Is a 250 2t too much coming off a 85

Shane_Cardella
Edited Date/Time 12/24/2015 11:16pm
I am 15 looking for a new bike never really rode a 125 2t but rode many 250 4t but I want to 2t that has bottom end to carry me up hills and top end at a track . I weigh 170 pounds and my 85 just can't keep up with my buddies on 250f s
|
Samuel
Profile picture for user Samuel
Posts
388
Joined
6/30/2014
Location
Independence, OR US
Samuel 12/24/2015 8:54am
12/24/2015 8:54am
I went from a crf150f trail bike to a ktm 350 two stroke. I only weighed 120 at the time. Just don't be a moran. Take it easy when you switch. At 170 pounds, a 250 seems like a better option than a 125.
Shane_Cardella 12/24/2015 9:06am
12/24/2015 9:06am
I really love the feel of a 2 stroke and kinda considering a ktm 200 or 250 xc or even the 300 at the right price
bvm111
Profile picture for user bvm111
Posts
9667
Joined
7/1/2008
Location
Las Vegas, NV US
bvm111 12/24/2015 9:10am
12/24/2015 9:10am
Yes... What's wrong with a 125?
mb
Profile picture for user mb
Posts
769
Joined
7/22/2014
Location
Columbia, SC US
mb 12/24/2015 9:12am
12/24/2015 9:12am
Your 85 can't keep up, but an125 will do a better job. If you spend a year on a 125 before going to the 250 2t you will be a better, faster rider.

The Shop

See All »
Wandell
Profile picture for user Wandell
Posts
7561
Joined
12/17/2008
Location
Cairo, GA US
Wandell 12/24/2015 9:13am
12/24/2015 9:13am
If you take your time and don't cave in to peer pressure you should be fine. Speaking as a father, the jump to a 65 took the longest to adapt. Those things are sketchy. My son went from the 65 to an 85 to a 125 with no issues at all. As he said, more power, but easier to ride!
Shane_Cardella 12/24/2015 9:13am
12/24/2015 9:13am
Idk I've heard they don't have that much power compared to a 4t 250 and I feel I may out grow it in a year or 2
Highsider
Profile picture for user Highsider
Posts
7680
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
Way Toasty, IA US
Highsider 12/24/2015 9:33am
12/24/2015 9:33am
Multi-brand dealer friend just told me "With freight the 125 Husky is now over $7000"
sende
Profile picture for user sende
Posts
2377
Joined
1/15/2013
Location
FI
Fantasy
4967th
sende 12/24/2015 9:38am
12/24/2015 9:38am
I'd recommend a 125, but my first bike was 250 and I was 15 yo. So I don't think it's too much.
BAMX
Profile picture for user BAMX
Posts
2859
Joined
1/22/2012
Location
Fallbrook, CA US
BAMX 12/24/2015 9:39am
12/24/2015 9:39am
bvm111 wrote:
Yes... What's wrong with a 125?
How about a 150? That would be perfect at 170lbs.
Shane_Cardella 12/24/2015 9:49am
12/24/2015 9:49am
Aren't 150 rb equivalent to my rm 85 big wheel and i saw that KTM 125SX sit higher then a 250 and height I one of my main concerns with a new bike cause I would like to be able to touch some what lol
FWYT
Profile picture for user FWYT
Posts
3396
Joined
5/25/2014
Location
San Diego, CA US
FWYT 12/24/2015 9:58am
12/24/2015 9:58am
mb wrote:
Your 85 can't keep up, but an125 will do a better job. If you spend a year on a 125 before going to the 250 2t...
Your 85 can't keep up, but an125 will do a better job. If you spend a year on a 125 before going to the 250 2t you will be a better, faster rider.
QFT.

And you can get them cheap as hell.
Ted722
Profile picture for user Ted722
Posts
4495
Joined
9/21/2011
Location
Sacramento, CA US
Ted722 12/24/2015 10:10am
12/24/2015 10:10am
At 15, I went from a 1975 KX125 to a brand new 1983 Honda CR250. Great bike, but way too much for me. My very first ride, (very first trail on the 250 down at Hollister), I looped it about 2 min. into the trail. I was 5' 11" 145lb.

