Big guy on a little bike

psg119
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Edited Date/Time 7/18/2018 10:35am
Hey guys, I'm looking to get back into moto here in a few months after 6 years off... I was really hoping I could get a used YZ125 for the return. Two strokes really have my interest right now. The only problem is I'm worried about it being too small for me seeing as I'm 6' 200 lbs. 6 years ago I was riding a bone stock '11 KX250f with no issues getting me where I wanted at about 10lbs less. I like to ride pretty hard and thought the 125 would be great to get the groove back. I road raced for many years (while also riding moto since I was 4) so railing corners is my favorite part. And at the used price if I felt I wanted more after a few months I could sell it for what I bought it for. But I also don't want to waste my time. So my question is do you think I would be fine with the 125? Or do you think I'd be able to ride a YZ250 with the same intensity? Orrr should I just stick to the 250fs? I gotta make it to work on Mondays so I don't really feel comfortable with hopping on the 450 just yet. Any input would be greatly appreciated! Also my home tracks would be Milestone and Perris if that has any effect on your input, seeing as Milestone is considered a "sand track" and Perris being pretty tight from what I remember.

This whole dilemma got me feeling like this Laughing

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8686
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7/16/2018 10:55am
A. In no way are you too big for a 125.
B. At 6’ and 200 lbs I would not call you a big guy. At all.
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kb228
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7/16/2018 10:57am
200lbs isnt big lol. It will haul you just fine.
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The Shop

psg119
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7/16/2018 11:08am
8686 wrote:
A. In no way are you too big for a 125. B. At 6’ and 200 lbs I would not call you a big guy. At...
A. In no way are you too big for a 125.
B. At 6’ and 200 lbs I would not call you a big guy. At all.
Okay perfect! Probably some of my problem is the fact that my generation just went straight to the 250Fs. So I don't really know first hand what they can do! Just seem fun! Only 125 I've ridden was a Honda RS125 Laughing
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WarrenMX
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7/16/2018 11:10am
I'd say it comes down to how serious you are about clearing the jumps. If all you want to do is rail turns, that can be done on any sized bike. In fact, railing corners on a pit bike can be an absolute hoot.

I ride all the SoCal tracks including Milestone and Perris and I'd say you'll have a pretty hard time clearing some of the jumps especially the ones straight out of the corners on a 125 at 200 lbs. I'm not saying it would be impossible, but you would be relying on impeccable cornering technique and seat bouncing skills with very little room for error.





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psg119
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7/16/2018 11:11am
kb228 wrote:
200lbs isnt big lol. It will haul you just fine.
Thanks just what I wanted to hear! Seeing every used one set up for 145lbs was just making me feel like "maybe these things aren't meant for me" haha. So I thought I'd take it to the masses for some input. Much appreciated!
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kb228
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7/16/2018 11:18am
kb228 wrote:
200lbs isnt big lol. It will haul you just fine.
psg119 wrote:
Thanks just what I wanted to hear! Seeing every used one set up for 145lbs was just making me feel like "maybe these things aren't meant...
Thanks just what I wanted to hear! Seeing every used one set up for 145lbs was just making me feel like "maybe these things aren't meant for me" haha. So I thought I'd take it to the masses for some input. Much appreciated!
At one time i was 315lbs on a 125 and did just fine. I wasnt hucking anything more than 50 feet but you getting back into it i doubt you will either. Deep dirt is your enemy.
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psg119
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7/16/2018 11:19am
WarrenMX wrote:
I'd say it comes down to how serious you are about clearing the jumps. If all you want to do is rail turns, that can be...
I'd say it comes down to how serious you are about clearing the jumps. If all you want to do is rail turns, that can be done on any sized bike. In fact, railing corners on a pit bike can be an absolute hoot.

I ride all the SoCal tracks including Milestone and Perris and I'd say you'll have a pretty hard time clearing some of the jumps especially the ones straight out of the corners on a 125 at 200 lbs. I'm not saying it would be impossible, but you would be relying on impeccable cornering technique and seat bouncing skills with very little room for error.





