Any YZ125 owners?

[Coop]

I am in the market for a newer bike than my 1988 since I can't get some parts for it (suspension, flywheel weight, bigger tank; basically stuff to make it a better trail bike). I was thinking about a 200cc or even a 250cc if I found a deal which I haven't around here, but I keep coming back to how much I enjoy riding 125's. The only two things I don't like about my 1988 KX125 is the power can be explosive so it's easy to lose traction on technical hills and sometimes on bigger hills with a turn right at the bottom or in the middle, it can struggle. So I am trying to decide I just want to buy a newer 125 and add a flywheel weight, and maybe a 134-144 kit in it, and set up the suspension for my weight or just got with a bigger bike. I see a lot of YZ125's in 1999-2002 range in my price range (Which is only about $1500max).

Any years I should avoid? What do you like/dislike about your bike?

[SachsGS]

I may be straying from the topic slightly but have you considered a Euro bike? I've ridden 125 TM enduros and boy are they nice as well as being very durable. The 125 Husky's I've ridden are like mini 250s with bottom , mid and top end. These bikes come stock with bigger tanks, wide ratio gear boxes and lights saving you the trouble of adapting an MXr for offroad use..It might take some hunting but if my experiences are anything it would be well worth the hassle.A KTM 125EXC is rare but would be worth a look as well.

[eprovenzano]

When my son moved up from the TTR he went to a 99 YZ 125.  It was rock solid.  It was light, turned on a dime.  It was a well designed bike.  I sold it to a buddy who still rides it.  I always maintained the bikes, but now its lucky if it gets a bath once a year.  The only things he's done to it is replace the shifter (the splines in the shifter were worn), and he did the rings once in the 3 years he's had it.  I say its been pretty solid.  I've ridden with other who had the same vintage bike, and only one had a problem.  They waited too long to to the top end, and the cylinder needed sleeved.  So they went with a new athena cylinder and head.  

I sold the 99 YZ 3 years ago for $1,300.  I was asking $1,500 but I knew all he could afford was $1,300.  I've known him for over 20 years, so I didn't get the money I wanted, but I gained a new riding buddy.

Coop I live West of Pittsburgh and I think you are East of the city.  If you find a bike West side of the city, let me know.  If I'm available, I'll be happy to check it over for you, so you don't waste a trip on a clapped out bike.

Eric

[Charles Owens]

I'd say go with a 96-03, plenty of parts available, and can be found very cheap. Very solid bikes, good ride.

[helfrick15205]

if i remember you are from acme pa. this bike is 15 miles down the road in connellsville $1200 http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/mcy/1961073437.html
 

[TMKIWI]

Have you thought of a KTM200EXC ?
All the advantages of a 125 but with more balls.
I would have loved to have kept mine as a back up.

[eprovenzano]

if i remember you are from acme pa. this bike is 15 miles down the road in connellsville $1200 http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/mcy/1961073437.html
 

Damn that's a smokin deal...  this one won't last long.

[Hondacrrider]

Have you thought of a KTM200EXC ?
All the advantages of a 125 but with more balls.
I would have loved to have kept mine as a back up.

Get this bike for sure, it sure beats my 125 up the mx hill climb

[ACMX]

I've got an 03 Yamaha Yz125

It's clean and I have always maintained it.

Air filter gets cleaned every ride, transmission oil every 3 rides.
Those such things



My Yamaha Yz125 Update

I'll sell it for a solid price.

If I sell this for a good price, I'm thinking about trying a Cr125, not because I don't like my bike, but because I want to try some other flavor's of 125's.

Here is what dirtrider has to say about my bike
http://www.dirtrider.com/reviews/motocross/2003_yamaha_yz125/index.html

And I was reading in a newer article, and they said 'The 2003 Yamaha Yz125 is the best 125cc two stroke ever made'

Cheers

[Suzuki TS250/185]

Here Here!,

My race bike is a nice 2004 YZ125. I love the bike it handles like a razor blade on ice and it screams as long as the rider can keep up with it.

And it goes around whoopee cushion bikes like a super ball off a baseball bat.

I blew 3'rd gear on it once, but that's the only problem it's ever had.

Love it!

Thanks,

Jim

[keeptwostrokesalive]

Cant go wrong with the yz125.  Ive seen 2003-2005 yz125 selling for only $1500 around here.  If i were you i would try and find a 2005.  Thats the year with the aluminum frame. 

[Charles Owens]

Wow I'm glad I live in an area saturated by 2 strokes. That price is real high on that bike around here.
I picked up an 03 YZ 125 with a bad bottom end for $200.

[Coop]

Thanks everybody for all the advice and info!

For the guys that have mentioned TM, KTM, and Husky 125's and KTM200's those bikes were tops on my list (as well as GasGas 200). But unfortunately, around here anyway, they are never for sale in my price range. They are always on the side closer to $2k. Well there is a 1999 GasGas200 but the seller wants $1250. I though that seems a little high for a '99 and he is 2.5hrs from me so I haven't gone to look at it yet.

helfrick,  , I have emailed that seller but he hasn't responded ye. I also have been talking to a seller in Smithton that has a 1999 YZ125 and is asking $1000; he said he would take $900 but I think I could get it for $800.

eprovenzano Thanks. If you see any bikes for sale in my range please let me know.

Edit: Here is the '99 I mention above:

[Coop]

Cant go wrong with the yz125.  Ive seen 2003-2005 yz125 selling for only $1500 around here.  If i were you i would try and find a 2005.  Thats the year with the aluminum frame.

Wow I'm glad I live in an area saturated by 2 strokes. That price is real high on that bike around here.
I picked up an 03 YZ 125 with a bad bottom end for $200.

Man you guys are lucky. Around here 2001 125's still go for $1200 or so. Any 2005 and up I've seen are all well over $2000. I could sell my '88 125 to ad to my budget but I kind of want to give that to my oldest nephew since he has talked about wanting to get back into riding. Some of guys you know I enjoy helping my nephews and nieces with riding if they show an interest.

If anybody within 6-8hrs finds a good deal on a newer bike, please let me know. I have a trailer and will travel 

[eprovenzano]

Coop I sent you a PM