kx....rm.....ktm sx....yz.....???

[extrememxaddiction]

i am looking to buy an 85cc mx bike, and would like a little unbias advice on what brand to buy. there are 2 local rm 85s for pretty cheaap, and a ktm sx 85 for a medium price. i have other option too, but really want a reliable, fast, mechanically sound bike that is adjustable in suspension

 

[FruDaddy]

KTM, but I am biased, have been ever since I chose KTM for my son. The RM is a popular choice, with loads of bottom end, but it falls short up top. Honda and Yamaha are mostly top end. Kawasaki doesn't have as much suspension adjustability.

 

[mathd]

My personnal taste in order
Yamaha,
Suzuki,

 

[_JOE_]

The problem here is that most dirt bike riders are biased toward one brand.

One would also need to what you plan on doing with it and a bit about your size before being able to provide much useful information.....

 

[extrememxaddiction]

well... i am a tiny little fella...11 going on 12, 75 lbs, 4 foot 6, and not too fast, but can get jumping pretty high and move pretty fast when in my zone....if you know at all what Millville in Minnesota(my homestate) is like, that is the most fierce track i ride on. not too extreme, but i do like to fly

 

[robwbright]

Can you ride any of them?

If so, take a ride and see what YOU like.

IMO, In bikes for the last 10 years, there's little difference in reliability, all things being equal (in other words, if they've all been maintained similarly).

I was never a Suzuki guy, but found a 2002 RM 125 for a really good price. Had it for 4 years - had no serious problems except normal wear parts (although you should note that RMs are notorious for having clutch issues - replacing the clutch basket can resolve the problems, if any).

And something as minor as a different exhaust pipe can totally change the power spread.

All the recent 85s will have some measure of suspension adjustability.

 

[_JOE_]

I prefer the better fit and finish of Honda and Yamaha. I've owned several RMs over the years and a couple Kawasakis and I'd probly buy one again if it was a good deal.

I agree with Rob, you should try to get a ride on a few different bikes to see what feels best to you. They are all pretty good bikes with similar performance.

 

[extrememxaddiction]

ok thx. i think im gonna go for the Honda.... if i can find one....idk if i could ride any of the bikes much more than up and down someones driveway....one more question. if i have dont a choice of used or new, what are some signs of poor maintenance beside what a begginer buyer might notice?

 

[_JOE_]

General cleanliness is usually a good starting point. Ask them to pop the seat off so you can see the air filter, it should be freshly serviced. If they couldn't be bother to service the air filter it's unlikely it was well cared for. The grips are another sign, if they're all tattered that's bad. Squeaky suspension is a bad sign. Well maintained bikes are easy to spot, so are neglected ones. Unfortunately most bikes fall into the neglected category. If you can, hold out for one that was garage queened for a few years rather than the 300 hour practice bike. You'll pay a few hundred bucks more but will save potentially thousands in repairs.

 

[_JOE_]

One like this.......http://erie.craigslist.org/mcy/1507866656.html

 

[extrememxaddiction]

ya know what? it is a SHAME that that bike isnt in wisconsin, one of the dakotas, or iowa cause i would buy it upon getting out of the truck!!!!around here, everyone thinks little bikes, destroyed or decent, are gold and that they can charge $3,800 for a beat-to-heck 1990s peice of trash bike. i think all the snow does something to their heads. i moved to MN about 2 years ago and am still unaffected. and another thing, there is NO sortage of bikes of some quality, people just are wierd.... thank you all for the advice!!

 

[Chili]

ya know what? it is a SHAME that that bike isnt in wisconsin, one of the dakotas, or iowa cause i would buy it upon getting out of the truck!!!!around here, everyone thinks little bikes, destroyed or decent, are gold and that they can charge $3,800 for a beat-to-heck 1990s peice of trash bike. i think all the snow does something to their heads. i moved to MN about 2 years ago and am still unaffected. and another thing, there is NO sortage of bikes of some quality, people just are wierd.... thank you all for the advice!!

Not sure where you're shopping.

http://www.armca.org/bb/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=15361&posts=1

http://www.armca.org/bb/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=14972&posts=2

http://www.armca.org/bb/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=15232&posts=2

http://www.armca.org/bb/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=15141&posts=2

http://wisconsinmx.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5295

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/mcy/1512840642.html

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/mcy/1509175102.html

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/mcy/1508771486.html

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/mcy/1499479270.html

http://rmn.craigslist.org/mcy/1476404591.html

http://rmn.craigslist.org/mcy/1487300328.html

http://fargo.craigslist.org/mcy/1500921137.html

http://desmoines.craigslist.org/mcy/1508925546.html

http://desmoines.craigslist.org/mcy/1488973985.html

I could go on but I'm starting to lose interest...

 

[extrememxaddiction]

hahaha...i found one that is a real winner, but not from that selection...thx....

 

[Porkchop]

Go big & buy them all. Keep the ones you like, sell what you don't.

 

[extrememxaddiction]

hahahahahahahha...rofl...i WISH!!!

 

[markbristow]

mark

got a dilemma here guys, do i buy my son the 2010 yz 125 or rm 125, he likes the rm but problem is that there have been no changes since 2006 and they have not made a 2010, so i am buying a new rm 2009 in 2010, has to hurt the resale value.which is the better bike?????