I hear ya... sold my old tricked XR50 a couple years ago too haha. I doubt coming back my cornering would be like it used to, but I'm also not looking to jump anything I shouldn't be. Just looking to find to love again you know? That being said would you say a 125 would be acceptable to start getting the hang of things again or would you stay away all together from it?
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psg119
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7/16/2018 11:23am
kb228 wrote:
200lbs isnt big lol. It will haul you just fine.
psg119 wrote:
Thanks just what I wanted to hear! Seeing every used one set up for 145lbs was just making me feel like "maybe these things aren't meant...
Thanks just what I wanted to hear! Seeing every used one set up for 145lbs was just making me feel like "maybe these things aren't meant for me" haha. So I thought I'd take it to the masses for some input. Much appreciated!
kb228 wrote:
At one time i was 315lbs on a 125 and did just fine. I wasnt hucking anything more than 50 feet but you getting back into...
At one time i was 315lbs on a 125 and did just fine. I wasnt hucking anything more than 50 feet but you getting back into it i doubt you will either. Deep dirt is your enemy.
I'm not looking to jump anything huge unless I'm absolutely comfortable I can nail it. My state of mind is right where you are assuming it would be haha. I'm guessing the deep dirt will be the clutch's enemy as well... haha
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Gworm
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7/16/2018 11:29am
I just picked up an 03 CR 125 Fri, and that Chris Farley tune was going through my head all the way home, and I hadn't seen this thread. I'm 54 and 235Lbs by the way.
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WarrenMX
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7/16/2018 11:36am
psg119 wrote:
I hear ya... sold my old tricked XR50 a couple years ago too haha. I doubt coming back my cornering would be like it used to...
I hear ya... sold my old tricked XR50 a couple years ago too haha. I doubt coming back my cornering would be like it used to, but I'm also not looking to jump anything I shouldn't be. Just looking to find to love again you know? That being said would you say a 125 would be acceptable to start getting the hang of things again or would you stay away all together from it?
I'd say although it might be fun in some aspects, you might soon get frustrated, and then start looking to upgrade. You clearly have a pretty good background with bikes and so you'll probably progress quicker than you think.

As you've already noticed when looking at used 125's, they're all sprung for light riders so you'll more than likely be looking to drop $700-$1000 on suspension before you get started. If you then decide to sell the bike, you might have a hard time since I don't think there are many 200 lbs dudes in this area that are in the market for a 125.

On the other hand, you're much more likely to find a used 250 2 stroke or 250f that's already been setup for someone of your size.

For what its worth, all my buddies that have 125's, have them as a second bike.



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psg119
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7/16/2018 11:54am
WarrenMX wrote:
I'd say although it might be fun in some aspects, you might soon get frustrated, and then start looking to upgrade. You clearly have a pretty...
I'd say although it might be fun in some aspects, you might soon get frustrated, and then start looking to upgrade. You clearly have a pretty good background with bikes and so you'll probably progress quicker than you think.

As you've already noticed when looking at used 125's, they're all sprung for light riders so you'll more than likely be looking to drop $700-$1000 on suspension before you get started. If you then decide to sell the bike, you might have a hard time since I don't think there are many 200 lbs dudes in this area that are in the market for a 125.

On the other hand, you're much more likely to find a used 250 2 stroke or 250f that's already been setup for someone of your size.

For what its worth, all my buddies that have 125's, have them as a second bike.



You might be right with the progression... I was thinking about that as well.

Yeah I cant find anything in the 125 range set up for my size. I was figuring it'd be around that much which might be annoying considering I need to buy all new gear as well. Unless one pops up dirt cheap that's definitely a factor to take into consideration. That's a great point, thanks.

Yeah, I have been doing a lot of research through other threads and it seems like a lot of guy have them paired up with their 450.

All info is gold to me right now, so I appreciate it!
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psg119
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7/16/2018 11:55am
peelout wrote:
[img]https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xYui-DiA5WA/T2Y8BG8jf-I/AAAAAAAADd4/xgNkMdNwEVg/s1600/3223_dsc_9344_1.jpg[/img]
GrinningGrinningGrinning
exactly what I had in mind
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psg119
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7/16/2018 11:57am
Gworm wrote:
I just picked up an 03 CR 125 Fri, and that Chris Farley tune was going through my head all the way home, and I hadn't...
I just picked up an 03 CR 125 Fri, and that Chris Farley tune was going through my head all the way home, and I hadn't seen this thread. I'm 54 and 235Lbs by the way.
Haha right?! Every since I've been shopping around that's been stuck in my head. Great minds think alike. Hope you have a blast on the bike! Let me know how it rides seeing as I'm still a few months out from purchase!
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TJMX947
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7/16/2018 12:17pm
I say go for it man. I'm a heavy guy and I honestly can't ride a bike comfortably unless I get the correct spring rates. As long as you get the lighter/original springs back I'm sure a prospective buyer won't be too worried. The best thing about a 125 is it won't let you jump anything that you're not ready for. I've come out on the wrong end of this equation on a four stroke a few times and TBH I've thought about trading the 350 in for a 125 for this reason.

