YZ250 or YZ125 - New Bike

[EypheQz]

I've decided that I want to get out of street riding and into dirtbikes, and I was planning on buying a YZ125 new, but currently Yamaha has an instant rebate on the YZ250 of $900, causing both bikes to be the same price. I'm new to dirt riding, and I won't be competing in competition, I just want something to mainly trail ride and take on a track that I have near my house that was build by the public.
I'm 5'10", and weigh 140lbs, and want something that will keep me entertained in the years to come. I would appreciate any insight that can offered.

[rob.rocker]

KTM! 150sx or a 250SX!..wont be disappointed and cheaper retail than a YZ...the yamaha is the only jap bike I like now...Ive raced a 76 YZ 100 and 81 YZ 125 H...and like the 2005 on...you can get for about 2000+ or so. I have a pristine KTM 125 SX 2004 that use to win the shootouts....but its the power, reliable and hey im now partial to euro or american after being the Buell specialist with Harley in So Cal. Check mine out on here..negotiable..im waiting for a 2012 KTM 250SX to race...against those jap and 2 smokes..ha ha..but yamaha is one jap bike i will ride and race now from experience...and Ive owned and ridden/raced many. good luck....and get a good dealer who will support ya....even for fun! Hey and Im 50! 50 years old..and I kick.....love those 2 smokes and the big bores........lol...

[AFG]

I'd say given your height, weight, and experience the 125 is the way to go, and Yamaha makes one of the best. Ton's of fun and great bike. I have been riding and racing for over 40 years and still love 125's. The 125 will really supprise you with the quickness, agility,and power it has. The 250 is a great choice also, but unlike the 125 everything happens like RIGHT now when you grab a handful of throttle. What bike have you been riding on the street?

[EypheQz]

The problem with a KTM is that being up in Canada, northern Ontario, the closest dealerships are roughly 5 hours away, while I have a Honda/Yamaha dealership roughly 1 hour away. But I will definitely look into them. Also, my two street bikes were a Kawasaki Ninja 500, and a Honda CBR125R, which was a fun little bike. But I am planning on buying new, and I'm looking for something to keep in the long run. Also, what is the retail on the 150SX in the US? Because up here its $7500 for a YZ125, and $8400 for the YZ250.

[Charles Owens]

I'd agree with AFG, the 250 may be a bit much to learn on.

[EJ]

Unless Yamaha finally gives the 2007 YZ some updates and new dedication to it, my 2T money would go elsewhere...

[Coop]

125's are a lot of fun. A 250 is much faster than you expect. It will make your Ninja500 acceleration seem slow  .

[EypheQz]

Thank you for the replies. I'll be taking a look at comparable KTM's. In that regard however, would I be better off with an XC instead of SX because of the fast that it will be mainly for woods riding? Also, I love hearing that a 250 will beat my Ninja 500, because I thought that was fast... on pavement.

[miedosoracing]

The 250XC would be a good bike for you. A 150XC as well. Unless you are riding strickly MX and are fast, no need to get the SX models. I'd definitely try for the KTM.  Yamaha hasn't updated in 6 years now. So to me, I'd feel robbed, from the first day.  The KTM has all kinds of updates.  The XC models are more tame in the motor than both the YZ and the SX models, so are more fun to ride as a beginner.  If I had 1 bike to recommend, it would be the 150xc. It gives you more than just the 125, but isn't a jump to the 250. JMHO.  Oh, and the KTM's are much easier to clean the airfilter, and do other things to, so it makes it more enjoyable for working on etc.

[EypheQz]

For a KTM 150 XC, is there anything I need to worry about with current issues or recalls? I heard there used to be engine issues, but I'm planning on buying a new model, so how is the current situation? Also, are KTM parts more expensive than a Yamaha? (Top End, Accessories, Maintenance)

[ktm150rippa]

my 150 although an sx has been incredible on maintenance of course I take care of her like she's my child. Oil change and air filter every ride, top end at 40 hrs stuff like that. But my ktm has been just awesome and I love it. I actually might be selling it soon I know a few guys have mentioned interest on here. I'm ready for the 250 cause sometimes my 150 feels like not enough but thats pretty rare.

[ACMX]

Considering your experience on bikes, I would have pushed the Yz250, but yamaha hasn't updated their bikes in 5 years. I recommend a KTM150 (XC version preferably for trail riding.)

[AFG]

I kinda thought you were decided on brand, and just wasn't sure of whether a 125 or 250 would be right. For the yz' I stick by my earlier pick of the 125. I personally like the fact that Yamaha is still bringing the 2t's in. Give them credit for that. Suzuki still sells theirs in Europe but none stateside. To bad, RM's were always good bikes. Given that you are open to other brands, take a real close look at Husqvarna's 125 & 150 wr's if your going to predominantly ride woods and ocasionally play at a track. They look to have really good build quality and BMW has some great incentives. I had an 02' Husqvarna CR250 and the thing was a rocket handled very well also. KTM's are phenominal bikes and the 150xc is a great one! If by some off-chance you can find a holdover 200xc, or exc, this would be the KTM to buy.GasGas might work for you too really cool bikes. One of the main things that should sway your descision is that of dealer support. If you work on all your own stuff and don't mind stocking, or ordering alot of the high wear stuff yourself then by all means pick what flavor you like. If you need someone else to do a top-end for you you may want to stick with a bike that has a good local dealer that can service the bike for you. Let everyone know which one you get.

[EypheQz]

I've contacted the closest KTM dealership and asked if they have any 150 XC's. I've been asking around, and it seems that the general consensus towards the YZ is that it hasn't been updated in years, but dealerships are charging 2011 prices. Sadly for Husky's and Gas Gas is that I have no dealers anywhere close to myself, and I feel uncomfortable getting something that is more "exotic" in my parts. I really appreciate all the help and will definitely be looking at some bikes this week.

Here are the MSRP's for the bikes in Canada:

YZ250: $8399
YZ125: $7499
150XC: $8098

These are all 2011 models.

[maicoman009]

I've contacted the closest KTM dealership and asked if they have any 150 XC's. I've been asking around, and it seems that the general consensus towards the YZ is that it hasn't been updated in years, but dealerships are charging 2011 prices. Sadly for Husky's and Gas Gas is that I have no dealers anywhere close to myself, and I feel uncomfortable getting something that is more "exotic" in my parts. I really appreciate all the help and will definitely be looking at some bikes this week.

Here are the MSRP's for the bikes in Canada:

YZ250: $8399
YZ125: $7499
150XC: $8098

These are all 2011 models.

I'd by all means get the KTM-150xc! It may cost a little more than the Yamaha yz-125 but the parts on a KTM are top notch compared to the Japanese brands! I'm on my 2nd KTM-300xc but NOT because the 2008 was bad but just because @ the time I had the money to recently buy a 2011 KTM-300xc! They are well built bikes for sure!