150SX, KXF250 or RMZ250

chaseNCMX
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chaseNCMX
Edited Date/Time 8/6/2018 6:59am
Looking for some advice from you guys. I bought a 2016 YZ125 back in 2016 and would like to try something new (bigger). I love the simplicity of a two stroke, seeing how I can replace top ends in just an hour or two and just overall simplicity of the motor. I do not ride competitively. I ride once a week at most 2 times a week at local tracks and that's it. One dealer near me has the RMZ and KX listed at 6k and another dealer is listing the 150SX at 6500. I'm 6' and my weight fluctuates between 170-190 (I bulk in the winter, lol. Big into lifting.)
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Kx125rider 8/2/2018 11:46am
8/2/2018 11:46am
I just think the 150s are cool so that would be my vote but see If you can ride each of them and decide from there
BR8ES
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BR8ES 8/2/2018 11:47am
8/2/2018 11:47am
keep it simple, get the 150.
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rob162
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rob162 8/2/2018 11:54am
8/2/2018 11:54am
You cant go wrong with any of those bikes. All of them will pull you around.One thing to say about the rmz and to a lesser extent same with the kxf. You can find a shit ton of aftermarket parts for them for cheap. Rode a 13 stock rmz (kid was complaining it couldnt keep up with the ktms and it couldnt do the double from the inside.)last week im 195 and i bruised some egos that are on the latest and greatest 350's and 450's. Then there was a older pds ktm125 that was hurtin everyones feelings soooo. lol

Find the one that fits you best. Find the bike you feel the best sitting on. Have them toss it on a stand feel it out, bring gloves and boots to. Ive done it. (dont get crazy and scratch the side covers) Even ask them if the basic feeling is all the same which one they would like to get rid of the most. Might get a better deal.
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yz133rider
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yz133rider 8/2/2018 3:09pm
8/2/2018 3:09pm
Pretty sure the 150 makes more power than both those 250s also. Definitly more than the rmz and right about what the kx makes if not more. And plus its 20lbs lighter or so!

Hour meter, brembo brakes, hydraulic clutch, lighter, more power, handles amazing and you said you like 2 strokes hard to argue with the 150!
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Luca_Sorgente 8/2/2018 3:38pm
8/2/2018 3:38pm
chaseNCMX wrote:
Looking for some advice from you guys. I bought a 2016 YZ125 back in 2016 and would like to try something new (bigger). I love the...
Looking for some advice from you guys. I bought a 2016 YZ125 back in 2016 and would like to try something new (bigger). I love the simplicity of a two stroke, seeing how I can replace top ends in just an hour or two and just overall simplicity of the motor. I do not ride competitively. I ride once a week at most 2 times a week at local tracks and that's it. One dealer near me has the RMZ and KX listed at 6k and another dealer is listing the 150SX at 6500. I'm 6' and my weight fluctuates between 170-190 (I bulk in the winter, lol. Big into lifting.)
what year 150 for 6500
motoarmageddon 8/2/2018 3:56pm
8/2/2018 3:56pm Edited Date/Time 8/2/2018 3:57pm
you need a 250F at your weight. I raced a 144 against 250Fs and I got pulled on starts it wasnt fun
wpark89
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wpark89 8/2/2018 5:07pm
8/2/2018 5:07pm
I weigh the same as you and have no problems riding 125s/144s. That’s the size Travis Preston was when he won the 125 West in 02. If a 2 stroke is what you want then the 150 is the only choice.
bradmx421
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bradmx421 8/2/2018 5:11pm
8/2/2018 5:11pm
150 all day....easy choice there.Bike is so amazing to ride, motor hits through the bottom all the way to the top
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Gandorlf
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Gandorlf 8/2/2018 5:57pm
8/2/2018 5:57pm
KX250F is a great bike, needs a little bit of encouragement in the corners but it tracks perfectly and has a strong motor. You can't knock Kawi reliability either!
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Pirate421
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Pirate421 8/2/2018 6:09pm
8/2/2018 6:09pm
150. 250fs have come a long way since the last one I’ve owned in 2011 and are strong but every time I ride one I just think they are kind of lame. I’m not a pro but I just don’t have fun on them. Have you thought of a 250 two stroke? Few more ponies than a 250f but a yz250 is so smooth and easy to jet. A nice step up from your 125
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walent215
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walent215 8/2/2018 6:42pm
8/2/2018 6:42pm
Pirate421 wrote:
150. 250fs have come a long way since the last one I’ve owned in 2011 and are strong but every time I ride one I just...
150. 250fs have come a long way since the last one I’ve owned in 2011 and are strong but every time I ride one I just think they are kind of lame. I’m not a pro but I just don’t have fun on them. Have you thought of a 250 two stroke? Few more ponies than a 250f but a yz250 is so smooth and easy to jet. A nice step up from your 125
since you want something " bigger" I dont recommend the 150 as you wont feel it's way better than the 125 ....imo...the 250fs for a heavier pilot wont be the greatest either...250 2t as stated above would be my recommendation.
chaseNCMX
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chaseNCMX 8/3/2018 5:36am
8/3/2018 5:36am
Appreciate all the responses guys. I thought about the 2t 250 but my arms wear out bad enough on my 125. I feel like a 250 2t would give my arms a run for their money lol. I figured the 150 would have a little extra 'juice' yet still be just as nimble. Plus it would continue to help me with my technique and overall just help me be a better rider.

