Yamaha YZ125X - Long Term Review

Hey guys this is my 2020 Yamaha YZ125X review video after I have been riding this 2 stroke yz125x for over a year. I guess we can call it a " YZ125x long term review" now! We took this 2 stroke dirt bike to many different terrains, track and a trails, slow and fast, technical, rocky, etc.. we played with the jetting, carburetors, gearing.. This 2 stroke Yamaha YZ125 X is such a fun dirt bike! Check out the review and let me know your thoughts! Cheers!
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2020 Yamaha YZ125x review

[@ryanhanggi6159]

Great bike….bought one for my 14 year old son but find myself enjoying it more than I would have ever imagined. I’m 190 lbs and it has no trouble hauling me around….only drawback is in the more open spaces out in the desert….runs out of gears fairly quickly. We’re running the Lectron carburetor and so far very happy with it.

[@dirtniron]

Thanks for sharing Ryan, appreciate it! Would be great to get wide ratio tranny on these bikes in the future

[@stephenflynn4803]

I have a 2022. Haven't ridden it yet, just been adding a ton of protection parts. Why may I ask did you ditch the stock carb? Were you unhappy with its stock performance? I'm 190lbs too btw. What's your region and elevation, just curious. Thx

[@ryanhanggi6159]

@@stephenflynn4803 I bought the bike with 9 hours on it and the previous owner had already installed the Lectron. We live at 1,000 ft and where we mostly ride (CA desert) is between 2,500 and 3,500. I’ve had it up to about 6k and it still ran great which is a nice benefit of the Lectron. Runs as clean as my TPI bike for sure.

[@LeonidasYZ250]

@@stephenflynn4803 Just do the JD Jetting jet block seal kit (for around 10$) and jet the Mikuni for your conditions. For 95% chance the seal will be defective (it was on mine and on many others) and the symptoms are different from bike to bike and also the float height will be a bit high. For both good videos exist in KZbin on how to do it. Set the float height at 8.6-8.7mm with the classic way, not with the tube. Fix these two things and then jet it and enjoy. The bike will rip and will have great torque for a 125. No need to throw hundreds of dollars for a Keihin or a Lectron. Currently at 102 hrs on the European enduro version of the 125X, the Fantic XE 125.

[@scootypuffjr.]

@@LeonidasYZ250 I wish I could get a Fantic in the 🇺🇸.

[@robertkoch5011]

You convinced me to buy a 125x. I just picked up a 2023 yz125x. It is amazing. I cant believe its a 125. I weigh 225 lbs and its not a problem at all.

[@isofly28]

How is the throttle response for the low end power? Wonder if there is a big difference with yz125

[@robertkoch5011]

@@isofly28 I think it's great. I am riding in the woods and the only issues I have are self inflicted. It pulls hard and I weigh 225 lbs (on a good day). Power is not a problem for track or tight trails but I wouldn't recommend it for flat out desert racing.

[@theblishknovk]

​​​@@robertkoch5011i am 230 at the moment even though i should be 180 but i was hunting for a 250x and someone offered me a 125x that was in great shape. I was very skeptical going with such a small engine but its the most fun ive had on a bike in decades!!! So much more fun than the 250s and 300s. Of course like you said in open terrain or desert or ultra steep technical climbs id prefer the 250 but everywhere else the 125 is king. Sooooo maneuverable. I was shocked at how hard it pulled me as heavy as i am. I thought the 125 would be a "lesser" bike than the 250 but i was so wrong. Its just an entirely different experience. And both have their place even for the same rider. Now i think i need both depending on the time and place in riding. Haha.

[@olliemoto253]

Great review! I've had my 2022 125x since September and I couldn't be any more happy with it. I'm about 175lbs and this bike pulls me through the trails at Capitol Forest, WA with NO problems... such a blast!! Thanks for sharing!

[@dirtniron]

Great to hear!

[@ericyoung9742]

I just picked up a 2023, 125X about two weeks ago and have taken it to Tahuya 2× 1st time my son rode it and the second time I rode it I’m 6 foot and 235 pounds and it is almost as much fun as my 2023 KTM 300 XC W great little bike I bought it primary though for my niece who likes to ride who is 16.. still a lot of bike for her compared to what she has been riding, but she likes it… Need to do some work on the carburetor to get the jetting, right.

