Devon TRF Group Forum

DavidPascoe · Novice

Your recommended 125cc

Paul Farrow · Expert

Hi David,

This maybe a silly question, but why a 125?

mud sweat n gears · Clubman B

http://devongtrf.activeboard.com/t55936136/ktm-exc-250-for-sale/ biggrin

jt · Powermonger!!

If its a 125 then a Yammy DT

If looking for something newer the Riejus are good (yammy motor)

fatbaz · Clubman B

if your going for a 125 then dont bother with a 4 stroke as you wont have enough pull to keep you going my money would go either wr 125 or ktm sx 125
i started on a dt 125 2002 plate i paid 1400 for it kept it for six months and sold it for 1100 after kicking the **** out of it learing how to stay on now got ktm 250 xcf and i love it best hobby i ever done LOVE IT

DavidPascoe · Novice

Basically just wanted something light and manageable that I can use properly as opposed to investing in something too powerful that's going to leave a bitter taste.

I'm going to be coming in with next to no bike experience; aside from a 125cc pitbike I used to rinse around and injure myself on.

Would rather start smaller and work my way up than jump in the deep end, if you catch my drift?

Also, I'll only be on a CBT (although I have had a driving license for 5 years, I'm 22)

mud sweat n gears · Clubman B

Very sensible David. I don't know what to recommend as I'm more of a deep end sort of bloke biggrin

DavidPascoe · Novice

Don't get me wrong, every ounce of soul is screaming "get you license and get a proper job bike!"

However, this is something I really want to be a part of and I'm going to do it right. Haha!

Pete · Devon's Best

The Yamaha DT125, if you can find one, is a very capable, and reliable machine, but this is often reflected in the price.

If you can find a Honda CRM 125 they are even better, but much rarer.

I think the relatively expensive prices of a 125 compared to a 250 model because of the learner laws will mean it may be worthwhile to take the test so you can take advantage of being able to get twice the capacity for about the same price. I would caution against direct access and starting on anything larger though as it is better to learn skills on a smaller machine which is less likely to turn around and bite you.

Biff · Expert

I have a DT125 for sale good condition low miles £1900

RichT4 · Champion

I think the only 4 stroke 125 worth having would be the new'ish Yammy WR125R. I think its' a full power 125 but with the extra torque of being a 4 stroke.

Failing that I'd go with a 2 smoke, but as said above..., skip the 125 stage, do your test and go for an older 250cc 4 stroke.

Berlingo · Novice

DT125R are great bikes. I have had two as well as the KDX. There are a few varients over the years so you will have to check model/revision history. For restriction purposes some have no powervalve fitted as well as other restrictions. Most older second hand ones by now would have had different pipes etc so may be full power. Its possible to peg the powevalve on the older version, as standard its pegged closed which helps low end but is quite slow. Mine had a pegged open power valve with DEP pipe, went like stonk for what it was but almost no low down power, not that you get much with a 125 but noticable as the other had another engine powervalve pegged closed and had so much more low down.

Pegging open liberates much power but you pay for it low down and getting around is usually spent on the throttle which could be tiresome on a lane. The Uk standard had number plate light under rear mudguard. later ones and possibly imports have them above. There are lots of other subtle differences as well as how the powervalve is operated/electronics which you should check out. You want a version/model that you can at least get some cheap spares when required. Failing that the KDX is great but hard to find and little more difficult get spares for.

I have a TTR and the KDX is so much lighter. Sure the modern KTM's are also light and probably more powerful but no experience.

I would say the KDX is a little less powered than the DTR but does have a very stiff frame. The power delivery of the KDX is a little more similar to a MX bike i.e. on and off, the DTR has a definate range and nice with working powervalve.

I would avoid spending too much as you will probably upgrade after a while, but now of some that keep their 125 for tight trails/forest just because so light and manouverable.

If you do get a second hand one which is a bit of a dog ask the owner how much oil it burns (gearbox oil). Carb cleaning, replating bore/sleeve, piston and reeds all normal with 2 strokes but crank seals leaking mean gearbox oil loss, poor running and extra smoke plus cranks case split to fix. Not major but will ramp up the cost.

Hope this helps

John Leah · Clubman A

As has been said it is very sensible to be looking at a small capacity motorcycle and a 'good' DT125 would be my choice (if you can find one). There is something else to consider, however...

Current motorcycle license restrictions are fiendishly complex so I don't really know what a 22 year old on a CBT is permitted to ride but, if possible, it may be worth considering a four stroke in the 225, 230 or 250 cc bracket. They are little bigger than a 125 but will have superior suspension and, provided they are pure trail bikes and not enduro-derived, won't be powerful enough to trouble you. Depending on budget you could be looking at a Serow, CRF230 or TTR250 - all have bullet-proof engines, are very capable trail bikes yet not likely to have been thrashed and crashed by a teenager.

