Helping in choosing a 125

TuckerNZ
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TuckerNZ
Edited Date/Time 12/1/2018 11:01am
Hi

I currently ride a KDX200 and have mostly been exclusively trails. Used to own a KTM EXC 250 before that. Ridden on a off for a few years, nothing intense and would describe myself as novice - intermediate.

I am 25, 170 poounds ish (75kg) and looking to get into MX.
I know I want a 2 stroke, and a 125.

Im currently deciding between a YZ125, SX125 and TC125.
I currently can get a SX125 2018 for $7,000 NZD with 64.5 hours on it, looks like in decent condition.
Also can get YZ125 2017 from a dealer with 37 hours on it - $7,500. Also looks in decent condition. Has a VHM head and GYTR muffler and will have a new piston put in by the shop there for free.

I'm also considering buying new - can get a TC1252018 for $11,200 NZD new or a YZ125 2018 for $10,400 new. If i went 2019 models i'd be looking at $12-$13k.

Any advice on these? Is 65 hours too much? I service my bikes professionally and just want a bike that I will be able to get into racing on and have a good time.

I know the YZ hasn't been updated in years but has a good following. Have ridden a SX125 2018 before and they are a rocket.

Appreciate any input (not into brand bashing or anything of that sort).

Cheers
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cappelmans
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cappelmans 11/30/2018 12:12am
11/30/2018 12:12am Edited Date/Time 11/30/2018 12:15am
Can’t go wrong on all of them, so maybe the YZ is the better choice if you buy used. If you buy new I’d go for the Husqy/KTM because changing filters is easier and you get a more up to date machine for your money. The new Husqvarna 125 looks so good this year!

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Jrewing
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Jrewing 11/30/2018 12:15am
11/30/2018 12:15am
Jeez you kiwis get pumped worse than us on bikes
I’d go the Ktm new and try for a deal
Motofinne
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Motofinne 11/30/2018 12:15am
11/30/2018 12:15am Edited Date/Time 11/30/2018 12:29am
Look, the SX/TC absolutely kills the YZ. I ride a 2018 YZF 450 so i'm not biased in this (and i have ridden them all).

The only thing the YZ does better is in the suspension department. But the AER 48 fork works very well on the lighter KTMs and Husqvarnas. Like you said, you have ridden a SX 125 and they are indeed rocketships in stock trim compared to the YZ.

With that said, the YZ is not a bad bike at all (i'm actually thinking about getting a cheap used YZ125 as a winter project). But i would go with the superior SX/TC especially if you are going to get a brand new one. 65 hours is not too much if the bike has been maintained properly.

Either way, you'll have fun on a 125. But i would get the SX/TC.
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TuckerNZ
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TuckerNZ 11/30/2018 12:20am
11/30/2018 12:20am
Thanks guys. I should have mentioned that in NZ the YZ's are now sold with a GYTR race kit - so they come fitted with a GYTR pipe, muffler, sprocket and VForce reeds, if that changes your views at all.

I really like the look of the Huskys - and is probably where I am leaning towards.
Would you recommend going for the 2018 model (SX or TC) on discount ($11.2k) or trying to get some kind of a deal on the 19 versions?

I know they made some changes from 18-19 and obviously resale value, but If i can save $1800 by buying an 18 model if seems wise?

The Shop

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Motofinne
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Motofinne 11/30/2018 12:28am
11/30/2018 12:28am
Try to find a demo unit. A friend of mine picked up a 19 SX125 with 4 hours on it earlier this week for over 1k less than the MSRP!
yz133rider
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yz133rider 11/30/2018 12:58am
11/30/2018 12:58am
The new yz sounds like a solid choice. Used with 30+ hrs on a 125 is a crap shoot if its Been ridden hard and neglected.
chump6784
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chump6784 11/30/2018 3:40am
11/30/2018 3:40am
I just picked up an 18 yz250, they come with a similar kit minus the v force and it's a solid bike. I don't think you can go wrong with either bike, performance wise the sx/tc are the better bike however i feel the yz is built more solid. Below is a dyno graph of a yz125 with standard pipe vs hgs pipe. The hgs won't give it the performance of the sx/tc but it does close the gap a bit
r18b
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r18b 11/30/2018 4:20am
11/30/2018 4:20am
Close the gap a bit?? Talking about 6 to 8 hp more that a sx or a tc gives compared to a yz. That's a gap you can't close. With no pipe in the world.

