Racer's Lounge - Who knows about dirt bikes?

I've come across a deal on a brand new left over 04 CR125 for $2999. Is this a good deal? I know the 06's are going for like 5500 or something. I've been thinking about getting a 400EX, but for this price, I think it'd be alright to start with a bike. What do you think?

Offer them $2700 and call it a day. :)

I wish I could get a new bike for 2999!!!!!!!!!! What a steal!

I wasn't sure how much I should try and low ball them on it since it's already cheap. They have two actually, so I'm sure they'd like to get rid of them and probably be willing to not make much at all. I really wanted a quad though for trails, but this is just too good to pass on I think.

If it's brand new that seems like an awesome price. But you could find a slightly used one already modded for that maybe. Personally, i've owned both, a 400EX and a CR250. I prefer the bike. But there are pros and cons for both sides. What kind of riding would you do? Hills? Woods? Track?

What kind of riding would you do? Hills? Woods? Track?
a very important question, that's a pretty good price though.

I want to do both :jest: I want to hit some tracks, and I'd prefer the bike for that. I'll mostly be trail riding though, and that's why I'd rather have the quad. Another thing with that is a lot of places are banning 2 strokes on trails, so that's a concern, but I honestly will have more fun riding the bike simply because I want to hit some big doubles and triples :D Sure, I could do it on an atv, but I really prefer the bikes for that.

I was set on trying to find a used and modded 400EX, but the price on this is just really pulling me in (plus I wanted a bike before a quad).

For that price try the bike. If you decide you don't like it, you could probably get most of your money back. Then you could try a quad. They really are two different animals though. It would be great if you could get some seat time on each to help you decide.

I had plenty of time on quads when I was younger, but this will be my first bike experience. I have always wanted to ride, but never did. Another plus for the bike is I'd possibly like to get into a CBR at some point, but I'd like to learn to ride first before getting something that'll kill me on the interstate.

I would get it, that is dirt cheap compared to the 05s and 06s.

:jest: you guys have really twisted my arm! I'm gonna go check it out tomorrow. If it's red, I'm probably going to end up taking it home. Honda card is $29/mo. I usually don't go for that stuff since they kill you with interest after a year, but for the price, it's not going to matter.

I want to do both :jest: I want to hit some tracks, and I'd prefer the bike for that. I'll mostly be trail riding though, and that's why I'd rather have the quad. Another thing with that is a lot of places are banning 2 strokes on trails, so that's a concern, but I honestly will have more fun riding the bike simply because I want to hit some big doubles and triples :D Sure, I could do it on an atv, but I really prefer the bikes for that.

I was set on trying to find a used and modded 400EX, but the price on this is just really pulling me in (plus I wanted a bike before a quad).

Put a spark arrestor on it if you are gonna trail ride it. I personally do not like 125s because you have to rebuild them more than say a 250, but for that price, I would do it. I have been racing bikes for years. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.

What will the spark arrestor do? I am new to these, so I need to start learning.

Is there a bike forum like ls1tech? I searched a little, but didnt really find anything.

How big are you (height/weight)? a 125 is All rpm. You may want to consider a bigger bike. My bike days are over but if I remember correctly a 125 frame is the same as a 250. I could be wrong though. I went from bikes to quads and the only thing I noticed is jumping and whoops are more difficult on a quad. A street bike is totally different from a mx bike. They dont' turn on a dime like a 125 or 250 does. 200lbs vs. 400+. It will throw you around instead of you throwing it. -Mark

I'm 6' about 220lbs. The reason I had decided on the 125 was simply because it'd be my first bike.

I would say not to do it, I the 125 imo is too small for you engine wise, if you haven't ridden ever try a used crf250 (four stroke)not cr250. Peronally I am a yamaha guy but the bikes for recreational purposes are all relatively even. The price is nice but you need a bigger bike, initially it might feel ok but then you will see that n order to really move you'll be pinning it still looking for more power. When i had my yz125, it was a good bike for me, I was 16 and about 145 lbs, my dad however was about your size and it just didn't work as well when he rode it. BTW welcome to the bike world, i like both quads and bikes but I'll always prefer a bike.

That is a helluva good price for that bike. I would recommend a Honda XR 250 or a 400 for your first off-road bike though. These bikes are rock-solid reliable,fairly cheap used, and have a TON of aftermarket support. Pretty soon one will not be able to purchase a 125 two-stroke. Kawasaki is not importing its 125 into the states for 06.There is a article in this months Dirt Rider about the possible extinction of the 125. :cry: I'm seriously considering purchasing a new YZ 125 to go with my wr450 before its too late. A 125 is one of the funnest MX bikes to ride because of its light weight and flickability. In the end, if you decide to purchase the 125, you will have fun on it, and that's what it's all about. Stay on the trail and keep the rubber side down. :)

I love them both as well. I think the 125 will scoot you around fine for your first bike. It would be nice to be on a 250, but I definately wouldn't start there.

A 400ex is a GREAT bike, but lacks the power due to its old age.

I've owned them all, and think the 125 will be more fun for you than the 400ex.

yeah a 125 2-stroke is good for a beginner. I had a 250 2-stroke and that was a friggin beast. You just need to find out if this paticular bike has been used for racing. Just me but if it has been used as a race bike i wouldnt buy it.

