125 Buyer Question

RandyRotta
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12/18/2016 3:47pm
I'm thinking about buying a 2017 125 this Summer, what would YOU buy? Even if you think they're extremely close, what bike would you buy and why:

KTM 125sx
Yamaha YZ125
Husqvarna TC125
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BobPA
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12/18/2016 3:48pm
If you are going to buy a Yamaha why not just buy a 2009 and put money into it?
RandyRotta
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12/18/2016 3:50pm
If I buy a Yamaha, maybe I will do that.
RandyRotta
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12/18/2016 3:51pm
I'm just curious to see if anyone would buy a KTM/Husky over the Yamaha
kzizok
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12/18/2016 3:56pm
What did you agree or disagree with in regards to the info you found using the search feature?

The Shop

wsc96
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12/18/2016 3:57pm
Plenty of people would and have. Personally i'll be looking for a clean 07 Honda in the coming months.
Indy mxer
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12/18/2016 4:07pm
I would go Husky or KTM. Much more modern and lots of improvements. Plus it looks like they finally have their suspension sorted out. I'd go Husky myself, just because there isn't as many of them out there yet.

I'm 59 and have ridden Kawi's for years. I have a 16 450 which I love. But this summer I wanted a 125 just to have as an alternative for some fun. I bought a used 2015 Husky and had FC do the suspension. I've never had a KTM or a Husky. But I have to say I'm impressed with the quality, as well as the bike in general.

I'm having fun on it but wouldn't get rid of my 450. lol

All 3 are good choices though.
colintrax
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12/18/2016 4:09pm
KTM, for all the reasons I did buy one.
braaap707
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12/18/2016 5:39pm

I bought a 16 husky tc125 this spring and put around 20 hrs on it so far. Coming off a 12 KTM 150, this new motor rips and feels way faster. The yz is a great bike but the ktm/husky is better in every way. Sharper handling, way more peak HP and incredible roll on power that the yz will never be able to replicate. Hydraulic clutch, brembo brakes billet hubs. Theyre built with quality. I had a 05 yz125 but my 12 150sx was a way better bike. Its kind of senseless to buy a new yz. A used one with some add ons can be a good bike as well.
JM485
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12/18/2016 5:46pm
BobPA wrote:
If you are going to buy a Yamaha why not just buy a 2009 and put money into it?
Honestly you just never know what you're going to get, even if you replace every bearing and every seal the things you can't replace still have time and wear on them. For most guys that would never be a problem but if he's really going to tax the bike it's probably best to start new.
loftyair
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12/18/2016 5:49pm
I think the biggest difference, besides price, is that the ktm/husky is more of a higher level race bike. The yz better for older or slower, as well as hills.
crusher773
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12/18/2016 5:52pm
Husky has a ton of contingency that is always a bonus.
PRM31
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12/18/2016 6:17pm
I went with a 2005 RM125 and had it turned into a 144 by Eric Gorr. Very fun bike to ride!

For you, the good news is there is no bad choice. I would lean YZ simply based on my perception of quality/reliability and endless upgrades. Haven't owned any of them though, so like I said, its perception, not experience. Riding friend has had a YZ for years and it's been bullet proof. I would suggest riding each of them, you'll know the answer.
Mickolobe7
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12/18/2016 7:11pm
loftyair wrote:
I think the biggest difference, besides price, is that the ktm/husky is more of a higher level race bike. The yz better for older or slower...
I think the biggest difference, besides price, is that the ktm/husky is more of a higher level race bike. The yz better for older or slower, as well as hills.
I agree KTM/HUSKY are more of a race bike. A good friend of mine owns a power sport mechanic shop and he always has a dozen of Ktm's and Husky's in for motor rebuilds. I asked why and he said they are super high maintenance and the top end needs to be replaced every 15 hours I believe. He said by far KTM/HUSKY are the fastest 2 stokes out there but because of that they need a lot of up keep. So if money is no issue than go with KTM or a Husky. Yamaha's been around forever and I think you can put some work into one and be just as fast as another guy on a KTM/Husky and save some money and down time in the long run! Just my 2 cents
BobPA
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12/18/2016 7:13pm
loftyair wrote:
I think the biggest difference, besides price, is that the ktm/husky is more of a higher level race bike. The yz better for older or slower...
I think the biggest difference, besides price, is that the ktm/husky is more of a higher level race bike. The yz better for older or slower, as well as hills.
Mickolobe7 wrote:
I agree KTM/HUSKY are more of a race bike. A good friend of mine owns a power sport mechanic shop and he always has a dozen...
I agree KTM/HUSKY are more of a race bike. A good friend of mine owns a power sport mechanic shop and he always has a dozen of Ktm's and Husky's in for motor rebuilds. I asked why and he said they are super high maintenance and the top end needs to be replaced every 15 hours I believe. He said by far KTM/HUSKY are the fastest 2 stokes out there but because of that they need a lot of up keep. So if money is no issue than go with KTM or a Husky. Yamaha's been around forever and I think you can put some work into one and be just as fast as another guy on a KTM/Husky and save some money and down time in the long run! Just my 2 cents
If a 125 is ridden hard 15 hours is pretty standard for a piston and ring.
Braap19
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12/18/2016 7:23pm
BobPA wrote:
If a 125 is ridden hard 15 hours is pretty standard for a piston and ring.
I've had several Eric gore yz125's and they ripped more than some 250's I had ridden. I had dumped a shit ton of money in them but they were sweet.

