Is the Yamaha YZ125 a good beginner dirt bike? Part 1

Is the 2005-2021 YZ125 a good beginner bike?

[ericrock]

If you can ride a two stroke you can ride anything. Really.


For about 5 years I first started and learned on a KX100 it was my first time and rode for many seasons. Throughout that time I was watching MX Factory, Ryno, AJ Catanzaro etc.

2 Strokes are not forgiving you have to ride it on the meat of the power and well ride it on the pipe. On one trip about 3 years ago I went to Big Bear and rode a yz125 cockpit felt great and power didn’t hesitate.

After that it I wasn’t riding very often as I focused on my senior year in high school and after graduation straight into the work force. I fired up the KX100 once again in glamis.

Still saving up for a bike on the side viewing many options of bike. Until turned 20 and 2 days after straight to the dealer got a Husqvarna TC125.

Highs and lows. Rode the thing for about an hour and accidentally fouled a plug since it has maps it kinda complicated the operation. So I didn’t get to ride the TC 125 to its full potential but rode my uncle’s 501 4 stroke.

Thing pulled but my history of two stroke riding made it easier as the power was linear.

My fitness is not up to par and getting into the maintenance side of it.
125 is gonna make you a better rider even if you are experienced and I much of a smaller guy so it was no brained for TC125 for the lowered seat height.

Best things of two strokes Maintenance is not much (unless it’s the TBI Bikes)

[AvocaSingleTrack]

My kids started on TTR 125, they hated them. Too heavy and top heavy at the. Got them KX100's and immediately they could ride better. Both 14 y/o daughter and sons . She move up to a YZ 125 (actually 144) the next year and was outriding the young guys . She mixed her own gas and did most of the basic maintenance herself. If a 15 y/ogirl can do it

[Sanguine_Addiction]

Great beginner bike and the most popular of the 125s.

[a.a.]

Thank you for the clear and thorough feedback.

[generaltoast]

Just bought the 2016 model today so this helps my confidence a bit thanks for the tips

[levitumlin]

Great tutorial man. I'm a ripper. On everything I ride. And I need something I can eventually rip on and I've kind of decided on a yz 125 2 stroke. I've ridden cruser bikes and street bikes but never dirt bikes. I've always had a fourwheeler but I've been obsessed with dirt bikes recently. It's nice to see what the limits on this bike are on both ends. Keep up the good work brother.

[msuarez]

This will definitely be my first bike !!

[Bobby]

The 125's are sweet. I sold my RM250 and kept my CR125. Their power is fun, powerband fun. Just an all around fun bike.

[OxyBluGaming]

Been Riding for years, But this video is so good, I want to learn again, Really well explained for someone new to our community of riders

[yodarunner]

Picked one up today, it rips. Also have a XT225

[ccl.pbs_kids]

the yz125 is the exact bike I want and I was wondering how much maintenance does it need and how often will I need to replace expensive parts?

[jimmyhat]

Excellent Explanation of a two stroke, thanks 👍

[racing]

Excellent video. You didn't sugar coat anything about first time riding this particular bike. Explained in very low calm tone. I'm only 5'3 so perhaps I can manage
Good job to you sir 👊

[jogurt]

Love it! Thank you so much for telling us your opinion! I think this is going to be my first bike. Thanks!!

[chamboo-.]

thank you for this video i’m planning on getting one soon and needed tips

[levitumlin]

I just got a 2024 yz 125. Day one I was afraid it was too much for what I had in mind. It's extremely powerful but if you know how to turn a bike it's no problem. It's pretty drifty when turning in the power band but it stands back up pretty easy. I wouldn't trade this bike for anything. The power is intimidating at first but after the bike jumps out from under you, you learn how to check that wrist 😂

[lildave]

I hopped on a crf 250r and was fine I ride a ltr and trx most of the time but even a yz 450 wasn’t to big of a deal it’s all about throttle and clutch control im 5, 10 145

[rodan]

Two strokes can take dedication. I replace crank seals/piston rings, inspect and retest every season at the minimum. They are like military rifles and come apart easily, but you will have to do preventative maintenance.

[samuelkirpichev]

Most 2 strokes don’t need the piston changed every 50 hours more like 75 to 100

[darkspirits]

I’m about 5’2 and I have a 2004 model, this is the perfect bike for my height, though I am short, you aren’t supposed to touch the ground fully wit your feet, yes if you can you can maneuver better if you do but it’s better that you be halfway touching than fully touching