2024 125 TWO STROKE SHOOTOUT

#dirtbike #racing #offroad #sports
It’s been a while since this happened. Within two short years, the 125 motocross world has been turned upside down. For those two-stroke fanatics who complain that the 125 has been ignored and left behind, well, this is your time in the spotlight. It all started in 2022 when the Yamaha YZ125 got a new motor, new bodywork and updated suspension. It continued in 2023 when the KTM 125SX and Husqvarna TC125 were redesigned from the ground up with throttle body fuel injection and electronic power valves. This year the class promotion is complete, now that the GasGas MC125 has been updated in the same way. It’s time to get them all together and see what the new pecking order is among 125s.
It doesn’t take a genius to see that the deck is stacked in favor of the Euros. GasGas, Husqvarna and KTM are blood brothers. They come out of the same factory, share most major components and have high-end technology. Yamaha has taken a very different approach. The YZ125 is an update of traditional philosophies. It carries a lower price and time-proven thinking. Which is the best approach? That’s what we are here to explore.
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[@wallymurray620]

Been reading and watching Dirt Bike 125 shoutouts since I was a young teen in the early 70s. While far too old (and fat) to ride a 125 I still love to read about how far the bikes have come from the Suzuki TMs and Yamaha MXs of my youth.

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Thanks for hanging with us. Unfortunatley right now there are only 4 available. TM, Fantic, Sherco etc would have been added if we could get our hands on em. Results really wouldn't have changed the order though

[@MarcusSchumpert]

I’m 215lbs and 54. I still ride the GasGas 125

[@wallymurray620]

@@MarcusSchumpert Great stuff, keep it up. I’m 65 and more than a few pounds up on that weight😀

[@andrewpereira1117]

​@MarcusSchumpert when I bought mine I was 230lbs I put a tsp high comp head and a few other goodies and now that I dropped 40lbs im telling you it feels faster then a 450😂😂😂

[@garyhoward2490]

68 year old here. Only 125 that I ever had was a Hodaka. Went to bigger bikes after. Still ride an 02 KTM 520. Several years ago, I had a chance to ride a "modern" 125. Soooo much fun!!! And ya gotta love the sound!

[@theblishknovk]

So pumped to see the YZ still going after all these years.

[@FamilyLifeWithBenAndTawny]

My son and I are going to buy 2 new Yz125’s and ride together! I’ve been waiting for this moment forever 😂🎉🎉 thanks for the video 😎

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Have fun! Thats awesome to hear! Thanks!

[@SourCrouter]

Get the fuel injected!

[@FamilyLifeWithBenAndTawny]

@@SourCrouter definitely would be nice but I’m a Yamaha man 😀

[@jannep6772]

@@FamilyLifeWithBenAndTawny Have fun! You are making the right decisionwhen buying to new Yamaha YZ125’s. Best suspension and strong motor with carburetor and not FI shit. 😎👍 I’m so glad that Yamaha still make their 2024 YZ125’s equipped with carburetors and mechanical power valves. My son who is 13 years old now just started to ride KTM SX85 2022 big wheel version 19”/16”. I just told him that when he will move to 125’s when he gets taller/stronger/older we will get him YZ125 just because of the above mentioned reasons. I may even buy myself another one...I ride mostly my Husky TC250 2018 two stroke and it has still carburetor and mechanical power valve too. I have two classic restored old school two stroke 125’s too myself KX125 1992 and RM125 1992. Nice old bikes...Greetings from Finland! 🇫🇮

[@That_CRF450]

So basically, KTM vs KTM vs KTM vs Yamaha.

[@joshbridges9234]

And Yamaha wins lol

[@andreasstefanou5898]

Yz125 legend

[@briantruxtonjr.6108]

I can feel the excitement in your voice!....

[@Adideva01]

😎 THANKS FOR KEEPING 2T ALIVE 👍

[@kraighawkins2919]

I could listen to those bikes all day!

[@SoSlo2]

Beta needs to dig into their parts bin and bring a 125 RX to market.

[@maverick2242]

And Sherco, Take the lights off, change the primary gearing, stiffen shock and fork, expansion pipe and silencer upgrade, go race, Sherco won some MX racers a few years ago in Aus! 🤘

[@morley3810]

If there was ever a useless application of tech, it's electric start on a tiddler lol.

[@joevdenne1930]

Seriously! If someone cannot kick start a 125 they should not riding a motocross bike.

[@andrewpereira1117]

I need to try starting my 23 with my hand 😅😂

[@noxscotchxtape]

Well that's not true if you're really short and can hardly get your leg high enough to kick it over.

