Hey, thanks for looking at my thread. I know you can search online and see a bunch of these threads, but i wanted to create one specific for my needs.

I've found 2 bikes, both are 2009's. One is a 150SX and the other is a YZ 125. Both are brand new, and the dealer is asking $5,688. I am leaning towards the KTM based on the fact that it is bigger, and thus i am less likely to outgrow it.

I am 5'10, 150lbs and will be using the bike mostly in my backyard on 8 acres for small homemade jumps, and the occasional Race through our trails vs my friend on his TTR250.

I have never ridden a 2 stroke, most of my experience is on a 4 wheeler. My question is: Will the 150SX be to much bike for me to learn on? (i come from a extreme sports background so i am not easily discouraged, and less concerned about eating it)

i really have no brand preference, but i would really like a KTM or Yamaha based on all that i have read.

So..What do you all think? if you were in my shoes, 5,700$ on a new 150SX or would you pay the same and get the smaller bike to learn on? (YZ 125)

Personally I would go with the YZ but let me ask you why this bike has to be new? Used 125's are cheap as hell this time of year. You could get an 05 for 2grand probrably.

As far as smaller, both the YZ and the SX are full size bikes, the Yamaha actually sits a half an inch taller. Yes the KTM has an extra 20cc (it's actually a 144) but that would not be my deciding factor as you could make the YZ a 144 for a reasonable sum of money later if you decided to upgrade.

For me the absolute reality in this decision is that the original KTM144SX that has now been rebadged as the 150SX have been a reliability nightmare since their release in 2007.

I'm in agreement with aweebitofjt69 in questioning the need to go with a new 09 for close 6k? The YZ is essentially unchanged since 2005 and you could likely find a near new 05-08 for peanuts. This would leave you all sorts of left over dollars to go with the big bore 144 should you wish to do so, it also keeps your initial investment in the sport down if you find you don't enjoy it as much as you anticipated. This is an important factor because the harsh reality is 6 months after buying that $6k 125 you'll be lucky to sell it for $3500.

You don't list a location but here is an example of the kind of bargains you can find on the used market http://www.dirtrider.net/forums3/sh...ad.php?t=169029

thanks for responding, those are some excellent points to think about. The reason i was leaning towards new, is that i found it alot harder to get financing for an older model bike given my situation (Need a co-borrower, which is in another state. Havent found much luck with a bank who will work with that), and most of the YZ 125s i could pay cash for (about $1200) are around 2001's. I have read about the KTMS questionable reliabilty as well, and the nearest dealer is almost 40 minutes away. I read that some of the small changes in 09 might have helped with some of the problems, but who knows. so you think my best bet would be to stay away from the KTMs until they have proven themselves a little more, yeah i probably should. Seems ive just read to many articles about how quick they are for such a little bike and lost my way...

From what I have been told KTM will cost more to maintain as well. I was looking at them and the Kawasaki at a dealer and he said since I was just starting out he would not recomment the KTM unless I was ready to spend the money. The older YZ would probably not be a big problem since you are not racing. My neighbor has a 95 CR250 and has no issues at all, he does not race either.

Basic maintenance on the KTM and the YZ would be a wash, it's the fact that particular KTM has a problem keeping the engine together that is the issue

Don't finance TOYS! So what if you can only afford to pay cash for a 2001, it doesn't matter for your use one bit. The 2001 YZ is a great bike as would be most any other from that year. My son and I both LOVE his '01 CR it's a great bike and it's paid for which leave money for other stuff.

I appreciate all the good advice. So you think a 2001 125 2 stroke would be well suited to do some small - medium backyard jumps? i just need something that is fairly reliable, im trying to spend the rest of the season and next spring riding, and not with my bike in the shop. How much maintenance does it take to keep an older model running? what other costs could i expect over the next year or so on a decent older model, say 99-2003. Thanks.

The basic design and maintenance schedules are very similar over the past 10-15 years. If you hold out for a clean, low hour bike it will probly hold up for at least a season of easy riding. I would never expect even a new MX bike to go more than a seaon without a teardown. Maintenance on a 125 is easy though and doesn't take long at all once you do it a few times.

your fine with an 01, if your not racing, you wont need the newer bikes. Like you said backyard jumps, if your riding in your back yard and its under say 3 acres the 125 is too big. but my 00 rm 250 starts first kick and I keep up fine with other 250s for the most part. Remember the rider is what makes the bike fast.