KMX125 vs DT125R

[Tristan.]

Right, here's the situation, I picked up an '88 DT125R a month or so ago, in bits. I'm doing it up, repainting the frame and most other bits, and redoing all the engine bearings, seals and top end. Right now I have pretty much everything I need to finish it, minus the piston kit, a couple of chassey bearings, and presumably some random bolts and fixing bits that'll come up when I come to rebuild it. so £100 tops.

Anyway Now I've found out my girlfriends uncle has a KMX125, no MOT, but nothing obviously wrong up for £450. not sure on year, fairly sure it's post '00 (it's red and has modern graphics, if anyone can take a guess from that)

Soo, choice is, keep the fully rebuilt DT, or sell it on (doubt I'll see less than 600) and buy the KMX, which'll leave me a few hundred to sort anything that comes up.

I'm planning on using the bike to learn off roading, and cheapish transport while I save up to redo my full test. Heavily leaning towards the KMX right now, though it's slightly more work. On one hand the KMX is a much better bike for what I want it for, plus I'll be less fussed about dropping a bike that I haven't fully redone and repainted. On the other, t least I know the DT's engine will be sound, plus I don't know if and how the KMX is restricted.

Your thoughts? also, I dont know a lot about KMX's, apart from the suspension is less budget than the DT and they're just better suited for off roading. So if anyone would do a quick write up on what they're like, plus stuff to watch out for when buying that wouyld be excellent.

Cheers

[stirlinggaz]

stick with the dt.
at least you know whats been done to it, & imo the the dt(r) is a far better bike, certainly on the road.
cheers,
GAZ

[MaybeGuy]

another vote for DT. unless you get the KMX, sell it on for more, then use the money to do your test, and still have a DT to ride. just need someone to lend you £400 odd for a week (ie: rich)
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Blue_SV650S wrote: it was a sh1te wheelie, but it proves that he can get it up in 3rd and can do angles. In summery, mattsprattuk is a gobby little sh1tebag, dopehead tw4t, but sadly for all of us, he probably isn't THAT full of sh1te!!
Kickstart wrote: Hi I tend to agree with Matt. All the best Keith

[Tristan.]

[27cows]

The DT is considerably superior. I've owned both, on and off road. The Yam is the bollocks, great fun. Wouldn't say no to a KMX200, though
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[stirlinggaz]

[Seb]

Can't speak for the 125s, but the KMX 200 I've had a play with a few times was utterly sublime.
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2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST

[Tristan.]

Interesting, I was under the impression the KMX was a better bike. That was just based from word of mouth and stuff, having ridden neither myself. Well if the DT is actually better it makes the decision a lot easier. Anyone care to go into details of why and in what areas the DT is better? bearing in mind it'll be primarily used for green laning/off road stuff

[MaybeGuy]

the way i see it.

the DT is like my KTM 400. reliable and low maintenance.

KMX is like my EXC 520. high maintenance, less reliable.

the 400 i would say was just as capable offroad as my 520 on green lanes and stuff.

on a motocross track though, both would manage it, but i think the 520 would do a better job of it. tbh. dont think theres that much in it

i am typing in sentenced paragraphs

deal with it
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Blue_SV650S wrote: it was a sh1te wheelie, but it proves that he can get it up in 3rd and can do angles. In summery, mattsprattuk is a gobby little sh1tebag, dopehead tw4t, but sadly for all of us, he probably isn't THAT full of sh1te!!
Kickstart wrote: Hi I tend to agree with Matt. All the best Keith

[mistergixer]

^^ Colin1, is that you??


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Don Eladio is dead. His capos are dead. You have no one left to fight for. Fill your pockets and leave in peace. Or fight me and die!
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[Seb]

Mattspratt's name is Colin irl you know
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2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST

[Rob W]

[stevo as b4]

the KMX is likely to be an 01-02reg which one of the colours was all red with a red seat and black frame. The graphics are purple and yellow. The late KMX125's are nice bikes IMO.

I've not comprehensively owned both for long periods and tested each to its limits off road, but having owned 3 KMX's and ridden at least 3 DT's of different ages, then this is what id say.

Firstly the facts are that the DTR is a newer design by 2years, this counted for alot back in late 80's when motocross technology was rapidly improving, and the ideas and designs that filtered down to trail bikes.

For off road use the DT has more ground clearance, much longer rear suspension travel, and a bit more front travel than a KMX as well. It has a better frame design for off road use and is a bit stronger than the KMX. It's got a slightly tougher clutch that can take a bit of abuse and everything is quite tough even the plastics on the original DTR's were not bad.

The DTR is a better off road bike than the KMX, but you can use the KMX off road and it's also decent, but the DT is better and more stable.

For on road use the KMX is much better, but again overall the DTR is possibly better in most area's but not by alot. The seat is bigger and more comfy, the wheelbase is longer so it's more stable, and it's better for taller riders and has more supple suspension.

Keep both bikes restricted and the KMX buggers off to nearly 70mph. In full power but not tuned form they are both close, the std KMX gearing is too low and the motor redlines at 80mph, when it can pull mid to high 80's with an extra tooth on the front sproket. The DTR is easy to de-restrict for with a pegged open Powervalve, but much more expensive to do properly/ The KMX is easy to de-restrict, but as with the DTR it's better and easier to buy an aftermarket pipe than have to grind out or cut open the original to remove the restrictions.

The KMX feels a bit more lively on the road, possibly due to the torquey power delivery and the 10kg less weight. It's also quicker steering and has a much shorter wheelbase which makes it far less stable or relaxed at speed as the DTR.

Both can be much improved with better brakes, suspension re-builds, and a bit of tuning.

I'd possibly stick with the DT you have if you half way through building it, but otherwise unless you want to use it off road mainly id consider getting the KMX.