Yamaha YZ125 Versus GASGAS MC125 Two Stroke Shootout - Dirt Bike Magazine

#dirtbike #racing #twostroke #motorcycle
It’s time for fun. We have the two greatest handling motocross bikes on earth and we get to ride them until we pass out. The GasGas MC125 and the new Yamaha YZ125 make for a natural comparison. They have the exact same suggested retail price for 2022: $6899. When that happens, it’s no accident. They’re aimed directly at each other. The GasGas is, of course, the price-point bike in the KTM/Husky/GasGas group. It’s $800 less than the Husky and $700 less than the KTM. In the past, we have said that the Yamaha YZ125 is the best handling motocross bike in the world. When you put excellent suspension on a bike that only weighs 203 pounds and has less than 38 horsepower, that’s the inevitable result. The GasGas MC125 comes very close to making us reconsider; it is, after all, 8 pounds lighter and will actually cut a tight turn with even less effort. Still, we have to award the World Handling Championship to the Yamaha once more. It’s a more stable machine and the new layout makes it feel a little more modern. Which one wins?
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[@michiganmafiamx5543]

YZ 125’s are like magic, they always feel like putting on your favorite pair of shoes.

[@Davido50]

Truth

[@deborahchesser7375]

Absolutely

[@519scott8]

Foreal!!

[@grantcarncross5380]

Yeah if you like wearing old shoes.

[@rztrzt]

I'll take Kayaba boingers over WP any time, even if it means a few hp less.

[@chazzgonzalez1356]

Especially when suspension helps you feel more confident to push harder

[@rztrzt]

@@chazzgonzalez1356 Amen.

[@chrisvillarreal2752]

I’ve never liked Yamaha’s ever but even I can admit after riding several they’re fuckin amazing machines with unquestionably the best suspension

[@neilpincus855]

It's easy to find a few ponies. Pipe, head, maybe some porting. The rest of the bike is better. Except maybe the brakes but YZ brakes are pretty good so don't worry about that.

[@Davido50]

Both bikes are great & GasGas deserves to sell a ton but it's still YZ for me.

[@MrFPSWisconsin]

Everyone knows the YZ125 and YZ250 are gods chosen two strokes.

[@grantcarncross5380]

In your World only.

[@derekgray1633]

I own a 23 yz125 and my 18 KTM 250sx is like a F1 car next to the Yamaha. They are fun but in my opinion KTM is #1 all day

[@grudzien9784]

Copy that. I sold my KTM 350 sx heavy ass bike, bought a yz125x 2023 model. It’s light, quick and sounds amazing. And I can jet it ;)

[@cooter1352]

Lol not

[@gerardogutierrez3840]

@@derekgray1633pues claro que ktm pues su motor es 250 y la yamaha 125 mucha diferencia pero compárala con la yz 250

[@HPRaceDevelopment]

you killed it on this video, nice work

[@yabbadabba1975]

Damn it's nice to hear that sound again.

[@cooter1352]

Nothing is as great sounding as 2 strokes hitting power band

[@jeradbennett5030]

Fun little shootout, thanks for the great content as usual. I'm here because I'm torn between the 2 bigger brothers of both these bikes. And I figure this is pretty close. Yamaha has always been so great in the suspension department. But the weight and modern design of the gas gas might sell me.

[@neilpincus855]

The weight difference is minimal and Yamaha had a 'modern design' back in 2005 and haven't had to change anything except plastic. Forged aluminium is modern... tubular steel was modern in 1995.

[@Natedoc808]

Good suspension will make the biggest difference in lap times than more power.

[@mouthofpower8492]

The KYB suspension is night and day, especially with upkeep and maintenance. Air suspension is a middle finger to the simplicity and beauty of a 125.

[@claytonmcminn1121]

Watching this put a huge smile.on my face

[@howardwoods342]

Yamahas are just the best. If hinda starts building 2 strokes again I'll buy one of those also because they are amazing

[@deborahchesser7375]

Yep between Yamaha and Honda there are no better bikes regardless of which model it is.

