I agree, I think any change is good but the yz 125/250 design is over 10 years old...yikes you would think they would put just a little RD to update the mechanicals a little bit. I remember in the 1970s/1980s when the all japanese factories were doing complete redesigns every year. For the last ten years the japanese have only built outdated two strokes and the same aluminum framed delta box thumpers with BNG...boring..very boring
I agree, again, the YZ 125 / 250 is a popular platform to be converted for off road riding and racing. My local Yamaha shop sells out of all 2 strokes every year, even if it is only BNG! Understand that the Yamaha is the ONLY Japanese mfr to produce a 2 stroke which seems wise to continue IMHO! It provide choices to the customer who might not want to go full EURO and spend the extra money.
Not trying to get into a pissing contest, but that YZ 125/ 250 engine package is dated, however it is solid and after market support is massive. The frame has a love / hate realationship with regards to being aluminum vise steel! This is a topic that comes up during the TV broadcast for the AMA Outdoor Nationals pretty often, KTM vice Japanese big 4.
The 70's & 80's were a different time in our culture = no 4 strokes therefore the mfr's had to re-invent themselves every few years to be on top. With the 4 stroke culture now being mainstream, they get the big dollars for R&D and the 2 stroke market gets small changes and BNG
The 125 /250 receives small changes to keep those buyers on the edge and just might tip the scale to buying new vice used.
If Yamaha would, throw in a wide ratio gear box, softer offroad suspension, larger fuel tank (3.2 gallon) and offer a USFS spark arrestor out of the box they would have a pretty good seller on thier hands. Electric start would be a bonus, but again not needed. The bikes are already light, solid proven motor platform, excellent forks and more after market support than you can ever ask for! Toss in a Eric Gorr or Eddie Sander Racing / Athena 300 kit on a 250 and you have a pretty nice Vet MX bike or off road racer!
My dated 2005 YZ 125 bought used cost me $1500. The bike had seen very little time, the motor is pretty much stock except for the ports were cleaned up,(not ported) cases matched, squish mod. The suspension was modified by a very well know suspension shop. The bike belonged to a Nor. California WMX pro as her off road practice bike that never was really used back in 2005. I have resprung the suspenion for my weght, added a Clark over sized 3.2 tanks, Leo Vince spark arrestor and added two teeth to the rear sprocket. RB Mod 38 mm TMXX carb mod, TM Design chain guide. The bike came with a GPR Stablizer / Fastway FIT system bar clamp and Applied top clam as well. As steel for $1500!
I'm going to puff my chest a little
the date 2005 YZ 125, and it's pilot has finished 8th overall (B SSR) class AMA Western Regional Cross Country in 2013
For 2014 I'm sitting in 5th overall.
As for my local District 36 overall standing, 2013 fall series, 5th overall in class.
2014 spring series, 2nd overall in class.
Not bad for a dated 125 with very little mods. My point is, the 10 year old design motor is still very lethal in todays local club racing. Keep in mind that I am the ONLY guy in my class on a 125, the average number of racers on any given weekend in my class is 12-17, most of then are on 450's 4 strokes a few 250 4 strokes and 250 2 strokes.
Mr. Overstreet....if your reading this please send me out a GG 125 and I'll be more than happy to repersent the Spanish brand
again!!!
I still have my EC200 which is under going a complete rebuild. I am not planing on installing new up dated plastic, just a complete refresh!
My plan is to race the 99 EC200 in the fall at selected events!
Hope I did not derail your thread..sorry!
The Gassers are in a different league.
