2024 Yamaha YZ125 Two Stroke TEST

#motocross #twostroke #dirtbike #racing #sports
Dirt Bike Magazine tests the 2024 Yamaha YZ125 two stroke at Cahuilla Creek Motocross Park in Southern California. Yamaha nursed the previous YZ125 motor for over 20 years before giving it an update in 2022. Even then, the changes were conservative. The bike remains much as it has existed for years. It has a mechanical powervalve, a Keihin carburetor and a kickstarter. The most significant changes were in bodywork and rider layout. Yamaha gave the bike a smoother seat/tank junction, more spread-out ergonomics and a taller seat height. The KYB suspension components were updated, but they remain similar to those of Yamaha’s other motocross bikes, with steel coil springs in the closed-cartridge Speed Sensitive System fork. The version you see here is the 50th Anniversary Edition, which differs from the standard model only in cosmetics. The standard version sells for $7099; 50th Anniversary livery adds $200.
STRONG POINTS
We have said over and over that the YZ125 is the best handling motocross bike on earth. We might continue to say it forever. We do have to add one qualification; the YZ125 is at its best for expert level riders. The Austrian 125s are just as good for rank and file novices and sportsmen. That’s because the YZ suspension is a little stiffer and caters to faster, harder riding. At speed, there’s no suspension package that’s better than the YZ’s. Strangely enough, in this group the YZ also has the hardest hitting, fastest motor. It’s been a long time since we have been able to say that. It’s all about context. Two years ago, we were comparing the YZ to the previous generation of Austrian bikes, which had more sheer power than anything in the current group.
WEAK POINTS
The YZ is a little harder to ride than the others. It has a sudden and distinct hit. If you go back to the 2021 YZ125, that bike had slightly more power way down low and was a little more beginner friendly. This one is faster but more demanding. The YZ also has a very tall seat height. Most full size adults won’t care, but it can be a struggle for a young ‘un. The lack of electric start can also be a limiting factor for true beginners.
BOTTOM LINE
In the big picture, the YZ125 hasn’t changed that much in 20 years. Everyone knows what it is and what it can do. That’s become its biggest strength of all. While the rest of the motocross world is swirling with change, the YZ125 remains an island of quality and reliability.
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[@Randy_Cox]

Bought a 2023 Yz125x and couldnt be any more happy with it. Great bikes, dead simple, so much fun to ride and doesnt benefit the lazy, only the skilled riders. I aint one.....but i am working on it.👍

[@Mxbuzz]

The best bike ! I can't wait to receive mine that ive ordered!🤩 Thank's for the video!

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@personal8795]

picking her up today. cant wait

[@fkhoury]

How’s the bike

[@personal8795]

@@fkhoury she’s great. Rips like crazy and looks sexy doing it.

[@andreasstefanou5898]

Amazing video Bravo guys Yz125 is Legend

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Thank You! Appreciate the positivity for a change! Everyone so negative on social all time. More of this!

[@andreasstefanou5898]

@DirtBikeMagazine I thank you for your passion and love for the sport, for the 2 strokes and dirt bikes generally .Greetings from Cyprus 🇨🇾 ❤️🙏

[@aaronwhite8374]

love my 24 yz 125

[@dnfinnegan24]

You don’t have to yell bro. I’m right here.

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

No yelling. Check your volume settings on your phone. On the iphone you can lower it to whatever is comfortable! Its wild!

[@dnfinnegan24]

@@DirtBikeMagazine holy shit I’ve just been walking away from my phone this whole time! Thanks!

[@trevorbixler205]

@@dnfinnegan24he does have a point, you can turn your volume down if he is yelling.

[@dnfinnegan24]

@@trevorbixler205 it was a joke referring to his “6th grader reading a book report” voice.

[@jesus2400]

We’re do I sign

[@metalofthedeath]

Brought to you by clear eyes

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Thanks metal of death! Maybe we'll bring you in on some audio! We can only imagine how good you are!

[@sdb92]

😍

[@highschooljohnny]

Most fun bike ever made!

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Such a fun bike!

[@PrinceOfTheCity1]

What if you weigh 220 pounds. Would a 250 be better or too much power im an intermediate rider

[@arnocourtay8198]

Lose the weight

[@RIDEreviewRELOAD]

YZ125 FOREVER❤

[@wesmattimore2895]

If it's not broke, don't f##k with it. Yamaha new that..these 125s are badass.. PEACE PEEPS

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@diegosurfeliz8167]

🐝❤

[@halerazor80]

Last Japanese Mfg. making MX 2 strokes? Big bikes yes but Kawi still making minis. Sad to see the 2 strokes getting closer to extinction

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

yes we know but Yamaha still makes a 125, 250. Last of the Japanese to still be pushing these out and making new ones at that!