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2-stroke bike to get? question.
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Posted by: njames---------------------

hey i'm 21, grew up on a Z-50 and XR 80 before i hit up a 400ex then trx450r quad and raced them a bit, and fooled around in the woods,, which was a lot of fun. I've always been curious about 2 stroke MX bikes they sound really exciting and i wanna get back into riding bikes and get into MX and FMX riding as well as woods riding but more so racing. I'm a sponsored snowboarder so bike hits dont really scare me,, its more or less dealer ships and friends alike telling me 2 strokes are endless fixxing and cost a lot of money to maintaine,, and that 4 strokes are the way to go,, well i like the sound of 2 strokes and i'm not afraid of maintenance or costs. So basically i'm looking for info on what kinda bike would be best to get used. KTM 125sx, or Yamaha yz125.. i've heard nothing but "KTM's are expensive, break easy and the parts are super expensive" but i like the fact they look really good, and seem to have some good things from the stock set up.
I'm not really sure what to look for or expect once i get the bike i'm gonna try and get a 2000-2003 model and just kinda wondering what kinda things i might have to replace when i first get it?

Posted by: njames---------------------

oh i'm not even sure i need a 125.. i'm 5'6" 160lbs,, i rode a friends 85 and it didnt seem to overly small.. i duno,, think 125, or 85, or hit up a 250... (same kinda power as my 450r quad)???????????????????????

Posted by: robwbright---------------------

I doubt that anyone here would argue that 4 stroke MX bikes are LESS maintenance than 2 strokes. Some would say they're about the same and others would say the 4 strokes require more maintenance - more so the 250 4 strokes than the 450 4 strokes.

BTW, anytime a dealer tells you something, he might be looking to make some extra money.

Most of the 4 stroke top ends hold up well when the maintenance schedule is followed - but they are VERY expensive if you blow one up.

I've heard lots of good things about the YZ's and the KTM's, but I'll let Masterphil fill you in on the KTM's and others on the YZ's.

For what it's worth, I like my RM a lot. Corners like a dream and it RIPS with the motor work I had done.

As to buying a bike: Ask when the top end was last rebuilt. Ask whether they miked the cylinder to see if it was in spec before the top end rebuild. Check chain, sprockets, tires, wheel bearings, brake pads, etc. . . None of those cost a great deal, but they add up if they need replaced.

Also, when you go to buy, see if you can get the guy to take off the seat so you can check to see whether the air filter is clean or not. If it is, it could be that he just cleaned it to sell, or it could be that he takes very good care of the bike.

If it's not clean, then there's a pretty good chance he doesn't clean it very often.

Posted by: robwbright---------------------

At 5'6", 160, you DON'T need an 80/85.

I'm 5'4", 145.

A stock 125 has about 30-33 HP.

A stock 250 2 stroke is in the mid 40s.

Posted by: dirt ninja---------------------

Im 5'6 145lbs and ride a kx250 but ive had bikes since i was 14. With a 125 you'll be on the pipe alot and not to mention more rebuilds on top ends. 250s are easier to ride if you can learn throttle control and will be easier to ride because of the power thats on tap. The 250s weigh 15 to 20 pounds more but you can get use to it quick. Id tell you to go for the 250 and take it easy till you get better.

Posted by: Masterphil---------------------

KTM's are expensive - If your dealer is trying to screw you.
break easy - Not true
the parts are super expensive - Not true

I had a '06 125sx, it was the best bike I've ridden. Until I sold it and bought a '06 250sx, which I wouldn't reccomend to a newb. I have 6 years of riding experience and I got myself into trouble quite a few times with this bike today. It's got some serious snap!

BTW, just because you can ride a whatever size quadtard, does not mean you can handle the same size bike. The bike motors make much more power.

Posted by: njames---------------------

so my 10 years racing quads makes me a newb on bikes? that sounds funny.. 2 me.

i've riden some 450 4 stroke bikes i'm just lookin for info on maintenance issues, and input on which used bike would be a better buy/ most reliable... yz 2 stroke or ktm 2 stroke.

i'm thinking either 125 or 250 now.

Posted by: robwbright---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by njames

so my 10 years racing quads makes me a newb on bikes? that sounds funny.. 2 me.

Funny but true.

I can't ride a quad fast to save my life, and I ridden dirt bikes on and off for almost 30 years.

However, you hadn't previously mentioned that you had significant 2 wheel riding experience. If you ridden 450 4 strokes, then you have some idea of the high end of the power spread in bikes.

Posted by: CR125 rider---------------------

since u mentioned fmx id get a cr250.

in my mind yamaha makes good small bore bikes <125
and honda makes good big bore bikes 250<

if you want some insane power get a ktm, those bikes cost more than a honda or yamaha because they already have some high performance parts the other bikes dont. You can make any bike scary to ride just depends how much money u want to spend.

Posted by: tyesai---------------------

If you are wondering about maintenance just do a quick search and you will find the info you so desire. IMHO from my reading a 2-stroke will be slightly less labor and cost intensive.

I have yet to have to redo the top end on mine, the compression is still good and I hardly ride it and when I do I ride like a 80 year old man might.

I almost said 12 year old girl, but I have seen what those youngins do on a bike, girls included and the wring the snot out of them.

Posted by: Masterphil---------------------

Yes. The only thing that riding a quad teaches you about bikes are the basics of how to use the throttle, brakes, and clutch. Nothing else is the same or even remotely simular.

Posted by: SVTMc-G---------------------

I'll agree with Masterphil on that point. Two completely different beasts! Things happen ALOT faster on two wheels. The bike reacts totally different...anyone can ride a quad good(no offense)...hell my wife just learned on a Banshee and has never been on an off-road vehicle...and she rides great! Just sayin.....it's apples and oranges...

Posted by: warlock33619---------------------

If you're used to the power of a 450 R quad,don't waste your time on a 125....get a 250 2 stroke and learn to hang on tight!!!

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2-stroke bike to get? question.

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