Posts
6767
Joined
8/30/2008
Location
Stockholm
SE
Edited Date/Time
8/23/2017 11:38am
I'm riding an 2006 yz125, and I need to get a newer bike soon because, well it's getting old. I have no issues what so ever with the yz125. I love the bike, only issue maybe is cornering, feels harder to knife in vs some other bikes I have owned, but I suck as a rider, so whatever. So I wouldn't mind buying a new one, but it feels weird paying 4k-5k for basically the same, and maybe a complete engine overhaul is really better, but then I start getting tired of wrenching, so again lets buy my self out of this crap. But then came the sx125, which I think is much cooler, and might give me the excitement new bikes gives, like I WANT TO RIDE IT BAD.
Since I don't know a person owning a KTM SX125 2017, which I can take for a spinn and compare (is there any Swede reading this, we can trade for a few laps in Stockholm) I need to ask those of you who went from from yz125 to the new generation of sx125/tc125, preferably the 2017 with the WP-air (input from 2016 owners is cool as well). I'm not that impressed by the reviews of the old CVS forks, and going from KYB SSS will probably be too much to handle, hence 2017 KTM.
So any input will be appreciated.
Since I don't know a person owning a KTM SX125 2017, which I can take for a spinn and compare (is there any Swede reading this, we can trade for a few laps in Stockholm) I need to ask those of you who went from from yz125 to the new generation of sx125/tc125, preferably the 2017 with the WP-air (input from 2016 owners is cool as well). I'm not that impressed by the reviews of the old CVS forks, and going from KYB SSS will probably be too much to handle, hence 2017 KTM.
So any input will be appreciated.
If you are going to dish out money on a new bike get the KTM.
Only reason to buy a new yz is for die hard yamaha fans, sponsored yamaha riders, or if you are trying to race schoolboy at lorettas and that's what you are most comfortable on.
Everyone else gets the ktm, heck if you aren't planning to race amateur national events then get the 150 for that added power.
But buy what you want and don't let logic and reason and numbers get in the way. They are dirtbikes they are meant to be fun, slow or fast you will have the most fun on the bike you wanted vs the bike you settled for because xyz reasons.
The Shop
If others have experience of the two bikes, please share thoughts.
Given your age, how versatile do you want?!... BTW where is your national pride
Those Italians, then Germans and now Austrians sort of took the spirit out of the former Swedish brand...
The KTM wins, hands down. The YZ is fairly highly modified and the SX is bone stock. Now that I have some hours on the KTM, it's not even close. It destroys the YZ in every way except upfront purchase price (in Australia anyway).
And I'll add, anyone who talks badly about the AER forks is either delusional, hasn't actually ridden the bike with a proper setting, or is faster than I can imagine. I pass a lot of guys at the track - inside, outside, outside then inside, it doesn't matter. I can go wherever I want. The handling is telepathic.
Did you consider the 150? I imagine the shorter powerband makes it harder to ride, and the few extra ponies means shit for us mortals.
Not sure about the newer years, but if I was to ever get a 125/150 again, it would be a KTM or Husky for sure.
The bike turned almost as nice as my RMZ, but felt like an absolute bicycle between my legs. I loved it.
Pit Row
I had one KTM before this '17, a previous-gen 250SX with the 4CS. I cannot put into words how much I hated that bike. So I am no fanboy of KTM.
I am also mid 6ft 5ish, down to ~92kg (lean). 35B speed. I ride 2-3 x 30-35m motos when I go to the track. I also rode street/track bikes for years, and believe I have very good "feel" for a bike.
Jumping
The Yamaha feels stable, small and agile, like a BMX bike. The KTM feels the same, but the steering feels slightly lighter, and it feels 5kg lighter in the air. Either bike can be scrubbed and whipped to insane degrees.
Yesterday on the KTM I overjumped a table flat out in 6th gear. I thought I was in 5th late in my last moto and I didn't scrub enough and landed about 5-6 bike lengths to flat. I had enough time in the air to think 'I am about to break my wrists'. The suspension soaked it up easily and I kept on with my moto. The Yamaha "magic" SSS would have punished that mistake with at least jarred wrists, if not worse.
Cornering
The YZ loves to rail a corner, and I can pass plenty of 250s and 450s on this bike, too. Either bike corners almost effortlessly. You know 125s, you have one.
The cornering technique is different on the two bikes, but it also depends to a degree on the surface. On a firm surface or skatey hardpack for example, I trail a lot of front brake on the YZ, right into the apex. The Yamaha has a very light feeling front end that is prone to knife or tuck if weight is not kept on the front wheel.
The front end feel of the KTM is far more planted, more like a 250 four stroke. I can come in very hot to sweepers or tighter flat turns and two wheel drift in, use minimal front brake, then steer out using the throttle. Sitting or standing, it doesn't matter. The YZ would knife the front end standing, 9 times out of 10.
Engine
No contest. The KTM has more power and a more aggressive, albeit narrower, powerband. The YZ feels easier to ride, but it is not faster. My YZ has VHM head, porting, VForce, pipe and silencer, etc etc. All the usual tricks for a race motor. I will take the KTM to get a Two Stroke Performance custom 150 kit done when it needs its 3rd or 4th top end. At that time, I will probably swap out the YZ for another new 125SX.
Ergos
Perfectly comfortable from the first ride. The SX feels roomier, the bar bend is perfect, the ODI lock on grips a revelation. Standing, the side plates keep your legs locked in place, whereas the YZ you really have to concentrate on pinching with your calves to prevent sliding back at full gas corner exits. Everything you touch on the KTM feels quality.
Suspension
I have probably covered this above, but I would add that, especially as a heavier 125 rider, the ability to adjust air "spring" rates from track to track, and morning to afternoon conditions is a great, great thing.
Negatives
About half of the stock decals started peeling back at the edges before I even rode it. KTM agreed to replaced these under warranty with no fuss. The front brake and clutch reservoirs had a small amount of fluid pooled on the little bottom groove on them before the first ride. Almost like there was a little bit of an overflow before the caps were screwed on, and it had trickled down to the lowest place on the reservoir and just sat there. Nothing noticeable since I have ridden it.
Typing this quickly so I may have been unclear/missed something you asked. Anything else you want to know, please feel free to ask.
I get headshake on everything because I suck. Even on the mtn bike. But a Scotts fixed it real quick.
Believe me I wanted the KTM to work! I lost several thousand dollars buying the KTM and building it to only sell it.
Anyway I was just sharing my experience
BTW if your suspension guy suggested the Honda damper, I suggest you find someone else to handle the suspension duties.
I have a Terry Varner tuned motor that I will put up against any KTM 125 so the motor is not an issue. It's bad parenting fast!
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