[@olliemoto253]

@@ericyoung9742 That's awesome! I love my 125x.. It's just a fun bike. And with Cap Forest closing end of Nov, maybe I'll cross paths with you at Tahuya!

[@jasonalvarado7406]

"It felt like a mountain bike, but had an engine" - this statement sold me already! 👍😁👍

[@yodavizion]

You read my mind 😂

[@jeffreylambson5046]

My 2020 yz125 has 80+ hrs on original top end ... Runs as good as ever ... YMMV ...

[@bouzo4552]

Always love the reviews mate! every one loves a screamer, makes you feel like a hero!! LOVE IT!!

[@dirtniron]

right on, thats exactly how I feel on 125 ;)

[@dirtdad8478]

Great review! And it was because of you I bought a 2022 125X a couple of weeks ago. The bike really is amazing. I could start the bike with my hand, so funny how I do not even miss the electric start that my TE250 has. I will say that the Mikuni is prone to have a defective jet block gasket. Sure enough the 125 mikuni had the defective gasket. I replaced the gasket with the one form JD and rejeted the bike for my altititude, 5k-8k. I have no bog bike runs like a champ. I purchased a Keihin with the stic jet block for my 2018 TE250 because of the low speed bog I was getting. I took apart the mikuni from the TE (which is the exact same carb for the 125) and sure enough it had the deformed jet block gasket. I replaced that one as well and will be testing it on my 250 to see if it is better than the Keihin. So, for those thinking of getting this 125 with the mikuni. I would first replace the jet block gasket and purchase the JD Jet kit. All in for less than $100. This may be all that is needed. Thanks Rado for convincing me to make the move. Was always skeptical about 125's, but not any more. Hell I might sell the 250 and get another 125. LOL

[@bobbybecker8834]

I agree with this. Jet block gasket and even just using the jets provided from factory you can get the mikuni dialed in very well. I even tried the stic on my 125x and it was not worth the money spent for the little gains it had

[@dirtniron]

I have replaced jet block gasket and rejeted the mikuni, runs good but still ran better with the keihin

[@dirtdad8478]

@@dirtniron Good to know. I might try my Keihin in the 125 sometime.

[@hexhead5732]

Good Review on Yamaha 125x . Looks like 2022 is something to look for on 125x thank you for this review

[@dirtniron]

right on, thanks brother!

[@BobbyJetty1502]

Keep your quality content coming. I know this has no relevancy to today's video. I just wanted to during this holiday season lift up the spirits of the Smith family. Al Smith Sr and Marty Smith we're both stand up men in our community. After 22 years plus I am finally moving from the original Smith family home here in point Loma, built in 1923. Before the iron horse I can picture Al's father on horse back going burr burr right here next to the slew in the San Diego River. Again Happy holidays to you and yours 🐎🏍️🇺🇸

[@dirtniron]

right on Bobby, all the best to you as well!

[@TwistedTriggerEnduro]

Thanks for your thoughts and showing the riding. Most fun in your life is the best compliment. 💪🔥

[@dirtniron]

so much fun!

[@slayer6936]

I have not had a bike for 45 years and at 61 I want to start riding again!! And I have been looking at this bike!! And now I am sold!! Thank you!!

[@dirtniron]

cool, glad the review helped to decide, you will love it!

[@robw3761]

I'm 61 and bought one too lol great bike

[@slayer6936]

@@robw3761 did ya get the 23? I wish i woupd have waited a year!! Because of the new mapping and carb..

[@philnoshit]

Ordered a 2022, can’t wait to try it

[@andrewmcbain4119]

The powerband reminds me of the Yamaha IT200 clean off the pipe, but I'm sure YZ pulls harder when it is on the pipe. I was never let down by that bike. In a race different story. Thanks for the review. Sounds like a fun bike.

[@EGGZ1983]

Great video and review. I want to buy one lol. Subbed 🙂❤️🙌

[@delton5488]

What’s up Rado? Thanks for the great videos. I purchased my son a 2020 yz125x based off of your reviews. I’m having trouble getting it to idle a little higher. It seems as if the idle screw is stuck. Is it really worth the $400 for the JD Keihin carburetor with the JD needles already installed? I can probably get this screw out and replace it with an aftermarket idle adjustment screw. Thanks for your help.

