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Author Topic: yz 144 mod or ktm 150 stock ?  (Read 9872 times)

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Offline anton w

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yz 144 mod or ktm 150 stock ?
« on: July 22, 2012, 04:20:18 PM »
Hi Guys!  Im going 2 stroke again (have raced a ktm 350 this year and it wasn't as fun as a smoker). I had a yz 250 -08 2 years ago, it was a blast to ride and i miss it so  :'( So this time im going for a 144. I found a YZ 144 -05 for 3000 $ who has only runned 15H since rebuild with:
v-force 3 intake
Hgs/bud exhaust system.
Race tech suspension
Bigger radioators
And some bling bling stuff.

or i buy a used ktm 150 stock (2009 or up)

my budget is 4000 Euro so the yamaha sounds best wallet wise.

I like how both bikes handle so the big question is how reliable is a big bored yz 125 compared to a ktm 150 ? does the ktm 150 produce more power stock than a modded 144 ? 

Appreciate all tips and answers  from all of your die hard two stroke ppl here!  :D 
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline VintageBlueSmoke

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yz 144 mod or ktm 150 stock ?
« Reply #1 on: July 22, 2012, 05:19:47 PM »
I've had several 139 and 144 kitted Yamaha's that I ran in HS and GNCC events in the US. (every year '96-'02). I have an '08 144 KTM now (changes made to make it the same as the '09 150) and my 139 yamahas were much faster and had a much more usable powerband. The KTM is all between 10k and 11k and not much anywhere else.

I am considering a Rekluse or a weighted flywheel but now that I am MXing, I am concered about the jumps. I'm older now and don't heal near as fast!

 8)

My 2 cents.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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08 Speed Bird Quad 110, 08 KTM 144, 04 Suzuki LT-Z400, 03 Gas Gas EC, 300,97 Honda CR144, 96 Husky Boy 50, 88 Husky 400WR, 86 Honda CR125R, 80 Can-Am MX6 400, 75 Husky 360CR, 75 Husky 175CC, 73 Penton Jackpiner 175, 72 Husky 250CR, 72 Husky 125, 72 Rickman-Zundapp 125, (2) 71 Bultaco Pursang Mk

Offline xandyx

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yz 144 mod or ktm 150 stock ?
« Reply #2 on: July 22, 2012, 05:44:10 PM »
i would chose the yz. i realy like both bikes, but i would get the yamaha, i ear some stuff about ktm's stock suspension settings, even though, you allready got racetech suspension on the yz.

for your budget, you still save 1k euros for other stuff to improve your bike along the season!

just my opinion..
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline motoman356

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yz 144 mod or ktm 150 stock ?
« Reply #3 on: July 23, 2012, 05:47:13 PM »
due to the budget constraints id slightly lean to the yz.however if the motor was bored and stroked to get 144 then it was done right not how the quick fixs like athena do it with a 5mm bigger piston get by. the problems with this type is it puts more load on the cranks and bearings. maintinence wont be dramatically higher like a full blown 250f but itll be enough. a ktm is a 144 from the factory so the motor is purpose built.

also you can look up in dirtrider.com the did a test YZ125, YZ144, ktm 125 and ktm144 a few years ago. the yz motor is balanced and has good bottom and the bike is light. the 144 was the same just pulling that much better. the ktm was more "old school" focusing on the mid top (where you have to ride on any 125 even a yz) but cranked out way more power. stock yz 34hp<ktm 37 and 144's were 36< ktm 39. 

the ktm would need help with susp unless it works for you. but these bikes cost more at least initially. but the yz is cheap now but could pay more for it later
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline anton w

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yz 144 mod or ktm 150 stock ?
« Reply #4 on: July 23, 2012, 08:03:24 PM »
Thx for all the tips and answers! The yz was not stroked i think, only bolt on with the 144cc athena kit  motoman356.

I think i will go for the SX 150 and fix the suspension for my weight (165lbs). hope i dont do a big misstake instead of buying the yz :)





« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline nom de guerre

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yz 144 mod or ktm 150 stock ?
« Reply #5 on: July 23, 2012, 08:10:20 PM »
you won't regret the 150 Anton...
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline beaner

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yz 144 mod or ktm 150 stock ?
« Reply #6 on: July 23, 2012, 08:25:45 PM »
I've ridden a late model YZ144 and it had great low end power for a small bore 2 stroke. I'm sure the KTM is fast, but for sure the YZ is very reliable, and the aftermarket is very strong.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Ontario, Canada

Offline eprovenzano

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yz 144 mod or ktm 150 stock ?
« Reply #7 on: July 23, 2012, 11:50:43 PM »
1st welcome back to the smoking section...   ;D

If it were me, I'd go orange.  The suspension on either bike would need something done to make it work for you.  I agree with motoman356, the YZ is easier on the wallet now, but I agree I think the stress would end up costing more in the long run.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Eric Provenzano
2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
2000 KTM 300 EXC (Son's)
2001 KTM 380 EXC
Sold 1991 KDX 200... fun play bike
Sold 1999 KX250
Sold 1999 YZ125 (son's)
Sold 2001 Yamaha TTL 125 (son's 1st bike)
Sold but never forgotten 1974 Honda Elsinore CR250M
Sold 1974 Honda Elsinore CR125

Offline Mofo

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yz 144 mod or ktm 150 stock ?
« Reply #8 on: July 24, 2012, 01:35:56 AM »
Hey Bro,

I have a 2010 YZ 125 with a 144. It`s now my Wife?s bike. I brought a 2012 KTM 150 SX a few months back. The YZ has a touch more bottom end than the KTM. But the KTM from mid to top has is awesome. The YZ cant compete in that department. The YZ has a Pro circuit Power pipe & muffler. I put a FMF Fatty Gold & muffler on the KTM & it dose help the bottom end a little. But not as much as the YZ.

