2021 125 Two Stroke Shootout - Motocross Action Magazine

#twostroke #2stroke #shootout #dirtbike #motocross
Motocross Action's 2021 125 Two Stroke Shootout. There was a point in time where 125 two strokes almost became extinct. Now there is a huge resurgence of people purchasing two strokes brand new or building up older ones they find on Craigslist. MXA has been doing shootouts on two strokes since 1973 but we have to admit, its been a while since we got all the 125s together for a head to to head comparison. We took the GasGas, TM, Husqvarna, Yamaha, and KTM out to Glen Helen Raceway for a showdown to see which bike reigns supreme in the buck twenty five class. We wanted to give you an in depth over view of these bikes and what we found out by testing them for several months. Our goal is to provide our viewers with enough information they can make a conscious decision when purchasing a motorcycle. Let us know what you think of the video in the comments below and don't forget to hit that subscribe button! Long Live 2 STrokes!
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[@Jason-im3pz]

2 strokes just hold a special place in our hearts. When I was 3 or 4, there used to be a track behind my grandmother's house. Whenever I would hear the bikes, I'd be watching out the window. The sound is just so nostalgic. I still haven't bought a 4 stroke, I've ridden a few but they just don't have the same fizz. Two strokes just sound like a dirt bike should...

[@lucadonorio1815]

Just a thought you guys should put red plates or the number on the bike that won the last shootout

[@trevornelsonofficial]

this is actually a pretty good idea haha

[@lucadonorio1815]

@@trevornelsonofficial thanks I feel like it would be a cool way to spice it up I guess

[@montyrogers399]

Great idea !

[@branditchannell2845]

@@EarthSurferUSAmotolrosbuan

[@olivertoeknuckle4664]

I agree. It was convenient to understand exactly how each rider performed the prior year with just a glance at the number

[@olivertoeknuckle4664]

The two stroke- the best RACING engine design ever. Half the parts, twice the power. (roughly) Not to mention the mechanical music. I still got one!

[@ghostgaming2967]

They are not constant and struggle to make big jumps

[@Davido50]

Keep it forever cause one day in future the 2-stroke will be thing of past. 4-strokes rule the roost & electric MX bikes on the way!!

[@Bee-fr7zk]

Indeed they are the fastest produced engines for example the Yamaha banshee

[@carrypatmore5898]

@@Davido50 it's the size difference. We need 250 2stroke vs 250 4stroke

[@daniellarsson3699]

A full scale PRO 125 class is definently needed.

[@aidenmaves5537]

For real and they allow 125 2 stroke karts to race so why not dirtbikes?

[@alienxyt]

Brilliant idea!

[@michellemaher6144]

@@EarthSurferUSA That's the best geo-political motorcycle racing comment I've seen in 30 years. You nailed it, m8. (Aus)

[@scottyd2262]

@@EarthSurferUSA In Australia we can race the 2t's and 4t's of the same displacement. Back in 97 I was stoaked to see Yamaha build the 4t works bike that Doug Henry ride. Little did I know what that bike would do to our sport. My Dad that's a mechanical engineer told me a few years earlier that the 2t had ran it's course and that 4t's are our future. I didn't listen to him and I thought that both bikes would exist together on our race tracks. How wrong was I ??? When Honda stopped making 2t's that it hit me hard. I'm restoring my 83 CR125 atm but I also bought a new 4t Husky set up for Super Moto... With 4t's being way more unreliable and costing more than 2t's to fix, I can't help to think that we have shot ourselves in our feet when looking at it all on the grand scheme of things on a grassroots level...

[@jpesicka999]

Don't listen to haters or realists, that day is coming. More brands, more classes.

[@marksmith402]

I will be 61 in Janauary and still absolutely LOVE the 125!! If you are clearing sections and feeling fast, you have totally earned it! Most fun workout/training EVER!!

[@matjj676]

MXA.... THANK YOU for not covering up that beautiful 2 stroke sound with some silly computer beat "music!!" I really appreciate that!! 👍👍

[@DCzookster]

What a Kick Ass Shootout, you guys are the best, long live the 125, probably one of the best tests I've seen in years, great job guys...Braaaap on.....

[@DerekHallman]

LOVE hearing these smokers screamin 💨

[@joshf8097]

Great videos brother. Just wanted to say what up

[@anthonyadams9520]

Derek hallman... I've been dreaming about owning one 😍🤘🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@TheCharillz23]

Honestly I miss my 125.. terrible in the woods but absolutely the most fun on a track..

