YZ125 vs. YZ250F...please help out and try not to flame me (to much)...

[screamingdemon]

I'm not sure if this should go in this section or not. I looked around and this seems to be the best choice. I know this is a strong 2stroke supporting site, obviously from the name. But I trust you guys more so than on other sites.

Anyways, I'm not trying to get all emo and stuff. But here lately I've been having some problems with my friends, family, girlfriend, and work that have really been getting me down. I never use to have these sort of problems when I had something to ride, to just unwind ya know? Well I've been eyeballin' a used 2005 Yamaha YZ125 for $3200 (all stock), 2008 YZ125, or a 2008 YZ250F. I was wondering what you guys thought would be a good trail bike for me to play around on. How's the durability of each? I've never really been a fan of thumper bikes but I like the feel of the YZ250F a little more than the YZ125 (not sure exactly what it is). Does the YZ250F have really picky maintenance compared to the YZ 2strokes? Like valve adjustments and what not. I'm not that mechanical to be honest.

P.S. This will be my first bike, not really sure a 250cc 2stroke or a 450cc 4stroke would be a good choice for me to start out on...but advice is still welcome.

[MX86]

in my honnest opinion i wouldn't go with any of the bikes you listed... the 125 is a very fun playbike, but lack power and unless you keep modding it you'll outgrow it's powerband very quickly.

the 250F would be my choice IF they didn't have it so high strung. that motor is a grenaide waiting to happen, and when it does it will cost a fortune to fix.

I dunno why people say that the 250 2t is a monster of a bike. if your worried about it there's a very simple solution to fix the problem, get a flywheel weight for it, it tames the motor amazingly and takes away that "Hit" that the 250 is known for, it also makes it much harder to stall the bike.

for those bikes you listed i'd say the 08 125 would be the best bet. easy to rebuild, and maintenence is not going to cost you an arm and a leg

[SHOWTIME]

I agree with MX86 if your gonna get a
lower cc bike then get the 125. Ive never
been a fan of the 125 the lack of power
kinda takes away the fun. Just my opinion,
get a 250, if not than go for the 125.

[02yamahablaster]

If it was me I would get a 250 2 stroke but if your going to go with a 125 or 250f I would get the 125. The 250f's are time bombs like mentioned before. You gave up on the KX huh?

[screamingdemon]

I'll look into the 08' YZ250. May end up going that route. I just didn't want to get to much of a bike as my first and it end up getting me in trouble. I haven't gave up on the KX as of yet, it's just on the back burner for right now. I've priced what it will take to fix it and the time involved. It's to much of a headache right now to. If I have something to ride daily or every other day then maybe I'll get motivated to attack the KX.

[honda86]

i dont know how tall you are but have you considered a KX100?? those bikes are just a hair slower then 125s and alot less $$$

btw 3200 for a 05 125 is too much, i know someone selling theirs 06 125 decked out for 2500 obo, im sure they would take 2200 or even 2k

[kxrider]

i tend to stay away from tha 4 strokes cause of all tha maintenance 2strokes u can jus jump on em and jus ride u kno 4 strokes u have to make sure tha cam chain is tighten before and after every ride there a lotttt louder than a 2 stroke and too many things can go wrong on them now im not saying i wouldnt own one but if ur looking for power and reliability then my suggestion a yz250

[screamingdemon]

Originally Posted by honda86

i dont know how tall you are but have you considered a KX100?? those bikes are just a hair slower then 125s and alot less $$$

btw 3200 for a 05 125 is too much, i know someone selling theirs 06 125 decked out for 2500 obo, im sure they would take 2200 or even 2k

I'm 5'11" 170lbs. So I don't see the KX100 working for me, but thats just how I think. The 08 YZ250 would most likely be the best bet for me now that I really think about it. I'll have to see what kind of deal that guy at the stealership will work out for me, we've bought several quads from them so maybe they'll keep that in mind. I hope I don't hurt myself...

[honda86]

a yz250 is no joke. With the right rider they are just as fast as 450s

I say go out and get a 2000-2004 125, they go cheap and once you do outgrow it and want more power you can basically sell it for what you bought it for in most cases

[TSmith03CR250]

4-strokes = easy, controllable power. (450F = overall monsterous) (250F = much slower than 250 2 stroke "same weight though")

2-strokes = crazy, explosive power. (250 = monster power, light weight) (125 = quick, light, nimble).

You should look Honda though...