[@cmtvlogs9118]

​@@joevdenne1930it's more to make it quicker to start when stalling during a race

[@mrtireiron4289]

I ride a 04 yz125 and it’s my favorite bike Iv ever owned. The 450 and 250 never leave the bike stands anymore

[@vwgtdturbo]

2004 has the slow engine,old steel frame and old open catridge fork!!

[@Akeirbuah]

@@vwgtdturbono pretty sure it’s an aluminum frame

[@jarredtremain4644]

I started racing in about 2009 on 2007 yz125 after selling my 92 wr500. I felt I went heaps faster around track than on my 500 2stroke beast unless in straight lines. Since stopped I've had couple of ktm 300exc and currently on 18 husqvarna te300 which is last carburetor version before fuel injection. It is a weapon now but still feal I could rip around track and jump quicker on yz125. Nothing like rippin a whole shot and not even hearing gear changes because at perfect revs, then get nailed by pros on first corner as they hardly brake. Awesome fun.

[@davildos]

That is because you never lost control on a 125 like on bigger bikes. The entering in corners is so fast.

[@chuckchambers9565]

Love Maxima Products !

[@coreyhockey54]

Picked up my YZ125 about 2 weeks ago. Been on Husqvarna/KTM my whole life. Put a HGS exhaust system and an upgraded plug in Ignition on it. Doing just as good on the Yam, if not better. They’re a competitive bike once you get the jetting set up right! Love it ✊🏻

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Sounds great!

[@pauliewalnuts240]

Its hard to understand why honda, kawi. And Suzuki dont continue manufacturing their own 2 strokes without new development like yamaha does. They all produce big 4 strokes virtually unchanged since the 90s. The r&d and the tooling for the bikes has been paid for so even low volume sales would just be profit. Likewise, mx bikes dont have to be concerned about emissions like most models do.

[@microsoft790]

Unless they can lobby to have professional racing rules changed reintroducing their old bikes is only going to cost them money and take away from the sales of what they already offer.

[@brandonfoley8070]

Did not predict the Yamaha to be in 1st place. Im no expert rider but im Yamaha guy. Definitely want to add a new yz125 to my collection

[@gregggiddens]

So funny that the Husky beats the KTM this year with no change to the bikes, Flip a coin did ya 😂

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

We explain why. There are differences between the 3. Watch and listen again maybe?

[@gregggiddens]

​@@DirtBikeMagazineSeat height? Like I said the bikes are the same as last year. You must've had shorter riders compared to last year 😂

[@Zbubba]

😂😂 ​@@gregggiddens

[@epicbagelswag]

Love my YZ 💙

[@doncurry7669]

Killer bees 🐝 125 2 strokes sound awesome!!!!!!!

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Agreed!

[@Uncle_Carl]

the raw sounds in this shootout make me feel happy :)

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

US TOO!

[@lgroves336]

Yama Hammer time... you rock YZ

[@LBrawn]

They are all great bikes. So hard to decide.

[@phillippitts6294]

2 strokes are sick! I wish they made a dual sport ( street legal) 2 stroke 250cc

[@fimenduro]

What about a 250 enduro 2-stroke shootout, 40 years anniversary? Beta,Sherco,Ktm,Rieju maybe throw in a Yz250x also.

[@darrynruzicka2883]

Excellent!

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Many thanks!

[@EZRidaa]

Wish y’all could review the 125x and the 125xc!! I’m torn

[@kinker200]

If you still have the 3 Austrian bikes, I think it would be interesting to send the ecu’s to different tuners to see if the bugs can be fixed with a tune. As well as get a little more power. Otherwise, good review. I started on a 2013 KTM 125 but maybe I should have went with the YZ instead as I could use the extra torque down low 😅.

[@maverick2242]

I do love the Austrian bikes, but now simplicity for me as a weekend warrior is all I care about so YZ for me. Add a GYTR kit for that thing and its rips! Carson Brown makes any bike look fast. So as a side note, there is big talk and more than rumor's that Formula 1 is considering a switch to two-stroke engines for 2025, according to the sport's chief technical officer, Pat Symonds. Also Two-stroke engines or motors running on hydrogen could be back in MotoGP by the middle of this decade if targets to make motorsport more ...There is now talk of Hydrogen Hyrbid technology and the obvious one I have been saying or years is Synthetic fuels, this is something that could not only keep our current bikes relevant but also still manufactured but it is also relevant to what KTM have been doing with TPI and now TBI other Euro manufacturers have TBI or EFI options ready they just aren't in production as its not required as yet, but not only can these be better for the sport again bringing back the sounds but they put out less emissions than current 4ts and have lower carbon footprint than 4t and EVs, this is huge and could be in force by 2026 MotoGP has been bought out and the new owners once they take over by end of 2024 have big plans from what I have seen, they want the riders to be focused with skill not the engineers F1 and MotogGP is so boring now its no longer about the racer its about the Engineers and frankly its been heading this way in Moto and SC, with bikes being too big for SX tracks power wise, its just wick the throttle, speeds are too high and the racing while good isn't as good broad as it was in the 2t era, because the bikes required more skill to ride, I'm not talking about whipping, scrubbing skills, I'm talking lines shifting, throttle race craft, the best riders will still be the best, they adapt but this is exciting and if it happens could change the sport massively and take it to a new level in professional sport, 3 class's again would be awesome outdoors and Id love to see 1 class indoors, with a futures class as development not a second premier class, that way the best race the best on 250s as it should be in SX.