[@Davido50]

Yeaaaaa man but my newer YZ250F is smoother & more comfy riding around. No mixing gas. Just 93 premium + octane booster an go!

[@Davido50]

@@anthonyadams9520 Get 1 while you can brother. The EPA could ban all 2- smokers next yr .. you never know. Yamaha even has ALL NEW YZ125 for '22! They WILL sell out get ur order in now i did.

[@georgecarmel6114]

Finally, TM is in a shootout!

[@mickeybeahl2233]

I had a 1996 tm...bad boy was pink

[@donbrashsux]

Hope TM have improved they were horrible

[@ste7590]

@benny smaller there hard to find

[@djp3819]

@@mickeybeahl2233 they looked awesome. I wanted an 80. Did it have an aluminium tank?

[@oldasdirtracingproductions5983]

@benny smaller I bought a 2021 250 smoker this year. Best decision I ever made.

[@baggiea1]

Finally I have been waiting for 2 strokes to make a comeback !

[@simpledj509chromo7]

I'm so glad two strokes aren't dead. I'm trying to get back into riding and start putting hours on my little kx100 again. Going to get it tuned up tomorrow and hopefully get back out there before the season ends. I'm embarrassed to own a 2014 with 7 hours on it from new. But injuries and work have kept me off it. Can't believe it's 2022 already.

[@LMBC6Brian]

LOVE seeing two stroke 125s being tested.

[@morley3810]

At my local track on any given evening or weekend I would estimate that 25% of the bikes are smokers. And the majority of those are blue. Reliable, easy to find used, easy to maintain as good as new. Not cutting edge, but the best for most recreational dudes.

[@Rg452]

Blue crew all the way. Well said.

[@tkinney80]

Couldn't be any more different around here, far far more KTM's, mostly orange and white, but the red one's are showing up in numbers lately that rival blue even.

[@morley3810]

@@tkinney80 Interesting. Out in the single track here it's 80% + KTM/Husky. At the mx track, there's a real mix, especially 4 stroke, but for now the blue bikes seem like the most popular track bike for 2 strokes.

[@samoliverio7455]

In Northeast Ohio where I am we are said to be a KTM stronghold, but if say we are about 50/50 orange to blue

[@Joelontugs]

I wasn’t to hyped on gas gas being a Honda fan but the moment I realized it was gona be more 2 strokes I quickly became a fan lol LONG LIVE 2 STROKES!!

[@rickorso]

Finally TM 💙

[@jacksoncullen9870]

Right now looking for a 2021 ktm 125 xc and this shootout helped me!

[@spacejaime]

Another spectacular MXA shoot-out. Loved the graphics and hi-def bike close up visuals on this one. Let's get real, I know that you need a 1-2-3 tally, but get the GasGas on Dunlop tires and you will close the gap vs. her two brothers. Cutting the air filter side panel for more air flow is a cinch. Same with the Husky's panel air holes - drill 1 1/4" round holes + it is the best handling of the three. The kTm deserves all the accolades given as delivered, but I would take the Husky overall. What is still puzzling - and I commented on the previous shoot-out - is that Yamaha can easily add 5 horsies to that motor - they just don't want to do it! Gee guys, is Glenn Hellen the only MX track in So-Cal? Take us somewhere else for the sake of variety! Wonderful filming and editing - congratulations!

[@tmrider3337]

Tomorrow iam in school, i will be forced to look this during the lessons XD. Letsss gooo TM💙

[@malachiudd317]

This is how I read the magazine.😂 Great video, keep the twostrokes alive!

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

That end collage Was awesome!!!

[@michaelbanks9544]

Amazed to finally see a brand new totally re designed 2021 Yamaha YZ 125 😏

[@fullnoyz7670]

2022 shootout will be interesting tho with the new y125

[@markkus1134]

Honda needs to take notice bring back the Cr’’s and made in Japan!

[@BAYAREAMX]

Honda will NEVER make a 2 stroke again. They said that like 14 years ago.

[@chrisitanerickson8790]

Honda Suzuki and kawi need to get back in it

[@garonburwell9008]

buy a gasgas and put honda stickers on it. that would be hilarious.

[@markmall7142]

Honda have been the part of the problem . Case in point is the attempt to change the 85class to a 150 .Thankfully that didnt work.

