2021 Yamaha YZ125 vs 2021 Yamaha YZ250F || Moto Academy Bike Reviews

A just-for-fun dirt bike review of a 2021 Yamaha YZ250F and a 2021 Yamaha YZ125! These are reviews that aren't biased and are based on spending just a couple minutes on each bike, without making any adjustments or changing any of the owner's controls!
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[@AjCatanzaro]

Thanks for watching guys! Lots of cool videos coming in the near future If you want to support the channel, subscribe to club.themotoacademy.com 👍🏼

[@ravenhawke5]

Awesome 1 lap reviews. And no doubt Yamaha does a great job on their 125's. I was competitive on my 2000 YZ125 during my 2017-18 local series then I got a 2018 YZ250. Now I'm tempted to get the all new 2022 YZ125. But I can't wait to see your review on Mark Swarts Husky fc350. I know he was over the moon that you rode his bike today out at Pineville MX. And was quick to post up a short video on our VetMX FB page...lol

[@PBmxer]

cant wait to see what the all new 2022 yz125 will do...

[@cheezitz1433]

Probably the same thing honnestly

[@chazzgonzalez1356]

@@cheezitz1433 16 year difference in the motor I think it will be quite noticeable

[@harpermx2962]

@@cheezitz1433 they completely re did the whole thing from the frame to the motor

[@TwistedThrottleyt]

Blow up

[@chazzgonzalez1356]

@@TwistedThrottleyt I don’t see any hondas here

[@brianrichard1768]

the 125's are much cheaper to maintain and the noise on the 4 strokes makes cranky neighbors in my area.

[@VincentAmbrosioSalad]

2 strokes neighbors just think it’s a chain saw or a weed eater

[@dr.hugog.hackenbush9443]

2 strokes can be *very* quiet.

[@garyeast7259]

My god, the 125 certainly sounds like a bike should. Seemed to be having way more fun on it too.

[@theocouto2273]

Your videos are always cool man 👌🏻 I really wanna see something with a 350cc. Brazilian fan right here 🇧🇷❤️

[@AjCatanzaro]

Thanks! 350 vs 450 video coming soon!

[@ryanlorance6168]

@@AjCatanzaro sick!!

[@gregsleith1001]

Got a bit of a chuckle he rated the 250 higher but Smoked the 250 with the 125 literally and figuratively. I’d love to have a new 125 just for the light weight flick ability especially with a 144 kit on it for a bit more low end

[@vaughanhodgson]

he would need to do multiple laps to determine what hes faster on. and like he said once it gets onto a softer track the 250 will eat it

[@sosaboii5946]

Exactly what I was thinking how is the rating lower on the 125 when it's doing better numbers and obviously faster, you just have to work a bit harder to go fast. My 02 yz125 has a 144 kit and it's definitely a beast

[@NirHason]

The pace on both bikes was amazing, Aj! I feel that you're more "in shape" since the SX session compares to the year before.

[@CoolcatAMA-Pro]

Jeff Emig just showed How well the 125 2 stroke dose against modern technology

[@bryden_smith]

I think it’s a tc150

[@CoolcatAMA-Pro]

It was & them guys on the 450s can ride them bikes there on the same level of talent as Jeff Emig like Rhino showing how capable that 86 stroke CR250 is in competing with today technology...I am buying one there cheap to Build (Modify) Ride & Fix compared to my 4 stroke. Mix some Gas & Kick some Ass.

[@criticalthinkerr.i.p74]

@@bryden_smith a 150 motor fully built by Jamie Ellis. Bike is freakin rad 👌

[@bryden_smith]

@@criticalthinkerr.i.p74 yeah that’s what I thought

[@soup9569]

Am I the only person who looked at the notification last second and thought it said 2022?

[@craigsteinman9807]

Your awesome AJ ..I've been watching hop on and off different bikes for a couple years and you straight rip any size or and kind 4or 2stroke..you rock dude..

[@AjCatanzaro]

Thanks Craig!

[@josefhansen7658]

I thought you messed up a lot on the 125 cause of the bog it had in some corners I was super surprised when it got a second fast lap

[@AjCatanzaro]

I couldn’t believe it!

