2023 Yamaha YZ 125X - They did it again!

[@nokomisnichols]

Just got my 2024 YZ 125. I love it. I'm a 53 year old man. Fun times.

[@jeffpaxton9172]

Me too. 53 also and I have the same machine. Love it!

[@nokomisnichols]

@@jeffpaxton9172 I also have a 1991 KX 500 and a 2024 Husqvarna TC 250. All 2 strokes. The other 2 are a little scary sometimes but definitely fun fun.

[@nokomisnichols]

@@jeffpaxton9172 also brother be careful. I let my 59 year old brother ride my YZ 125 and now he has road rash and a bumped up knee and hip. He’s ok 👍🏻 though. It only bent the front brake lever but I can easily bend it back. That 2024 YZ runs really good wide open.

[@smokey6859]

Here's my thing. If you have to have e start, efi, larger tank, etc ktm. Husky, beta, sherco, and many others already make the bike for you. Yamaha is the only oem making the old school bike that many prefer. I don't understand why there are so many that demand yamaha change the yz platform it is the gold standard for reliability.

[@donwongjohnson3223]

I don’t want any of that other than a tank. Efi is just more issues

[@didickcheeseburger]

yamaha has kept the price low compared to ktm and husky. i only paid $6200 out the door for my 2020. if they upgraded to efi and electric start its going to cost more and have more potential for problems that arent simple fixes.

[@dentalnovember]

And weigh more.

[@ahyeaman]

Exactly. There's a niche for a simple and reliable badass 2 stroke, and the YZ fits the bill

[@wyattguttery9614]

Exactly keep it simple and old school. No extra bs, buy a ktm if you want that extra stuff for $12,000

[@Madtigertv]

Simplicity... it's the beauty of the bike!

[@dirtniron]

right on!

[@thumbgas888]

They are so easy to start and so reliable, it doesn't bother me at all either, and I have a 250x and love it

[@dirtniron]

thanks for sharing!

[@thumbgas888]

@@dirtniron Love your channel brother!!!

[@spynles7947]

Who knew a 125 could be so engaging, and give me simple, a carb and a kick starter any day. Kick has saved me many times on my '15 WR.

[@dirtniron]

they are super fun to ride!

[@Randy_Cox]

So glad. I wish the whole yz line would stay this way forever. Kick only, carb only, no electric gramas....just the way a bike should be. If Honda would have kept making the same 2003 CR line of bikes this way there would be so many happy people.

[@dirtniron]

thanks for sharing Randy

[@cudwood]

Wicked..love my 2020 yz 125x nice to see them making them even better

[@Dashriprock4]

When it comes to two strokes not having fuel injection is actually an advantage to me. I've been looking at the yz250x but without electric start it's an absolute deal killer. I can't even imagine at 5 foot 8 being stuck on the side of a muddy Hill and trying to kick start that with its 38.6 in seat. They could leave the yz250x just as it is and just add the electric start and I'd be all over that.

[@shannonscott5788]

You can add Estart yourself. That’s all you have to do since that’s only thing keeping you from buying

[@nolanhauge]

Should start one kick. Or just get better and don’t stall it. No better motivation to not stall it than having a kickstarter

[@Dashriprock4]

@@nolanhauge Sometimes stalls have nothing to do with “getting better”. Had a guy fall in front of me last weekend. Shit happens. The best riders stall now and then. I fell last weekend. Stalled. No problem since I was on my estart 250f. I’m almost 60 so there is that to consider also. Things aren’t as simple as you believe

[@moparone7962]

Believe it or not, people have been riding off road/ motocross for decades prior to electric start two strokes. Man up. I can buy a new yz250x at my dealer for $8500 out the door. A new tx300 is $13,000.

[@Dashriprock4]

@@moparone7962 I believe it. I’ve been riding since 1975. My 150xc is kick start only. My 250f is estart. I’m going to pull the trigger on another new bike in the spring. With my current limitations Estart is mandatory. Really liking the WR250f, Sherco 300f etc.. Not wanting to go Austrian again for various reasons.

[@jesseleblanc989]

What you said rings so true…exactly why I bought a 2018 carb’d KTM300XCW. I wanted a simple carb going forward. Thanks!

