Best Value in Dirt Bikes today?? 2024 YZ125X Ride Review

Want to win one of the two bikes I'm giving away?? It's the March 2024 DBC sweepstakes, so make sure to visit my website and get entered!
dirtbikechanne...
www.rockymount...
A couple of weeks ago, my Son Konnor and I were invited out the the Yamaha Press Event for the YZ450FX, YZ250X, and YZ125X in South Carolina. We had a blast learning about the bikes and being able to ride them for a couple of days. What follows is our thoughts on the YZ125X
Order your Parts from this link to support DBC!
www.rockymount...
BEST Ramp EVER!
stepramp.com/
Use my referral code on checkout to support me "KYLE"
While they don't give discounts, it will help support DBC and keep these videos coming.
Amazon link:
www.amazon.com...

[@riccochet704]

I tell people all the time that are looking for trail / single track bikes here in NC/SC to not overlook the 125 2 stroke bikes. They're lighter, easier to control, plenty of power. They just don't wear you out as much as a 250 or any heavier 4 stroke. Realistically we spend most of our time in 2nd anyways, rarely shifting. The 125 is just that sweet spot. The X models, or putting on a heavier flywheel makes a huge difference in low end grunt. Consequently, it also drives the used value of 125's way up around here. A early to mid 2000's CR125R in average condition is still fetching $3000 and up. YZ125 is still the best value to get in, followed closely by the GasGas MC125.

[@mountainslapstick6170]

agreed only reason I got the 250 was bc of the fucked up hills we ride if it wasn't for that 5% of steepness I would have never upgraded. The 125 is so much more fun to race harescrambles and enduros also

[@TheGameboy57]

I live in the NC/sc area, what do you think about something like the beta xtrainer? 300cc two stroke tamed down to roughly 30 horsepower. Good low end grunt room for more power at the top of you like. Idk about the weight or handling of it compared to a 125 I've just heard a lot of people really liking it on trails

[@riccochet704]

@@TheGameboy57 It's not a bad bike. I rode one at a demo day a couple years ago. It felt good. The only thing I didn't like was the forks. I just couldn't get use to them, albeit I didn't spend any time dialing them in. It had good power, but felt a little top heavy for how light it is. You can get used to riding anything if you ride it long enough.

[@TheGameboy57]

@@riccochet704 alright cool thanks. Right now I ride a KTM 500 exc-f (dual sport 500 4 stroke), so any two stroke will prob feel way lighter lol. Planning on getting a ttr250 to learn/improve the basics and then later upgrading to a two stroke like a 125 or the beta or something

[@ottokirk2325]

Less is more...

[@mikeh.4087]

It was great that Yamaha let you two come out for the ride reviews. It was great you let your son help with the evaluations. Hope you both had a great time. I enjoyed seeing the videos.

[@scottrugenstein7034]

The YZ 125X is amazing, capable of OA at any XC race. I switched to the 250X a couple of years ago, forgoing the hi tech KTMs I raced for 2 decades. The Yamaha 2strokes are old school proven engines with superb suspension and overall dependability and fast as stink. Like you said tons of aftermarket and OEM parts and mods available to customize and the blue bikes are budget friendly. I have nothing bad to say about Yamaha.

[@dalepellerin]

If you really think about it, there isn’t such a thing outside of the new electrics that’s really innovative in dirt bikes. Even the beloved KTMs are dinosaurs. We get excited with electric start and TPI…it’s freaking fuel injection haha. That’s not innovation. Yeah there’s been some suspension innovation but it’s still like pedestrian. Dirt bikes are essentially dinosaurs with little innovation so based upon what’s on the market, why not take old tried and true reliability. Once electric opens up a whole new world snd has range, etc, then we can start talking about innovation but sorry, I’m not getting excited about any bike today from an innovation perspective and guess what? That’s okay.