[@maverick2242]

Ya have to ride different lines on a 125 to keep it on the pipe, some corners looked a bit tricky because of how the dirt had been pushed out and where the ruts were, but ideally rail the outside and stay on the pipe you’ll be much quicker, ya have to really know the track where ya can keep that flow rather than chopping inside dropping off and clutching it, some corners just has to be done, why imo for a 125 always walk a track keep an eye on developing lines of racing as they change, def more in the tank on the 125 yet, 22 all new 90% YZ 125 will be interesting, but allot to be said for riding a 125 at maximum, more power doesn’t always mean people can use it. good vid, am enjoying the series.

[@yamac488]

@@maverick2242 Ya hear that AJ? Take notes 📝

[@nissan_6828]

@@maverick2242 use the clutch to keep it on the pipe, he’s fast but riding it like a four stroke, pull in that clutch before a corner and feather it out and bang thing’s flying off, they’re deadly bikes, you can be mad quick on them, i feel very confident on a 125 and think i will buy another one

[@quavo2326]

@@nissan_6828 why would you waste time pulling the clutch in before a corner and then feathering the clutch to stop it bogging ,to me if your in the right gear you shouldn’t need the clutch unless setting off?

[@SEILLC]

Another awesome video AJ. I was waiting for this comparison. Looks to me like both bikes got your attention at one point. Those little 125's can deliver some smack down if that rear end hits the dirt just right when she's singing.

[@craigbowers4047]

It's amazing how you make going fast look so effortless.

[@SOLDOZER]

2 stokes were kicking ass at Lorettas. Not sure why any amateur would buy a 4 stroke. Unless you're racing 250B+ you can compete on a 2 stroke.

[@M6BrokeMe]

Really? Are 125s winning against 250 4 strokes? How many times has that happened this week?

[@happygnome4620]

It’s really hard to beat a 250 from the years 2013-and up. Great bikes. The best in my opinion.

[@rglce25]

It looked like you were faster on the 250 but hey gotta give the ole 125 props, it was quick.

[@Thumpr110]

I thought the same thing

[@craigsteinman9807]

Your throttle control on the last 1/3 on the 125 was amazing.. especially on the drop jump and beyond..AMAZING

[@angelicgoon5252]

Now compair a steel frame yz250 to a aluminum frame yz250 seeing as the motors are damn near identical

[@keelangerken5154]

Steel frame is better

[@angelicgoon5252]

@@keelangerken5154 I agree my 01 is the nest bike I've ever owned.. it does have the shock out if a 14 and the forks off an 18 450 but the stick stuff was great after it was revealed

[@marcoliubenov8092]

Don't get me wrong, he's for sure faster than me on his worst day I'm not being critical, but he's riding the 125 kinda like I do sometimes (not a good thing) like it's a 4t, seemed like he was being a bit too nice to it, but I might be wrong might just be the video not doing it justice to how much he's carrying through those turns, hard to tell on video

[@oosteveo315]

250F vs 250 2 smoke is fair comparison at this point imho

[@MarcSherwood]

250 2 stroke would smoke the 250F all day long. That is why AMA allows 250 2 Stroke in the 450 class.

[@SEILLC]

I think this comparison is fair, an his numbers prove it. I've been waiting for someone to do this. And my YZ250 keeps up with the 450's. I cant, but the bike will, lol!

[@Mxrider92i]

So now that you've also tested the sx 125, which one is your favorite ?

[@ryanlorance6168]

That’s what I’m saying I’m confused didn’t he already ride both the KTM 125 an 250f? Was this shot before that or something?

[@ThisOldGuy3]

I am 57 and looking to get back into trail riding and trying to decide between a 125 or a 250. I am more slow and go these days and thinking the 125 will have all the power I need but wonder if the lugging of a 250 4 stroke might be better🤔🤔.. Decisions...🤘😎🏍

[@daneg]

you could try a flywheel mod on the 125 2-stroke. it would give you the light feel of the 125 without the need to keep the aggressive clutch and engine work.