[@orvillechristian7963]

2 stroke forever ❤

[@ridendrive]

Having ridden these bikes now. I would say the review is pretty accurate from a rating perspective in my opinion as well. I think the 125’s and TBI are not well matched and take away from the allure of the 125 feel and power band. The KTM air fork is also still and likely will always never touch the performance of a KYB. Overall, new tech on these bikes is going to continue to be a work in progress, but the edge is still for sure going to the YZ125 package.

[@Acura1NSX]

Magnificent YZ still rules!

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Thanks for watching!

[@wayneforrest3360]

Is that 910 Carson brown? Bad ass! Now I trust what they say

[@racer65069]

music in my ears

[@cduronm]

What a pleasant surprise….go yz

[@Mac_Simiser]

Universal Austrian Motorcycle vs. Yamaha

[@LBrawn]

The best bike is a is a 2022 Austrian machine 😂

[@andrewpereira1117]

2023 mc125 gasgas, brembo parts and carb!

[@LBrawn]

@@andrewpereira1117 yeah buddy...I wish I had bought one.

[@frickineh6703]

My boys been riding a cr80, he’s physically too big for, I’m hesitant to move him to a 250 like all his buddies. I would much rather go with a 125 to advance his skills and confidence. We both love the 2 stoke action 👍 mixing gas and kicking ass all day

[@worldwide1873]

When xc 300 & xc 350 shootouts?

[@PotatoeJoe69]

It's funny that 3 of them are all KTM's.

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

We see a GASGAS , HUSQVARNA, and KTM. Diff suspension settings, air box, body work, components. But they are the same?

[@PotatoeJoe69]

@@DirtBikeMagazine Well, in my opinion, if the differences between them are significant enough for you to consider them not the same bike; if for instance, you tuned your personal bike (for sake of argument let's just say it's a Honda) by revalving the suspension, putting new plastics on it with your own graphics kit, rejet carb and or tune the ECU, and make changes to or replace the factory air box with an aftermarket unit.... is it not a Honda anymore?

[@Mac_Simiser]

They are the same but different, essentially a Chevy, GMC and Buick...all of which are near identical.

[@kylelangworthy9641]

Man, I wish Honda Kawasaki and Suzuki would still do 2 strokes.

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Agreed. Parts are getting harder and harder to find for the old bikes too =/

[@Jared45513]

I'm still trying to wrap my head around why in the world a person would want an e start on a 125 mx bike..... it literally makes no sense.. my grandma could kick one over

[@jameshasenjaeger5181]

I get it, but as a trail rider, if you stall on a hill or an awkward area, that button does make life nice, definitely don’t need it on the track, but I still like it

[@Jared45513]

Not tryin to be mean but I didn't get into the sport to make life nice. If you know you'll be kickin this bitch on the side of a cliff if u stall it, that will make you try that much harder and you'll become a better rider... or just give it the old college try and then hit the button lol.

[@AaronsAnglingJourney]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Thanks for watching!

[@eric6rock]

We saw the previews can’t wait for the full drop! Still love my 23 TC125 Heritage Edition! 🙏

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Right on! Thanks for hanging with us!

[@vwgtdturbo]

better you sell this bike with fake engine and buy real mx yz 125

[@nelsonvzaks9186]

Damn would be nice to see a Sherco , Beta , TM 125 since they still make modern two strokes😢

[@Slane583]

Sadly Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki have all abandoned the 125 2-strokes. Ya, Kawasaki still offers a KX100 (as far as I know) but it's not a 125. Either way, I'll be happy when I get my 1976 IT400 up and running. :)

[@mikedubuque1325]

22’ KTM 125 is still king

[@user-wf4gs2jp6k]

sounds like blowflies . i should buy a 50th anniversary edition YZ as I had one 50 years ago. But at 67 I think i will stick to my ts 185

[@troymx76]

Yamaha all day LESSS GOOOO!!!!😎

[@mrwoo33]

No Fantic xx125?

