I'm 16yrs old standing 6' and 165 lbs. I havn't rode a dirt bike for 2 years now and then I was riding a kx100. I am looking for a used bike for $2500.00 or less. I was looking at the yz125 and yz250. For my size and weight which would you recomend? Would I kill myself on a 250? Would this be a good bike for mostly woods riding but wanting to get into racing a little bit eventually. Also, what is the difference between a 2 & 4 stroke engine? Thanks for you help!

Oh, - how much higher do the yz250's sit than the yz125?

budracing -

assuming they're stock, they should sit at about the same hieght for any given year, so fit isn't really an issue between them.

as for which one you get...IMO, it's easier to go fast on a 250. a 125 requires you to ride smoother through the corners and requires better clutch tecnique.

you are light enuf that a 125 would be ok for power.

i'd say, all things being equal, a 250 is "better", but thats only because of my "jam-the-brakes-and-stab-the-throttle" riding style. after you've done all your shopping and homework, just get the bike thats in the best mechanical shape for $2500.


jeremiah

IMO, the 250 would be easier to ride in the woods/hills/techincal, because it has more torque down low. You have to use more momentum & aggressiveness with a 125. If you live in more open terrain, it's probably a toss up between the two. I'm biased coming from New England with tight, techn. single track.

I would go with a 250 if I were you. They have plenty of low end power for trails. But to go into the difference in the 4 vs. 2 stroke it's like this: The four stroke has a smoother delivery throughout the powerband. Plenty of low end and smooth all the way through each gear. The 2 stroke will have less pull in the low end of the gear but hit hard and accel. fast when it hits the pipe. Here is where that will make a difference. When you are on the trails you'll appreciate a four strokes low end and smooth delivery while going through tight areas on the trail and up steep inclines. But if you every want to race you'll have to have a two stroke, (unless you can go with a yz250F or the like). I have a YZ250 and ride a mix of both trails and track. My 250 does fine on the trails (however there are times I wish I had a little more low end power).

My recommendation is go with the 2 stroke if you definately will be racing eventually, otherwise go get yourself an XR400 (plenty of power and easier maint.) Hope that helps.

Is the yz250f not a good bike to race with? and Why?

budracing -

a YZF250 is a great bike to race with; its much harder to stall, your rear tire will hook up much better than a 2 stroke 125, power delivery is linear and plentiful, and its a much easier bike to ride off-track. who told you it wasn't a good race bike?

in your original post, were you refering to the 250f? or the 2 stroke yz250?


jeremiah

I read in another post that the yz250 four stroke was a good trail/woods bike and not that great of a bike to race. In my origanal post i was refering to the yz250 in general.

Thanks for the info.