[@pincheweberg4319]

We need the YZ250 vs a 250f

[@kristophergardner4644]

But ya went faster on the 125 🤷‍♂️

[@M6BrokeMe]

Why would you think that?

[@seantamke3108]

250F-1:32.58, ///125-1:31.27,,,,,,,,,,Lower times are better, or Less time taken is better in Mottocross for all you four stroke fans.

[@jamesbenson469]

Yzf250 2021 vs CRf250 2022 both stock what do you choose to go racing dude?

[@MX-CO]

I just saw a 2022 YZ125 in person, they have 1 here at Loretta Lynn's, looks sweet!

[@SOLDOZER]

2022 not legal to race at Loretta's.

[@bikerdude6119]

Lol you are at lorettas right now and watching this video, sick!!! Have fun out there bro

[@MX-CO]

@@bikerdude6119 Thanks it's been a blast even just watching !

[@P1GDe5tRoYeR69]

2 strokes all the way.

[@randall_4126]

i have a yz125. After watching AJ ride one i have come to the conclusion that I ride like a pussy and need to practice more.

[@onlygazza]

I love my two strokes but that 4 stroke yam sounded like it wanted to take off 👌

[@liddyyamaha36]

It sounds slow and farty tbh

[@bedtimestorey3162]

If you're ever down in s FL and want to throw a leg over my clapped out 02 KTM 200 2 stroke just say the word

[@MX-CO]

I think you could do Really well in the 250 class in Supercross, But if you can't race 250SX why not try a year if pro nationals on a 250f? That's open to anyone right?

[@setnbronco4932]

great review, like that you rode those bikes with the track in that condition, that is how most tracks are when we ride. Now get your hands on a 22 yz125 and do a comparison with the 22 Husky and KTM, Great job

[@mrmoon7768]

Yamaha are my favorite bike manufacturer, I've found them so reliable over the years, I one did over 300 miles in one day on a 4t 125 scooter, loved every mile of it lol

[@gladegoodrich2297]

Sound is deceiving but seems your faster on the 125.

[@Kawiboy]

Sweet Lil comparison AJ. Looked fun and as always you can ride any bike and look fantastic 👍. Appreciate ya .. Old G 😁

[@eugenespreutels8305]

Love the channel Albert. Always amazed how you can just jump on some random people's bikes and do a fast lap. Use to know a guy in D3 that would just borrow some poor kids bike and smoke the expert class on it. Crazy!

[@daneg]

I thought you were going to kill yourself off of that dragon back on the 2-stroke hot lap. 😄

[@Auden115]

bruh i was just at adk last weekend

[@DADSGETNDOWN]

I think you were about a second or more faster on the 125.

[@M6BrokeMe]

Why do you think that?

[@DADSGETNDOWN]

@@M6BrokeMe Because I went back and looked at the timer he had displayed on screen.

[@loganskeem7809]

Awesome video, next you should test the 2022 yz125

[@joez6798]

Wish Yamaha would put a qtr of what ktm does into their r and d. Amazing Yamaha stayed so competitive while making the least amount of changes to their design, but I am seeing ktm and husky slowly pull everyone into the pack

[@mjc970]

I’ve read the new yo 125 is completely different. New engine and everything. I think they saw that the Austrian bikes were raising the bar 🤙🏼

[@XecuTionNxx]

@@mjc970 it's got some changes but nothing to keep it competitive with ktm and husky. They literally slapped a carb on it and some misc bs and called it new lol it'll still be 10 pounds heavier and slower than the orange ones. Kinda a let down but atleast they did something finally

[@mjc970]

@@XecuTionNxx ah gotya. I didn’t have any insights but read that people where exited hehe.. we’ll see what they’ll come up with. In the end I’m stoked Yamaha is still putting out 2strokersss

[@joez6798]

@@XecuTionNxx it’s a lot more then misc bs almost everything was redesigned cylinder/head piston connecting rod, crankcase, expansion chamber, throttle position censor in the new carb, the new ypvs, new light weight better brakes. The ktm has one hp more, and yea weighs a little less but Yamaha improved the already perfect suspension in this yz too I’m not sure why you would asssume they wouldn’t be competitive with the ktms, and I can’t find a torque spec anywhere so I guess we’ll have to wait.