[@dirtniron]

Thanks for sharing Jesse. I have 2017 300xc 👍

[@rowdysworld22]

I say keep it old school, but KTM should stay with the kickstart option because it super reliable if the e-start goes bad

[@Dashriprock4]

KTMs obsession with weight loss is hurting them IMO

[@tieoneon1614]

@@Dashriprock4 Exactly. They put super thin tubes in the wheels also, saving about 5lbs. Even at 15psi their offroad bikes will blow tubes offroad.

[@matasblot3606]

Instead of losing weight on small parts tgey need aluminum frames i still dont like my steel frame

[@Dashriprock4]

@@matasblot3606 Aluminum isn’t lighter as it relates to frames

[@matasblot3606]

@@Dashriprock4 ig, but that doesent cover the fact that it rusts at the bottom where u put it on the stand

[@RIDEreviewRELOAD]

Keep ‘em Alive. Love my 22’ YZ125

[@dirtniron]

I think they will!

[@chainsawFirewood89]

IT KEEPS THE YZ125 THE LIGHTEST WEIGHING LESS THAN OTHER 125CC CLASS BIKES, AS WELL A YZ 125 IS EAISIER TO START THAN A 450F OR 250F AS WELL I BELIEVE THAT IF YOU PUT AN ELECTRIC START ON IT THEN IT MAKES THE WEIGHT A BIG DIFFERENCE AS WELL, SWEET BIKE AN GREAT CONTENT 👍!

[@dirtniron]

yea, they are very light

[@colbybarton3205]

except, I think the ktm 125 is lighter

[@dentalnovember]

KTM sacrifices reliability to lose weight. I’d rather have the Yamaha.

[@moparone7962]

Keep the carb and kickstart for simple maintenance and keep the cost down. Maybe bump the displacement to make a yz150 and then a yz300/325. That would be cool.

[@dirtniron]

Great point!

[@bikersoncall]

I like carbs, but I would so appreciate an electric start, AT LEAST as an option for they buyer.

[@johnhewitt1096]

Still the best dirt bike in the world. Dont need EFI or electric start.

[@weofnjieofing]

I’ll take the old school every day. I like mixing my own gas oil rich for longevity, I also like no battery and simplified electronics. Everything g that makes two strokes simple to work on in your garage

[@jmxfactory]

i really enjoy it, great power, very loud sound, and yz125x 2023 is my first special engine,

[@numbzinger350]

What do I think about the '23 YZ125X? I brought a shiny new one home yesterday! I'm 64 years old and am sticking with my old school ways. You young'ns can deal with apps and maps while I'll take the JD jet kit route.

[@dirtniron]

right on, congrats! I think its a great bike for sure, JD will make is scream!

[@numbzinger350]

@@dirtniron I hope I can hang on!😀

[@jdirt1982]

We need a yz 500 !!!!!!!

[@LizardHunter777]

Buy a BRC kit and make one

[@painsrides]

I like the tech level on my 2016 Husky TE250. Its right in the middle of the road between old & new schoolz.... hope I can keep it functional for a very long time.

[@sethjeffreys3055]

I own two KTMs 2017 300 xc and a 250 xcw I do like the e button far as that id rather have the YZ . Just a better bike than ktm . Reason Yamaha is proven and will live forever ktms are changed up every so many years and then there junk no parts where yz will not ever have that problem

[@dirtniron]

I have 2017 300XC with 300 hours and bike runs great still on stock bottom end. What kind of problems do you have with your bikes?

[@craigmac1516]

Getting the 125 x cant wait...great video good information..

[@dirtniron]

Good choice, have fun Craig!

[@jamescox4823]

Boysen 2 stage reeds and Loudmouth airbox help the bottom

[@eminiscalperpro9729]

any male that is not handicap and wants a E-Start on a Yz125x has no business even talking about motorcycles. They should be shopping for lipstick and panty hose

[@dirtniron]

they do start very easy ;)

[@easternyellowjacket276]

🤣🤣

[@howardwoods342]

Love my YZ 250X. Don't want the e start or the TPI. Complicated garbage that breaks and is expensive to fix. Put a lectron billetron on my YZ and it's the best bike ever. 2 strokes for life, Yamaha is king. Oh and Honda needs to bring back 2 strokes

[@dirtniron]

how to you like the carb compared to well jetted Keihin?

