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Haven't had a good discussion like this in what, 5, 10 minutes?
I've decided I want a new dirty toy. Specifically something that burns premix in the small and screamy size. I've now gotten limited seat time on a YZ125, YZ125X and a couple 2018/2019 KTM 150SXs. Because I'm not a smart person, I've also been reading up on the other blue option, TM's 144MX. In short, there is piss little online for info on TMs, not even full spec sheets but it appears part of that is 'cause there is no standard spec, every one is a custom order? In any case, I want a new dirty toy specifically to spend some time at MX tracks on. My weakness in Sumo racing is leaving the pavement, my twisted thought process is something lighter and more MX focused than my sumo would help build some confidence while learning? Of course it'll also likely see some sumo duty 'cause why not, and ice, woods, a do it all other than street machine basically.
In the blue camp the YZs are a known quantity, been around forever with very minor changes over the years, KYB forks are adaptable to any need, parts are plentiful. The downside, only available in 125cc flavor out of the crate, and while the X did make the power delivery more linear it still has no bottom end at all. Theoretically my existing collection of sumo wheels can be adapted, but will need custom spacers as RAD is no more so I can't just buy the right ones any more.
Orange camp's 150SX has a beautiful motor in this latest generation (2018+) that actually has the tiniest bit of bottom end with a fun rush on top. Lighter than the blue machine by 5 to 10lbs too. The air fork is a bit of an unknown? I've got a set of dirt wheels off my ongoing 250XC road racer conversion project that will drop on as spares / woods / ice maybe units.
The other blue camp's machine is an enigma wrapped in a riddle enclosed in a 404 not found error that emits a strong golden glow in Europe. They're popular over there, doing well in many disciplines, but as noted I can't get a firm spec on a 144MX. Possibly lighter than the KTM? They use KYB forks so those are at least a known quantity. Common theme I've seen in the few reviews that are online is 'they need to be ridden hard to work well'. Aftermarket is not strong, on the flip side they basically come full decked/blinged out of the crate, and are priced as such. Reports are that getting repair parts is not an issue? Having direct access to the importer is an interesting side effect of shopping this path so far.
So, we all love to spend other people's money, which bike would you throw my wallet at?