YZ125 Vs SX125

On a 2k budget? Get the cleanest YZ from 05 upwards. If you would have the budget for clean 2016 -> KTM/Husky i would go for that all day long (i assume that you wont find a 16 SX/TC for 2k?)..

The yamaha is more valuable over time in my opinion. Look at the number of yz builds that pop up. When was the last time you saw someone do a full rebuild on a 2008 125sx or any ktm that wasn’t in its current chassis release?

On a 2000 pound budget aim for newer than 2006. But I would be looking for something that has been utterly loved rather than the latest and greatest.

Ideally something that presents super clean and has valid receipts to show a reasonable amount of care and attention.


When living in the UK I used ebay a lot. However, a quick search does not show many options. The YZ is the better all around bike, SSS KYB suspension from 2006 on is still todays bench mark and for a 125 it has a broad and easy to use power band. But it's not competitive in a race so to speak with an intermediate or faster rider. Horsepower becomes king once the speed picks up.


This one caught my eye if it is legit. Not perfect, but receipts for 850 pounds as well as a fairly presentable bike.
https://www.gumtree.com/p/other-motorbikes-scooters/yz-125-nt-cr-ktm-kx…


Their other YZ125 for sale as well.
https://www.gumtree.com/p/other-vehicles/yz-125-nt-ktm-cr-kx-yzf-crf-kx…

As mentioned above, the YZs were considered the best 125s as far as overall value. The 05+ really is a great bike. The KTMs were also good during that time but I don't think there is the demand for them and overall opinion of them seems to be a bit lower until 2016+. But one could argue that even now, the YZ is the better value, even though the showroom performance of the new KTMs is better. Unfortunately, the old YZs do go for a decent amount of coin. But even with that, I say if you are on a budget, just try to find an 05-07 and you are good to go.

Go with a 2006 or newer, don't mess with a 2005 IMO. The 06 has SSS forks.

06+ yz for sure amazing bike, you’ll have to get a 16+ ktm to match or be better than the yz

I believe the early Ktm,s were fast, but the front end were Jack hammers, this only really improved post 2013.

If your buying new the Ktm is a better bike, if you are buying second hand , especially in the cheaper end the Yamaha is better , easier to get parts for and probably the better package over time

Yep. And the 2005 had solid bar mounts for 7/8" bars which really limits your options on handlebars. Aftermarket triple clamps seem hard to come by for them.

I can't speak to the older CR125s, but my son has an '07 that is a dream to ride. He has a Pro Circuit pipe on it and it's been very carefully dialed in on the jetting. Very strong running bike, but more importantly, it's the best handling MXer I've ever ridden. He had some light suspension work done on it, just revalving and springs for his weight/riding ability, and the bike is an absolute blast to ride. If you can find a clean 05-07, I'd suggest giving it a look.

I have a mate with a very well suspended cr 125. Yes, the engine won't keep up with my wife's yz125 but the handling is awesome.
For me, with your price range, I'd go an 06 or newer yz125.
As far as the engine goes, there is a member on here who bought his son a yz and an sx 125 and sent them both to the same engine builder, they both ended up at the same horse power. The sx is faster stock but the yz has a lot in reserve