Need advice for type of riding.

[CHRIS_NM1]

Hi guys, I am new here but I need some advice from some experienced riders. I am looking at purchasing either a 125 or a 250 but unsure of what I may need due to the terrain. I have grown up on 3-wheelers and 4-wheelers so I am not a newbie to riding, just on two 2 wheels. I will not be racing, more or less just goofing around out in the desert trails. There is some hard pack and rocky terrain but mostly soft sandy terrain. I am 5'6" and weigh 185lbs. Do you think I would be pushing a 125 hard to get around or should I just go with a 250? Either way I am challenged with having the short legs syndrome. Any advice you guys can give would greatly be appreciated. C

[mxmama393]

I probably cant answer your question, but I was wondering if you mean a 250 2 stroke or 250 four stroke?

Sounds like you are comparing only 2 strokes. But Im not sure.

Also I believe they are both full size bikes and will have about the same seat height

[kschilk]

Being an affirmed horsepower whore, I gotta' recommend the 250. As far as the height goes, it shouldn't be a problem. Lowering links are available for most models but since you're talking about trail riding, you can gain about an inch of inseam by getting a pair of ATV-soled boots and that'll probably be enough. I'm 5'8" and I regularly ride bikes with 35 to 37 inch seat heights.

[KKXR400R]

Originally Posted by CHRIS_NM1

Hi guys, I am new here but I need some advice from some experienced riders. I am looking at purchasing either a 125 or a 250 but unsure of what I may need due to the terrain. I have grown up on 3-wheelers and 4-wheelers so I am not a newbie to riding, just on two 2 wheels. I will not be racing, more or less just goofing around out in the desert trails. There is some hard pack and rocky terrain but mostly soft sandy terrain. I am 5'6" and weigh 185lbs. Do you think I would be pushing a 125 hard to get around or should I just go with a 250? Either way I am challenged with having the short legs syndrome. Any advice you guys can give would greatly be appreciated. C

Not sure if your talking about 250 2 or 4 stroke? I like more power for the desert to get me out of situations that need more torque. A 250 2-stroke would be better in the sand but takes a little finesse with the clutch then a 4-stroke. In the sandy stuff 125's usually don't last too long although cornering through a berm at mach 10 is an experience you will cherish for a long time. If you have a friend that would let you borrow a bike, try it out and see if that's the bike for you. hope this helps.

-Kevin-

[CHRIS_NM1]

Hi guys, thanks for the responses. I should have listed 2 stroke as that is what I am looking at. I am trying to decide between a 2002 KX125 in nearly showroom condition or a 2001 KX250 in great condition. I rode the 125 yesterday and it really amazed me for being stock. The seat height was not much of a problem as I thought but the comment with the boots and lowering links is a great idea. What I don't know though is that if I went with the 125, would I have to be on the pipe and constantly shifting to keep the bike in the powerband more than I would with a 250? Any recommendations as far as getting an aftermarket pipe and silencer? I won't be riding at top speed a whole lot so I would need a pipe mostly for low end and mid range. Thanks, Chris.

[krzywhiteboy]

Originally Posted by CHRIS_NM1

What I don't know though is that if I went with the 125, would I have to be on the pipe and constantly shifting to keep the bike in the powerband more than I would with a 250?

Yes you will have to stay on the pipe much more on the 125. You can lug most 250's around like a 4 stroke, but I know nothing about the kawasaki's thats why I say most.

[MotoMan]

With just your size and weight as a factor....I would go with the 250, hands down.

[KKXR400R]

The pipe may be the last thing you want to worry about when you get the bike. Stay with the stock pipe till you smash it up real good. Although a shiny used bike may look nice to the eye, your biggest worry is how "maintenance happy" the previous owner was. For a bike that is 7 or 8 years old here are some of the things I would worry about.

Wheel, linkage, shock and head stem bearings
Low and topend and the condition of the cylinder
Suspension: when the shock and forks were serviced
If you are heavier or lighter then an average rider the spring rates are needed to be changed
Are the rims cracked

These are the things I would look at when purchasing a new bike. If finances are not an issue, don't shy away from going new at a dealer right now. They are having a hard time moving bikes right now. With a little bit of dealing and paitence you may be able to get a bike at nice price. Talked to a guy on my line that picked up a leftover 07 YZ250 for $3800. I also just picked up a leftover 07 KTM250 for around $5000 a few months ago.

Oh ya..Stay with the 250, your gonna out grow that 125 on the first 5 miles.

-Kevin-

[ktm_cody_199]

Even though I swear by the 125's and have told many people to buy one insted of a 250 I think you should go with the 250.You are riding desert, sand and weigh over 150lb,You need the 250.the 125 will die in your conditioins and if the 250 is to fast you can put a heavier flywheel on it.Hieght is the same but if its too tall for your liking you can get a longer link for the linkage which drops the seat hieght,or shave the seat foam

[CHRIS_NM1]

Thanks to everyone helping me out on this, I may have to wait as they guy with the 250 is being a pain so getting over to do a test ride is on the challenging side for now. Thanks again, Chris.

[ktm_cody_199]

Make sure you post pics,we LOVE pics, forgot to add that its better to shave the seat foam down a little then lower your shock.A longer linkage may give you a lower seat hieght but you sacrifice suspension travel,therefore the fender will bottom out to the tire before the shock bottoms,but if your racing in the desert you probably wont ride at the bottom of stroke much.Just keep that in mind when you look for ways to lower it

[VAL]

Originally Posted by ktm_cody_199

Make sure you post pics,we LOVE pics, forgot to add that its better to shave the seat foam down a little then lower your shock.A longer linkage may give you a lower seat hieght but you sacrifice suspension travel,therefore the fender will bottom out to the tire before the shock bottoms,but if your racing in the desert you probably wont ride at the bottom of stroke much.Just keep that in mind when you look for ways to lower it

Not to mention, if you lower the rear without modifying the front, she be a wash out nightmare. Shave the seat if you have to.

[ktm_cody_199]

Ya it would sail through the whoops and straight aways but blow out of any berm.You could drop the fork tubes in the clamps but it may not be enough,may have to chop the fork tubes if lowering alot back end alot