[@howardwoods342]

I think a perfectly jetted keihin is dam near unbeatable. Though this new billetron is freaking amazing everywhere and is better for lugging up hills and trail riding. For my type of riding I do the billetron is top notch and wouldn't trade for anything.

[@haroldsmith8454]

I wouldn't want Efi or E start on my 125, kickstart and a carb is all I want, simple stuff that just works, it just pays to learn how your carb works so you can maintain it and adjust it yourself and keep it crisp, and better than efi or smart/lectron carbs can be.

[@dirtniron]

well jetted Keihin runs amazing, thanks for sharing Harold

[@jdirt1982]

Long live the kick start 2 stroke !!!!!!

[@jonsainsbury8726]

Please do a review installing/running an Apex Head Kit on the YZ250X and YZ125 X...Using the SX Head and provided jetting chart .... Best #1 mod for YZ250X...

[@dirtniron]

I will look into it, thanks Jon!

[@Charles53412]

Nice looking bike ! However, I'll stick with my 06' Suzuki RM 250 2 stroke. It's perfect for my type of riding and body size. Thanks for another great video !

[@jt-yt9yh]

I am almost 50yrs old and only ride single track I'm really considering this bike. I was a little confused on your information about the company your referring to for jetting. Maybe a smart carb is the way to go? Love the old school simple! Thanks for the video !! Stay safe out there

[@kellybrown6988]

JD jetting, it’s a kit , that comes with jets and a chart with their recommended specs

[@lukekelly5115]

How have you never heard of jd jetting lol

[@jt-yt9yh]

@@kellybrown6988 thanks

[@dirtniron]

jdjetting.com/ they have kits for almost every 2 stroke dirt bike out there, I used them many times and they work great with stock carbs and are very economical compared to aftermarket carbs

[@dbesales8652]

I don't really care about efi but i would like an e-start yz250 and 125, i have both and often get stuck on very steep hills where i need both feet on the ground to hold the bike, I have a left hand rear brake on the 250 which definitely helps with steep starting but would love a magic button

[@iranoutofnameslol1678]

Can’t decide between the ktm or the yz. I like simplicity of the yz but at the same time I hate messing with carbs for any change in environment, would like to just hit a button and go.

[@dirtniron]

KTM then :)

[@easternyellowjacket276]

I'd love to get one. My concern is the noise. With the stock exhaust, is it quieter than a YZ motocross bike, or is it the same exhaust? That is one thing I love about my RMX450: it is very quiet and lugs so well in higher gears that you can barely hear it coming until it is somewhat close. But boy does the weight suck.

[@owenbrowne753]

Can’t worry abt noise on a 2 stroke, that’s what trail F’s are for bud. Twos are abt making them as loud as possible tho get most torque

[@easternyellowjacket276]

@@owenbrowne753 Really, buddy? Can't worry about the noise? Two's aren't about making them as loud as possible. Because that strategy is what has helped phase them out of the public majority.

[@jridenour31]

@@owenbrowne753 That is completely wrong and makes no sense. A two stroke with full exhaust is quieter than a four stroke mx bike with stock exhaust.

[@owenbrowne753]

@@jridenour31 I put a fatty and shorty on my 250sx, went from 98db to 113 and then 123-130 when I bill throttle. Yea 4’s in the highest rpm’s when your scrubbing in sx produce 140db but ik your not likentht

[@sendit1158]

2 Stroke Baby

[@dirtniron]

👍

[@dakotapettit4544]

I’m 196lbs. Thinking about 125x because I keep hearing how fun it is but the 250x is also tempting. Why do I choose?

[@dirtniron]

Dude, hard to choose.. both have pros and cons

[@dentalnovember]

I want one! I want a bike with as little electronics as possible. I have an EFI Kawasaki and when it gets wet in unexpectedly deep water it doesn’t like to run properly until it completely dries out.

