So You Want To Buy A 125 Motocross Bike?

So you're in the market or a used 125 motocross bike - what should I buy?

Well the truth is, these days, there's not really a bad one just some are slightly better in areas. Just incase you're unaware...and I won't repeat this...STAY AWAY FROM THE CHINESE BRANDS.

Now that we have that out of the way, what you want to look at is Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda, KTM and maybe, and a big MAYBE, TM.

So why would you want to buy a 125 motocross bike? For LOADS of reason:

• they're light.
• they're easy to start.
• they're cheap to buy (although actually appreciating due to scarcity).
• they develop great riding style - you always know when someone has served their time on a 125.
• they're an absolute hoot to ride whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro.
• they're relatively cheap to maintain.
• they come with a certain 'track cred' when you fire them up in the paddock.
• there is nothing that will make you smile as much as blowing by the slugs on 450 at your local spot as much as while on a tidy 125!
• they smell AMAZING!

As with all these bikes, the condition is what you're looking for. Keep in mind that a €800 bike is no use if you need to buy tyres (€100), linkage (€150 with labour), top end rebuild (€400 incl labour) and other costly repairs.

As a rule of thumb you should be expecting to pay about €1500 for an 2005, about €2250 for an 2007. Going older gets tricky to value as you discover as you read as they all need money throw at them and it's a matter of guessing how much!

It's worth noting that most manufacturers have ceased making these gems, Kawasaki(2006 i think), Honda (2007?), Suzuki (2008?) and although Yamaha are still selling them as new they haven't touched them, R+D wise, since 2006 really. KTM still fly the flag, developing their 125 and are rewarded by loyal customers for it. They've identified that not everyone wants a 250f and they sell tons. TM make probably the most 'race ready' 125 but it's expensive and, in my opinion, is only suited to experienced riders (with experienced Daddys to fix them:)!

Why did the manufacturers stop showing the small bike the love?

This isn't fact but it is generally accepted as the root of the decline - the Californians! The short sighted politicians changed regulations in Cali. It began with slowly reducing the emissions regulations and eventually the manufacturers realised that they could race 250 four stroke bikes in the 125 class. At the time Yamaha was pioneering this development and around 1998 they released the YZF250 - the bike that would kill the 2T in mainstream racing.

So, if they're that good why would anyone buy anything else (eg four strokes)?

• they are harder to ride fast, ie they require skill that a four-stroke doesn't
• they are harder to clear jumps on.
• some people want what the pros are racing on the TV, even if those bikes aren't as suitable for fun riding.
• they're almost pointless trying to competitively racing against modern day four0strokes.

People are victims of fashion...I'm no better and this has caused the masses to flock to dealers showrooms and hand over WAY more money to buy 250f bikes rather than the trusty 125s - unfortunate but true.

So, let's get started and look at some of the options.

Actually before we get started here's a list of what to check when you go to view any of these 125s. The budgets are the prices to get mechanics to supply and fit the parts:

• compression, you just need experience to know what's acceptable (budget €400 if worn)
• linkage bearings, expensive and a pain of a job to replace (budget €150 if worn)
• fork seals (budget €90 if worn)
• steering head bearings (budget €80 if worn)
• tyres (budget €130 if worn)
• spokes (budget €150 if needing new)
• frame number (budget having the police taking it away if worn!)
• try to find out where the owner got it from, difficult due to no paperwork
• exhaust pipe damage - you won't repair the expansion chamber if burst (budget €230 if worn)
• gearbox (budget €500 if worn) - IMO give it a miss if any doubt here.
• chain and sprockets (budget €110 if worn)

A bit of advice that isn't 125 specific -  it's difficult to tell if a bike is legit or not due to the crazy situation that none of these MX bikes have papers. Always look for owner ID and a signed/dated frame number recorded receipt.

Most importantly remember, if something feels amiss, if your gut feeling is telling you that something is wrong - just walk away, you will find another one.

The Yamaha YZ125

Probably the best all rounder, that hasn't changed much in years. The current aluminum frame was released in 2005 and since then very little has changed. In 06 it received a new front mudguard and a more modern front number plate. Each year they generally change something tiny, suspension setting, and more recently they only change the graphics!

At one stage I had three of these in my garage!!

Before the 2005- model there was the 02-04 version. The plastics are actually the same for the most part (02-10) but the 02-04 has the blue painted frame and older forks. The painted frame gets old looking very quickly but as most people that have rode both bikes will tell you - most people preferred the steel frame, it rode better.

What to look for? No one thing in particular just the usual items mentioned above. In my opinion it's not worth buying a pre 02 version, they're just too old and there's enough good 02 onwards around.

Slightly older but still a goodie. 02-04 model

 The Honda CR125

The current 'curved' frame came out in 2002. The frame is aluminum and can't rust. For this reason they tend to look great even after years of use. The 03 onwards engine has an 'RC' powervalve....remote control I guess? {edit: it actually stands for Revolution Control} It says RC on the LHS of the cylinder. One good tip for the CR125 is that the year of manufacture is contained in the frame number. The tenth digit is the year, eg JH2PE04X75M111234 would be an 05 model as the tenth digit is a '5'.