Be smart if you want a 125 and go for a sx or a tc.
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Moto Mofo
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Moto Mofo 11/30/2018 6:05am
11/30/2018 6:05am
6 to 8 HP difference between a SX/TC vs a YZ? No way.
bents
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bents 11/30/2018 7:09am
11/30/2018 7:09am
As much as I am a Husky fan, if you are new to mx and learning the ropes, the YZ is bulletproof in every way and I would not shy away from a bike with 30 hrs on it-throw a new top end in it, go over the bike, re-grease everything and go out and rip it.
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AJ565
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AJ565 11/30/2018 7:16am
11/30/2018 7:16am
r18b wrote:
Close the gap a bit?? Talking about 6 to 8 hp more that a sx or a tc gives compared to a yz. That's a gap...
Close the gap a bit?? Talking about 6 to 8 hp more that a sx or a tc gives compared to a yz. That's a gap you can't close. With no pipe in the world.

Be smart if you want a 125 and go for a sx or a tc.
35 for a YZ125 vs. 37 for a KTM/Husky.
KDXGarage
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KDXGarage 11/30/2018 8:11am
11/30/2018 8:11am
r18b wrote:
Close the gap a bit?? Talking about 6 to 8 hp more that a sx or a tc gives compared to a yz. That's a gap...
Close the gap a bit?? Talking about 6 to 8 hp more that a sx or a tc gives compared to a yz. That's a gap you can't close. With no pipe in the world.

Be smart if you want a 125 and go for a sx or a tc.
AJ565 wrote:
35 for a YZ125 vs. 37 for a KTM/Husky.
No. It's 43. The expert above spoke. Please pay attention. :-)
Moto Mofo
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Moto Mofo 11/30/2018 8:24am
11/30/2018 8:24am Edited Date/Time 11/30/2018 8:24am
It’s best to ride both and make your own decision. If you base your choice simply upon what you read on forums, you’ll probably end up with a SX/TC. I get the feeling that a lot of people who weigh in on the subject don’t even ride 125s, just regurgitate things they read online. I have friends who love their new KTM and Husky 125s. Meanwhile, myself and a few other friends still prefer the YZ. It’s all personal preference... no one else can tell you what’s better for you.
Moto520
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Moto520 11/30/2018 8:59am
11/30/2018 8:59am
YZ125.....used is fine. The bike is really bulletproof and runs great. The new components on the KTM designed to save weight make the bike less rugged in my opinion for long term use. I would either go new or get the used one with a fresh piston. Those hours are low from my experience with my YZ125. I'm not at all biased as I have a KTM250SXF which I love.
dtl210
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dtl210 12/1/2018 5:00am
12/1/2018 5:00am Edited Date/Time 12/1/2018 5:01am
I have a tc125 and have had a few yz125's in the past. The tc is sexy as can be, handles good and runs strong on the top end. However, if I were to do it again I'd buy another yz. The yz is just easier to ride and the suspension is much better. Ktm/Husky hardware drives me crazy, looks like shit as soon as you put a wrench on it. The yz is much better in that regard.
Dont get me started on jetting the husky.Dizzy
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BR8ES
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BR8ES 12/1/2018 7:24am
12/1/2018 7:24am
if you plan on keeping the bike for a long while, get a new one. I suggest the TC as I have a '19, bike is awesome.
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#434
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#434 12/1/2018 8:06am
12/1/2018 8:06am
BR8ES wrote:
if you plan on keeping the bike for a long while, get a new one. I suggest the TC as I have a '19, bike is...
if you plan on keeping the bike for a long while, get a new one. I suggest the TC as I have a '19, bike is awesome.
I am thinking about buying a 19 or 20 tc125. Are the problems with jetting and the reed cage sorted out? Does run fine right out of the box? My buddy‘s 17 was bad..
BR8ES
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BR8ES 12/1/2018 8:14am
12/1/2018 8:14am
I rode it stock, adjusted per manual for my elevation initially and it ripped. I have modded the carb and use a Smart Carb a bit too since I had one laying around. but stock it was pretty spot on. The reed is pretty much the same and I have had zero problems with it, I don't see the need to go aftermarket. Bike is great.

Pit Row

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#434
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#434 12/1/2018 10:04am
12/1/2018 10:04am
Thanks for the info. My buddy‘s bike started working right after installing a vforce and going to a ratio of 1:50. Still it didn‘t run as good as my 2010 150SX with the Keihin carb..
BR8ES
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BR8ES 12/1/2018 11:01am
12/1/2018 11:01am
#434 wrote:
Thanks for the info. My buddy‘s bike started working right after installing a vforce and going to a ratio of 1:50. Still it didn‘t run as...
Thanks for the info. My buddy‘s bike started working right after installing a vforce and going to a ratio of 1:50. Still it didn‘t run as good as my 2010 150SX with the Keihin carb..
No worries, glad to help. Mix ratio is 40:1 As you know, but if the 50 works and he is good with it, then great! I noticed zero difference between the aftermarket cages and OEM on both my 125 and 250, some have, so they must work more or less. I didn't like the Keihin all that much on either bike, but that is me. The 19 won't take much, if anything really to be a killer bike.
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