[@jeffarcher400]

Here in California I don't think two strokes get to ride on public land unless you have a pre 2002 model. So it would be for competition only. I'm still hoarding my old green sticker bikes. All off-roaders should be aware of the plan to close Pismo dunes. The whole green sticker program promised to use our money to buy and maintain land so we would always have a place to ride. This attempted closure is a complete betrayal of the deal. What's to stop the closure and land grab of all of our areas and other States? Given the opportunity I could probably find some endangered plant, animal,lichen,fungus bacteria,critical biomes,rare soil structure, indigenous artifacts or something we haven't even thought of yet. I feel for the native Americans. Once we were free to roam. Then they took our tracks,jumps,hills and valleys. They said we were trespassing and destroying the land and wildlife. Then they sold it to developers and bulldozed it. Now there's no wildlife. We accepted the treaty and went to the legal reservations where we were promised to be left alone. Now they come for the last bit of our land. Even if you only ride tracks racing won't be enough to save the industry if there's no recreational riding areas. Motivate to berate where they legislate before it's too late and you're stuck in the gate.

[@joshscoot2231]

Its hard to bring fuel enjection to two strokes because it ruins the two stroke feel

[@dirtniron]

carb do feel better for sure

[@tandccreations6383]

I just got a 23 125x and it had almost a full tank of gas and went through it all in like 30 minutes is it just bc it's not broke in or why is it drinking gas like that?

[@dirtniron]

It should be lil better than that. Make sure your jetting is not too rich and clean the air filter frequently.

[@bransonbasher6534]

The yz125 is perfect. Change nothing.

[@keelangerken5154]

Yamaha doesn't care about their 2 strokes, they know the same 5% of their customers will keep buying a slightly updated 2005 bike.

[@DenisElpashev]

Why update it if it's still lighter, more reliable and competitive in racing? I have yz250x and the fact it's not changed from 2005 makes my life much much easier in terms of looking for parts, upgrades, maintenance etc...

[@dirtniron]

they care enough to keep making them and updating all of them in recent years. They just have very different approach compared to EU brands, but also thankfully very different approach compared to other Japanese 2 stroke bikes ;)

[@APH.95]

Actually im okay with kick start for my motocross but rather to have e start on my off road bike

[@warrenstemphly5756]

Nostalgia is a helluva drug, only thing better is making money off of it.

[@thatfast3002]

I don't want EFI on a 2 stroke

[@josephclark7684]

Hey there love the videos and content. Im Going to be visiting socal mid Sept and I want to bring my bike with me and ride while I have down time there is there any good places to find trail maps? I'll be In the paula area and already aware of the fox track but I'd like to find some single track around the area. Appreciate any help and keep rubber side down🤙

[@dirtniron]

hey Joseph, glad you like it! you can check onXoffroad app they have bunch of trails there. also let me know once you come maybe I can join you on a trail ride. here is the link with some discount too subscribe.onxmaps.com/offroad/purchase/membership?promo=dbtv1

[@josephclark7684]

I appreciate the help thanks man 🤙

[@johnnydangerously9426]

Hard to find one last year. Maybe this year will be better. 01 cr125 rider .

[@coltonward3609]

If it ain't broke don't fix it

[@flipcastadventures8541]

Great video! These bikes haven't changed hardly at all, the 2005 yz125 I grew up on (bought for $1500 on craigslist) is lighter, will make you a better rider, and you can learn how to do any maintenance. Brand new bikes will sell you a whole lotta expensive gadgets you don't need, high maintenance 4-strokes are the worst. It's how the manufacturers will continue to suck money from parts and maintenance, like the new car manufacturers have been doing for decades now.

[@dirtniron]

thanks for sharing!

[@johnmclaughlin4802]

Agreed 👍 simplicity

[@kiefdelisle7225]

Will there be a 250?

[@erict5172]

Just an old, slow weekend warrior's take but it seems with all their bells/whistles/updates the Euro bikes still fall short of the suspension + handling of the YZ125s -

[@nightfury6836]

Great video 😉

[@thatfast3002]

Yamaha should offer a genuine Yamaha e start as an add on option

[@antfal-n-everything7154]

They start first kick every time, no heavy starter needed

[@grabir01]

Excellent bike!! Go Yamaha!!

[@ShawnBlais]

But you can get best of both worlds with a used 150xcw. Magic btn, kick starter and simplicity. Plus it's lighter?