I will tell you nothing is more fun to me than railing a sandy turn on a 2 stroke. There just something organic about feeling the tire digging in and shredding. Buying a $2800 - $3300 bike and spending $600 on the suspension is better than buying a 7k 250F and still needing a revalve/springs. Good luck!
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Kurtis158
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7/16/2018 12:27pm
I'm 6'2 240 and get around just fine on my YZ 125
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scott_nz
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7/16/2018 12:49pm
im 6ft and 190 pounds, and ride a 18 KTM125, i love it and it does not hold me back in the vets class,
WarrenMX
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7/16/2018 1:18pm
With all due respect, the guys who are posting saying the OP will be fine, I'd like to see pictures or video of the type of tracks you're riding and the jumps you're doing.

SoCal tracks are jumpy and I really believe they're built and designed with 4 strokes in mind.
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Kurtis158
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7/16/2018 1:21pm
WarrenMX wrote:
With all due respect, the guys who are posting saying the OP will be fine, I'd like to see pictures or video of the type of...
With all due respect, the guys who are posting saying the OP will be fine, I'd like to see pictures or video of the type of tracks you're riding and the jumps you're doing.

SoCal tracks are jumpy and I really believe they're built and designed with 4 strokes in mind.
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kage173
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7/16/2018 2:40pm
Welcome to the Bear on a Bicycle Club. Woohoo
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nytsmaC
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7/16/2018 3:00pm
WarrenMX wrote:
With all due respect, the guys who are posting saying the OP will be fine, I'd like to see pictures or video of the type of...
With all due respect, the guys who are posting saying the OP will be fine, I'd like to see pictures or video of the type of tracks you're riding and the jumps you're doing.

SoCal tracks are jumpy and I really believe they're built and designed with 4 strokes in mind.
He'll be fine, might be a few jumps that he won't want to hit but that shouldn't make him not consider a 125. The only jump that my 144 has held me back from pulling the trigger on was the infield triple at Washougal, I was 255lbs and wasn't convinced that I could get the drive out of the corner to clear it. If I were 30lbs lighter I wouldn't have thought twice about it but just didn't know if it was possible under those conditions and didn't want to ruin my weekend by miscalculating.

The joy that riding the 144 has given me far outweighs whatever I missed by not clearing that triple. I say buy that 125 and enjoy, it would be a mistake not to.
7/16/2018 3:59pm
psg119 wrote:
Hey guys, I'm looking to get back into moto here in a few months after 6 years off... I was really hoping I could get a...
Hey guys, I'm looking to get back into moto here in a few months after 6 years off... I was really hoping I could get a used YZ125 for the return. Two strokes really have my interest right now. The only problem is I'm worried about it being too small for me seeing as I'm 6' 200 lbs. 6 years ago I was riding a bone stock '11 KX250f with no issues getting me where I wanted at about 10lbs less. I like to ride pretty hard and thought the 125 would be great to get the groove back. I road raced for many years (while also riding moto since I was 4) so railing corners is my favorite part. And at the used price if I felt I wanted more after a few months I could sell it for what I bought it for. But I also don't want to waste my time. So my question is do you think I would be fine with the 125? Or do you think I'd be able to ride a YZ250 with the same intensity? Orrr should I just stick to the 250fs? I gotta make it to work on Mondays so I don't really feel comfortable with hopping on the 450 just yet. Any input would be greatly appreciated! Also my home tracks would be Milestone and Perris if that has any effect on your input, seeing as Milestone is considered a "sand track" and Perris being pretty tight from what I remember.

This whole dilemma got me feeling like this Laughing

I was 6’4” 230lbs in 98 on a 125 - aside from a few obstacles out of a corner I couldn’t clear I had no issues - probably the most fun I’ve had on a bike - you flog the crap out of it and it screams but it doesn’t have the torque to ever feel out of control - wish I’d been 200lbs lol - yz125 bored to a 144 would be about perfect for a play/practice bike
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Tomok
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7/16/2018 4:07pm
You should consider a KTM 150SX.
YZ324
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7/16/2018 4:19pm
I ride post vintage on my 82’ YZ125 @270lbs. Suspension setup for me with Race Tech and I have more fun on that bike than any others I have.
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ledger
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7/16/2018 5:14pm
I weighed 220 when I sold my 05 YZ 125, I kinda bitch slap myself daily for selling the funnest bike I ever owned.

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