I'd go with the CR125. Like most are saying, fast, light and a hell of a lot of fun. They are more fun in the air than quads too. Also, I wouldn't worry too much about your size on the 125. For forums check out the ones on www.motocross.com. Another good site is www.pitracer.com

Thanks for all the info everyone. Just to clarify, this is a BRAND NEW '04 leftover at the local Honda/Suzuki dealer. I went back through some real old MXA mags and found reviews of 96 models, and even 10 years ago, a brand new CR125 retailed for $4699. So yeah, I don't think I'll be getting hosed if I get one.

Thanks for all the info everyone. Just to clarify, this is a BRAND NEW '04 leftover at the local Honda/Suzuki dealer. I went back through some real old MXA mags and found reviews of 96 models, and even 10 years ago, a brand new CR125 retailed for $4699. So yeah, I don't think I'll be getting hosed if I get one.

Nah it's a great deal. You can ride it for the season and see what you think at the end of the year. Maybe you'll jump right into it and feel comfortable selling it and buying a used CR250?

Who knows, maybe you won't like it at all, and you'll be back in search of a nice quad. Regardless, the price is right. So I'd go ahead and pick that thing up. Payment is dirt cheap, and anyone with a reasonable job could pay that off in a snap.

Just make sure you buy a helmet and some safety crap. Instead of getting the price down any lower, see what they will set you up with equipment wise.

Rob

Well, I went in today, and the saleman I talked to seemed like he didn't give a shit about it. My one friend knows the owner of the place, so I'm just going to go in with him.

I'm already preapproved for financing, so now I just need to walk in on Monday and it should work out. I'm still a little reluctant, but knowing how cheap the payments are and the good deal I'm getting, if I'm just not into it, I should be able to get out from it without taking much of a loss.

I am going to see if they'll throw in a helmet, gloves, and *maybe* some boots and a stand :jest: What else should I pick up? I am going to get 2 stroke oil and some extra spark plugs, but is there anything else I'll need to start? What about jets or will the bike come with different ones? See, I have a LOT to learn before I get into this hard core. At least it's still winter, so that'll give me a couple months.

Yeah def. some 2 stroke oil. Get a couple plugs becuase it's a new bike. You'll probably use 1 or 2 breaking it in.

The bike should run mint right from the factory. No need for jets. You only need to re-jet the carb if you mod any intake/exhaust components. You'll probably be stock for awhile which is fine.

If you decide to throw a different airbox/filter on the bike, and a nice full pipe setup; you'll have to re-jet for each mod.

Pipes/intake mods really wake up 2 strokes though :devil:

Try and get a stand, helmet, goggles, gloves.... Boots help, but they aren't very cheap.

I was planning on getting the FMF 'Q' silencer/spark arrestor since I will be trail riding too, so I don't know if I'd need to rejet for that. I won't get that right away though.

I'm almost 23, so do you think I'm too old to get into racing? A lot of the good guys have been on bikes since they were like 5. I know I won't be good or anything overnight, but at what age is it "too late"?

125's are fun bikes to ride but watch out for the powerband that 2 strokes have, they dont have much low end power at all but when you get up near the middle of the rpm range it litterally takes off! Do some mods to it to improve the low end power if your going to ride in the woods, you'll have to feather the clutch alot more than you would on 4 stroke. I'd rather go with a 250, cause they have twice as much low end, and the powerband doesn't hit like the 125's do. A great bike website to go to is www.thumpertalk.com
Its origonally a website for 4 strokes but it also has some 2 stroke forums as well.

Well, I think I changed my mind. I've been doing a lot of thinking and I decided that I'm just going to go with a quad. Even though this is a killer deal, I'm just really worried I'm not going to get out of the bike what I want to. I also figure that I am not going to be able to put the time into racing. My friends kinda opened up my mind a bit about it, so I am just going to stick with my 400EX plans.

Now, I just gotta figure out what years are better than others...

Well, I think I changed my mind. I've been doing a lot of thinking and I decided that I'm just going to go with a quad. Even though this is a killer deal, I'm just really worried I'm not going to get out of the bike what I want to. I also figure that I am not going to be able to put the time into racing. My friends kinda opened up my mind a bit about it, so I am just going to stick with my 400EX plans.

Now, I just gotta figure out what years are better than others...

Either is gonna give you gobs of fun, powersliding in a quad is absolutely fun. Just one thing to consider though is portability, if you're planning on doing a lot of transporting though a dirt bike will be a hell of a lot easier to transport unless you have a trailer. Either way, have lots of fun and be sure to get some pics up of your new ride.

Well, I think I changed my mind. I've been doing a lot of thinking and I decided that I'm just going to go with a quad. Even though this is a killer deal, I'm just really worried I'm not going to get out of the bike what I want to. I also figure that I am not going to be able to put the time into racing. My friends kinda opened up my mind a bit about it, so I am just going to stick with my 400EX plans.

Now, I just gotta figure out what years are better than others...
Aaw come on, you can go through many places on a bike that a quad cant. Dont get me wrong quads are fun to ride especially power sliding in the snow. I just feel safer on a bike, and can go through more terrain that a quad cant go through.

Oh and if you do get a quad, please wear safety gear! Dont be like those dumbass's that dont wear any kind of riding gear.

I dunno, I just couldn't commit myself fulling. I had quite a bit of apprehension, so I am just following my insticts. Tough choice though since that bike is sooooo cheap.