[@thereelsaltydog1718]

This guy wants to be Dave Portnoy so bad lmao

[@chrisvillarreal2752]

The four stroke Yamahas sound terrible

[@traxxasrc10]

We need to hear your riding opinions on the new 2022 Honda 250. Whenever you get your hands on it

[@AjCatanzaro]

We have a ton of videos on it coming out starting Monday!!

[@oskarskates]

one lap everyone knows the rules. Im here for it.

[@dustin9035]

125 feels rigid because it's light

[@TheGnarTube]

"things I would change" the rider

[@jaybenscalph4876]

Thanks for bringing the clock back 👍

[@joslinnick]

Yamaha is underrated. They make really great bikes. I don't know if anyone here is a musician, but they make some of thee best musical instruments, too.

[@MatkatMusic]

Why did you ask if the bikes were safe?

[@Krazilegz89]

The fact is the 125 quicker in corners

[@M6BrokeMe]

How can you tell?

[@joslinnick]

I hope that Yamaha introduces a fuel-injected two-stroke soon.

[@DAVE_WHITE]

the reason it is smoking after you ride is cause the owner has it all carboned up they are riding it way too slow

[@mirorados7208]

im looking to buy my self a bike, but dont know wich one to chose from yz125 and yz250f maybe eaven kawasaki kx250f (they are from 2005) for starter, i rode my friends kawasaki kmx 125 and that got me into dirtbikes, so just want to know wich one of those is best for like enduro, casualy driving in forest...

[@Levisnteeshirt1]

A 125 would need a tire with the knobs a lil open more in the sand than a 250f to let it zip up in the power I would think,, my son had a 97 RM125 ,, I got it so strong we had to put a 250 / 450 type tire on it because it would spin so bad ,, a few times it looked like the rider pooched it coming into the turns on the 125 ,I would've down shifted a gear myself judging from the engine rpm sound ,, but I could be wrong

[@johnchase7096]

All four strokes have done is made lazy riders. If you get a guy that can handle a two stroke he will win all day. Two strokes are harder to ride and this generation can’t handle it.

[@NotJofus]

Exactly

[@jedhermans]

Get a new GoPro please

[@andrewchamberlin1358]

ADK MX!!! Great bikes. Thanks for comparing.

[@Mr10usdad]

AJ how would a 250 two stroke do against a 250 four stroke?

[@howardwoods342]

I cant stand the sound of 4 strokes, if they could just make them sound like 2 strokes, ok and smell like 2 smoke, and put a smile on my face like 2 smokes.... ok nevermind ill stay on my cheap 2 strokes

[@jjmbadkx1]

the 250f and 125 probly have the same suspension but the 125 is lighter so is feels stiffer

[@poppianejo3856]

AJ now that you have ridden the 2022 CRF250R how would you compare it to the YZ250F?

[@jetdr]

Not bad for being 17 years behind in technology!!!

[@harrypeterson9287]

You really think they went to the moon and back but 30+ years later still hadn't understood something so simpple as a 2 stroke engine?!? They've had 2 stroke engines optimized for many, many decades. The same is true for 4 strokes, they just never attempted to build a high performance MX bike until the YZ426. Every 4 stroke back in the day was an air cooled, low compression motor with a stuffed up intake/exhaust and an emphasis on being fuel efficient, quiet, low maintenance etc.

[@philhitch1924]

Don't get the wipe thing. Looks like a wast of energy. Slave to fashion I guess.

[@thestuna135]

Looking good on that 250f though. I have 2016 and it’s bone stock no pipe no nothin none stock and it beats my buddys with bolts on. Yeah rider comes into play but he’s good and my pulls

[@theboiz6017]

You should do 350 vs 300

[@justinsane7128]

That Black rifle coffee just got you an unsub they suck.

[@AjCatanzaro]

Bummer!