[@matjj676]

@@markmall7142 Screw Honda. I'll never buy a Honda product of any stripe just because of what they did with 2 strokes...

[@hotrodhootie]

I have a 2021 gas gas mc 125 love it I'm in the process of doing the JD jetting kit and V force 4r reeds

[@jackrussell9744]

Great reviews. Very helpful.

[@paulbarnett2083]

Absolutely the funnest bike on the market thanks for the 125 shoot out love the smokers BRAAAAP🤙

[@ryanmensch4855]

Watching this after the 22 yz reveal, and they did exactly as you said they should of done!

[@Davido50]

Yes for sure.

[@alanzackrone3847]

Wow. That was so much fun to watch and too hear those 2 strokes doing what they do best , Brraaaapppp. Even though she's at the back of the pack I'm still loving that YZ. My last bike was a 1999 yz 125, and what a blast that bike was. I kept that bike till 2016. Yamahauler 913 ♡

[@jamesmcclure3502]

That uphill line is gangster!!😂

[@bradenclifton45]

I’m so ready for 2022 125 shoutout

[@yellowveedub]

I have a restored 01 cr125. Been kicking the thought around of buying a newer 125 to add to collection

[@realone2321]

Suzuki drops a two stroke and I'm buying

[@owen4793]

They did have one the rm 125 they stopped making it

[@Zoom-ui2pf]

@@owen4793 I think he means a new one. Last year for Suzuki full size 2 stroke bikes were 07 for the rm125 and 08 for the rm250

[@motokid1492]

Its all good Yamaha updatetd the yz125's engine, carb, intake, transmisson and suspension.

[@Zoom-ui2pf]

@@motokid1492 love yamaha but they are way too tall for me. Would cost a good amount of money to have them lowered properly without messing up the suspension geometry when I could just have my 04 rm250 that's already perfect. Hard to find good bikes when you are 5'8

[@mikuun9224]

Suzuki hasn’t even dropped a new 4 stroke 😂 I think we’re out of luck on this one

[@jasonvoorhees2701]

Would love to see CR RM and KX in2 strokes again ..the world has a 4 stroke problem..

[@mxdocumentarytvmxdocumenta2221]

Always loved the tm

[@Jib223]

Love these boutique brands. With beta entering the mxgp and eventually selling 2022 models motocross is going to get interesting. I hope we can see sherco enter mx one day.

[@justiceblade7876]

Just put a deposits down for a beta 125rr.

[@joshmore8608]

about time 2 stroke coming back😊😊

[@sassafraswakeboyz4121]

Awesome job

[@daffyduck9901]

TM makes some of the finest two-stroke engines that man has ever known. They have a big following in motocross sidecar racing and asphalt cart racing.

[@leeholden8112]

TM best TM shifter carts

[@leeholden8112]

They also leaders in supermoto

[@mprud2579]

Frickin RAD !!!!!!!! .....looks like yall had fun !!!

[@leRat699]

Man i love the TM, looks really great!

[@nonstop1212]

So cool!

[@wilsonrides706]

That husqvarna looks nice

[@drewmurray6480]

Good to see that Tm racing got a bike to you for testing

[@jonruger]

Changing out the bars makes a huge difference when trying to compare stock bikes changes the ergonomics which is what a lot of buyers want to now about

[@jagohkampong]

I have been reading your shoutout articles and I have to admit, the dynamics is different to watching this here

[@keithball1065]

TM for days ♥️

[@intelligentgamer9091]

Glad they still making 2 strokes💯🤩

[@ronbradshaw7404]

Gaawwwd i miss the 2smoke sound and aroma!!!. VP C-12 and Maxima Castor 927 baybeee!!!

[@samuelfink1619]

Hey Motocross Action Magazine, I bet you’re pretty excited to ride to 2022 yz125!

[@sand-motox32]

Surprised, MXA is such a stickler on gearing. They did not mention another difference, of the three Austrian bikes the Husqvarna comes with one less tooth on the rear sprocket.

[@markmall7142]

It needs to be noted that if designed similar a forged component would be far better than one machined from billet when refering to the tripple clamps . Perhaps the nicely anodised clamps are forgings thatcare finished machined? Or what is thought to be forged is a casting ?