[@deborahchesser7375]

When bikes are this close in performance it comes down to rider skill and preference, as far as reliability that’s a no brainer

[@samoliverio7455]

But they aren't. One is a retread for 20 years and the other is at least somewhat modern

[@deborahchesser7375]

@@samoliverio7455 yeh but if it’s not broken don’t fix it. I’ve owned every brand literally, Honda and Yamaha have no equals when it comes down to solid design and reliability.

[@samoliverio7455]

@@deborahchesser7375 then why aren't we all still not riding 86 CRs. That's stupid logic. Why not try to make things better

[@deborahchesser7375]

@@samoliverio7455 who said 86’ ? Shit the new YZ250 X for example is badass. That Gas Gas or rebadged Gas gas is a nice bike they just don’t have the reliability of a Japanese bike, that’s just the way it is. How many world titles have been won by KTM, Husky, Bultaco or Gas Gas lately? None my friend. Now back in the 70’s early 80’s the European brands ruled, not anymore. I’d even take a Chinese bike right now just to ride to the fishing hole,I miss racing.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Bikes don't even have to be close. We were pretty good riders/racers in the 80's, (and a lot of us did it back then, all grown in now), and then The Smiths moved into our area, Kelly Smith and his Family. Kelly was just a kid then, (retired from pro MX now), and his Dad had a pro license. I was on my 86 YZ250, and he was 180lbs on a piece of junk 1983 YZ125,---and it was the rider man. :) I saw him smoke many A racers in the 125 class with that piece of junk. Go buy a $13,000 450 4-stroke, and that guy would smoke probably everybody here (on the older style tighter tracks), on that piece of junk 125.

[@Alexios9090]

Essas duas motos são uma obra de arte!

[@thomascoker3600]

nothing better than a 2 stroke!!!

[@blandyjones4463]

That was so so so good to watch. Thanks so much 🙏 gas gas here we go 😊

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@brianloeb1178]

Thank you! I have been looking at 125s for a while now. I have a 2021 Honda CRF 450RX and want to add a smaller fun bike to my arsenal. I might just go Austrian with the gas gas!

[@tomasantonio6683]

I know gas gas is ktm but technically gas gas is still a Spanish brand

[@deborahchesser7375]

The Yamaha will be rippin long after the Gas Ass is dead.

[@hotrodhootie]

I have a 2021 Gas Gas Mc125 I am 248 pounds and it pulls so hard can’t keep the front wheel on the ground.

[@andrecasanova3753]

if you has the rx is because you ride trails go with Yamaha 125 x dude Im in in love with those kyb forks make me feel like a hero, I’m coming from 2 ktms 1 husk and I’m not going return for Europeans bikes.

[@brianloeb1178]

@@andrecasanova3753 i have only owned Japanese bikes. Honda dirtbikes, & Yamaha quads & motorcycles. I rip my RX on trails and open desert. I want to get a 125 2 stroke to get better at running faster with less power. Plus a 450 4 stroke is not the best fro slow tight trails. I know Yamaha makes a good bike. Part of me wants to change it up. But maybe that is crazy. I like the Yamaha price better for sure

[@johnsmith-hi4kk]

too much fun!! braaapp!

[@alexanderg9445]

Just letting you know the 2022 Gas Gas MC 125 actually has the Neken handlebars and Excel rims.

[@TheSxtdnl]

Witch would make a better woods bike. I love the mx power. But what if I was to do a fly weight and hand guards and suspension overhaul. Witch would be better

[@tcrides2137]

I like the new gas gas, but the yamaha is tried and true. Both are awesome I would think 🤔

[@madaboys5977]

horse power doesnt mean anything if you dont know how to use it.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

It does on a 125.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

If you know how to ride.

[@davenelson4334]

exactly and that's where the better suspension allows you to build that confidence

[@scottphillips445]

Horsepower is everything on a 125. I never want Yamaha to stop making the yz125 because it is the best 1st motocross bike for kids to make the transition to a full size bike on

[@AbundanceRun]

Which one resells better

[@BigDirtDawg]

The GasGas is beautiful

[@jasongreen5470]

This is the way motocross should be

[@zaneli3384]

parts availability, reliability, been around for lont time. YZ all day

[@farreltucker7466]

Don`t like air suspension. That is where the main weight difference is, no springs. Yamaha has always built bikes to serve their main customers, play riders. Last year`s engine probably served Joe average better who is not always on a motocross track. Manufacturers have compromised so many great bikes over the years because of the magazines. The average guy need something fun and affordable. Just my opinion.

