Posts
54
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1/16/2019
Location
Lanesville, IN
US
Edited Date/Time
12/29/2021 6:47am
I've spent stupid money on four strokes the past 5-6 years. I wanted to try all of them I could, and the 2 major things I have learned are: they're expensive and I don't ride often enough to be able to hang onto a 450 riding hard!!
So... for all you die hard 2 stroke riders out there (preferably there are some die hard yz125 riders with tons if experience out there), I'm considering buying a used yz 125, stripping it and building it up exactly how I want it. I have owned 2 yz 250s in the past (03, 08) and they treated me pretty well. I have never owned a 125 of any kind, so I am in seemingly uncharted territory for myself.
Should I spend the extra couple grand and on a 2-3 year old bike to be more sure the bottom end and transmission is solid? Should I pinch pennies and just get an 06 because the bottom ends and transmissions are so bullet proof? If they do need work, are the YouTube videos about an easy bottom end repair too good to be true?
I feel like this should be a much simpler decision than I'm making it lol so.. someone with yz 125 experience tell me what's up!!!! Thanks and enjoy.
So... for all you die hard 2 stroke riders out there (preferably there are some die hard yz125 riders with tons if experience out there), I'm considering buying a used yz 125, stripping it and building it up exactly how I want it. I have owned 2 yz 250s in the past (03, 08) and they treated me pretty well. I have never owned a 125 of any kind, so I am in seemingly uncharted territory for myself.
Should I spend the extra couple grand and on a 2-3 year old bike to be more sure the bottom end and transmission is solid? Should I pinch pennies and just get an 06 because the bottom ends and transmissions are so bullet proof? If they do need work, are the YouTube videos about an easy bottom end repair too good to be true?
I feel like this should be a much simpler decision than I'm making it lol so.. someone with yz 125 experience tell me what's up!!!! Thanks and enjoy.
*edit
Used YZ’s are easily the most popular used bike out there, so if you find a good deal jump on it
I have rebuilt everything except the shock and bottom end, and not because anything needed to be rebuilt but because I felt like I should. I have had 0 issues with this bike in the 100 hours I've rode it.
The only thing that it NEEDS is a jet block gasket and the right jets.
If you aren't racing, I would go with a 07 and newer because the early years had issues with the shift detent coming apart, but its a cheap fix and doesn't take that much time.
Somewhere in my bikes life, the SSS forks got swapped for the 2005 AOSS Forks, but I can't really complain because I have never rode a bike with SSS forks and these forks are the best I have ever rode.
I think you should expect to put about ~$1000 into a used 125 to get it up to 'new' standards.
One thing you should check is the condition of the subframe. One the ignition side, boots will can wear all the way through the outside part of the subframe and its a good indicator of how many hours it has because it has taken me over 100 hours to go from a normal looking subframe to a very thing section with a decent crack and a small hole.
The Shop
But other then those two things and the pointy ass shroud going into the top of your boot if leaned over enough in the corner thats the only two things.
And if you buy a used 125 just do the bike a favor and put a new wossner crank in with performance Rod not the regular one.
They're pretty reliable if you take care of them.
I'm riding an '05 Yz125 that I bought new in 2004. I haven't always ridden a lot, but do now, and have raced it a few seasons.
I upgraded the forks to SSS and got a deal on a 2009 shock. I also put in a Vforce4 reed, and put a 50 tooth sprocket on the rear. Other than that, it's all stock.
I'm still running the original clutch, the bottom end has not needed servicing, and I've never had to rebuild the carb.
The shift detent should be replaced if you get a 2005, but I wouldn't stress over it. I believe they changed it in 2006, but it may have been 07 or 08.
The difference is that the new one doesn't have ball bearings. My local shop said that they've never seen one come apart (and the same detent is still sold for other bikes), but there are stories online of them breaking occasionally and small ball bearings wreaking havoc throughout the bottom end. It's an easy preventative measure, and the part is maybe $15 if I remember right.
One thing to note: They really, really like the Vforce4 reeds.
They're a lot of fun, and I love the way they make you ride, all out!
Anyways, full disclosure, I am a mechanical hypochondriac.
The 2016 125 on the far right is about to be for sale. I am freshening it up prior to selling. These YZ125’s have been some of the best bikes we have had and we have been through about every brand since 50cc. We are meticulous on maintenance but beyond that they are trouble free.
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