Would have been much better off with a 125. Even for only a year or two. It will do wonders for your riding ability and confidence regardless of your weight.
bish153
Profile picture for user bish153
Posts
440
Joined
11/28/2010
Location
Frisco, TX US
bish153 12/24/2015 10:14am
12/24/2015 10:14am
I'm my opinion the move from 80/85 to 125 is closer than the leap from 125 to 250 two stroke...i moved from mini's to 125 young...after about a year I was ready to start introducing the 250 two strokes....
Shane_Cardella 12/24/2015 10:16am
12/24/2015 10:16am
I like the thought of a light 125 but what are your guys thoughts on Ktm 200 2t it's a 125 frame but bigger motor ?
KTMShane699
Profile picture for user KTMShane699
Posts
1307
Joined
12/6/2013
Location
Colchester, CT US
KTMShane699 12/24/2015 10:27am
12/24/2015 10:27am
Shane_Cardella wrote:
Idk I've heard they don't have that much power compared to a 4t 250 and I feel I may out grow it in a year or...
Idk I've heard they don't have that much power compared to a 4t 250 and I feel I may out grow it in a year or 2
Outgrow a 125??? How about having a bike that teaches you to really ride it. Forces you to maintain proper technique since it's not forgiving. And when you can ride it, you'll feel like a god ringing it for all it's worth. Small bore two strokes are some of the most fun and benefit you'll have on two wheels.

Shane

Pit Row

See All »
Dragoo168
Profile picture for user Dragoo168
Posts
239
Joined
4/14/2014
Location
NV US
Dragoo168 12/24/2015 10:33am
12/24/2015 10:33am
Shane_Cardella wrote:
Aren't 150 rb equivalent to my rm 85 big wheel and i saw that KTM 125SX sit higher then a 250 and height I one of...
Aren't 150 rb equivalent to my rm 85 big wheel and i saw that KTM 125SX sit higher then a 250 and height I one of my main concerns with a new bike cause I would like to be able to touch some what lol
Pretty sure BAMX was talking a 150 2t, like the KTM, and that would be a decent bike. The main thing I would consider is what level a rider you are (Honestly), because your weight may suit you for a 250 2t, but skill level may not. Don't worry about "out growing" the bike in a year or two, but rather progressing as a rider.
Flip109
Profile picture for user Flip109
Posts
3460
Joined
6/15/2007
Location
TX US
Flip109 12/24/2015 10:33am
12/24/2015 10:33am
mb wrote:
Your 85 can't keep up, but an125 will do a better job. If you spend a year on a 125 before going to the 250 2t...
Your 85 can't keep up, but an125 will do a better job. If you spend a year on a 125 before going to the 250 2t you will be a better, faster rider.
You can ride anything safe and fast if you are experienced and skilled enough. But this seems like the best advice.
hellion
Profile picture for user hellion
Posts
1044
Joined
12/19/2009
Location
Westfield, MA US
hellion 12/24/2015 10:41am
12/24/2015 10:41am
If you care to become a better rider, the 125 is the way to go. Outgrow it? I don't think so. I'm 210 lbs and in my forties and I still go back to s 125/150 occasionally to sharpen up. Plus they're fun as hell. On top of that, a 250 two stoke could get you into trouble you might not be physically ready for.
Shane_Cardella 12/24/2015 11:30am
12/24/2015 11:30am
the 125 sounds like a great bike and I'm gunna start looking for a newer one and specific brand/year that is good or bad ? and any mods to help bring the most of the bike ?
Gukamonster
Profile picture for user Gukamonster
Posts
544
Joined
3/23/2011
Location
Gigantic CK
Gukamonster 12/24/2015 11:34am
12/24/2015 11:34am Edited Date/Time 12/24/2015 11:35am
This is the exact move I made back 10+ years when I was 15 like you. I went right from a KX80 that I had for a year and a half to a KX250. Still was growing at the time and was maybe 5'6, 125lbs back then and I thought I was too big for the 80! If you're 170lbs you need a different bike.

The jump from and 80 ---> 250 was not ideal but I raced motocross every weekend and learned the bigger bike fairly quick and still feel most comfortable on 250 2 strokes in 2015. The first 250 was a hand-me-down from my older brother that I got a good deal on, I couldn't afford a 125 even if it was a better option at the time.

Depending on what you want to do I would say go for the 250. You're most likely not done growing and as long as you mind the throttle and don't lug a low gear off some big borderline jumps you can get learn a lot quickly and have fun with the extra power.