[@sk8dad65]

Just bought this bike for my 13yr old son. It’s a bit big for him now but will be a great bike that will last him for years of fun.

[@dirtniron]

right on! definitely a keeper

[@tudorcotoi7011]

He’ll learn everything cross country, enduro and Mx has to offer. Just make sure he stays safe When he sends it. Believe me he will!

[@princejasiworld3785]

well said bro, awesome vid

[@johncresswell4680]

Thanks a lot I was hoping that this would be a video that would convince me that it it’s the bike I need. But now I’m drooling even more 😅

[@dirtniron]

haha, sorry bro :)

[@retrograde11]

How would this bike compare Honda Crf250f? Obviously 2 stroke vs 4. But for woods, trails, enduro wchich one would be be a better option? Not going to be racing.

[@Adventure72Awaits]

My favorite bike of all time! You feel like Superman

[@dirtniron]

thats exactly why I love it!

[@WildStyleWorks]

i am also thinking about getting a yz 125 for the track, i am just 60kg so it would be great to have a light bike 🙂

[@DwiJayaOtomotif]

How with Front Up Side Down..? Like WP KTM EXC or Not..?

[@backyardprojects8153]

So much blast

[@dirtniron]

exactly! ;)

[@hphillips7425]

Good video. I agree with everything you said about the 125

[@dirtniron]

Glad you enjoyed

[@sandysmith7485]

Nice bike. I used to race B class with a RM 125s many,many years ago in the 70s and 80s. I hate snow. Ride safe my 2 wheel friends.

[@dirtniron]

thanks for sharing Sandy!

[@PollyT.Pocket22]

I never like riding my bike in snow either and don't like driving a car in snow to many stupid people in WA state.

[@KingFriday274]

So which bike is going to replace My KDX 200 the 125X or the 250X?

[@bigals.ktms.9937]

I agree in my racing time with husky I found i learnt more from my 125 wr than any cc I raced. Just wondering u ever though of running a smart carb because of altitude differences you ride.

[@dirtniron]

I had it on my yz250, good carb

[@theblishknovk]

I wonder how the jd jetting kit for the mikuni feels vs the keihin with the jd kit.

[@dhexzmunoz3828]

So you did the carb jettings? What about the stock one is it still ripping?

[@richardclegg5853]

Watch out KTM!!! Nice to see a Japanese company back in the 2-stroke game, need the rest of em to join the party

[@dirtniron]

lets see the update for 2023

[@bird4dbk420]

Man i love this Bike!!!!!

[@henripuustinen4642]

I would say the most economic thing would be to try keeping the Mikuni and add some needles from Suzuki RM125, pair with correct pilot jet and finally check the float height as the Mikunis sometimes come with a too low height (too much fuel into the bowl). On the Italian Husqvarna 125 the Mikuni worked great with the above mods. Stock the Mikuni makes the bike being boggy/flat in the mid range. 125 is the way to go.

[@dirtniron]

right on Henri, thanks for sharing!

[@mileaux]

Hey! Would you care explaining the whole Suzuki needle swap in Yamaha carbs thing? Someone on the forums suggested it to me to fix some low end bog on my yz250 but I can’t find much info on it. Thanks.

[@TR3LY.THAT125]

should i get a yz125x im 13 5"8 150 pounds currently

[@Trail_Blaster]

The 125s are awesome I got the chance try one the other day very capable machines I liked it.

[@dirtniron]

right on, they sure are!

[@tonyrichengod9280]

How does it do on steep hill climbs?

[@anthonycaldi7056]

Great Video! Is the vibration manageable? I know your on the KTM’s a lot, how much of a difference is there really?

[@brianh8484]

125’s don’t vibrate much at all. Non issue.

[@dirtniron]

yea, I did not had any issues with the vibrations.. didnt bother me at all

[@esingleton6357]

Hey rado you should give a 2021 ktm 125xc a try the yz 125 and 125x are very nice 👍 thanks for the review

[@dirtniron]

that would be nice, hopefully I will get a chance soon!

