Bike selection

[smokinyzliterly]

hi guys, i currently have an 01 yz125 and was looking into upgrading soon. i am looking at buying another 125 but just a newer one as i would like to practice and eventually race at my local track. Are there any obvious difference between the big 4 Jap brands and which one could i get the best bang for my buck

[keeptwostrokesalive]

If i were you i would definitely go with a 2005-2010 yz125.  I cant say much abouth the other 3 bikes becuase i havent ridden them, but ive heard the newer rm125 are good.

[miedosoracing]

If you are going new, and if you race in the AMA races (non pro) I'd consider the KTM 150. I have heard rave reviews from everyone, including 4 stroke lovers.  They say it is that much fun. 

[MMS]

I haven't ridden every year of 125 from every manufacturer from 00 to present but I've ridden a pretty substantial cross-section of them and most impressive of them was an 06 RM.

Wouldn't have the out and out power of the KTM (don't think any of them do) but braking, steering, handling and general rideability was phenominal, possibly the best steering motocrosser I've ever ridden.

There's a starting point for you anyway!

[burn1986]

I would second the motion on the KTM 150SX. Any of the late model RM125s a close second.

[ktm150rippa]

if you have any questions about the 150 feel free to ask. I've been piloting the katoom for half a year now and feel I know it pretty well!

[Super Trucker]

All the 05 to present 125,s are good bikes, the 04 cr125 has a week motor, but porting and carb boreing it,s as fast as A KTM and the 04 to 07 cr125 handles like no other,bullett proof trans. and clutch, and feels like a new bike after alot of hours,unlike other bikes. I would go with a 05to07 cr 1st, then a KTM 125 they have left over 08,s sitting in warehouses, or a YZ125  good motor, handle ok not like a cr though. I owned RM,s I liked the high rpm motor ,but after a few hours the RM feels woreout.

[JETZcorp]

The KTM 150SX seems to be the bike in that class I've heard the greatest amount of praise about.  I don't have any experience with it myself, but it would probably be my first choice, especially considering that KTM has been more willing to throw the two-stroke community a bone out of the Big Five.  Although they're not exactly tripping over themselves in the rush to throw money at two-stroke development, I think it's safe to say that buying a KTM will put a higher percentage of your dollars into 2T development than the other brands (unless you want to start talking small names like TM, Gas Gas, etc.)

[ACMX]

stop this is nonsense
The 2003 Yamaha Yz125 was the best 125cc two stroke ever made

Nuff said 

[ford832]

stop this is nonsense
The 2003 Yamaha Yz125 was the best 125cc two stroke ever made

Nuff said 

..... or the 02 250.If you ain't ridin' blue,you ain't ridin' much.

[Dirt Addict]

i recently had an 03 and 06 rm 125's.  i also had an 05 yz 125.  i now own a 06 ktm 125. Hands down the ktm is significantly stonger than either blue or yellow.  it also turns very well, but you have to get used to the shock.  i hear 07 and later ktm's with the new gen frame eliminate that problem. 
the yz is the most stable out of the 3.  the rm's turn really good.  they require the most input to go fast, but reward with manueverability. i had Eric Gorr build the 03 rm into a 144.  the ktm 125 still has broader, stronger power.
if you're going to get a ktm 150 (144cc's) look for a 09+.  the 07/08's had some cylinder issues that have been sorted out.
this is just my opinion and personal experience with these bikes.
all 4 of these 125's were totally reliable, raceable and a blast to ride....

[burn1986]

I kind of have to agree with ACMX on the YZ125. You simply can't go wrong with this bike.