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I currently have a 2017 kx250f and I love the bike but I'm not into racing as much as I used to be after multiple injuries. I really love 125s and how fun they are to ride, yet I still want to be competitive with buddies at the track or the few times I do race. I really want to get opinions on the 125 versus 150 and husky versus KTM.
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I'm thinking about doing this myself, I made a similar topic a little while ago. I look forward to seeing the replies in here.
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Location: Springfield, OR USA
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You answered your own question. Get the 150, husky vs KTM? Pick which one you can get a deal on or looks better to you. Good luck finding a left over, but that would be the way to go (17, not a 16).
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2016 = WP 4CS
2017 = WP AER
Get a 17 or newer.
125 vs 150 = Idk if this is just me but the 150 feels like it has a narrower powerband. It could be that it produces a few more ponies at X RPM compared to the 125 that makes different. Both bikes are quick, the stock 125 16- is faster than any late japanese 125 with a pipe, reeds and top mod.
The good part is that the new gen 125/150 has swappable cylinders so if you wanna try out the 144cc kit all you have to do is order a 150 cylinder for your 125.
But yes, it's a completly different animal compared to your 250F
Besides from that, KTM and Husky are pretty much the same, pick the best one on CL.
#1
KX125
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if you're larger than the targeted weight for these 125's, like a lot of us vet riders are who are buying these things now, get the 144. An extra 19cc's doesn't sound like much but from my experience it makes it a LOT easier to keep it on the pipe. A 155lb A rider may come to a different comclusion.
That being said, I have no experience with these new KTM's.
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I think the 18 is the first year that they have the same crank you could just switch cylinders back and forth like the 250 and 300.
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husky vs ktm...pick which bike you like the looks of better. The husky has a slightly more restrictive airbox.
I'm 38 and ride vet A...I'm 210lbs with gear on. I bought a '17 150sx and 250sx. I love both bikes. The 125 sx feels faster than the 150sx, but in deep sand tracks I don't have to work as hard to keep the 150 on the pipe, and my lap times are usually 1-2 seconds a lap faster, and depending on the track, I am very close to lap times of the 250sx. Fun factor on the 150sx way higher. For me I only needed to add a stiffer spring and more air to the forks and the bikes were perfect for me.
If I wanted to ride a 4stroke, I would stay home and mow the lawn
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In 2016 they switched to bore only, the stroke stays the same.
I'm 155-160lbs and really enjoy the 2016 125sx. I upgraded the suspension. If you plan on keeping the stock forks get the 17 or 18 with the AER48s
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Yes I agree about staying away from the 16 model. We spent a lot of money on the forks and they were still crap.
Now as far as your statement about the Modded bikes not being as fast is not true. We had a fully blown national level EBR KTM 125 and it was fast but keep in mind the KTM's off the floor are pushed closer to the max motor wise. You can squeeze another 6 or 7hp out of the YZ. We decided to sell the KTM and buy a new YZ. I sent it Terry Varner and it's making 39.5hp on the Dyno. Once you mod both bikes the end result is about the same but the KTM is broader where the YZ does require more shifting but revs faster.
As far as the KTM 125 compared to the 150 the 150 is faster on top end but harder to ride. Most people would be faster on the 125. If you are play riding it will not matter but if you are racing against 250fs you will be working harder.
Good Luck!
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Location: FL, USA
Kaboom
I'm 50 y/0 slow vet C, 210 lb w/o gear on a 17 HVA 250TC
I don't race anymore, just MX practice wonder..
The TC is great but that thing is wearing me out fast
Smoothed out the beast with jetting/PV setting and pipe but it still hits pretty hard
I've been thinking of going down in cc but not sure if it still would pull me . I'm in Central FL, sandy tracks
I saw you have a 250SX so what's your take on 250 vs 125/150 as far as "ease of riding"
I know it's not apples to apples (sorry oranges to oranges!) comparison but with fun/practice only in mind, would you say that the 250 is still more forgiving due to the extra torque?
I haven't been on a small bore for many years but last I recall it was a lot of work to keep the engine sweet spot,
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I've seen multiple reviews and comparisons stating the 125s power band makes it a better race bike than the 150.
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Stupid question but do you guys know if the 150's cylinder can be bored further for more displacement?
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The 250 is easier to ride in terms of just cruising around the track and still being able to do all the jumps. Stamina on both is pretty equal. With the 250, the extra power and weight tire me, but I don't have to work as hard keeping the bike on the pipe and pulling. The 150 is light and there is no surge of acceleration coming out of corners or landing on the throttle like the 250, but you have to ride more aggressively and use the clutch more to keep the bike moving. I don't spend much time on the 150. I can't afford to keep up with top ends, cranks, and clutches at the level I am able to ride it. I can go fast on the 250 without running it to within an inch of its life, and parts last longer bc of that.
If I wanted to ride a 4stroke, I would stay home and mow the lawn
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Location: Monroe, OR USA
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Ive ridden both at ktm demo days. I bought a 2016 125 after riding it there. Its alot of fun. It revs out a bit longer then a 150 in my opinion. 150 does make more low end power but you run out of revs on top and need to shift where the 125 will keep pulling a little more. I think it depends on the thpe of tracks u normaly ride. Tighter more technicle tracks would be better for a 150. A longer more flowy track or more sandy track would be better on a 125. Just my opinion from riding them back to back.
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On the 150, I wonder if the "low end only" powerband (on the newer models) is due to cylinder changes only, whereas the older models were purpose built 150s?
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For me, the 150s simply offer more SPH (smiles per hour). I bought my 150 as a play bike and wound up selling my 450 bc i always rode 150 whether for MX or XC. I periodically ride other people's 125s and it makes me appreciate the 150 even more. It allows me to be a bit sloppier than the 125s. This is due to the added low-mid torque the 150 offers over any 125 I've ever been on.
It sounds like you are moving away from racing exclusively. This is where the 150 shines.
I randomly bought a 250SX a while back, and honestly, when I go riding, no matter if MX or off-road...im never sure which one I'm taking until it's time to load up. I can assure you, if I had a 125, I would leave it at home anytime I was going off-road or play riding.
That said folks who ride/race MX exclusively tend to prefer the 125 due to its longer over-rev pull and don't mind losing the increased low-mid torque the 150 offers.
Violence You Can Believe In
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I've got a 14sx125 that i picked up super cheap and it's a blast my friend has a 16 sx125 it definitely has more mid-top but the older bike has better roll on out of corners.the newer model frame turns sharper i have a 15yz250 as well and it turns like a slug compared to these bikes but it still gets the job done