If you want to be a child moto prodigy, live in a motorhome and chase the "pro dream", then get a 125 to start. a 250 two-stroke is probably the hardest bike to learn some of the jumps you see on tracks although they have gotten better all around since the early 2000s. The KTM 250SX is lighter than most 125s back then with nice smooth power.
KTMShane699
Profile picture for user KTMShane699
Posts
1307
Joined
12/6/2013
Location
Colchester, CT US
KTMShane699 12/24/2015 11:38am
12/24/2015 11:38am
Gukamonster wrote:
This is the exact move I made back 10+ years when I was 15 like you. I went right from a KX80 that I had for...
This is the exact move I made back 10+ years when I was 15 like you. I went right from a KX80 that I had for a year and a half to a KX250. Still was growing at the time and was maybe 5'6, 125lbs back then and I thought I was too big for the 80! If you're 170lbs you need a different bike.

The jump from and 80 ---> 250 was not ideal but I raced motocross every weekend and learned the bigger bike fairly quick and still feel most comfortable on 250 2 strokes in 2015. The first 250 was a hand-me-down from my older brother that I got a good deal on, I couldn't afford a 125 even if it was a better option at the time.

Depending on what you want to do I would say go for the 250. You're most likely not done growing and as long as you mind the throttle and don't lug a low gear off some big borderline jumps you can get learn a lot quickly and have fun with the extra power.

If you want to be a child moto prodigy, live in a motorhome and chase the "pro dream", then get a 125 to start. a 250 two-stroke is probably the hardest bike to learn some of the jumps you see on tracks although they have gotten better all around since the early 2000s. The KTM 250SX is lighter than most 125s back then with nice smooth power.
If you want to be a better rider overall, regardless of the dream...get a 125. Having to work for things on the bike is what will make you a better rider. Less room for error.

Shane
Adam43
Profile picture for user Adam43
Posts
3210
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
WF
Adam43 12/24/2015 11:43am
12/24/2015 11:43am
Shane_Cardella wrote:
the 125 sounds like a great bike and I'm gunna start looking for a newer one and specific brand/year that is good or bad ? and...
the 125 sounds like a great bike and I'm gunna start looking for a newer one and specific brand/year that is good or bad ? and any mods to help bring the most of the bike ?
Any late-model Yamaha YZ125 in good condition. Keep it stock, invest in tires and clutches.
Aceofspades 12/24/2015 1:40pm
12/24/2015 1:40pm
I went from a 1985 cr80 to a 1986 rm250, which I know isn't a big jump (lol) but I simply rode the RM at a moderate pace for a couple days til I knew the powerband. As long as you're not a Moran you'll do fine. I think going to a 125 would be better, but if you can't afford another bike later just get a 250 2t and use your head. You'll be fine.
bob567
Profile picture for user bob567
Posts
767
Joined
7/9/2015
Location
Los Angeles, CA US
bob567 12/24/2015 1:49pm
12/24/2015 1:49pm
I went from a 1978 YZ80 to a 1980 YZ250 when I was 13yrs old. Scared the shit out of me the first time I rode it but after that I was in love. Bought a 1981 YZ465 the following year. I think all 14yr old's should own a open class 2 stroke.
jeffskii
Profile picture for user jeffskii
Posts
31
Joined
12/1/2015
Location
Harrisville, RI US
jeffskii 12/24/2015 2:12pm
12/24/2015 2:12pm
125s are great but if your on the heavier side and ride alot of soft terrain/sand then can be a pain. The 125 will teach you how to maintain your momentum, shift better and focus on technique. KTM 150sx or XC sounds like the perfect bike for you. They have the torque that a 125 lacks
aroark247
Profile picture for user aroark247
Posts
556
Joined
2/25/2014
Location
TX US
aroark247 12/24/2015 2:49pm
12/24/2015 2:49pm
Dude get a 250f. 170 lbs is way too big for a 150 or 125 2 stroke if you actually want to be competitive. Too much emphasis is put on having a 125 to "learn on... control..blah blah blah". I've done it the way these guys are saying and truthfully it does Not matter as much as being smart and learning to ride whatever you have like it's an extension of your body.

Post a reply to: Is a 250 2t too much coming off a 85