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Cooper 688 8/3/2018 5:43am
8/3/2018 5:43am
You’ve made a wise choice. The 150s are right in that sweet spot of power and lightweight handling for most of us. I enjoy my RM250 sometimes but the 150 is my bread and butter. You’ll love it too I think!
fitlesslife81 8/5/2018 6:20pm
8/5/2018 6:20pm
150 is my pick
For sure,I’ve got a sweet 18 for sale if you end up wanting to go used has 16hrs on it for $5300 I’m in north fla braaaaap
chaseNCMX
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chaseNCMX 8/5/2018 7:22pm
8/5/2018 7:22pm

Apple with my wallet Saturday and made it out to the track today. Loving the bike so far. Definitely need a stiffer spring and the jetting needs some work. I’ve messed with it some but I’m thinking a Lectrom carb is my best bet. Any tips for setup? Gearing? Mikuni carb setups? I’m in North Carolina which I’d say is 500’ above sea level. Thanks for all the input guys.
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DynoDan22
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DynoDan22 8/5/2018 8:41pm
8/5/2018 8:41pm
Get a Keihin Airstryker from the '16 150sx and the '16 intake manifold. Mix at 40:1 (I use Motorex) and 50:50 pump C12. With all is this I have been able to follow the '16 jetting specs in the manual (KTM 150 '16 manual) exactly. A JD kit will help but the torque that the Keihen makes over the Mikuni is pretty impressive. The dyno and "butt dyno" agree. Lol. I got my carb from Motosport for $325 and it came with all of the jets. Some people have good luck with the Mikuni but the Keihen is really good. I wish Keihen could have supplied all the '17-'18 KTMs but JD is making a ton of cash. Lol. PM me if you have any questions and enjoy the new bike!!! I love my '18 150sx!
#434
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#434 8/5/2018 11:50pm
8/5/2018 11:50pm
Don't forget to install a Vforce. The stock reed block often dosen't seal correctly. If that's the case you can jet all you want and it's still going to run bad.
Have fun on that thing! Miss my 150..
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roninho
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roninho 8/6/2018 12:17am
8/6/2018 12:17am
motoarmageddon wrote:
you need a 250F at your weight. I raced a 144 against 250Fs and I got pulled on starts it wasnt fun
Well he will have that on the RMZ or KXF (which Chase is looking at) as well, since that bike is low on hp's and high on weight compared to the other 250fs.

Imo those 2 bikes are actually quite comparable to the newest KTM and Husky 125's (especially in 150cc kit).
KTM has made huge leaps in HP numbers on the 125's over the years, and have a much broader almost 4 stroke like band as well. And the RMZ 250 hasn't developed much on the hp side over the past decades.

2018 numbers
2018 RMZ
7.500 rpm - 25 hp
8.500 rpm - 30 hp
9.500 rpm - 32 hp
10.500 rpm - 34 hp
11.500 rpm - 35 hp

2018 KTM/Husky 125
7.500 rpm - 20 hp
8.500 rpm - 25 hp
9.500 rpm - 30 hp
10.500 rpm - 35 hp
11.500 rpm - 38 hp

Higher peak but a bit smaller band for the 125.

At 18.5 kg lighter (40 lbs) imo you shouldnt have an issue at the start compared to a RMZ or KXF. You'll have an issue on a 125 compared to the best 250 bikes (in terms of power), but imo not versus the RMZ or KXF. Especially if you throw in a upgrade kit to 150cc.
cappelmans
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cappelmans 8/6/2018 6:59am
8/6/2018 6:59am
I own a 150, it’s a fun bike but you have to consider that the powerband is harder to handle then a 125. It takes a while to get used to their more peaky engine character.

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