at JMS Performance. He builds all the Yamaha amateur supported riders motors. I have had three of his motors, will not buy anything else. I have a 125 that he did for us that is by far the fastest 125 I have ever ridden. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
brocsdad wrote:
Getting that much HP out of a 144 is not impossible since a stock KTM 150 is around 40hp. I’m sure with porting, carb mods, pipe...
Getting that much HP out of a 144 is not impossible since a stock KTM 150 is around 40hp.

I’m sure with porting, carb mods, pipe, ceramic bearings and race fuel it’s possible but It’s probably a top-end oriented style of power to make those numbers.

A few of the local kids use his motors and I’ve heard good and bad?

I’ve used PC, Varner, but I’ve had the best luck with Barr’s Competition.
MotoX85 wrote:
Fill me in on the bad as we are not sponsored by JMS in any way. I have had three motors with zero issues, all have...
Fill me in on the bad as we are not sponsored by JMS in any way. I have had three motors with zero issues, all have been horsepower monsters across the board, bulletproof and I will continue to buy them, but I like to keep myself as knowledgable as possible.
Good - JMS seems to build a reliable motor from what I’ve seen.

A couple of local kids use their motors and my friends kid who is a national level rider rode a Supermini RM and built by JMS. He did (2) laps and gave the bike RM back and said his Stock KTM 85 was faster. The bike seemed to have a very narrow powerband.

He also rode a KX supermini and he did say it was fast but he couldn’t adapt that well since it was the older style (13) KX. The same rider now has a 2014 KX Supermini built by JMS and the kid who tested the bike is getting ready to have a supermini built by Barr’s. Now he can ride the bikes back to back and compare the (2).

Flesh206
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Perrys, OH US
6/3/2014 8:30am
I won't believe till I see. But whatever say they do update them KTM will just reupdate their's like they always do and the yz's will be right back in the same position....behind.

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