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

You can't buy that in the United States

[@toddpillow3074]

Who could rationalize buying anything other than the Yamaha with most power, best suspension, great handling, known great reliability and lowest price? What am I missing?

[@toddpillow3074]

This situation with the Austrian bikes going backwards is totally predictable for anyone who has been around KTM long term. Sadly, KTM has a deserved reputation for introducing new tech without adequate development. I’ve been riding KTM for 25 years but have also owned a Yamaha YZ125 and a Honda CR125. But give KTM, and the after market, another year for development and then nothing will be able to match it.

[@kevinnilsson7844]

Do a bonus 250 2 stroke shootout where you have the 07s kawasaki, Suzuki and honda vs the ”new” yamaha, ktm, Husqvarna and gasgas. Collab with Greg hitchko.

[@propacollector3499]

cr 125 old school

[@danebrownawell6063]

Last year the YZ125 placed 4th now suddenly with no changes from last year it’s 1st? None of the brands really made changes. Last years shootout you guy said the YZ was underpowered despite Yamahas upgrades, now it’s the hardest hitting? I always enjoy a Dirt Bike Magazine video but these shootouts are becoming pointless

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

The bikes changed lol. Volume button up next time you watch it =)

[@gregggiddens]

The KTM a d Husqvarna haven't changed, the difference was the test riders must've been shorter this year 😂

[@danebrownawell6063]

@@DirtBikeMagazineat 4:56 ,”most of the issues that surfaced in 2023 are still with us across all three lines” Nothing notably worth anything has been changed to majorly increase performance. Lets say the bikes were changed for the better, still doesn’t explain why the unchanged YAMAHA wins. I don’t mean to be that guy starting something in the comments. Just find bouncing from one extreme to the other disappointing.

[@gregggiddens]

​@@danebrownawell6063We get what you're saying, I guess they can't agree as it will look like the shootout was a waste of time

[@corvette_jake7225]

Dirtbike magazine didn't do a 125 shootout last year, motocross magazine did. Also, I feel like motocross magazine didn't even ride the ktm and husky because they claimed it had 37hp when they have 31hp now, and they were talking about how fast and powerful they were which is absolute bs, I own a 23 125sx and it is slow as a snail comared to the yz125's. Last year's ktm/husky are the same as this year's ktm/husky. Motocross magazine got paid off or something haha

[@a226sig]

Where's the Beta 125?

[@RyderSigety]

Hate to say this, but buying a KTM is the equivalent of making a major change to your dirt bike the night before the race. It's a risky move that could backfire on you.

[@alexarmstrong1134]

250 two stroke shootout?

[@Pompomgrenade]

Thank God for carburetors and let the devil figure out the best jetting.

[@mikedonnelly2604]

Its not riding to me if it doesn't sound like thousands of angry bees..

[@marsarmory6236]

RV still fast

[@user-pz2wi5ek2b]

They should have left the gas gas carbureted

[@Sterlingforsyth]

So basically KTM and Yamaha.. 😔 get the others back in board. 2 strokes are alive and well

[@gustavbruun2249]

even though i you guys say the yz is better i think im still going to buy the sx just because right now i ride a 2022 yz and feel like i need a change. And i think i will have more fun with the electronics than just the standard yz. Im also still a c-class rider so i dont think the little boost in power will do me anything

[@harm97]

So last year gasgas with carburator should have won this year.. weird shootout

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Maybe...maybe not. Diff air box and suspension settings might have changed results. Not just the carb but diff frame , bars, suspension settings, and air box

[@dirtrider383]

So it’s Kim’s and a Yamaha lol

[@thomasrenfrow609]

My 05 KX125 will easily keep up with these new bikes!

[@Pugman69420]

Lol

[@bebble985]

You’re probably right. seeing how they preform on my local track, 125s from 2015 can easily hang with the newer bikes up our longest and steepest uphills.

[@walkerkarnstadt]

I feel like y’all were tired of giving KTM the win. Let’s see the dyno results and hear from more riders on what they think.

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Go to our website and we used a lot of riders for final results from fat to skinny and slow to fast. Different age ranges too

[@walkerkarnstadt]

@@DirtBikeMagazineI bet Yamaha paid y’all off. We all know they’ve been throwing money down..

[@supersubes]

Interesting that the 125 TBI motors dont rip as hard as the 250/300 tbi’s.