[@penguin9986]

Yea same experience as a 2014 or older just a waste of money

[@cudwood]

I love my 125x keeping it for life

[@cranedaddy678]

What size are you?

[@TimberTrainer]

That's a great point about the long production run of the YZ. There hasn't been much OEM development over the last twenty years, but the aftermarket is huge. The 125x is relatively cheap for a new motorcycle, and there's dozens of companies that make anything you want for upgrades.

[@DougTunnler]

If you have an older YZ125 mx bike, replacing the power valve with the X version is an easy mod for a off-road setup.

[@sarahdell4042]

The X CDI also makes a big difference. Toss in the apex head and it’s a real winner.

[@DougTunnler]

@@sarahdell4042 oh yeah, after 2011 YZ heads were spec'd to run on Mexican gasoline, or worse.

[@mountainslapstick6170]

Best chasis ever made

[@Adamtheflame23]

I got a yz125x 2023 2 weeks ago and they are so fun

[@ottokirk2325]

If you're a heavier adult. If you want a "wall of torque" and a wider peak hp range. I know riders that use the Super X carb by SuperTorque and their STIC meter block in the Keihin. Not for noobs or less skilled riders. It'll pit you on your arse.

[@stevemccurley1707]

Good boy...don't be influenced by your father Yammies are amazing

[@nuthintoprove]

Carburetored bikes alway run better. Smart carb even better!

[@OtisFlint]

lol

[@Acrscott-p5u]

Uh…….no. Do a fire road to the top of a mountain when you’re starting at sea level. Can a carb run great, hell yes, until the weather, elevation or barometric pressure changes and it doesn’t. I used to road race lots of 2 strokes, gama 250, tz240, rz350.

[@bradleymuha4861]

When they have electric start I’ll think about it.

[@mackeymichael]

When they make the YZ125X an EV i'll get one. Changing gears is getting too hard for me.

[@dakotapettit4544]

I’m between the 250x and 125x. I’m leaning 125x for the fun factor but I weigh 196lbs. Too much?

[@AngelGarcia_420]

Still have my 02, that my fat ass rips every week. I’ve had many bikes through years, but the 125 is still my favorite. Forced me to ride a bit more aggressive being in the right gear and power band.

[@4130gatch]

I got a 125x for my boy a couple years ago, and honestly I ride it probably as often as my 250x and in a lot of situations I have more fun on the 125. There’s definitely situations where I need the power/torque of the 250, but hot damn that 125 is a blast and will make you a better rider overall

[@bertamusprime618]

Another great video! Great idea bringing your Son to ride and speak on the YZ125X he did a great job. I can't wait to see him doing some test Riding for MXA, Dirt Bike Magazine, and various other dirt bike media outlets/companies. I have a YZ250X and really like the bike. I can not argue how awesome KTMs are I have owned two but for the average guy like myself the YZ250X are a great fit/bang for the buck. Keep up the great work!

[@devincloud84]

Love the review, its great to see u include your son. Love this channel

[@ITBubba1]

Being a long time Colorado trail rider (yes , I now qualify as old....shut up) I can tell you , the first time you ride your bike at sea level you will be blown away.

[@jasonskannes9757]

How did your son feel the 125x engine compared to 125xc? Thanks for the content, about to move my son up to one of these!

[@SohelRana4-m5c]

Gonzalez Edward Robinson Thomas Wilson David

[@KingFriday274]

What if you're 50 years old and you just need a good vet bike? I was thinking the YZ125X might be the perfect bite for that.

[@johnmclaughlin4802]

I’m in the same situation as you my friend.. and I’m 230lbs but haven’t been on a bike in 20 years .. might be smarter for me to start small and not risk getting hurt

[@capdaquicultura2413]

I am 53.....bought the YZ 125 6 months ago....my weight is 170 lbs......It s a fantastic bike for me !! I ride mostly in sand (beach and dunes) and dry mud.

