03 KTM 125 or 05 Yamaha YZ 125?

[toyota00]

We have two bikes, both are 125's. We are going to get rid of one. I love both of them, but need some opinions. Which bike is going to be easier to maintain with the least problems? Thanks, and I am not worried about suspension, I know that is a big factor for some people, but I can ride both with ease. Please, votes, comments, anything to help me decide.

[VR43000GT]

I'm sure others will choose the brand they like most but I would have to say the KTM. They're nice and reliable from my experiences and they are the "mercedes" of dirt bikes due to their nice little extras such as hydraulic clutch, renthal bars, excel rims, higher resale value, etc.

[toyota00]

Yeah, the only reason I was concerned about the KTM is that I had a person tell me that they break down alot... I posted this on a different forum, and everyone said that they are one of the most, if not the most reliable 125 bike out their.

Yamaha has the excel rims and renthal bars also, but not that wonderful hydraulic clutch.

Thanks for the input though..... Did the suspension bother you at all? I am not a good enough rider to tell, but some people really through a sh#t fit about it.

[VR43000GT]

The suspension seemed fine to me. Others may complain just because of what they've heard. Unless your doing some quite extreme jumps or off-roading I dont think the average Joe can tell unless it's way out of wack like the XR250 which I hated because of the extemely soft suspension. Thats part of the reason I bought my 450R. It has great suspension, power, well, I could go on and on.

[BNaylor]

They are both good bikes. I'd flip a coin. The only thing I do not like about the Yamaha is the cheap plastic. On the KTM service and parts is a concern.

[toyota00]

Yea, I will probably keep the Yami if we do have to sell one. I am small- 5'5" at about 130 lbs and I am 16. The Yamaha is that much light and easier for me to throw around. Thanks for the input.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by toyota00

Yea, I will probably keep the Yami if we do have to sell one. I am small- 5'5" at about 130 lbs and I am 16. The Yamaha is that much light and easier for me to throw around. Thanks for the input.

Probably a good choice. My son was weened on a Yamaha YZ85 and learned motocross on it. Yamaha YZs are good all around bikes. It was fun until it outgrew it.