[@mt1885]

Wish Yamaha would build a 200cc and 300cc 2 stroke enduro bikes, like the Yamaha ITs.

[@deborahchesser7375]

My thoughts exactly! They had the WR200 for a short time but I’d love to see new 200’s and 300’s I’ve been say that years.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

They were great woods bikes, but the woods bike racers pretty much evolved the bikes into a mellower MX bike, and that is why the IT (and others), went away I believe.

[@mt1885]

@@EarthSurferUSA They did, they were great bikes all around enduro riding. The YZ250X is still too much a handfull and no headlight. Woods riding is fun at night. The Fantic same bike appears to have a lighting coil.

[@gophop]

The buyout is the best thing to ever happen to GasGas brand.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Maybe, but I don't see a near future with so many bike choices. Some will be leaving us soon.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Cool that the Yamaha comes with the V-force reed block. I don't think I have ever seen a Japanese brand use aftermarket parts for a motor before.

[@jpesicka999]

YZ if I was buying new cuz Japanese but I'm forever rocking my 01 CR125.

[@sawsapo8901]

yz 125 is the best for me...

[@neilpincus855]

It's easier to squeeze an extra horse or two out of the YZ than get the red bike to handle like a YZ. Pipe and maybe some head and cylinder work and it's there.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Riding styles change over time. I guess it is OK to drag your inside foot on the ground when you turn today,---since there are no bumps. lol

[@rollypollyraviolli4474]

Jeez they are like flat-trackers. I don't think that's the "new style." Most up and coming kids honestly keep their feet on the pegs except for very deep ruts, and then they lift their leg over the shroud and tuck it in. I tried that style and it WORKS.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

I have a piston mod trick that will make the 150cc bikes scream on top as well as a 125, and all you need is some measuring tools and a file.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

But I use a CNC mill for producing them for smaller 2-stroke engines.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Mag bikes tests/shootouts are not nearly as detailed as they were in the 80's. You guys are basically reading the brochure from the company. You guys are so void of wrenches, (and probably the knowledge of which way they spin), you can't even tighten the YZ125 chain, so you can't even tell us they stretch fast. I use to read a test, and know exactly what I am buying. Those days are over. It's the "New" and confused generation, and it is every industry. I can't even find a good Doctor today, and I bet they don't know how to tighten a chain either. Oh yea, you forgot to tell the consumer that the YZ is too dam tall for anybody under 5'10". Glad I am old.

[@cooter1352]

Man thise gasgas make some good looking crispy 2 stroke bikes. The guy's at Kaplan sure seem to say so as well and they seem to know their stuff about bikes. I still prefer the 1989 Honda cr125 the best.

[@cb.chivz374]

A tie I believe?

[@HooligansMx]

Thats why my yz125 got a big bore kit immediately and now oh man does it haul ass just about keeps up with a stock 250

[@brakel8r]

Still lovin my Honda which i cannot believe is almost 20 years old now

[@EarthSurferUSA]

You don't ride much. :)

[@EarthSurferUSA]

The lower gearing will make the mid range feel stronger on the YZ. And if you say a 125 is not suppose to be ridden in the lower rpm's, (comparable to most 125's), then you have not been around long enough to see Kawasaki fill the amateur starting gates with their low end monster, (for a 125), back in the 80's. In fact, that bike forced the screamers to find more mid-range power. But normally, you are right, especially on today's dirty but fast road race tracks.

[@LRP-e1m]

Yea but which bike ran a faster lap time

[@EarthSurferUSA]

The one with the faster rider on it.

[@nokomisnichols]

Just bought the 2024 Yamaha YZ 125, I wish I would've bought the 2024 GasGas MC125 instead.

[@grudgetank3127]

yamaha weights are wet, with fuel, gases is weighed without fuel.. your channel always misses that point. does someone get a kickback?

