Yamaha YZ-125 for beginner rider?

[Joseph F]

Hey, Guys. Would a 2-Stroke Yamaha YZ-125 be a good choice for a beginner trail rider? I am 6 feet tall and weigh 260lb.

 

[melchoir]

Would be fine.

 

[Demo24]

I've never been a huge 2-stroke fan, but a 125 would probably do fine for a beginner at your size. Just make sure you can sit on it comfortably and not feel like it's to low.

 

[spidey07]

Too small for your size/weight. Just get the 250.

 

[OCGuy]

You are going to be heavy. I would try and borrow one from a friend for a few rides before buying. You may end up wanting a 250 rather quickly.


My girl:

 

[marincounty]

While I haven't ridden a dirt bike in years, a 125 YZ is probably very peaky and somewhat hard to ride. You need to shift a lot. I would think a 200 or 250 four-stroke or a two-stroke enduro type would be better to learn on. BTW I love two-stroke power, it's instant unlike a four-stroke.

 

[Texashiker]

Get a 4 stroke enduro, that way you can drive it on the road with no issues.

And, I am thinking a 125 might be a little small.

 

[alfa147x]

Wrong section

 

[Joseph F]

I have ridden a ~98-01 CR-250... Too much power for now. Also I've Ridden a ~2006 DR-Z400 and it's nice but I prefer two-strokes. I actually have ridden a 1981 YZ-125 but it was really fucked up and had very little power (It had no compression and had to be pop-started). I'm thinking one that's a bit newer and in good condition would be perfect.

 

[Kabob]

You don't need a 250 2-stroke for a beginner's bike, I'd say a 250 4-stroke bike would be optimal. People always say you need "more power for your weight zomg!" It's not true, you need something that won't dump you on your arse so you can learn to ride, then move to a bigger bike.

4-strokers are MUCH gentler than 2-strokers.

 

[Joseph F]

^Very true. I can handle a Dizzer 400 but they're so damned expensive and I like having a faster throttle response and the sudden rush of the power band is orgasm-inducing. xD

 

[spidey07]

^Very true. I can handle a Dizzer 400 but they're so damned expensive and I like having a faster throttle response and the sudden rush of the power band is orgasm-inducing. xD

Brrrrzzzzzzzzzzzzzinggggg
BAHHHHHHH!
BAHHHHHHH!
BAHHHHHHH!
3rd gear

 

[WaTaGuMp]

4 stroke is the better way to go for sure. I rode a Husky 510 out at Glamis in March, pretty sweet ride, but you better have electric start for that bike and this guy didn't.

 

[Joseph F]

I know It's a BITCH to start a large-displacement 2-stroke but a 125 is an entirely different story than a 500.

 

[WaTaGuMp]

I know It's a BITCH to start a large-displacement 2-stroke but a 125 is an entirely different story than a 500.

My buddy had a YZ250 at Glamis, it started in 2-3 kicks easily.

 

[TheNinja]

a 125 2 stroke will have plenty of power, but make sure the frame/suspension is big enough for you. 2 stroke 250 wasn't that much fun for me b/c I felt like I was just being take for a ride instead of riding the bike. It was either nothing or....rev up the clutch and hold on for dear like. Also, 2 strokes are generally harder to ride on a trail b/c you gotta use clutch work a lot more. If you want to just ride and forget it, get a 4 stroker. I have an old 4 stroke 250 that is perfect for a beginner, not super powerful though. I'd go 400 or 426 4 stroke personally.

 

[Joseph F]

My buddy had a YZ250 at Glamis, it started in 2-3 kicks easily.

That's what I'm trying to say. It's pretty damn easy to start a 2-stroke if it has a displacement in the ~250cc and lower range.

 

[WaTaGuMp]

You just said 125 and 500, I didn't think you were including a 250 as a smaller engine.

 

[iGas]

260lbs is a bit heavy for a 125 IMHO. As said a 250 is great bike all round.

I prefer 2 stroke over 4 because it is easier to work on, lighter, and sounds great (old school).

 

[SAWYER]

While I haven't ridden a dirt bike in years, a 125 YZ is probably very peaky and somewhat hard to ride. You need to shift a lot. I would think a 200 or 250 four-stroke or a two-stroke enduro type would be better to learn on. BTW I love two-stroke power, it's instant unlike a four-stroke.

This exactly, people saying otherwise obviously have never ridden a 2 stroke, they are not good trail bikes

 

[iGas]

You don't need a 250 2-stroke for a beginner's bike, I'd say a 250 4-stroke bike would be optimal. People always say you need "more power for your weight zomg!" It's not true, you need something that won't dump you on your arse so you can learn to ride, then move to a bigger bike.

4-strokers are MUCH gentler than 2-strokers.

Not any longer.

Enduros are greared so that it have a wide power range, and the newer 2 strokers are virtually no different in handling than 4 strokes.

The biggest advantage 2 stroke has over that of 4 stroke is weight (less weight = more fun).

 

[iGas]

a 125 2 stroke will have plenty of power, but make sure the frame/suspension is big enough for you. 2 stroke 250 wasn't that much fun for me b/c I felt like I was just being take for a ride instead of riding the bike. It was either nothing or....rev up the clutch and hold on for dear like. Also, 2 strokes are generally harder to ride on a trail b/c you gotta use clutch work a lot more. If you want to just ride and forget it, get a 4 stroker. I have an old 4 stroke 250 that is perfect for a beginner, not super powerful though. I'd go 400 or 426 4 stroke personally.

2 stroke MX gearing ratio required a bit more attention on trails, however you get use to it.

2 stroke enduro WR have wider gearing ratio, hence easier to learn on.