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749
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5/16/2018
Location
P-ville, TX
US
Edited Date/Time
8/29/2018 3:10pm
Reaching out to see what everyone thinks (great idea, i know). I have ridden 4 strokes for the last 10 years and am going to be picking up a 125 2 stroke to kind of get back to my roots and bring the fun and affordability back to riding. In the past, i have owned several steel framed YZ's and loved them - but i never have had the chance to ride an aluminum framed one (2005 and up). Are they any better? worth the extra $$? Any help and shit talking appreciated!
I don't think one is any better than the other, just different. Both great.
Of course the newer models have better suspension but that's nothing that can't be fixed. Same thing for the aesthetic of the bike. Put the newer plastics on and you'll have a modern looking bike.
Can't go wrong with the YZ.
The Shop
I got my son a used 2005 YZ125 and rode it a few times and could believe how much fun it was to ride and ride well. Not as easy as a 250F but sounds like you know that going in.
The bug bit me and I have a 2017 YZ250 to go with the 125 and I love both bikes. Same mindset, fun and affordability.
If you got a 2005 and up at least they haven't changed it for so long that parts are readily available and there are plastic kits to make it look new.
I know I loved my '04 YZ 125.
Also, the motor on the newer bike feels like it has a little more grunt down low, and it revs a little quicker than the long-rod 04' and below motor. The older motor seems to have a little more top end pull though. This is probably minor stuff to most people.
Just some tidbits of info that I noticed, since I have ridden them back-to-back several times.
You can make the steel framed bike work as good as the newer one, but it takes a little work.
Pit Row
2003 YZ125, steel frame - Sweet.
2004 YZ250F, steel frame - not so sweet.
2005 YZ125, Aluminum frame - SUPER SWEEET!
That '05 was flickable and light! I can only imagine an '06 or newer with the better suspension.
https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Bike-Builds,46/YZ250-Swingarm-Update-the…
The aluminum frame/sss combo is the cats ass. The older steel frames with the 46mm forks will always have a place in my garage though. Great bikes.
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