Power comparison MX 125 & 250 vs. quad

[Chris S.]

I was thinking of getting a used MX bike. I'm not sure what size to get. Would a 125 be under powered in the sand with a 180# rider? How fast is a 125 compared to a 250 and what are the top speeds on the average? How does a 125 and 250 dirt bike compare to a high performance quad in drag races? Any comparisons would great. Thanks Chris

[underpowered]

Originally posted by Chris S.
I was thinking of getting a used MX bike. I'm not sure what size to get. Would a 125 be under powered in the sand with a 180# rider? How fast is a 125 compared to a 250 and what are the top speeds on the average? How does a 125 and 250 dirt bike compare to a high performance quad in drag races? Any comparisons would great. Thanks Chris

a 125 would be underpowered in sand even with a 100# rider, so it would definitally have a tough time with a 180# guy aboard. You talkin a 250 2 smoke or a 4 stroke? a 2 stroke would be better in sand, but a 4-stroke would pull you better than a 125 2-cycle would in the sand.

In a drag race, a bike riders skill has tons to do with it. also, what "high Performance quad are we talkin about? a built Shee, Not a chance, but a 400ex or even a mild 450, a 250 2-stroke bike would kill it with a good rider.

[Tom TRX250R]

If your a 180lbs. I wouldn't even consider a 125 dirtbike! Have you ever ridden a 125 vs. a 250. I personally do not like the 125's compared to the 250's. The 125's have to rap out to the moon to feel like they have any power. The 250's have more torque and are a much better bike. Invest in the 250 and you won't regret it!! And believe me, it takes a HEAVILY modified quad to compete with a bigger cc dirtbike such as a YZ250 or YZF450. Just think power to weight ratio, and that will be your answer for quads vs dirtbikes.

[mikeminyard]

I haven't seen many quads that can compete with a 250 2-stroke dirt bike.

The bikes have insane power, plus they are very, very light. Along with that, if you don't ride a bike, then the power can be very intimidating. It is also harder to learn to ride a bike in the sand than in the dirt because the different conditions make the bike behave differently. If you go slow on sand, it is tough to ride because you start to sink down and it really throws you around.