Dirt Bike FAQ

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.

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.

You are going to grow a little more before you wear out a bike. A 125 might be too small for you. I would look into a 250cc four stroke machine. Or I would look at the new KTM SX144 two stroke

A 125cc two-stroke or a 250cc four-stroke would be a good choice for your age and weight. Choosing between a two and four stroke is mostly based on personal preference. Each has their own advantage and disadvantage over the other. The most obvious difference is that two-strokes require you mix your oil with your gas. However Two-strokes are also lighter than four-strokes and have a much simpler design. It usually costs less to modify and repair a two-stroke engine than a four-stroke engine. But two-strokes can also be finicky and a lot less forgiving than a four-stroke if you don't know how to tune it properly. four-strokes also have a more user friendly powerband, they tend to make more power than two-strokes on lower RPM's so it's much easier to putt around and go as opposed to a two-stroke which tends to like being revved high. I personally prefer a two-stroke over a four. But you need to decide which would suit your needs better.

Choosing a brand of bike is the same also, whether it's Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki or KTM. All manufacturers have their advantages and disadvantages over the other. Just keep in mind there's nothing that will affect performance, handling and reliability more than how you set your bike up, and how good of a rider you are. I've had friends on modified 250's and 450's get spanked by 8 year olds on 80's for that same reason.

So do some research and see which bike would suit your needs better. Once you buy your bike be sure to also get a repair manual for it and learn how everything works and how to properly set it up. You'll end up being safer, faster, and a better rider.

Good luck with your purchase.

I think that for trail riding you would do better with a 4 stroke. The crf250r is a good bike and would suit your height and weight well.
You are wise to steer away from the chinese bikes as they are really only for riding once then they fall apart and you need to replace them. It works out a bit expensive that way.

I have no experience whatsoever…jumping stuff but no more than 15 feet…Good luck

I really like KTM, but Yamaha is a good company.

Why even bother with a small engine? As you learn to ride and improve, you're just going to need a bigger bike. If you get a 150cc, you might as well get a 50cc and soup it up. If you're going to get a smaller engine, get a 125cc two-stroke engine (i.e. a CR125, YZ125, etc.).

If it were me, I'd get a late-model four-stroke. The power delivery is smoother and they're easier to ride. Check out the Honda CRF250 (or at least the CRF230). Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and KTM all make excellent bikes. Some people only buy certain brands (mine are Honda and KTM), but they are all such advanced machines that any of them will be more than enough bike for you. Get at least a 230cc, but only if you're willing to need to buy a bigger bike in a year.

For the record, I ride a 2003 CRF450. If I had bought a smaller bike, it simply would not have been powerful enough, and I'd have had to buy a bigger bike. But I've been riding for over 20 years, and so I knew I needed a big bike.

If you are only intending upon doing trails have a look at the CRF230 as that is a trail bike and size wise should suit you. If you intend upon doing a bit of track riding and racing or just want a bike that can take a jump as it has the proper suspension then look at any of the known brand 250f's. But your best bet is to go along to some dealerships and sit on a few to try them for size. You don't have to purchase new from them, but just get an idea of what you are after and then look around for second hand. If you have been riding the yz125 you may find the crf230 a bit of a disappointment and want a 250f.
Good luck anyway

I Used Kawasaki its a Kool raceing Kid…
but Expencive maintance.

Yahama is the best for OF road drive..

But… HONDA is all over the best. in all waysss. I love it I Already have Honda CG-125 and not can STOP ME!!

Yamaha yz 125
ktm kx 125