Dirt Bike experts....question

[txsteele]

If you could buy, brand new, a 2003 Kawasaki KX 125 or a brand new 1999 Yamaha YZ 125 which would you choose?

What's the over all better bike in your opinion?

[stickbowcoop]

Of those years, I would chose the KX, but I bet the YZ gets a lot of votes. The 2005+ YZ's are great bikes, they got an aluminum frame, better seat, and were a very fast 125. The pre-2005 YZ's I rode I didn't love. But in full disclosure I rode KX's a lot of years so I may be biased.

[Wits_End]

I dont know much about technical riding, i just hop on and cruise around, no racing or jumping. Have a 2003 kx125 and 2001 yz125. Basically the same bikes to me. Ive torn both apart and there really isn't much difference. The yamaha was modded to a 144 and that made a noticeable difference in power.

[ckamp52]

I would go with the kx. Ive raced dirt bikes and quads and on both of them the yamahas didnt handle that well. Im a honda guy but was always impressed with how easy it was to ride kawi bikes. Had both kawi and honda for awhile


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[waverider]

What is your intended use? Motocross track or trail riding?

[txsteele]

What is your intended use? Motocross track or trail riding?

It's for my son, so a little of both, but nothing serious.

[JayB]

What shop is close, Kawasaki or Yamaha? That's gonna be the tie breaker. Both are good. I ride a 93 kx 250 and it is a great handling bike.

.....and God Bless America.

[dbaio1]

YZ 125, I had a 1978 YZ 125 and back in it's day it was a beast.

[waverider]

It's for my son, so a little of both, but nothing serious.

Not knowing the condition of each bike, I would tend to lean towards the KX...it is a little newer. I rode and raced a KX 250 for years, so thats where my bias comes from.

Both are time tested brands and if it is his first bike, you probably can't go wrong with either option.

[Onski316]

I'd go with the YZ. They have a broader power band, better low end (if there is any to be had on a 125) and lot easier to find ebay parts. KX's had better top end but their powerband was more light-switch. Either on or off with a good hit. Obviously that can be tuned out and down but trying to compare stock for stock. The only thing I didn't like about that era YZ was the rear shock. Had a couple 98 and 99's and seems every other one needed the rear shock rebuilt. The YZ tends to handle a little more neutral whereas the KX likes to be rear wheel steered. Either is a blast to ride but starting out, I think the YZ would be a little more forgiving and the power would be easier to ride. I think more advanced riders would gravitate towards the KX.

[PhotonSlinger]

No help on the yz, I’m riding a 05 KX125 right now. I tried forever to find a cr125 but wasn’t willing to pay the asking price of the ones I found. I personally would go honda, Kawasaki, yamaha, and then Suzuki. You won’t pick the wrong one, they are all fun and easily rebuildable compared to a 4 stroke. Good luck

[Johnny Dangerr]

Thought about this for a while. Raced for years.

I think it is a draw. You can calm down or hype up both bikes................

[KyleW]

About a tie for me.
Don't have a preference.
If I bought one today, it would be a Yamaha or a Honda, just because the dealer is closer.