[@MarcusReginald-l7h]

Jackson Helen Thomas Richard Davis Carol

[@KimberlyBrothersen]

Glad you two had fun 🤩 Unforgettable memories ~

[@dmase9057]

Yamahas refusal to add electric start is a non starter for me (pun intended)

[@MrJeffharper47]

lol. What Yamaha has done with their two strokes is genius. They haven’t changed much in 20 years which means parts are cheap. The fact they don’t have an E-Start is a good thing. Stop being spoiled and use a kick start.

[@dmase9057]

@@MrJeffharper47 let's be honest, them still producing 2strokes is the only reason for 2 things: customers limits on 2t availability and that they don't have to change it becuase it's 1 of 2 2t makers. So it's more of a strong arm situation. It does keep the cost down compared to a ktm produced bike. It continues to sell well because it has the cheaper market cornered.

[@MrJeffharper47]

@@dmase9057 bro, what?. Many manufacturers still make 2 strokes… You don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re missing out on amazing two-stroke Yamahas because you’re too spoiled to kickstart.lol

[@boonedawg1506]

I had a YZ250, and it was an amazing bike. When I had it, I also rode a YZ125, and good God is the 125 a blast over the 250. So much fun that I may pick up a 125 over a 250 next time I buy.

[@dakotapettit4544]

How much do you weigh? Cause I’m between a 250x and 125x… want the 125x for the fun factor but I’m 196lbs

[@boonedawg1506]

@dakotapettit4544 I was 170 I believe. Even at your weight a 125 will be fun 😁

[@dakotapettit4544]

@@boonedawg1506 yeah I’m thinking a pipe, different head. Other basic upgrades and new slings will do it for the 125x if I went that route. So should I go 125 or 250?

[@AstridCooper-g9b]

Lewis David Perez Donna Smith Edward

[@Frostbyte911]

What premix oil are you using for all around riding?

[@BurneJonesClaire-b1v]

Thompson Barbara Young Barbara Walker Susan

[@patrickrushtonAussierider]

I love my 23 yz125x, so fun and light. I was chasing more power and ridability as I wasn't overly impressed with my dialed in keihin. I installed a stic super x carb by stic super torque. Its a night and day difference now. I installed the recommended high power settings from the already great as supplied baseline tune that out performed my stock dialed in keihin. High power settings: 80 pilot!,200 main,100 air correction jet. It's a wall of torque off the bottom now, a smooth and strong mid range and an endless top end pull with great over rev characteristics. I would do this modification before a pipe or cylinder head change. It runs clean and crisp in slow technical single track or on a mx track. It's like a 150 now! So far, I haven't even had to adjust the airscrew or change a jet, riding over a wide range of riding conditions: temps 18-38*c or elevation 500-2500ft.

[@YZXRYDR]

What is your elevation with that setup?

[@patrickrushtonAussierider]

​@YZXRYDR I mainly ride around the 500-1000ft mark. I have used it up to 2500ft without needing to even tweak the aircrew with the same settings. The stic super x has been tested from sea level to 10,000ft. Due to its patented technology, it creates large pressure drops and pressurisation within the area of the jet tube entry, exit, and pilot circuit which will reverse flow at intermediate and higher engine speeds, feeding the main jet extra air and fuel vapour. The presure drops and pressurisation process help to create superior atomisation and more efficiently mixing of the available oxygen. This further helps the X adapt to changing elevation and temp swings far better then any other carburettor, while maintaining fantasic performance. The same settings can used on 125-300cc engines.

[@StracheyAnnabelle-w8c]

Robinson Brian Martin Jason Miller Michelle

[@gsxrg46]

I love the YZ125x. Would I be too heavy for it at 180? Maybe the 250x would be better. Currently I ride dual sports (DRZ 400, XT250) never had a pure dirt bike.