[@EarthSurferUSA]

I thought that was wrong, so I checked out my 2019 manual for my 250. 227 lbs, what they call "curb weight", I am sure is with a full tank of gas,---which is about 15 pounds of fuel with a bit over a 2 gallon full tank. I think it is strange that after all these decades, they don't have a standard bike weighing method.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

I kinda doubt you are right on that one, because I don't think the numbers add up. It says the Gas gas is 8lbs lighter. I know the air forks are about 3 lbs lighter, so there is a difference of 5 lbs for the bikes with out that factor. Now, 2 gallons of gas weighs about 14 lbs, and that means the Gas Gas would weigh 9 lbs more than the YZ both with full tanks. I am going to tend to say the Gas Gas is 5 pound lighter, (if they both had springs in the forks), just because I think that is more probable then weighing 9 lbs more. But we don't know how they weigh them, so I really have no idea what i am talking about. :) I know you make a valid point because there is no standard for weighing them between factories, and I have no idea why.

[@mt1885]

MC125 sounds almost like a mini 250.

[@logan3448]

Both are not available in India

[@fullnoyz7670]

The Yami came 4 this year in the shootout but yet Josh was 2 seconds faster or there abouts at glen helen over the husky , blu cru for me

[@EarthSurferUSA]

What is the difference now, $3,000? I can make that YZ just as fast as the KTM for a lot less than that. I am not going to pay 10 grand for a bike. I am just not going to do it.

[@djizzah]

Dont really here that sound in Australia anymore emissions and noise control, anyone in my neighbourhood hears a 2 stroke, they're straight on the phone to the cops

[@rollypollyraviolli4474]

I truthfully don't think that either of these bikes' target market is hardcore racers. They'll all be on the new FI ones. However, Yamaha I think has gotten the memo. Adapt or starve. Lierally with the MC 125/250 prices, there is no good reason to buy a YZ 125/250. Hopefully blu cru can do something about it. I'd rather see at least 1 Japanese 2t brand than all Austrian. Or maybe Yam backing down will open a door for TM and Beta?

[@EarthSurferUSA]

"Back end gets a little sideways, you just gas it hard and it comes around." All the way around. lol I'll pass on the riding tips.

[@grudgetank3127]

I've weighed my yz

[@sam_s_]

@@grudgetank3127 what?

[@hansremington]

yz125 best

[@deborahchesser7375]

Without a doubt

[@saloFCB1899]

YZ all day long

[@hencetirta7633]

Gasgas win . Speed and comfort

[@smokinjoeb3926]

Max hp yz125 35.9 max torque 16.8 gasgas mc125 max hp 37.8 max torque 17.7

[@EarthSurferUSA]

If those numbers are from a magazine of today, forget about it. These guys don't even know how to jet the carb well for the best power.

[@nãomedigafrivolidade]

a GG é 8kg mais leve,uma otima vantagem e no video pareceu mais agil

[@davidramsay1055]

I can't decide between the 2022 RMZ 250 yz 125 or gas gas 125.

[@kinker200]

If you want to race - RMZ. If you want to have fun - 125s all day!

[@deborahchesser7375]

Yamaha all the way

[@adamwoods37]

Get a yz250f best in class

[@hmpentreprenadab6745]

Haha ride the 350😁

[@chrisvillarreal2752]

One ride on the Yamahas and your hour meter reads 105… 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@TwoThreadsAhead]

Yamaha ftw, Besides that though If i wanted a KTM i would just buy a KTM.

[@jaredingram1779]

Let’s not forget the keihin carb works 100x better then that mikuni.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

I am not a fan of the power jet. I don't see a need for it. I might pick up a Keihin that does not have it, and get rid of the electronic stuff. I do like the little electronic switch at the end of the shift drum though. No mag test ever talked about it that I know of, but what it does is retard the ignition timing in neutral only, to help pass sound tests. That means I can shorten my aftermarket silencer, keep it packed fresh, and probably still pass our local trail sound tests. :)

[@medjoolmaker]

yamaha for the win

[@macpac3803]

Yz125 all the way

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Yamaha did not make a 125cc MX bike 50 years ago.

[@dreadfog]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpPPhppodsx6osk

[@dreadfog]

Ignorance is bliss.

[@numbzinger350]

49 years.