[@thoriboygaming2125]

2 stroke just better

[@TheJelf10]

That look sketchy @3.40 just as you going into the base of that jump

[@ls1jeeper]

Def want to see you compare a KTM 125 ... I'd imagine its even better

[@kevinlong4084]

Turns a faster time and rates it lower I guess some people don't care about lap times not to mention that fact it has half the cc than the YZF. if four strokes are so good why do they have to have twice the engine size.

[@scotch_onrocks1876]

Love how he gave it an 8.8 but it was over a second faster, that's light years

[@aidenmaves5537]

If you try a ktm 125 first thing you will notice is how much more linear the power comes on compared to yamaha

[@andypandy5275]

Love to see it again on a loamier track

[@13AAC]

Will you be riding the new 2022 Yz125 ??

[@thederpyrock5247]

The thing is... 125cc 2021 cost 8 grand

[@Unintent1onal.]

I want know know your opinion between the yz125 and ktm 125 now in 21

[@markgaudreau8053]

seeing that 125 wrung out, yeehaw!!!!!

[@anthonyminggia6794]

Soo why was the pipe smoking????

[@jondoe7901]

ADK MX! Local track for me. Nice to see you on the Blue bikes. 🤘

[@mihaslak8663]

He should review the 2022 honda 250

[@stevesagerson710]

I have watched a couple of your videos now where you ride the 250 F vs the 125. I realize there are variables involved like having a clear track when you were on the 125, but it’s still interesting that you are going as fast or faster on the two-stroke 125’s. I thought for sure the four stroke would be an advantage on those dried out tracks.

[@trevoralguire7688]

I didn’t know you went to ADK a week ago

[@leonardwashington710]

One lap, everyone knows the 2 stroke puts a smile on your face

[@motokev2727]

2 stroke sound Sure miss it

[@andrewspoto9378]

You ride like a beast.

[@howardwoods342]

Awsome videos keep it up.

[@johnnybirdman]

Aj how stiff do you run your suspension and what's your sag set at

[@darnellterrance6966]

Please try huskys sir!

[@chloemx7534]

Can you do a crf150r vs a supermini

[@SOLDOZER]

AJ is not 13 years old.

[@spoderacing3910]

These are always fun to watch ! 👍

[@jeremyjones6147]

For the riding I plan on doing( woods with a visit to the MX track now and then), the YZ250FX is what I'm thinking. But damn that 125 looks like a lot of fun lol. Thanks for the vid!

[@MrMcMiniMidgetMan]

I love my 250FX, cranked the compression and rebound up heaps last time I hit the mx track and it was heaps better. My mates don't have such a easy time in the woods on their MX bikes ;)

[@devinwright131]

AJ did you race 125’s for a year or two when you were younger?

[@AjCatanzaro]

No, I only rode a 125 for two weeks and it was so bad we sold out immediately 😂 so I haven’t had much experience on one really

[@devinwright131]

@@AjCatanzaro right on your 2str videos all make more sense now LOL. I don’t know what year that was but I got my 125 in 2002 when four strokes were still garbage. I probably would’ve done the same if you’re talking 06,07,08 or later. These days I ride a 21 KTM 250F in 30+ and it’s a dream.

[@SOLDOZER]

AJ blew up your 125. LOL.

[@quavo2326]

Why do the pros talk about feathering the clutch? If your in the right gear you shouldn’t need the clutch?

[@cotyshotyou]

Sitting here at the track now looking at my yz250f (07). You described my bike to a T. I'm can't wait to upgrade to a newer bike and compare

[@caseycarte7881]

I'm looking at upgrading from a 125ttr to either a 125 2 stroke or a 250 four stroke what do you think would be better

[@TheSlawman1]

I am in the same situation, what did you go with and was it the right decision.

[@mixerguru]

Shift man shift ! 1 down 5 up ... It's like comparing a really good production violin to a drum machine .. one you have play in tune the other is a drum machine

[@GoProBlizzard]

I think Aj knows how to ride man

[@AjCatanzaro]

You’re screwing with me I hope?

[@SEILLC]

@@AjCatanzaro I'm guessing he was referring to a section or two where you were in too high a gear in the corner.

[@SOLDOZER]

Im pretty sure he knows how to shift a bike.

[@woodysrockspyro6436]

@@AjCatanzaro 😁