[@ytsmallz1027]

I’m saving to buy a new yz 125 x right after Christmas and I can’t wait after watching these videos I’m 15

[@dirtniron]

Right on man! Good luck 👍

[@ytsmallz1027]

@@dirtniron Thankyou

[@Ronhickmott]

So you didn't try the stic in it?

[@stephenflynn4803]

Hey nice review. I have a 2022. Was that kiehen a 36mm short body? Thanks

[@dirtniron]

it was 38mm airstriker short body

[@motofarmph3236]

Howmuch dat bike sir

[@rhowellcarcamo7307]

What work you did on the YZ 125x…like gearing and carburation? Would you mind letting us know. Thanks

[@dirtniron]

I went down 2 teeth on rear sprocket and got Keihin carb with good jetting from JD jetting

[@jamesc6137]

If youre running good oil/gas mix and good tranny oil, how many hours on the crank and bottom end could one get? Roughly. Thx

[@trevorjameson3213]

I'm sure these new Yamaha's are very well built. Back in the early '80's I raced an RM125 almost every weekend for a couple of years and the bottom end never wore out. Then I trail rode it for another ten years and the bottom end was still just fine, never had an issue with the crank bearing or gearbox. Of course I did replace the piston and rings numerous times over the 15 years or so that I had it. So, the YZ125X I'm sure would hold up for a very, very long time.

[@dr.x4050]

I liked the review. But how to ride a 2022 2 stroke in California without a green-sticker on public land? I would love a YZ125x, but I don't think it will be possible to ride a new 125x on California public trails anymore. I hope a green-sticker version will come in 2023.

[@dirtniron]

California 2 strokes are pretty much over, they wont be allowed on public land 2022 and newer.. its sad i know..

[@cencalsupras]

@@dirtniron I just bought a 01 kx125 and 01 kx85. There are both green sticker so next year we can't ride them at public parks?

[@dirtniron]

@@cencalsupras you will be fine, all current green sticker will be allowed. Its only for brand new bikes

[@tn7355]

Your suggestion on a 2022 yz with all new platform or a 125 x whatever year if you had a choice for mainly woods riding I’m a b vet rider

[@dirtniron]

ideally I would wait for 2023 updated 125x :) I will be getting 2022 yz125 soon, I did not ride it yet so its hard to comment on that

[@CoolGuynumbawan]

@@dirtniron Hey, I’m looking into getting a 2022 yz125x. Do you think it’s really worth waiting for the 2023 model?

[@tdubbs934]

@@CoolGuynumbawani would wait for the 23 to come out

[@chadrainer2201]

Have you ridden these trails before? It looks like your in slow motion!

[@blessingslawn]

I have a 2020 125x and it’s the best bike I’ve ever ridden. Take it over my 450r any day.

[@dirtniron]

right on, thanks for sharing!

[@markwise7053]

Good for beginners?

[@blessingslawn]

@@markwise7053 yes a great bike to learn on. Honestly it’s my favorite bike to ride day in and day out. It’ll teach you how to use the clutch like a pro. I’ll have some reviews and riding videos coming soon, I just got out for a ride over the weekend.

[@justin3949]

I wish I had like this bike too🥺😐 Nice🔥💪💙 From PH🇵🇭

[@yodavizion]

Watching this I’m thinking like wow you almost never have to use the clutch on this bike, then I think about how much I use my clutch on my 450 to take away power … I’m thinking I should get this bike .. found a 2021 yz125x for 5500 🤔… I’m 39 and mostly a vet track rider, I hit the hills too so I’m thinking of getting one of these… and I was sold when you said “ mountain bike with engine “

[@slayer6936]

Back in the day I just went ftom a 50 to 54 sprocket on the back..

[@dirtniron]

that is a big step!

[@BrokenEnduro]

Building a 2002 YZ125 right now!

[@dirtniron]

cool! we can share some ideas ;)

[@michaelgarland579]

I'm doing the same I love these old bikes 5 gears only bad thing is they dont make our transmission i bought one used one 270 I have yz125 2003 im redoing everything I plan on racing it in few months against new bikes

[@Hondocracker]

But what do you think about the husaberg te250 ?