Cheers,

John

crf450x · Clubman B

Good advice here, I think the Dt125 is a grat bike. I have a friend who has a new xr125 and it doesn't have an off road tye option due to the narrow swinging arm. Whats that about?? DT is a good bike that you can green lane on easily capable.

jt · Powermonger!!

RichT4 wrote:
I think the only 4 stroke 125 worth having would be the new'ish Yammy WR125R.

The Rieju has the same motor + it looks a million dollars and the lad next door won't have one wink

10578.1361544264.Marathon_pro_Competizione_125_cc.jpg

RichT4 · Champion

that looks sweeeeeet!

DavidPascoe · Novice

That does look amazing, but I'm sure the price tag is something else too!

I really appreciate everyone's input to this topic; I'm sure it can be refreshed in the future if anyone has the same question concerning 125's...

However; I'm currently in Italy visiting family and I've landed myself with this little beauty:

Not 100% sure on age but seems the 150x was only made between 1978 - 1981, picture doesn't do it justice... it's a right little time warp motor..

and being a 150cc I'll have no choice but to get down and get my license done !

fatbaz · Clubman B

i htink you might struggle on the lanes on that

DavidPascoe · Novice

Where there's a will there's a way !

I meant I'll most likely head down the 250 route if I'm going for my test :)

ttr steve · Devon's Best

Nice, but you ain't going green laning on that!

ttr steve · Devon's Best

DavidPascoe wrote:
Where there's a will there's a way !

I meant I'll most likely head down the 250 route if I'm going for my test :)

250 for sure

fatbaz · Clubman B

you dont need any bigger than a 250 and they are fun it done my head in not quite being able to keep up with the lads on my dt 125
are you going to be bringing that bike home with you then

DavidPascoe · Novice

Yeah; for me personally a 250 is going to be a challenge but at least I can work on it as opposed to being held back.

I'm back in the UK in the new year but the old man wants to ride it from here (Siena, Tuscany) to me in the 'Shire... I could get it freighted but he'd adamant about the trip.

ttr steve · Devon's Best

Man, take him up on it and join him as well, you may never get a chance to do something like that with your father again! Life is about memories and not looking back and wishing you would have done that!!!!! Even if it is a scoooooter!

John Leah · Clubman A

I've greenlaned one of those! My Vespa 150 Sport got me the top of 202-074 but did burn out the clutch half way up 202-314 when had to be towed the rest of the way by a farmer in his tractor. Once when out on a 'proper' trail bike (DT175) I was stopped on a lane by a marshal who warned me it was being used by a scooter club as a section on a LDT - then along came all these scooters with knobblies confuse . Main problem I had with the Vespa was the engine being placed so far back meant wheelies were almost unavoidable if dumping the clutch and with it alongside the rear wheel the damn thing would then fell over to that side. Oh, to date it's the only bike that's ever injured me when I lost the front wheel on an oily junction breaking my right wrist and left little finger.

Your dad ride it back from Italy? Provided you have the time I'd say buy another, re-read your Pirsig and do it with him - but best wait for warmer weather smile

Cheers,

John

DavidPascoe · Novice

I'm sure it's do-able... but my sights are somewhat set on a proper trail bike for trial riding...

I think the only reason my dad wants to ride it over is the fact that it was his little pride and joy Vespa (Italians being as they are) and it's the; "one last, big ride-out"... all spiritual and that.

Thank you for the confidence inspiring words in relation to riding them... ! I've been out on there roads here and it's felt good so far, just seemed like a wasted opportunity to turn it down.

KronreifTrunkenpolzMattighofen · Devon's Best

Cheap DRZ125 here, just needs a registering, I think........ confuse

Here - http://www.ktmforum.co.uk/bikes-bits-sale/433818-few-bikes-sale.html

-- Edited by KronreifTrunkenpolzMattighofen on Thursday 19th of December 2013 07:35:40 PM

DavidPascoe · Novice

That looks good, nice price too.

How complicated is it to register offroad bikes with the DVLA; obviously all the lighting, road legal tires, horn etc needs to be done... but aside from that, whats the general protocol and cost?

KronreifTrunkenpolzMattighofen · Devon's Best

Not sure, but had a search on here and found this - http://devongtrf.activeboard.com/t34798890/registering-a-bike/

grouty · Expert

The only 125 that struck me was the Honda CRE125 Enduro. rare as hens teeth, but after following snaf on his ..... wow ! Quiet, powerful, and torquey with the extra flywheel weight.
I love the bigger two strokes, but if I had the chance and the money, I would have one.

Go for the ride back with your Dad ...... if you don't, it will be his story not yours and his.

DavidPascoe · Novice

Well having looked more into 250 prices... they are completely comparable to 125 prices, which is understandable, if a little crazy... So I've got a plan in mind now which is good.

And yeah; I'd have loved to do the ride alongside him but I start an RNLI beach lifeguarding season at the start of March and getting time off isn't really an option with that kind of seasonal work... and before March isn't suitable for him because of work.

-- Edited by DavidPascoe on Friday 20th of December 2013 12:05:01 AM