[@tieoneon1614]

Yz125x is 208lb wet. The TE and KTM I50 is 230-something wet with the lights, TPI, and oil injection

[@ShawnBlais]

@@tieoneon1614 They are about 218 wet, and I'm talking about the pre TPI bikes (otherwise simplicity goes away). Lithium battery will shed a cpl lbs. You're right though, the X is about 10lbs lighter.

[@dirtniron]

I should check out 125 and 150 XC bikes, curious how they feel offroad

[@ShawnBlais]

@@dirtniron I patiently await a used one to pop up this winter in my area! So hard to find the 150s used.

[@dbproductions007]

I like the bikes the way they are! No need for all that stuff

[@rztrzt]

I'll take the Yammy!

[@LizardHunter777]

Yamaha is genius. Why would then make massive changes? People obviously still buy them and want a cheaper option with less features so Yamaha is delivering. If you want more features you can add it yourself or go buy a KTM.

[@dirtniron]

makes sense, thanks for sharing Nick

[@QSpeaks]

Definitely would likena.125X...I would consider selling my 2018 KTM150 to have that 2023 YZ125X especially if I could just unload it and hit the trails where a spark arrestor is required. Just unload and Go! Love my 2 stroke collection!!

[@Davido50]

Get more! More we buy more they will make.

[@jwill540]

Electric start and hydraulic clutch I couldn't care less about fuel injection. This applies to the 250x a 125 doesn't need electric start really.

[@dirtniron]

thanks for sharing!

[@jridenour31]

You can start a YZ250X with your hand and hydraulic clutches feel weird. Adding those two things will do nothing but make the bike heavier and more expensive.

[@hugoseguin8040]

@@dirtniron hydraulic clutch feels weird ?? Says who ? 🤣

[@coltonowens2742]

Keep 2ts carbed. SCREW fi on two strokes.

[@dirtniron]

good to have the options, well jetted carb runs great!

[@steez54321]

Plenty of other bikes out there for $10,000+ or you can pick this one up for $7000. If you want all the gadgets that bad go buy the other bikes and fork over 10 grand. This is a great more affordable old school option for those looking to get into the game.

[@thevoxofreason8468]

It's perfect.

[@jonsainsbury8726]

Install an Apex Head Kit...

[@jflynn1996]

Yamaha: *slaps an 18" wheel on an existing bike* This is an all-new bike!

[@Mike-uh2gw]

I will skip the kick start and jets. It's worth a few pounds to hit the magic button when you are in a nasty situation. If I rode out in the open maybe the X would be ok but the treacherous mountain goat stuff I get into makes e start mandatory.

[@johnberry2877]

Complexity is the enemy of dependability!

[@albundy6804]

Go blue....the girls will come too you!!

[@dirtniron]

my wife doesnt care about the dirt bikes at all.. ;)

[@albundy6804]

@@dirtniron same haha

[@j-sammys5549]

Just wish Yamaha would put a counter balancer in to get rid of vibration!

[@dirtniron]

that would be interesting for sure, but personally I dont really get annoyed but the vibration on new YZ bikes

[@LizardHunter777]

I hate the counter balancers, they feel like electic bikes, no character just too smooth. The vibration is one of the things that makes the YZ feel like an old school 2t.

[@markwalker1727]

the vavle ???

[@dirtniron]

?

[@jsned2502]

The price of new bikes is out of hand. For something you are gonna just beat the crap out of its just getting too much. Keep them simple cheap and fun.

[@joeldepas9928]

I dont understand how its 2023 and we dont have reliable injection and e start from a company like this. If i was intereested in the old school I would just buy a 2012 YZ or something. Im looking forward to when this bike gets the modern updates. I dont want a ktm at all honestly I would way rather the yamaha but, those other components arent even offered here, so it leaves me no choice but to spend my money elsewhere.

[@thomastjg53]

Wow A 125 will kick start with no effort. A carb is easy to adjust. Or you would rather have an over priced ktm with seniors that stop working. Lol in this day an age , we what everything . So who loads your bike on to the truck for you ,just kidding 😉

[@aaronphillips2728]

Yea not having e start made me go ktm

[@moparone7962]

@@thomastjg53 You can start a yz125 with your hand. Why is everyone a vagina nowadays?