[@dirtniron]

never ridden one, but should be close to 2012 KTM i have

[@Hondocracker]

@@dirtniron they're almost the same bike...I was hoping you would do a restore/build on one some time. In my opinion, the best bike ever created. I enjoy your channel greatly. Thanks

[@philip5798]

Can you please do a Lectron comparison and also Apex head review for the 125x?

[@dirtniron]

bike is no longer with me

[@snowgo5922]

Seems if one is 200 pounds or more full of muscle this bike isn’t big enough??? Anyone 6-3, 200lbs plus own one?

[@tdubbs934]

They have a brand new 23 yz125x at the dealer. I want it… old lady isnt too happy about it tho. I want a 250. I cant make up my mind on 125 or 250

[@dirtniron]

get it and ask for forgiveness ;)

[@johnnywishbone1349]

Did you end up choosing between the YZ125x or YZ250x? Been thinking the same myself.

[@LuckyNikitaBoba]

How does it compare to the KTM 125 XC? Does it easily stall when going very slow single track especially in 1-2 gears? Who cares about mx track. It's an X but you keep talking about the track. If you're mostly a track guy, why get the X?

[@dirtniron]

I am 50/50 guy.. not really a track only. Did not ride ktm 125XC so cant comment on that. bike feels good on both, that was the point..

[@alacnara]

the best bike i had...

[@dirtniron]

right on! thanks for sharing

[@bradkjernisted2076]

Is the 125x a 6 speed.

[@dirtniron]

yes

[@tae_jiminskookie8446]

Would this be tall enough for A 5’1 person

[@dirtniron]

Full size dirt bike, can always be lowered tho

[@tae_jiminskookie8446]

@@dirtniron THATS PERFECT !!! So you can lower the suspension and seat height

[@alechall1120]

how was the vibration ?

[@dirtniron]

not that bad, mostly on the pegs.. the hands dont bother me at all

[@RAD_Family]

#somuchblast!!! #merchlogo!!!

[@dirtniron]

would be cool, right? ;)

[@RAD_Family]

@@dirtniron hey Rado, not sure if you remember me but it’s Joel. I changed my KZbin name. Keep in touch brother!!!

[@dirtniron]

@@RAD_Family hey Joel, what was your name before ?

[@RAD_Family]

@@dirtniron elmonstro de fl, we meet in Cali when I went out there on a family trip back in 2019 I believe

[@josephkirkman5144]

Yz125 or yz250 for 180lb rider

[@dirtniron]

I think 125 would pull you no problem

[@sean7193]

125x vs 250x for 215lb rider?

[@dirtniron]

I would go with 250x

[@jgruen9854]

What about 180lb rider 6’ 3”

[@sean7193]

@@jgruen9854 250

[@jgruen9854]

@@sean7193 I got a 250x, crazy power

[@Dropsix]

Man, had no idea they came with mikuni’s

[@dirtniron]

good news they switched to Keihin from 2022

[@maverick2242]

Only the 125 used the Mikiuni TMX 38, YZ 250 has Kehin. PWK38. 2022 YZ uses same as the 250 now.

[@Dropsix]

@@maverick2242 yeah I have a 250, just assumed the 125 would be keihin as well.

[@maverick2242]

@@Dropsix I know it’s weird, maybe they had a overflow of stock TMX 38s, they have a,ways used both over the years, Honda apparently has some stake in Kehin as well, which has caused issues with some other bike companies in the past.lest they gone there in 22.

[@bobaaszeemanbobaaszeeman796]

Man i just want to say yhat you are much better than cyle brotherson because he is sponsored by ktm so he cant say en ything good about yamaha

[@dirtniron]

glad you like the review

[@chadrides914]

Kyle brotherson is a tool bag

[@PollyT.Pocket22]

It's fun bc it's a Yamaha 2 stroke & not a FU broken gutless 4 stroke.

[@OtisFlint]

Pretty funny to call 4 strokes gutless in comparison to a 125 lol. I've had plenty of 125s, none have made my 450 feel gutless lmao

[@aripms1599]

Hello whats up guys aku ingin motor itu tapi tidak punya cukup uang 🥲

[@ytsmallz1027]

I’m saving to buy a new yz 125 x right after Christmas and I can’t wait after watching these videos I’m 15