DirtRider . Net MX, SX, Arena Cross, Off-Road Community
Dirt Rider . Net Text Version Home
Dirt Bike Dirt Bike Dirt Bike Dirt Bike

This is the text version of DirtRider.Net
Click Here for the Full Version


Pages: 1

125 vs 250 vs 250f vs 450f

(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)

Posted by: ricket---------------------

Looking at buying a new bike, heres the lowdown:

1) your physical size (both height and weight are important)
6'2 215lbs

2) How physical / aggressive are you ?
Pretty aggressive I would say.

3) what do you plan to ride- MX/SX tracks, woods, fields with friends or ?????
Plan on mostly riding MX tracks, some trails and woods as well with some friends.

4) Do you have any riding experience?
Ive been riding an older bike that I got from my mom, I have also been actively riding BMX for 10 years (also raced almost 8 of those 10 years)

5) Do you think you will race ?
If I feel confident enough, I plan on it.

6) Are you mechanically inclined and will you be doing your own bike work?
I can learn and yes I am somewhat mechanically inclined.

7) Do YOU have a preferance to a brand/ motor choice (2 or 4 stroke)?
Not sure, like the non-mixing/cleaner burning of a 4-stroke, but like the possibility of cheaper maintenance on a 2-stroke.

8) Do you have a dealer close by your home that you might use and what brand(s) does he carry?
Yep, carrys most brands.

9) How much do you plan to spend on a bike?
Would like to keep it under $7k

10) anything else that you think would help form an opinion
I really like riding and jumping. My love of BMX is leading me into MX. Both of my parents (yes Dad AND Mom) rode MX when they were my age. Rumors are that my mom could dust the men! I think I would be an aggressive rider once I got comfortable and I am looking for a bike that I can safely learn on (without killing myself of course) but also one that I can progress with and not be held back if and when I do get fairly fast on the bike.

Thanks!

--
ricket


Posted by: AssistSuper---------------------

I personally went with a 125.

I'm very glad I went with that decision. I spent many years around BMX racing, and was extremely competitive in the region.

The power the 125 has is something that I still consider impressive. MX is still an entirely different ball game. The only thing that feels close to being the same is being in the air. Except now you're just a lot higher up and going a lot faster. A 250 would have scared the hell out of me. It'd probably still scare me now. Sometimes the 125 still scares me.

My plan is to stick with thet 125 for quite a while, and then moving up to a 250 later down the road. It just depends on when I start to race and what I decide to do from there.


Posted by: jonnyriabov---------------------

wouldnt a 125 will be to small at 200+ lbs


Posted by: AssistSuper---------------------

I'm by no means a little guy.

6'4 and probably 200lbs with gear.

It pulls me around just fine. I've got long legs as well, and I can still grip the seat with my knees. I plan on getting lower pegs to make it a little roomier, but other than that, I don't have much of a problem. Granted the guy is heavier than I am, I didn't think of that, I'm not sure how much of a difference it'd make.


Posted by: Yz250f=secks---------------------

Dont be a ***** ride a 250!

I was in the same situation... im 6'1 220 lbs... got my 2001 cr 250 today and wow im glad i didnt go with a 125 way to small!

250 is the way to go man


Posted by: Okiewan---------------------

Too small?


Posted by: AssistSuper---------------------

I'm still as noob as they come, but ain't the size of the 125 and 250 mx bikes nearly identical.

I know there has got to be at least someone on the pro level that has or is ridden/riding a 125, that is our size.

And if you're regarding power, the 125 and 250f are at least somewhat close in power, which is what your last bike was, right?

EDIT:

According to Kawasaki's website, here are the differences between the 98 KX 125 and the 98 KX 250

The wheelbase difference is 15mm
The seat height difference is 5mm
The ground clearance difference is 10 mm.

Not enough difference there to make one bike seem tinier. I think it depends how confident you are in how you can handle the power. Before I bought my bike, I asked a friend if a 250 would scare the hell out of me. I got a yes. And I'm very glad I listened.


Posted by: Yz250f=secks---------------------

The 250 is a little bit bigger not much... but if your a hard rider youll get bored with the 125 quick.. its to small of power for you to.. trust me youll be bored


Posted by: Okiewan---------------------

I'm trying to figure out where you get:
Quote:
wow im glad i didnt go with a 125 way to small!

or even;
Quote:
The 250 is a little bit bigger not much


Let's try something crazy, like facts rather than incorrect assumptions;

"Little" I can only assume relates to seat height. Taking that for granted; The Big 5, 125's vs 250 seat height.

Kawasaki is out, they don't make a 125.