KTM if you can afford it mate. This is just my personal opinion from having both.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline twosmoke595

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yz 144 mod or ktm 150 stock ?
« Reply #9 on: July 24, 2012, 04:38:42 AM »
Quote from: Mofo on July 24, 2012, 08:35:56 AM
Hey Bro,

I have a 2010 YZ 125 with a 144. It`s now my Wife?s bike. I brought a 2012 KTM 150 SX a few months back. The YZ has a touch more bottom end than the KTM. But the KTM from mid to top has is awesome. The YZ cant compete in that department. The YZ has a Pro circuit Power pipe & muffler. I put a FMF Fatty Gold & muffler on the KTM & it dose help the bottom end a little. But not as much as the YZ.

KTM if you can afford it mate. This is just my personal opinion from having both.

could you specify what 144 kit you have on the yz?
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline motoman356

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yz 144 mod or ktm 150 stock ?
« Reply #10 on: July 24, 2012, 06:01:46 AM »
i 2nd an orange bike.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline Stusmoke

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yz 144 mod or ktm 150 stock ?
« Reply #11 on: July 24, 2012, 07:58:08 AM »
First off: Welcome to the winners circle

At the end of the day, I think it all comes down to this. Budget v. Competitiveness

Whatever way you slice it, I'd choose the KTM. Straight up. Why? Because when it comes to the crunch, you're going up against bikes that not only have a fair wad of a horsepower advantage, but are a mile easier to ride. You need all the power you can possibly get. Yes the Katoom has been plauged with suspension woes, this is plain truth and the YZ has beautiful suspension. But save for a few months and you'll have the money to get it dialed in right and as good as the YZ if not better. But now the KTM has a horsepower advantage over the YZ and its suspension is on equal grounds (roughly). I'd spend the extra money and get the katoom honestly.

The YZ costs 3000 euros, so that gives you 1000 advantage over the Katoom in the money department which most definitely gives you some wiggle room. I'm not too familiar with the status of the euros but thats about 10 top ends I'd guess.

Don't get me wrong the YZ is a fantastic bike, but you'll need a major skill or terrain advantage (the latter being extremely rare these days) over your competition if you wanna hang with the 250Fs. Thats my experience anyway. Bone stock KTM will still have a HP advantage over a modded 144 I think, don't quote me here I'm just gauging roughly. Or they'll be about even. Either way, set money aside for 6 months and you've got another 2 horsies over the YZ. It just seems to make more sense to go with the KTM in the long run. If you can pick up an 09 that would be hot those babies are ROCKETS!

Good luck, I look forward to seeing your purchase :P
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline VintageBlueSmoke

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yz 144 mod or ktm 150 stock ?
« Reply #12 on: July 24, 2012, 11:12:16 AM »
Just to point out a few things to keep in mind.

1. The YZ has to be stroked to get 144. Bolt on is 139.

2. All KTM parts are priced significantly higher than the YZ, even after you modify it.

3. The KTM has no suspension woes. You just have to know how to tune WP and PDS and it is different.

4. The YZ has a better clutch but the KTM has hydralic. You'll abuse them both. Easy pull or longer lasting.

5. KTM levers suck (thanks to the hydralics).

6. You will spend the difference on cost (of a new bike) preparing the YZ but replacement parts will not be as bad.

Finally, neither bike will make you fast. At most riders level, the bike is a very small percentage of the equation. It is all up to you. Choose your favorite color and move on.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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08 Speed Bird Quad 110, 08 KTM 144, 04 Suzuki LT-Z400, 03 Gas Gas EC, 300,97 Honda CR144, 96 Husky Boy 50, 88 Husky 400WR, 86 Honda CR125R, 80 Can-Am MX6 400, 75 Husky 360CR, 75 Husky 175CC, 73 Penton Jackpiner 175, 72 Husky 250CR, 72 Husky 125, 72 Rickman-Zundapp 125, (2) 71 Bultaco Pursang Mk

Offline Stusmoke

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yz 144 mod or ktm 150 stock ?
« Reply #13 on: July 24, 2012, 11:53:30 AM »
To clarify, Woes was poor choice of words. What I meant was its not as good as the YZ
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline gpnewhouse7

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yz 144 mod or ktm 150 stock ?
« Reply #14 on: July 24, 2012, 05:36:51 PM »
Buy an 04 onwards RM 125 and get eric gorr to make it a 144 :D  :D

I know that probably wasn't what you wanted to hear but if you want a bike that has a great chassis, smooth revvy motor then that's the bike I`d go for that.

Iv ridden rm125`s, cr125`s, yz125`s and a 2011 KTM sx150 and the RM is by far the best of the bunch. The 06 cr I rode was just gutless, the 06 yz de was all bottom end power no top, the 150 was all top no bottom and felt an odd bike to ride but the 07 rm I rode seemed to have plenty of bottom and never really needed much clutchwork followed by a smooth long pull to the over rev, it was also one of the best bikes iv ever known for laying almost all the way down in corners.

I ride a KTM 200 exc as I mainly race H&H but if raced mx I know what I'd be riding instead.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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