[@luigi1731]

TM moto 125 MX

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

No importer for us to try in United States. We rode what is on dealership floors

[@nicktobin2840]

Just went to ride my 22 YZ 125 with 30.9 hours and the motor is blown. I’m getting back on a Honda 😂

[@gerardogutierrez3840]

No le echas bien aceite a la gasolina ⛽️ por eso se fundió

[@pokebass1]

How is it that such a big time magazine can put out such terrible first person riding video. That angle was horrific.

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Sorry you are upset. We shot all 4 bikes , a vlog, and the main shootout all in one day. Maybe some things fall through the cracks. But please tell us more =)

[@someoneyouknow96]

Seems pointless. 3 bikes are the same and Yamaha hasn’t changed in years.

[@zweitaktalteisen1854]

The point is that KTM has made a „massive improvement“ 😂 to the YZs performance

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

3 bikes are different. Maybe watch again?

[@gregggiddens]

​@@DirtBikeMagazineKeep watching it over and over, the YZ is faster now because the Gas Gas got slower? We all know the YZ is the same as last year. And the KTM didn't stay in second even though the Husky and KTM are the same bikes as last year. The Husky came second this year because it had the same seat height as last year Can't wait till next years shootout 😂

[@minibikemafia]

The FI and power valve is cool.....the eatart tho...a 12 year old girl can kick off a 125🤣🤣 i do not get that addition. I guess they have to have a battery ao why not? Still....estart on a 125 is borderline embarrassing 😁

[@Chafa85]

We need a 250 f vs 250 t vid

[@mike_rides_mtb02]

The way he said Husquarna 😂😂😂😂😂 HUSKA-WARNA 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@bebble985]

It is a swedish company. Using the swedish pronunciation of the name would sound highly irregular in casual conversation.

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

nailed it

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

send us an audio clip of how you say it! We can't wait to hear how amazing it is!

[@bebble985]

@@DirtBikeMagazine dude, there is no need for all that shade, you were in the right. Wait like a couple minutes before you respond.

[@loni321]

I know.KTM,YZ, HUSKVARNA,GASGAS

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Nice guess but you'll have to wait and see

[@loni321]

@@DirtBikeMagazine They're all good bikes. Thank you for keeping us up to date on the newest dirt bikes. Awesome content 💯

[@jawaddude]

Exit time race event.

[@user-kt6kn8ks8q]

Its just stupid to think that the new yz 125 is like night and days from the 2006 like the only thing the motor change had made is a about 1 to 1 and a half hp. And with that being said dont waist your money on a 125 that been/are the same for decades

[@jawaddude]

Is more powerful than 4 stork.

[@minibikemafia]

Yz125 is rhe beat handling bike on earth? Lol, 04 rm125 beats its handling into the ground. They are still on the earth. Yz125 isnt the greatest handling bike in earth...its just the last 125 being built. The chassis on them wasnt world beating, they won SHootouts with motors and SSS

[@Jared45513]

I always thought the RMs had better handling in the tight stuff. I had an 03 Rm250 woods bike and no one could turn inside you on that thing. Shootouts are a crap shoot though always have been. Everyone likes/needs different things out of a bike and there are a lot of skill levels to speak to.

[@keithalexander36]

The RM125 typically has a sharper front end and drops into corners fast but handing is much more then just corners. The YZ125 is better in rough stuff, flat wide corners and so much more. Some would say the YZ125 is better in more areas where the RM125 is more of a one trick pony. I have had them all including Anthony Pocorobba ex AMA raced 1996 RM125 (bought in 98) and a 2023 YZ125, YZ250 and YZ250f.

[@Jared45513]

@@keithalexander36 That does make sense bc it would turn on a dime but was kinda twitchy in 5th, I would agree the yz is better all around package tho

[@vwgtdturbo]

yes you are right i ride rm 125 ,2008 best handling ,but engine is slow and suspensin is bad and its heavier than yz i think its lot better.

[@sdb92]

Yammie! 🤙🏻🇯🇵

[@vwgtdturbo]

i see three fake bikes with fake engine and one real mx bike!!!

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

lol

[@Mockle07]

WTF is a “fake engine”?! 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@vwgtdturbo]

@@Mockle07 a engine that ned after 50 hours a complete rebuilting because alle bearings are done.

[@Mockle07]

@@vwgtdturbo lol 😂

[@lw3918]

Stop it. 3 of the 4 are the same bike.

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Someone didn't watch the video

[@lw3918]

@DirtBikeMagazine No need. They're mini bikes and 3 are the same. Why waste my time? Sorry if your little feelings got hurt.

[@donaldtrumpenstein9722]

Remember it’s 90 percent rider

[@donaldtrumpenstein9722]

Electric start on a 125 are people getting this lazy