Also 15 hours was probably the longest I ever got a 125 piston to last in my YZs. Usually lost some compression around 12 hours and then it was time. 8 hours was longest I ever let a piston stay in a mod motor, they just lost compression fast after that.

Never wasted time changing a ring on a 125. If you had the motor open. Just change the piston at the same time, it's only $100 more and it's a fresh top end rather than just rings. And you don't waste a gasket kit
RandyRotta
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12/18/2016 8:11pm
Thanks everyone, I appreciate all the informative feedback. I'm looking to get back into riding after being off the bike for about 10 years. I want buy new just to start fresh, not have to worry about what's been done to the machine, and to be honest, I just want a sweet new bike (might sound dumb). I've researched all three bikes, and from what I can see, they're all quality machines, so hearing the feedback here has helped me in making a decision. I've been leaning towards a Husky, but I'm still going to do some more research.

If anyone wants to ride Comp Edge with me after I get a bike, that'd be sweet!
BobPA
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12/18/2016 8:25pm
Braap19 wrote:
I've had several Eric gore yz125's and they ripped more than some 250's I had ridden. I had dumped a shit ton of money in them...
I've had several Eric gore yz125's and they ripped more than some 250's I had ridden. I had dumped a shit ton of money in them but they were sweet.

Also 15 hours was probably the longest I ever got a 125 piston to last in my YZs. Usually lost some compression around 12 hours and then it was time. 8 hours was longest I ever let a piston stay in a mod motor, they just lost compression fast after that.

Never wasted time changing a ring on a 125. If you had the motor open. Just change the piston at the same time, it's only $100 more and it's a fresh top end rather than just rings. And you don't waste a gasket kit
Big ports = short ring life

I've got a kx125 that is in the process of becoming an Eric Gorr 144 as we speak. I'm interested to see how it runs.
r.sal923
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12/18/2016 8:38pm
I would go with 09+ Yz . The money you can put into it will make up for it. It seams like it is a bit of a pain to find parts for my TE300
CarlinoJoeVideo
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12/18/2016 8:57pm
I just got a 16 Ktm 125 and I also have a 16 Ktm 250sxf... The 125 has been so much fun I question my 250fEvil

The KTM or Husky has such a modern feel, I'd definitely reccomend it.
bd
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12/18/2016 10:25pm Edited Date/Time 12/18/2016 10:28pm
RandyRotta wrote:
I'm thinking about buying a 2017 125 this Summer, what would YOU buy? Even if you think they're extremely close, what bike would you buy and...
I'm thinking about buying a 2017 125 this Summer, what would YOU buy? Even if you think they're extremely close, what bike would you buy and why:

KTM 125sx
Yamaha YZ125
Husqvarna TC125
Buy 2006+ used YZ125 and use the money saved hop upping the bike -- fucking bike barks with V Force, PC pipe and shorty, vortex ignition and port and head mods.





Myke
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12/18/2016 10:43pm
This question needs to be a forum sticky.
JMX82
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12/18/2016 11:06pm
Go with KTM or Husky. A lot faster engine and better handling
RCN4HIM
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12/19/2016 6:14am Edited Date/Time 12/19/2016 6:19am
Buy a 2016 YZ 125 for $6,200OTD & get "$300 Blue Crew" money back from Yamaha. Then send the cylinder and head to Tom Morgan Racing for $349 + shipping (we live close) you will have a faster and better suspended bike than a 17KTM/Husky125!

How do I know... We did it! We also made the mistake of buying a new SX125 and you would not believe how roached the bike looks and the problems we had (spokes, gas cap, fork seals, transmission) with our KTM in the 33hrs we had on it before we sold it and moved on... 83Hrs on our YZ, stock bottom end, never a failure just regular maintenance and race!
12/19/2016 7:10am
Either buy a new 150sx or buy and old alum yz frame and build it. I'd rather save money and enjoy building than buying a new bike but that's me. On the end you'll save more on it too.
kkawboy14
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12/19/2016 7:14am Edited Date/Time 12/19/2016 7:15am
If I was a small guy I would buy the Yamaha.

If I was a bigger guy, either of the others.
12/19/2016 7:42am
I would go with the Husky. Everything will be brand new and starting with more HP on a 125 is damn nice.
Samuel
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12/19/2016 8:05am
kzizok wrote:
What did you agree or disagree with in regards to the info you found using the search feature?
You are doing a fantastic job as the forum police. I hope guyb gave you a cool sticker and a toy badge. Wink
snackfedbear
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12/19/2016 8:24am
I wouldn't get a KTM or Husky. Even though they look completely badass and are all new, I've seen too many dudes at the track pushing them already... but that's just my opinion.
kzizok
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12/19/2016 8:27am
kzizok wrote:
What did you agree or disagree with in regards to the info you found using the search feature?
Samuel wrote:
You are doing a fantastic job as the forum police. I hope guyb gave you a cool sticker and a toy badge. Wink
I didnt mean it that way. There is an even larger amount of info than 1 thread can yield. More info can lead to more answers for personal tastes.
brocsdad
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12/19/2016 3:02pm
KTM 125! More power and better handling!



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