[@EJ-74]

Loved the hill climb 🔥 That was sick how they were zig zagging to get up. That looked fun AF 👍 I got to ride my uncle's new KTM 300 a couple months ago that thing is insane. Trying to pull a whole shot on that thing is dangerous if you don't know what you are doing 😂 I bet the 125 KTM is a absolute blast 🔥 Id like to buy a used bike for cheap and rebuild it they are pretty cheap to rebuild and pretty simple. In the end you will know exactly what you have and you will know how to fix it. lol Awesome vid That was fun to watch 🔥👍✌️

[@user-pg3ve3js8n]

Love my YZ125💙

[@baggiea1]

Let’s go Honda! Let’s see your 125s

[@djizzah]

Used to race around the bush with friends here in Australia early 80's always Suzuki RM 125's, wonderful handling little bike, such a shame they don't make those anymore

[@infinitemonkeycage3010]

building jumps down the fire trail and shit. fucking epic years to grow up hey mate. we had it so good

[@TeoZMuff313]

Awesome

[@anthonyadams9520]

Yamaha yz 125 crisp sound... And so the other bike Long live 2 stroke 😍🤘🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@TheRossillini]

God bless Ktm for the love of your 2 strokes 🤟🏻

[@Wide000]

So, you drill a few extra holes on the airbox cover of the Husky and you have the complete package? An engine that will behave like the KTM and a bike having the benefits of the lowered suspension? If you can make a better bike in 5 minutes with a simple drill without extra cost, do we have to admit that these ''totally stock bike'' rankings are missing some simple aspects and lack some realism?

[@chazzgonzalez1356]

Anything to make KTM win

[@mixtips637]

Drilling holes = horse power

[@chazzgonzalez1356]

@@mixtips637 MXA once said “It should be our problem to fix the factory flaws” when it came to the Japanese bikes but when it came to Austrians bikes flaws they “drilled holes to the air box and just replaced some parts for the clutch” without it being a “flaw”.

[@timothynorton8658]

Long live the legendary 2 stroke 🙏🙌

[@ashbridgeprojects6916]

Epic soundtrack.

[@BiGN4ME]

I love 2stroke🥰

[@bgjb-r1499]

Amazing, just amazing. My 1975 CR250M2 had 35.5hp. The KTM125 has 37hp.

[@hubari]

2 strokes = back to the future 💪🏼💪🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@BigEvy]

Shoutout to gasgas for looking really good. I love Honda , but I think GG has some looks over Honda in this category of Motorsport.

[@djp3819]

I wish all the manufacturers would produce again. Even just a limited number to see how they sell. I bet they all get sold quick smart.

[@mikeskidmore6754]

back in the day they had 80's 100's 125 175 250 CC and Open class.. Lot's more Motorcross racers back in the 1970's and early 1980's it didn't cost so much to race back then ..

[@erasmodelira3247]

Isso por a YZ não era atualizada a anos!! No próximo comparativo a fantic também??

[@dr.x4050]

Does the Gas Gas MC 125 with softer suspension allow it to also ride trails and single-track, sort-of like the KTM 125 XC? Thanks.

[@scootypuffjr.]

Good question. I am considering a small bore woods bike. Likely a YZ125X

[@peterkitchingman2730]

Saw Pedro Tragter win the 1993 World Champs 125cc in Australia at the West Aussie Manjimup Cosy Creek track. Have plenty of photos from the infield that day but alas I cannot place any samples up here? Most demanding and best track in Aussie.

[@shawns.6625]

WAKE UP HONDA!!!! ⏰ WE WANT YOU TO BRING BACK THE CR 125R!!!!💪🏁🏁🏁🏁

[@seanhaberman4619]

Why? So it can be worse than every other 125? When the cr125 was discontinued it was already barely a step above the worst bike in the class (looking at you kawi) what would be different if they tried to make a new one 15 years later with a huge gap in data and testing to fill in.

[@garonburwell9008]

buy a gasgas and put 90s honda looking stickers on it. hilarious.

[@jeremiah_foreman6578]

Yo I was so excited clicking on this vid

[@hondaboy717]

Do you guys put new top ends in after theses shootouts?