[@CamilleButler-u2o]

Gonzalez Daniel Harris Patricia Hernandez Carol

[@2uzfe4x43]

Honestly i regret skipping the 125 and going to a 250f, I think it would have given me a better array of skills then what I have now trying to tame my own yz250x or even a 450. Just the clutch control alone and figuring out the rear brake

[@mattsenica5227]

You went straight to a Honda crf250f from what?

[@2uzfe4x43]

@@mattsenica5227 First real dirtbike was a 250f motocross bike, before that were trail bikes.

[@ottokirk2325]

A new HITLIS PV kit will be coming out and make the PV open and close to make optimal power at a wide rpm range. Not a slam open and closed at a specific mid rpm.

[@YZXRYDR]

A 125 kit is not listed on his website yet. Did he mention it in a video?

[@patrickrushtonAussierider]

​​ I read it too on thumper talk forum, in the Hitlis power valve system trend. No release time has been specified, its still under development.

[@stevenwiseman1540]

I ride 701 / 300tpi and now a 501 . Just bought a new 125x for wife and kid . It’s a really nice bike to ride like a mountain bike with 2 stroke fun and very light and easy to ride . In some spots I would be faster on the 125 than the 501 . For wife at 5’8 and 120 it’s a perfect bike she likes it better than the 350 freeride she had last . Could use a bit longer gear but not a big issue

[@HobbitHomes263]

Any new gas powered anything has to meet emission standards and the standards are all set at sea level. If your new bike is running like crap and you live above 4000 ft ASL you should start off getting your carb set up. I recommend you weld a bung into the exhaust so you can screw in an automotive style 1 wire O2 sensor and hook up a Air/Fuel guage to guide your tuning efforts rather than a bunch of trial and error. temporarily mount the guage on your handlebars and go riding so you can see how a loadaffects your tuning at various RPMs. It's the best way to get to a perfect tune regard;ess of how hugh you ride. Its cheap and fast to use so you can change tuning at the trail head. I keep a small spiral notepad in my pack so I don't have to remember the last settings and many times I can adjust on the trail based on known previous settings. It's not as good as a smart carb but for about 60 bucks in parts it's a heck of a lot cheaper

[@michaelfila2796]

Love these bikes. Used to always ride a 2011 yz125 in singles and loved it, could get through most stuff but steep slow sections were way harder as slow was not an option. Sold it and got a 300 exc tpi with tsp head tune and irc, its alot easier to ride but i still miss my 125 for the fun factor

[@32NinerBravo]

Love the YZ 125. The fun factor is off the charts. Only issue I have is the seat height as I’m only 5’6”.

[@DC300xcw]

Hey dude, in helicopters we estimate a 7HP loss per 100 feet of elevation gain. Just so you know.

[@dirtdad8478]

Boy do I ever regret selling my 125X two years ago. Saving my pennies for another. I live at 5000ft, currently have a 18 TE250 and a 23 WR450F, but my 125 was the most fun. I could literally start the bike with my hand. No concerns about the kick start. No, battery no starter, carb, simple stupid. Thanks for sharing your son's perspective.

[@pyrostwistedride4821]

Yes Yamaha needs to start doing more modern things to these bikes, but it still doesnt mean they arent great. Lets face it the Japanese manufacturers always seem to take much longer to make changes, unless its on their hottest selling items. Then their is the other elephant in the room of how much longer will the 2strokes continue to be able meet much harsher emissions regulations that seem to get worse every 3 to 4 years. Lets not forget the electric revolution that is hovering.

[@Poongobbler4130]

Still waiting for Yamaha to make a 350 4stroke but not holding my breathe lol

[@JoshDurston]

Coming with decent kyb suspension saves a bunch of suspension tuning costs compared to more expensive but compromised bikes.

[@kosmoman54]

Needs a retention for the kickstand. That thing was bouncing down really low when in the whoops.