[@DenisElpashev]

Haha man, such thing as 'reliable injection' for 2-strokes still doesn't exist in 2023 -))) The existing TPI bikes are still very unreliable and totally shitty and they are just disposable compared to Yamaha's reliability :)

[@aaronphillips2728]

I have both yz250x and 2022 husky 300.the yz is no doubt a tank and is reliable but The husky is bye far a superior hard enduro bike. No problems so far. If you don't trust tpi get. Sherco or beta.

[@kavindumadusanka5607]

Please give ktm sixday exc build 😃

[@Carbon_sx]

I went for the new 2023 from ktm 😍

[@dirtniron]

congrats! what size?

[@joeydirt420]

Goodluck. Im selling my 22.

[@jridenour31]

I'm sure it's a fun and capable bike but I don't see the point when the 250 is so good.

[@dirtniron]

try one, its so light and nimble.. really fun on the trails

[@LizardHunter777]

Sounds like you have never ridden one

[@Blaaggarding]

Who needs an e start on a125

[@jasonfalcon4052]

From someone who invented a lot of Freestyle Motocross tricks in 1999! I would love to twist the throttle on this beauty. It looks more neutral. Like KTM which I don’t want to brag lol

[@OtisFlint]

"Old school simplicity is so great" - People who can't afford KTMs

[@dirtniron]

thanks!

[@alexbronn1921]

That bike should be way cheaper than a klx300r. Simple and cheap to build but it won’t be

[@gophop]

Instead of leaving you with no options, Yamaha should develop a reliable electric start and offer a kit to remove it. Most will keep it. And die-hard old-school guys can take it off.

[@johnnydangerously9426]

Japanese bikes are the best in my opinion. Other brands say the are made in another country. But with parts made in China . Research your purchases 😎

[@robh3267]

Doesn't really matter what changes they make to it, it's still a 125 and it will never have any low end grunt at all and the only way to get any power from that small of displacement is by revving it to the moon which is fine for motocross but just doesn't work very well for off road.

[@coltonowens2742]

You need to ride one of these before you start judging power characteristics. Unless your a really fat dude, I promise it will surprise you.

[@dirtniron]

its 125 of course, but can be fun on trails with my 200lbs..

[@MrFritz6940]

If ya have the money buy 🍊

[@jeffclark2253]

No need to change something that is perfect. Electric starts and fuel injection belongs on cars not motor cycles.

[@joeldepas9928]

I want so badly to buy this bike, but the e start and the lack off injection really puts me off...I want to buy a bike and not have to work on it to make it good (for my standards of what i want)

[@Dashriprock4]

I completely understand about the need for fuel injection on the four strokes but my carbureted KTM 150 is bulletproof reliable compared to the TPI bikes. For me on anything bigger than a small bore the electric start is a deal killer. Anything above 200 cc I just about have to have it. I'm old and short

[@jridenour31]

The crap you want added just makes the bike heavier and more expensive.

[@h20mxracer222]

What's a kickstarter?🤣

[@dirtniron]

My right leg 🦵

[@bjornzorger3731]

Yz all day long

[@dirtniron]

right on Bjorn!

[@danielhale5407]

I'm very excited for the 23 YZ 125 I would like to pick one up for my son he is 13 currently racing a 21 Husqvarna 105 super mini in youth class but I'm just unsure if it will work well with his riding style he is very very aggressive not sure if I should go with the regular model or the X he likes doing the technical Graham Jarvis stuff as well that is why I'm torn. if you get the opportunity to watch some of his race videos on KZbin and kindly give me your feedback it would be tremendously appreciated KZbin name HALE-YENZ RACING

[@dirtniron]

Daniel, i watched some videos. Kid is fast, good job! I would go for 125x since he is doing offroad races, that bike will feel good everywhere.

[@wayaneka8378]

Mantap👍🇲🇨🇲🇨🇲🇨

[@jeffpaxton9172]

If you can't kick start a 125, you probably aren't fit enough to be riding dirt bikes anyway.

[@gilesgreenaway5655]

Time to quit if you cant kickstart a 125.

[@GroundScrape]

no bottom and no mid, welcome to a 125. I grew up racing XRs, I can't ride a 2 stroke to save my life

[@dirtniron]

125s are so much fun tho!