[@michaelmayo9048]

1979yz 125 f ....l had the yz400f a beast... l was 17 .

[@TheFloridaBikeVlogger]

so gas gas?

[@tomcat6933]

Long intro. Almost skipped

[@64maxpower]

The Gas Gas sounds like junk next to the YZ

[@user-uo7lh7cf4q]

But fencing naming a motor bike gas gas I mean jesus a crist

[@markaseyev3329]

This video was released 3 days late because they couldn’t get the gas gas started

[@johnsheetz6639]

Honda where you at? Makes me sad. Not your fault.

[@anthonybonfiglio9288]

why do you guys do these videos every year it's the same result. KTM has 3 color schemes and yamaha refuses to make any significant changes.

[@motox2051]

Omg could Yamaha do any worse with the redesign of the plastic…for the love of god let Fantic or some Italian design firm companies do the styling plastic…now this is what people are stuck with forever, because they will never introduce another new bike ever again, so I pray aftermarket company comes out with new shit soon than later…

[@EarthSurferUSA]

I can't stand the modern plastic. I have the 2019 YZ250 2-stroke and cut that stupid arrow tip off the back of my fender, (going Ronnie Mac on it, and it looks very good), and put a 2014 after market front fender on it, (OEM Yamaha fender was twisted junk, both of them, and I had to put CNC mill holes in the 2014 fender because Yamaha changed the hole locations.). The fender looks like a cartoon version of the cartoon transformers as a broken bird beak to me. It is "abstract art", and it means nothing. The artist does not even know what it means. It does not belong on a functional dirt bike. The bike is a work of functional manufacturing art, and they put that abstract art crap on it. I had to change it. It is like taking a ugly lady out in public.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Oh, and they actually made the bike taller with the new plastic and seat too,---but the mags won't tell you that. The YZ 2-stroeks are stupid tall, taller than a 2022 KX450 or YZ250f,---because I just sat on those at a dealership and could touch the floor with both toes. Not on these YZ 2-strokes. I lowered mine to work the way it is suppose to. Yamaha---lower the dam seat height on your 2-stroeks. You don't want to sell to anybody under 5'11" tall? Idiots.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Not one Japanese guy at the Yamaha factory can get on this bike. lol

[@numbzinger350]

@@EarthSurferUSA LOL. You may be right.

[@AmpAHolic-wn6mr]

If we go simply on looks, is there any other choice other than the Gas Gas. Yamaha lost themselves when they went searching for a new livery. They had it all in the original YZ black and yellow paint scheme. So many incarnations, only to stop the wheel on this hideous blue.

[@aoplinger622]

I disagree, gas gas is the ugliest bike made right now in my opinion, silver bars, silver cast triple clamps, and silver wheels

[@AmpAHolic-wn6mr]

@@aoplinger622 Exactly, old school is cool. Gangsta black everything is yesterday. 😜

[@user-uo7lh7cf4q]

But why would u buy 125 when u can buy a yz 125 for the same price. Not to mention the name gasgas I mean that's pathetic

[@gladegoodrich2297]

Why start this video with such awful music?

[@percussion44]

Gas Gas is the dumbest name I have ever heard. Now excuse me, I need to head to town in my Car Car.

[@grantcarncross5380]

The Gas Gas is all over the YZ.

[@grantcarncross5380]

Gas Gas sounds better, looks better, just is better.

[@MMACHMP]

Gas gas wins hands down

[@aiyraaiyska9032]

𝙏𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙠 𝙙𝙤𝙨

[@deborahchesser7375]

When bikes are this close in performance it comes down to rider skill and preference, as far as reliability that’s a no brainer

[@codenamenoob4973]

Yup KTM 2 strokes are bomb proof 😉 but let's not talk about the teething issues they had with the fuel injected ones 🙈😂

[@deborahchesser7375]

@@codenamenoob4973 I swear I’d take a carbureted one gladly, I’m 55 so jetting and all that BS is no sweat. I’d be pretty pissed to drop $12 k give or take and it had problems. You ever seen the 96-97 not sure which year, Jackpiner 200 LE ? Ohlins suspension, pipe, etc. blue and yellow, man I’ll always want one of those.