Honda.
CR250 = 37.1
CR125 = 37.3

Suzuki.
RM125 = 37.4
RM250 = 37.4

Yamaha.
YZ125 = 39.25
YZ250 = 39.1

KTM.
125SX = 36.42
250SX = 36.42

Maybe the problem is your use of the word "smaller".
Did you really mean "less powerful"?
I don't think "boring" is a good choice of words for a modern 125 MX bike either. In fact, I'd say of the two in question, if either could be considered boring by ANY stretch, it would be the 250.

Point is.. please don't offer advice without being careful to be accurate.


Posted by: Okiewan---------------------

Apparently, I care.


Posted by: AssistSuper---------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by Yz250f=secks
lolz ok same size bike who cares? i was talking about power neways... i dont like 125's neways go 250 end of story... i got bored with my yz250f in like 2 weeks... and thats almost like a 125


I think it's irresponsible to recommend one of the most powerful MX bikes you can purchase to a newbie.

If you do decide to go with a 250, there are mods you can do to tame it.

Granted, he does have a bike, but it's not anything you can compare to modern dirt bikes.

I've got a 125, which is less powerful than your YZF, and I still have a balst on the thing. When I start itching for more power, I'm going to opt for the big bore 144.

I've read a lot of threads on here discouraging guys new to riding to get a 250 2 stroke.

If he goes out and buys a brand new 2 stroke 250 and decides that it's too much power, he's out a good chunk of money.

Personally, I'd buy a used 125. You can pick them up cheap and if you decide you want more power, just sell it without much loss on the investment, and then go buy something bigger. It's a lot easier than finding out you bought something that's too much to handle by snapping a leg.


Posted by: Yz250f=secks---------------------

Yeah im 6'1 220 lbs though... I posted here about should i get a 125 or 250.. every one said i was to big for a 125 so i went 250 and wont go back... i wish i went 250 all the way so i would never have to upgrade...


Posted by: Okiewan---------------------

I'm the same size as you and just "went back" from CRF450's over the last two years, to a CRF250 this year. 1) It's more fun (for me) and 2) I'm faster on it than the 450 and 3) I can turn more "arm-pump-free" laps on it.

Go figure.


Posted by: Chili---------------------

Given your weight I would stay away from a 125 2 stroke but I have no qualms about recommending a 125 class bike so I'd be looking 250F. I went from a 20 year old 125 to a 250 2 stroke and while I love the bike there is plenty of times I think I'm faster on my son's 125 and don't tire out as quick riding it. When we decide to get my son a 4 stroke for racing I'll likely sell my 250 and get a 250F at the same time so we have a backup bike for him.


Posted by: RMCoastie---------------------

Im 6ft and 200lbs and i got a good deal on an 04 RM125. She's got plenty of power. Recently went to my first MX track and was clearing a 50ft tabletop within two hours of being there. A 125 two-stroke wont let you ride her lazy either, you will learn the ropes quick. And know im looking at getting a 250 next week.


Posted by: ricket---------------------

Thanks for the response guys.

I may be looking to get an '06 YZ250F in the next couple weeks. The bike sounds like it would be a blast to ride and Im really looking forward to getting it.

Thanks,

--
ricket


Posted by: i_955---------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by ricket
The bike sounds like


Did you check out the videos on http://www.transworldmotocross.com/mx
They have a couple 2006 YZ250F vids. Check out the sound of the new YZF250s.
Crazy I say, just crazy. Sounds like a Martian craft. blobblobblbobblbob

I've the 250 2 stroke and it is a handful indeed. I'm 6', 200lbs and it has no problem lofting me and my big a$$ next to straight into the air with a twist of the throttle.
Like Okiewan, I road a smaller bike (125SX) and I’m sure I could do more laps with it than my 250 before I’d pump up. But I’d never want less than my 250 now…

Any one of them is too much for a beginner, but you gotta start someplace. With mom & dad previously into mx it is a shame your starting off a beginner at 6' 220lbs. Don't forget to dish out some cash on good protection which doesn't necessarily mean the latest Thor Core shirt/pant combo..

Of the 4 strokes the YZF has the best reputation for top end durability. With your limited background in mechanics, I’d never recommend a 4 stroke, hell I’d never recommend one to anyone but they can be reliable with the proper maintenance. Get the manual FOR SURE and set aside a bit more of that wad of cash for a decent set of tools.


Posted by: jonnyriabov---------------------

I was refering to displacement.....the at over 200lbs you would have to push a 125 really hard and dont forget they need a fresh top end sooner than the 250 would


Posted by: ricket---------------------

Thanks guys for all the input.

Just walked out of the dealership a little over 2 hours ago with a brand new 2006 YZ250F. It was the last one the dealer had and no lie this bike rocks!

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!


Posted by: Okiewan---------------------

Congrats!!


Posted by: ellandoh---------------------

that takes care of that



Text Version Home





vBulletin Copyright ©2000 - 2009, Jelsoft Enterprises Limited.
vB Easy Archive Final ©2000 - 2009 - Created by Stefan "Xenon" Kaeser