I can't put my finger on it...good bike... but I just find them mundane:(

The radiators were always a soft spot on these so check the rads for damage as they're about €250 each as far as I remember. If you do buy one put rad braces on them ASAP, roughly €50, we sell them. If they're not on the site just call me.

I've never been a great fan of the CR125 although I have owned a good few of them. They've just never done anything for me. Don't get me wrong, they are quite reliable, moderately fast but I always found them a bit boring I suppose. Either way still a good machine and definitely easy to sell when you're finished with it. However, don't fall into the trap, just because it's a Honda doesn't mean it's any more reliable than the others.

Pre 02 was an older frame, my advice, just don't bother. They're too dated now, find on 02 onwards if you want one. Oh, and double check the back rims as they're rubbish quality.

The Kawasaki KX125

The last model/version was released in 2003. It's a steel frame (rusts). They ride quite well but here's my advice: unless it's really cheap and little or no wear on it, just avoid them, I've seen so many customers and people at the tracks battle the weak bike that the KX can be.

The green machine that I was never green for.

It's not an one issue but just a general thing, gearbox, frame wearing badly, soft suspension components (which is weird as they use Kayaba suspension). Who knows, maybe they just attract crappy owners who don't maintain them but either way I wouldn't bother.

The Suzuki RM125

The last version was released in 2001 and received small tweaks every year, although looked almost identical. I love and hate these bikes, I bought one once in Japan and brought it back, I've still never found ANY bike to turn as sweet as that one. I'm gutted I sold it, but, the reason I sold it is because of all the gearbox problems I've seen people have. Suzuki just seem incapable of building a good gearbox, the 250 is as bad!

The turning machine!

Cosmetically they suffer with use. The frame is steel and the finish on the components seem a bit weaker than the KTM, Yam and Honda equivalent. If you found one with exceptionally low usage I would probably still chance it as they're a great bike. Worst case scenario, the gearbox goes, it should get in and out of a workshop for around €400 ish, parts and labour.

The TM125

I hate to knock the bike as there is no faster 125 out of the box (and few heavily tuned Jap ones can touch the standard TM) but my gut feeling has always kept me away........maybe I'm being a bit unfair, I've rode a good few, steel frame and the newer (07 onwards I think) alloy version, and they are a lovely bike.

In general great components, better brakes, hydraulic clutch, Talon wheels, HGS exhausts and the suspension is notably better with many coming with Ohlins suspension front and rear as standard. The spec changed a lot over the years and even in the same year you could often get a few versions.

One thing I will admit - they look damn sexy!

CCM are the importers for the UK and Ireland so if you're after one they are you point of contact for year checking and parts. This brings me to my main reservation with them, most parts are only available as genuine TM parts. This may not seem like a big deal but it becomes a big deal if you have to replace a radiator or expansion chamber and you can't really shop around as nobody else makes pars for them.

Everyone to their own, if you fancy something a bit trick this is the machine but buy in the knowledge of what it is, an exotic race machine that looks cooler than the other 125s!

The KTM125

Aside from the TM, this is the highest spec around. Austrian made, race proven, better brakes, hydraulic clutch, fatbars, black rims, billet hubs etc. The newer' shape was released in 2006 and looks much slicker. There's something that's just 'well engineered' about KTMs.

2007 onwards - Cool one!

I've never owned one but I've worked on a few and things just make sense: the air filter goes in better, the casings are finished nicely, the frame, although painted, lasts way better....they just ooze quality. That's not to say they don't ever go wrong but no worse than the Japanese offerings.

The older 2005-2006 SX125 KTM

At some stage, probably around 2008, they released a 150 (actually 144) model from the factory. It's quite popular and there are a few knocking around. They look almost identical so check the barrel. I've rode a few and always liked them. They are quite different to the Yams and Hondas as they have no linkage (the rear shock bolts straight onto the swingarm). Their different but not worse. The great thing about no linkage is you have no linkage to give trouble!

Parts can be marginally more expensive for these but it's barely worth mentioning really. Oh and expect to pay slightly more than the other brands as these are/were about €600 more than the Jap offerings.

And The Best 125 Motocross Bike Is?

So have I answered the question: What 125 Motocross Bike To Buy? - No.

You can probably tell that I'm of the opinion that you should pick you favourite colour, with the exception of the Kawasaki, and go get one. None of them will disappoint but be aware of the little quirks that each have.

One thing is for sure, you owe it to yourself, just do it, don't let life fly by without going out and buying at least one motocross bike in your time. It's a 125, if you don't like it just move it on to the next happy owner. Everyone, whether they raced or did circles around the local field, will always look back on those memories with a big smug grin spread across their face remembering the sweet smell and the ring-ding-aling:)

Keep her pinned,

Derek.

PS I stand to be corrected on any of the release dates for bikes - this was wrote all from memory! As always feel free to port in the comments below.