[@Wooskii1]

So, is the gearing the same? Did they do a wide ratio/ lower the first two gears? Just add a flywheel weight? I'm VERY interested in the 125x after feeling how light they are at my local dealer, but if the gearing is the same I'd rather just pick up a used 125 and build it for trail riding... Thanks to your content I have 2 KTM "dual sports" (450 exc and 300XCW). Now I just got a KX-100 as a play bike because I love the light weight mini bike thing (I'm in need of stiffer springs for my 180 lbs 6'3" behind. I already got a HD clutch kit & sprocket + chain kit). I'm not too sure what I want to get into next, I love my plated 300xcw so I'll probably never sell that one. I got the 450 just to give the 300 a break on longer road trips exploring new trails and to let family ride, but Im liking it way more than I was expecting so I might ride it until it's done or sell it for a newer 500exc. Depending on how this KX 100 build goes I might be looking at the YZ 125x next, or possibly a KX-112 but I don't know much about them and they're pretty expensive. If a company came out with a beefed up 125cc "ultra mini" for adult riders, somewhere between the size and weight of the 85s/100s and 125s, I think I would run out to order one without thinking.

[@mackeymichael]

The YZ125X (2023) I have is pretty impressive only after getting the jetting dialled in the engine characteristics are crucial to how it handles the bike sings and rear steers on and off the throttle its the best handling bike l have owned.

[@worldrage619]

There only one thing I wish the X line up had and that’s a headlight.

[@MixinGasGarage]

When is the website getting restocked?

[@Rick40years]

Excellent video. Thanks

[@gorillahd9247]

They need a headlight.

[@Yamaha38XCRacer]

You can buy one easy enough

[@gorillahd9247]

@@Yamaha38XCRacer That is run by the motor or a battery pack? I want a setup like a 2 stroke kickstart version of the WR.

[@OtisFlint]

@@gorillahd9247 The stator only has enough juice for the spark plug.

[@369motoman]

They make replacement stator with a lighting coil.. its limited to 45w because there isn't much room under the flywheel.

[@gorillahd9247]

@@369motoman Thank you

[@ElBoriTheVeteran]

Where in Greenville I live there

[@ElBoriTheVeteran]

Been looking where to go ride 😢 where In Greenville

[@nato812]

I think they were at the AmPro Yamaha test track in Union,SC. They had a media demo week there just before the GNCC race weekend.

[@joshshelton796]

Randy Hawkins has a sweet place.

[@OtisFlint]

Eh, sort of. You're basically buying a 2006 in 2024. It's low cost but it's also 0 features and 0 major development in 2 decades. Still a fun bike for sure, but value for me is not about cost, it's about what you get for your money. I'm happy to pay more for electric start, EFI, and an overall better built bike. Some muppets say you don't need E start on a 125, those people must stay on the fire roads. E start is not about kick effort, it's about being stuck in situations where you can't physically kick the bike. Steep off cambers, stuck between rocks, etc. If you don't ride challenging terrain i can see why you'd think those of us who insist upon it are soft.

[@abracing199]

You seem to be misinformed, The engine was completely redesigned a couple of years ago, I wouldn't call that "0 major development". the SSS suspension is still the standard for all others to be compared to. The chassis is the only thing that's old and it is a good chassis even today.

[@2216sammy]

The fact that its not constantly updated is what makes it so great .

[@kellybrown6988]

The yz125x is not a hard enduro bike

[@sarahdell4042]

You’re describing hard enduro. Which this bike can do, but no where near it’s intended purpose. I race mine in HS and take on some pretty challenging single track. It’s a really really good bike.

[@OtisFlint]

@@abracing199 "Completely redesigned"...Same frame, same suspension, same transmission, same clutch, same carb, etc etc etc. Still No E-start, no ECU controlled power valve, no EFI, etc. Don't get me wrong, the YZ has always been a solid bike, but to pretend it's anywhere near modern isn't true.

[@dougsutheimer6531]

Serious question, not trolling. Are there any changes to these bikes since previous models? Why is Yamaha having press events for bikes that have been around for a while?