[@jamesmcclure3502]

I remember Langstons 2002 Ktm factory 125 having 45hp. Crazy to think that was 20 years ago

[@drewmurray6480]

2t zing nothing like it ,i love my full nut and bolt rebuild 99 cr125 it's got billet tripples sm pro rim's vforce 2 reed block and a bunch of other stuff and im 42 and still love the crack of a 125 or my 2004 Tm racing 250mx but do love jumping on the 09 ktm 530 with 570 big bore kit and rekluse clutch kit acro pipe it's a monster

[@jackoverall8239]

This vid is gonna be lit

[@BigDirtDawg]

Honda needs to stop playing and release a new 2 stroke

[@warrenstemphly5756]

Never, ever going to happen

[@matjj676]

Where is Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki??? Oh wait.... They turned their backs on the masses that still want 2 stroke bikes. Guess which brands I won't buy anymore.... Hmmmmm...

[@JakeKx523]

5:26 almost every new rider on your local track for the first time….

[@michaelparker2449]

Always great to see 2-Stroke tech being advanced, but sadly these bikes do little to advance the tech in a way that would bring them back on the road.

[@jarrodhutton8776]

Drill some holes in Husky air box. Bike of the year! Best handling harder hitting power. Best of both worlds

[@deckard5pegasus673]

Now with 4 strokes, most riders have forgotten how to shift gears. In the video they are winding the 125 out, but aren't shifting. Lots of noise but going slow...

[@joelneeley7681]

I wanna know how my 2000 rm125 was making more hp than all of these brand new bikes 😂 yall should do a shootout between the new bikes and the old Japanese 125s that would be sick

[@youredogwater2412]

Cousin has 1999 rm125 it ripsss

[@user-rj8xb4me1i]

Your 2000 125 made about 33 hp.

[@cahyaasa2788]

Keren brader. ... Salam 👍👍👍

[@wednesdar452]

Can you fit the KTM airbox cover on the Husky? If so, that seems like a relatively cheap way to get the bike you're looking for.

[@sand-motox32]

Answer no. The subframe is different

[@carspotter7724]

You can just drill some Holes in the Airbox cover... Problem solved

[@gavitron3908]

Did the gasgas get frst or last

[@jari6580]

Tm 125mx has scalvin exhaus from the factory?

[@mxmartin85]

Please put the fantic into the circle for 2022 :)

[@dadthelad]

The problem with a shootout ranked on racing ability in stock format is that no one races stock, so it is completely pointless. If you're ranking on racing ability, you need to do it with all the common mods racers do at amateur club level. Otherwise rank according to how much fun it is to ride. Thus explaining why in reality, Yamaha is much more popular than this sort of shootout would have us believe. You can mod them to catch up on the power, and they are more fun to ride.

[@KyleHansen509]

Missed out on the kx 125

[@kirkwilliams4942]

God I miss that sounds.. please AMA... bring them BACk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dolanantator]

Mantap bosku...salam kenal bosku 🙏

[@ddb2235]

Rm125-250 06-08 best 2strokes in my opinion all though the 125 i rode had a full fmf shorty lectron carb and rekluse clutch. The 250 only had an fmf shorty and was a beast

[@kylerconard6980]

Behind me we have the ktm, tm, ktm another ktm and Yamaha

[@1969cmp]

I'd have any of these....they are 2-strokes :-)

[@roboco302]

Bring back these bikes and watch injuries go down.

[@raniklestari5886]

❤️Yz 250 2 strok 😍😍😍😍😍💡

[@aidansanervlogs435]

Can you guys do a 85 big wheel shootout

[@thepsychicpeach8425]

Serious question. I'm a track rider. I ride a tracked-out R6 and I've been wanting to get into motocross for quite some time. I'd like to think of myself as humble when it comes to understanding my skill level. I've ridden 250 4 strokes and 450's. None seriously or competitively I know riding round on your local abandoned mines isn't racing on an actual track. In turn, should I get a 125 2 stroke to start learning and racing? I've always wanted to own a 2 stroke whether it be a road bike or dirt bike. Mainly because of what I've seen dirt bikes seem to need a lot of maintenance, rebuilds, and replacements. Me being the lazy bastard I am I don't think I'd want to deal with valves, cams, and timing chains every late weekend afternoon. I want to work on the bike myself so I don't want it to take so much time away. That's the main reason a 125/250 2 stroke has piqued my interest. Are there any cons to them? And when I do build my skillset to a competitive level will power and age be a factor, would I be able to hang with newer 250's? Because frankly, my budget doesn't allow for the most recent technology.

[@kellybrown6988]

Yes start off with a 125, perfect for beginners, it’s light and still fast! I suggest a yz125

[@MrClarkM]

I miss my YZ :(

[@rickorso]

Funny how in this miniature you actually see 3 bikes