All of the big 5 manufacturers make a great bike these days. My only suggestion would be going with a 4 stroke over a 2, but that's your call. If I were buying a new 250F right now it would be the KX-F, but I'd be happy with any of them. If I were buying a new 250 2 stroke for motocross it would be the YZ250, wouldn't even consider any other models. If I were buying a 250 2 stroke for the woods, definitely a KTM250XC-W.

Yam's usually outperform but need more repair. They're a pleasure to work on. The only Honda I prefer is the 99 – 2005 cr250r. (2 stroke). If I was buying new I'd get a Yam for sure. The honda 4 stroke mx bikes have been splitting their valve seats and cost major $$$ to repair.

The maintenance schedule will not be anywhere near as intense for a 2-stroke when compared to a 4. The top end will probably be the biggest hit on your wallet. Expect to do this every year or two (a lot more if you get into racing with it). People on here will say stuff to the effect like, you have to waste time measuring the oil to mix in with the gas. If you think about it, as much as you're changing the oil on your racing 4 stroke like maintenance requires, you'll be dumping every 2-3 rides almost the equivalent of what I'm mixing in. Use a good synthetic oil for whatever bike you choose (my personal favorite is klotz, but there's a lot of good stuff out there). Of the 3 bikes you listed the YZ is the best bet. Honda's CR250 is no longer in production and had weird jetting issues. The KTM SX is super light but does not have the power spread of the Yamaha or it's spot-on suspension. Is the new bike going to be used for trail or MX track? The KTM 250 XC would be a better bet if you plan on riding woods.

That really isn't the best way to find a dirt bike for sale that you are looking for. The likelyhood that somone would respond with one within your price range and within driving distance and the type you are looking is slim to none.

Your best bet would just be to go on ebay or craigslist. If there aren't any up, you could try looking under ebays completed listings at bikes that didn't sell and ask to see if they still have it and it's still for sale.

And one last thing, 2 stroke vs 4 stroke really does make a difference. the 2 stroke 250 would be more along the lines of a 4 stroke 450 powerwise. I'd reccomend a yz250f.

Like i said before get a 125
yz, cr, rm etc
i like the yz that i have
they are the fastest bikes in that class and they are made ready to race.
put some new pro circuit pipes on it and vForce reed valves and that thing will be a killer on the track
they are ALOT cheaper to fix and to maintain than 4 strokes.
the parts are really cheap too.
you could spend over 2000 on a blown up 4 stroke motor.
and less than 800 on a 2 stroke.
i would get the cr125 sice you want a honda these are great too my friend has one and they have awesome stock supension.
good luck

Ok, most def a 125 is too small for you, 250cc is about what you need, If your looking for speed get a 2 stroke engine with a power band and a jetted carb. If your just looking for something to ride casually and you don't want to show-off on it, get a stock 4 stroke.

Two-stroke engines have the potential for about twice the power in the same size because there are twice as many power strokes per revolution.

I'f your just starting out riding dirtbikes and don't know how very well DO NOT GET A 2 STROKE.
Start out with a 4 stroke or you might kill yourself, fast dirbikes are very dangerous, I know from experience.

other than that a 125 is too small for you, I have a 250 and I'm 5'8'' 155lbs.

As I said in your other question to have a look at the 4 stroke 250cc but you are a good size and height for both the yz125cc and the cr125cc but you would also be fine on a crf250r or a kx250f

I think your friends have it about right. I like 2 strokes but in 2009 every one is going to stop making them and go to 4 strokes. if you wanted a 2 stroke I would go with a 125cc two stroke. if you want a 4 stroke, i would say no smaller then 250cc.

Pressure from world bodies over noise pollution has stopped production on a couple of the well known brands of 125cc including Kawasaki and Honda. Popularity to race the 125cc has also been down as they quite often have to race against the 4 stroke 250cc and they usually get beaten (of course there is exception to that depending upon the rider onboard).
Part of the reason that honda developed the 150cc was to replace the 2 stroke 85cc although I don't know if it has been as successful as they would have hoped as the idea was for them to race against the 85cc and in America they don't allow that as they race in their own class. Australia has them racing against the 85cc.

You looking to ride on trails or on a track.

There are 2 kinds of engines.
2 stoke (not sure if they are sold new anymore)
4 stroke.

A 2 stoke 125 has the same power as a 4 stroke 250 – basically.
All 2 strokes are on the way out.

So assuming you will only look at a 4 stroke – maybe a 250 or less would be ok for you. You have to find out the stand over seat height if looking at used bikes…and make sure you can reach the ground.
A 125 4 stroke would be best to learn on but you will outgrow it in a couple years….not from size but from power – you will want more proably in a few yrs.
Buy a used bike for your first one – then after you learn and get better then get a nicer bike.
Dont forget the helmet and be safe.