ttr230 vs. yz250f

One's a trailbike, one's a race bike. What do you want to do?

The YZ is well worth twice the price. The 230 is 30 plus year old technology.

Your money, buy what you want.

His money, his call.

Are you learning to do bigger jumps because you want to try MX? If yes then buy the "MX" bike.

Get a race bike. The 250F is night day better than the 230.

If you have to get a less expensive bike, get a 2006+ YZ125. It's not as fast as the 250F, but it is a race bike, and you're riding skills will massively improve.
It'll cost less in the long run than a 250f, and you can work on it yourself.

Or, find a part time job, put in some of the money yourself and get what you want.
If your dad is willing to buy you a bike, you have a cool dad . Make sure he knows it.

Get the YZ250F based on what you are planning to do. The TTR will never get you to the level you want to get to based on what you said.

Neither the ttr or 250f..... get a yz125cc 2 stroke. Youd be an idiot not to. Used 250fs are a ticking time bomb for the most part especially if you guys dont work on bikes.

Regardless, dont be an idiot, get the yz125. If your options are between those 1, youre def not rdy for 250f skill wise.

You could always buy the 230 and then get a job and spend thousands of dollars on those pit bike hop-ups and random things to get it to work and look about 10% as good as the 250F.

"Bigger Jumps"

YZ all day. Maybe a YZ125?

Another vote for a YZ125.

Another vote for the 125 2 stroke. The YZ is probably the best choice, but realistically, any brand will do just fine - condition matters more than brand. I am the father of a 15 year old who is just learning how to ride, and I got him a TTR 125 to develop his skills. I have a 2006 TM 125 waiting for him for when he gains the confidence and skills to move up to it. The upside for me is that I have fun riding the 125 as well! Consider the weight of these bikes - the 125 2 stroke it is right around 200 lbs, which is not that different from your TTR 125. The TTR 230 is around 250 lbs. That is a massive difference - you'll certainly feel it when you drop the bike and have to pick it up. The TTR 230 has about half the horsepower of a 125 mx bike, and much softer suspension (and only 36 mm forks, which on a bike of that weight, does not make for very precise handling). Myself, I ride a new KTM 250 sxf and won't let my son touch it until he has mastered the TM. The 250f isn't as heavy as the TTR 230 (it falls about halfway between the TTR 230 and a 125 mx bike), but it feels much heavier than the 125 when you're riding it, and is much more powerful. I think that many here will also agree that the best thing about a 125 2 stroke is the smile on your face when you're riding it!

All of the above being said, if you're just going to be trail riding, get the TTR 230 (unless you can find a KDX 200 in good condition - awesome trail bike!). That is what it's made for. And like others have said, if your dad is buying it, be happy for whatever he gets you!

If its your fathers money, its your fathers choice. Do you ride with your father? If so where? A TTR can be a of fun in the woods or single track. Thats also a significant difference in price, and money does matter to most folks. Think of how long your father has to work to fund the amount of cash to make up the difference (hint: for many of us its almost double the amount in dollars due to taxes etc.)

If you would really like an MX bike, I'd suggest the following. Offer to work and pay for the difference. Consider a used bike and learn how to rebuild the top ends/maintain the bike. A used YZ 125 would be a great affordable choice and offer a big step up in capability. Just make sure to budget a fresh top end. Maintaining an MX bike is considerably more expensive than a trail bike. So if you are making a case for an MX bike to your father, all these things should be considered. Good luck!

A TTR230 might actually be less capable than your TTR125. It's larger and heavier with barely any more power. If I had to guess, I'd say the spring rates are WAAAAAAAAAAAAAY too light for that bike, as opposed to simply "too light" on your current bike.

I'd advise a 125 2-stroke or 250F of any kind before a 230.

The ttr weighs more than a Yz450f . No thanks

Give your Dad a hug and thank him for buying you ANY motorcycle.

smezmx wrote:

hahaha so true.

230 is better for wheelies, easier to maintain than the 250. Crf230's are better than ttr's though. Ttr is to heavy.

If you want a bigger 4 stroke trail bike go with an older XR 250 ( Honda ) over the TTR230.

You can't compare a TTR230 to a YZ250F - there is just no comparison.

Half the price for less than half the bike.

yz250f for sure. Can be enjoyed by a beginner or a pro. Very easy to ride with great suspension.